Persona 1 Remake For PSP

[Gorvi]

It would figure that mere hours before I'm finally going to start Persona 1.... a frickin' PSP remake is rumored. As reported by 1UP (http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3172299):
Atlus is preparing a PSP remake of the original 1996 Persona 1... at least, according to Hong Kong's leading magazine GameWave. Some credence should be given to the information, however: GameWave recently leaked the existence of Disgaea 2 Portable and Mobile Suit Gundam: Bonds of the Battlefield for PSP several days before their official Japanese announcement, complete with SKU numbers.
GameWave claims the remake releases in Japan on April 30 for 5,040 yen, and will feature all-new characters and scenarios. Considering the magazine's reputation for PSP news leaks, we'd call the info solid; expect an official Japanese announcement soon.
That damn near sounds like it might be worth waiting for, though I don't know if a US release would be a sure thing at this point or not. Eh, screw it, I'm starting Persona tonight anyway.

[frederec]

Considering the popularity of the series in the US these days, I think if this comes out, a US release is pretty much a certainty.

I know I'd get it just for promises of a better translation and a shot at the Snow Queen quest.

This is some awesome news, if it turns out to be true. Good find.

But I don't think you should use this as an excuse for not getting into the series. If anything skip over Persona 1 and start playing the others, come back to this if and when it comes out on the PSP.

[Mike Kelehan]

Another PSP game I'd rather play on the PS2, on my TV, from a distance, with a comfy controller. I'm finding that to be the case with all PSP games, really, and all of the DS ones that don't involve the touch screen.

Well, I guess it IS nice to be able to grind in Dragon Quest while watching TV without having to rig up the multi monitor.

[frederec]

Another PSP game I'd rather play on the PS2, on my TV, from a distance, with a comfy controller. I'm finding that to be the case with all PSP games, really, and all of the DS ones that don't involve the touch screen.

Well, I guess it IS nice to be able to grind in Dragon Quest while watching TV without having to rig up the multi monitor.

If you have a slim, you can hook it up to a TV and play it that way. I played a little bit of Persona 2: Innocent Sin on my wife's PSP over component cables. It wasn't that bad. The only problem is that distance thing...I had to stay fairly close to the TV since the cables weren't too long. With a longer cable, that could be a great way to play PSP games.

[Mike Kelehan]

If you have a slim, you can hook it up to a TV and play it that way. I played a little bit of Persona 2: Innocent Sin on my wife's PSP over component cables. It wasn't that bad. The only problem is that distance thing...I had to stay fairly close to the TV since the cables weren't too long. With a longer cable, that could be a great way to play PSP games.

Don't have a slim. And it still wouldn't be as comfortable as a PS2 controller. All I use my PSP for is MP3s.

You know what would be great? If Sony wrote a PSP emulator for the PS3, so downloadable games worked on both. Then we might see this remake, as well as the Star Oceans, released on the PSN, so I could play them on my PS3.

[Gorvi]

But I don't think you should use this as an excuse for not getting into the series. If anything skip over Persona 1 and start playing the others, come back to this if and when it comes out on the PSP.
Oh, I'm not going to put off getting into the series, it's just a really odd coincidence. I'll definitely be starting P1 either tonight or in the next day or two regardless.

[frederec]

Don't have a slim. And it still wouldn't be as comfortable as a PS2 controller. All I use my PSP for is MP3s.

You know what would be great? If Sony wrote a PSP emulator for the PS3, so downloadable games worked on both. Then we might see this remake, as well as the Star Oceans, released on the PSN, so I could play them on my PS3.

While that would be pretty cool, I suspect it's more likely that someone successfully hacks the PS3 and puts a PSP emulator on it. I could live with that too, since I wouldn't want to buy my PSP games again off the PSN just to play them with a wireless controller.

[Mike Kelehan]

While that would be pretty cool, I suspect it's more likely that someone successfully hacks the PS3 and puts a PSP emulator on it. I could live with that too, since I wouldn't want to buy my PSP games again off the PSN just to play them with a wireless controller.

If they make a PSP emulator, I suspect they'd also update the PSP's firmware to make it act as a USB UMD drive for the PSP. You'd just put it in UMD player mode, plug it into the PS3, and the UMD would appear under Games.

I'd buy a lot of PSP games if they did that. As of now, my home time is with the 360 and Wii, and my away time is with the DS.

[biosc1]

While that would be pretty cool, I suspect it's more likely that someone successfully hacks the PS3 and puts a PSP emulator on it. I could live with that too, since I wouldn't want to buy my PSP games again off the PSN just to play them with a wireless controller.

Wasn't part of the thing with the PSP 3000 that you could play it using a PS3 controller? So...you could hook you're PSP up to a tv, then not worry about cables.

http://www.pspfanboy.com/2008/10/09/tgs-08-psp-plus-adds-dualshock-3-controller-functionality/

[Gorvi]

Wasn't part of the thing with the PSP 3000 that you could play it using a PS3 controller? So...you could hook you're PSP up to a tv, then not worry about cables.

http://www.pspfanboy.com/2008/10/09/tgs-08-psp-plus-adds-dualshock-3-controller-functionality/
That was doing it through the PS3 (since the PSP lacks Bluetooth), and still using the PSP's screen. So far only Resistance Retribution is using that.

Personally, as someone who enjoys playing on portables, I'll never understand the argument that arises in some of these threads that you just want to play it on the TV.

[jpublic]

No. MUST NOT BE. I do not want to buy another portable. BAD.

[Purple Santa]

I guess my five emails a day to Atlus for the last 8 months asking for a remake of Persona 1 and 2 has finally worked :). All can say....about freaking time. Now let's hope Frederec is correct and a US release is inevitable :).

[Chris_D]

I'd buy Persona 1 since I never got round to playing it. I think I might still have a crusty 2nd hand copy of the PS1 game somewhere..

[frederec]

Now let's hope Frederec is correct and a US release is inevitable :).

Me too. If you want to be pessimistic, you can always point out that the original Devil Summoner got a PSP port in 2005, which we never saw. However, I'm hoping that the current popularity of Persona both in the US and Japan will work in our favor.

We'll see what happens. But I'll be hopeful.

[Gorvi]

Me too. If you want to be pessimistic, you can always point out that the original Devil Summoner got a PSP port in 2005, which we never saw. However, I'm hoping that the current popularity of Persona both in the US and Japan will work in our favor.

We'll see what happens. But I'll be hopeful.
One thing P1 has going in it's favor is that the localization is already done. Well, mostly done, as from what I've seen said localization was pretty sketchy, but a lot of the ground work is already completed.

[Alkanos]

I'm finding that to be the case with all PSP games, really, and all of the DS ones that don't involve the touch screen.I'm actually the exact opposite. I'd rather play many of my games on the PSP rather than on my TV. Maybe it's because I don't have a chair for said TV; it's in front of my Bed. Makes it a bit uncomfortable sometimes.

[Mike Kelehan]

I'm actually the exact opposite. I'd rather play many of my games on the PSP rather than on my TV. Maybe it's because I don't have a chair for said TV; it's in front of my Bed. Makes it a bit uncomfortable sometimes.

Yeah, that was my setup in high school, and for a year or two after college. Since, you know, becoming an adult and everything, most of my free time has been in my house, and the TV and couch are both mine for the taking.

[Disgustipated]

Persona 1 is REALLY oudated and kinda boring by today's standards. They'd really have to spice it up.

[Purple Santa]

Persona 1 is REALLY oudated and kinda boring by today's standards. They'd really have to spice it up.

Not oudated. Retro and classic gaming ;).

[jpublic]

One thing P1 has going in it's favor is that the localization is already done. Well, mostly done, as from what I've seen said localization was pretty sketchy, but a lot of the ground work is already completed.

No. Just...no.

P1's translation is... hmm. Well, it wasn't... uh. Hmm.

Seriously, it's just... wrong. If they decide to bring it over, I would hope they do it in the P3/4 style.

[J Arcane]

Yeah, that was my setup in high school, and for a year or two after college. Since, you know, becoming an adult and everything, most of my free time has been in my house, and the TV and couch are both mine for the taking.
Or maybe some of us other grownups don't build their lives around a fucking TV.

[Gorvi]

Yeah, that was my setup in high school, and for a year or two after college. Since, you know, becoming an adult and everything, most of my free time has been in my house, and the TV and couch are both mine for the taking.
But for those of us with families, say, a wife and kids, that TV is anything but ours solely. Being able to game anywhere in the house is big, not to mention how much of a godsend sleepmode is.

[Philonious]

Another PSP game I'd rather play on the PS2, on my TV, from a distance, with a comfy controller. I'm finding that to be the case with all PSP games, really, and all of the DS ones that don't involve the touch screen.

Well, I guess it IS nice to be able to grind in Dragon Quest while watching TV without having to rig up the multi monitor.

Well it isn't as if Atlus is shy about publishing PS2 games, so if there is money to be made there is always a chance that they release on both the PSP and PSP platforms... If they release it at all in NA. I'm kind of hoping that they finally make the move to the PS3 after this (or at least give me widescreen support).

About having to share TVs: Isn't that what second and third TVs are for? They're practically giving away 32" these days. (A friend of mine has the kids watch DVDs on his PC to avoid conflict.)

[Mike Kelehan]

Or maybe some of us other grownups don't build their lives around a fucking TV.

Whoa, hey, I'm just saying it's always an option. I'm saying I have a TV that I can use, and a couch as well. Man.

[Purple Santa]

Or maybe some of us other grownups don't build their lives around a fucking TV.

Wait...what's wrong with building a life around a tv? I've been doing this "life" thing all wrong? Damn, this sucks :p

[Philonious]

Famitsu, via Kotaku, reports that Atlus is reamking the original Persona for the PSP in Japan. Given their recent success in NA I don't think that it is too much of a stretch to assume that the game will make it to our side of the pond. How fast does Atlus localize? Will the original Persona, even remade, hold up to the test of time?

http://kotaku.com/5145953/atlus-bringing-persona-and-growlanser-to-psp

Oh yeah, Growlanser is getting a glorified port. Is this anything to get excited about?

[frederec]

On PSP Hyper (http://www.psphyper.com/psp/atlus-to-announce-persona-growlanser-for-psp/) (found via Kotaku), it looks like the most recent issue of Famitsu confirms the rumor. Persona is being completely remade for the PSP (so is Growlanser, but that's not as big news to me). I would love it if it were remade in the style of Persona 2, but it looks like it's staying faithful to the original. Even still, it looks like it's getting a full overhaul, with cutscenes, balance tweaks, additional difficulty levels, extra content, and so on. Not sure the chances of this coming over, but I'll remain hopeful.

http://faculty.concordia.edu/kirk.blazek/pix_090104_famitsu_b02.jpg
http://faculty.concordia.edu/kirk.blazek/pix_090104_famitsu_b03.jpg

[Gorvi]

I was just about to post that. :) I'm excited about both, I've never played a Growlanser game (I really need to get that WD Growlanser set). Hopefully they continue on with Persona and do both versions of P2, since I think by this point that kind of thing should be a shoe in for a US release..

EDIT: Removing the rumor tag from the thread.

[frederec]

I was just about to post that. :) I'm excited about both, I've never played a Growlanser game (I really need to get that WD Growlanser set). Hopefully they continue on with Persona and do both versions of P2, since I think by this point that kind of thing should be a shoe in for a US release..

EDIT: Removing the rumor tag from the thread.

I played a bit of the big Growlanser box that Atlus put out a while ago (and own the game only version of the WD set). The Atlus game had a really nice package, but the game was pretty disappointing. I'm not sure if the other games are better, and I want to give it another chance at some point, but I was underwhelmed.

[Gorvi]

I played a bit of the big Growlanser box that Atlus put out a while ago (and own the game only version of the WD set). The Atlus game had a really nice package, but the game was pretty disappointing. I'm not sure if the other games are better, and I want to give it another chance at some point, but I was underwhelmed.
What did it play like? It reminded me (from screens anyway) of a gridless Arc The Lad, which I really enjoyed.

[Philonious]

The art style of the game seems to be stepping back to the more idiosyncratic/less anime art of older non-Persona Megaten games. I could do without first-person dungeons though. I finally got into Persona 4 last week, so I'll be looking forward to this.

I'd also be on board for official PSP re-releases of the P2 games.

[frederec]

What did it play like? It reminded me (from screens anyway) of a gridless Arc The Lad, which I really enjoyed.

Shit, you put me on the spot, and now I feel like one of my students when I ask them a question they should know the answer to but don't. It played like a mildly clunky action-rpg with turn based elements...I think...crap, I need to pop it in again so I can properly criticize it.

And, I've never played an Arc the Lad game, so I can't comment on similarities or differences there, sorry.

The art style of the game seems to be stepping back to the more idiosyncratic/less anime art of older non-Persona Megaten games. I could do without first-person dungeons though. I finally got into Persona 4 last week, so I'll be looking forward to this.

I'd also be on board for official PSP re-releases of the P2 games.

I don't know, the screenshots of the cutscenes look fairly anime styled. And yeah, when I first heard "full remake" I immediately hoped for third-person dungeons, but the screenshots say otherwise.

And I think a PSP release of both Persona 2 games on a single UMD (might not be hard since a lot of assets are used in both games) would be crazy awesome. Given the popularity of the series these days, it just might happen. This is one place where I wouldn't mind Atlus doing some ports for some extra cash.

Considering the rarity of the Playstation Persona games, I really hope these come over, and P2 ports become more than fantasy.

[Mike Kelehan]

Not sure the chances of this coming over, but I'll remain hopeful.

Sales of Persona 3 were great (and one can assume those of 4 were pretty good too), so I think it's a done deal.

[Gorvi]

...crap, I need to pop it in again so I can properly criticize it.
I'm glad I'm not the only one who does that from time to time. :)
And, I've never played an Arc the Lad game, so I can't comment on similarities or differences there, sorry.
Stay away from the PS2 games, they're pretty crappy, but the Arc The Lad Collection that WD put out is great. Arc 1 is very short and linear, maybe 10 hours, but it's more of a prologue. Arc 2 is, in my little opinion, one of if not the best 2D RPGs to ever see a release, including the much loved FFVI. I never did get around to 3, but from what I remember reading it was a bit of a step back from 2, but not bad in any way.

Also, for those that hated WD's translating style, they really toned down the pop culture humor in the Arc games, to the point where it's barely there. There's still great writing, it's just a bit more on the serious side. I need to restart Arc 2 now...... :p

[Purple Santa]

If I have to learn Japanese to play P1 I will. In the meantime, I'm hoping (and I think it will) come to the west...

[Gorvi]

The first trailer:

INlE9UZARHg

That looks pretty much exactly like the original, just with some anime cutscenes thrown in. I'm cool with that just as long as they fix the archaic, broken interface from the original. That really was the only thing stopping me from playing the game through.

[frederec]

That looks pretty much exactly like the original, just with some anime cutscenes thrown in. I'm cool with that just as long as they fix the archaic, broken interface from the original. That really was the only thing stopping me from playing the game through.

I guess we'll see how much they change, but like you said, it seems mostly cosmetic for now. Even if they use the same system as before, I'll still play it. It'll just be a little frustrating.

[Gorvi]

Some more information via Siliconera (http://www.siliconera.com/2009/02/10/whats-new-in-persona-for-psp/):

http://www.siliconera.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/p.jpg
New animated movies done by studio Kamikaze Douga.
Rearranged soundtrack done by Shin Megami Tensei composer Shoji Meguro. Yumi Kawamura who sang in Persona 3 will do vocal tracks for Persona.
Supports 16:9 widescreen mode with a new user interface.
Additional dungeon floors have been added to the Sebek Chapter (main story) and Snow Queen Chapter. Watch out for new elements and tricky gimmicks.
Rebalanced gameplay with a tweaked encounter rate.
Considered to be more “user friendly” since players can pick the level of difficulty.
Battle loading times are 2/3rds faster compared to the original. During enemy encounters animations can be skipped. Sounds similar to Persona 2: Eternal Punishment.
Extra save points are added as well as a quick save feature.
A revised city map with a top down view and highlighted landmarks. The original Persona had a simple 3D over world map similar to Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne.
A tweaked interface and redone city map are two very, very welcome changes, the rest are just gravy. Hopefully this'll hit the US this year. :)

[Purple Santa]

Ok, who at Atlus do I send gifts to so this can come here?

I can't really say much about the changes since I never played the first but they seem like it's a bit easier to get into now.

[frederec]

Ok, who at Atlus do I send gifts to so this can come here?

I can't really say much about the changes since I never played the first but they seem like it's a bit easier to get into now.

As others have said, the odds are pretty good that it will come over. And given their current track record, I think you can count on it getting announced around or a bit after it gets released in Japan, and will arrive around six months after it's Japanese release.

[Xydarc]

Some more information via Siliconera (http://www.siliconera.com/2009/02/10/whats-new-in-persona-for-psp/):

http://www.siliconera.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/p.jpg
New animated movies done by studio Kamikaze Douga.
Rearranged soundtrack done by Shin Megami Tensei composer Shoji Meguro. Yumi Kawamura who sang in Persona 3 will do vocal tracks for Persona.
Supports 16:9 widescreen mode with a new user interface.
Additional dungeon floors have been added to the Sebek Chapter (main story) and Snow Queen Chapter. Watch out for new elements and tricky gimmicks.
Rebalanced gameplay with a tweaked encounter rate.
Considered to be more “user friendly” since players can pick the level of difficulty.
Battle loading times are 2/3rds faster compared to the original. During enemy encounters animations can be skipped. Sounds similar to Persona 2: Eternal Punishment.
Extra save points are added as well as a quick save feature.
A revised city map with a top down view and highlighted landmarks. The original Persona had a simple 3D over world map similar to Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne.
A tweaked interface and redone city map are two very, very welcome changes, the rest are just gravy. Hopefully this'll hit the US this year. :)
That's a sweet list of welcome changes. I did enjoy Revelations: Persona on the PSOne, sounds like this remake will be even better.

Please be released in the U.S. /begs

[Gorvi]

And it's confirmed (http://www.atlus.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3150) for the US:
IRVINE, CALIFORNIA — FEBRUARY 24, 2009 — Atlus U.S.A., Inc, today announced that Shin Megami Tensei®: Persona® for PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, a remake of the first entry in the critically-acclaimed RPG series, will be released in North America within the calendar year. SMT: Persona stands as a proud relaunch for the award-winning series, featuring a completely redone localization and content never before seen in North America. Combined with gameplay enhancements and additions new to the remake, fans will have the chance to experience the first Persona game released in North America in a whole new way. Those looking to see the original epic in a whole new light, those who missed out the first time around, and even those PSP system owners who crave a marquee RPG: that which you seek is approaching.

Shin Megami Tensei: Persona is currently scheduled to release this fall.

[frederec]

I love you, Gorvi. You made my day.

That means we're getting three MegaTen games this year. My head's going to explode.

[Purple Santa]

I love you, Gorvi. You made my day.

That means we're getting three MegaTen games this year. My head's going to explode.

I wonder if there will be more? What can we wish for next :)

[frederec]

I wonder if there will be more? What can we wish for next :)

I know people keep pointing to this and hoping that this means we may get Persona 2 (both kinds) eventually. That would be awesome, but since you've opened up the floodgates, I'd start dreaming of a port of some of their other games, like Soul Hackers, the one that got away. That one always stands out to me because I remember Atlus sending out this survey basically going "If we released Soul Hackers, would you buy it?" Naturally I voted hell yes, but Sony blocked Atlus from releasing it.

I'm not sure how far back I'd want to go with them re-releasing games. I've played some translated roms of some of the older MegaTen games, and they make me feel like I'm not nearly hardcore enough. Admittedly, I haven't played them very far, but they are very punishing. The kind of punishing that has your MP just constantly draining on the world map. But aside from some Playstation releases we've missed, I'm more interested in moving forward and playing new MegaTen games.

That said, if they do start releasing some of their old games in NA, I'll buy them, since I'm a whore for MegaTen games, but I'm curious how well they'd go over.

Oh, and as long as I'm in fantasyland, the upcoming release of Devil Summoner 2 will come with the version of Nocturne that has Raidou in it.

[Gorvi]

New trailer:

GwbN4qlAyvQ

You can see the new town map, which is so much improved over the original it's great. So it looks like they fixed my two biggest complaints with the PS1 original: the awful town map and the battle interface. I really can't wait for this now. :)

[frederec]

New trailer:

You can see the new town map, which is so much improved over the original it's great. So it looks like they fixed my two biggest complaints with the PS1 original: the awful town map and the battle interface. I really can't wait for this now. :)

Very nice. I also much prefer the Persona 2 style town map. The only other things I'd wish they'd change are the first person dungeons (which I can live with) and the short/medium/long range attack restrictions in battle (which they probably haven't changed).

[Gorvi]

I like the first person dungeons, it gives the game a Wizardry type feel, all nice and nostalgic. My only other real complaing was the controls outside of battle, I never could get used to the way they had them set up for the 3/4 viewpoint.

[Xydarc]

Looks great to me. Seems we'll have another Persona game dominating the Weekend Gamer threads.