St. Martyne (3648) on 1/6/2009 12:21 AM · edited · Permalink · Report

[Q --start Donatello wrote--] It's more polished and has tons of improvements over P3, but as a result the dungeon portions of the game feel a tad redundant, even if you don't have to spend your time in those as you do in P3's Tartaros.
[/Q --end Donatello wrote--]

Actually, I kinda like it like that, because the dungeons are not really that interesting. Not that I've been to many, so far Yukiko's castle is the only one. But I think it gives a good idea of what to expect of the usual dungeon crawling. Nevertheless, I am already eager to go on another trip to the "other side". That's good design, I say! And the game wouldn't have been so fun if there were no application for all those items, links, skills and stuff you collect in real world.

I really dig the social part. There is so much stuff to do, so you always feel busy and engaged. There's no time to do everything, so you're force to choose all the time. That's the most choice-heavy jRPG I played. Some things are a bit arbitrary, though. I mean, why can't I study or make some envelopes after talking Nanako or raiding the fridge? But those are trifles.

I also hoped that social links would be more beneficial, rather than just giving some additional experience during fusion. Talking about fusion, some parts of Persona fusing still make little sense to me. There's absolutely no telling what you may come up with during fusion, you just have to walk through every possibilities settling for persona that sucks less. This make persona gathering process a bit too pointless. How do I know if the pixie or the angel is what I need to create stronger persona? So far I just pick the ones with the higher level, regardless of its skills and fusion possibilities.

No spell points recovery ailments in the shop?! Where do you get those? How many personas should your character keep as the main force?

St. Martyne (3648) on 1/7/2009 11:31 AM · Permalink · Report

[Q --start DreinIX wrote--] Whoa! Wanted to play a jrpg so badly that you ordered the US version? Whoa again! :-) [/Q --end DreinIX wrote--]

As far as console games go my hands are usually untied. There is no distribution system here at all, not even for European releases. So, the only option for me is either download the game or pay our local pirates 5$ for it or fuck it. That much is true for every console game I've played here.

I am playing the same version Donatello does with Japanese voices, so it's a bonus too. Anyway I don't really like flashing my eyepatch, because that is certainly not something to brag about. So I deny everything! ;-)

[Q --start DreinIX wrote--] Anyway, Donatello, are dungeons randomly generated like in P3? [/Q --end DreinIX wrote--]

Although not directed to me, yes, the dungeons are random. But each of them appears to be tied to the particular person's psyche with its own monsters and bosses. The two dungeons I've completed are not big, about ten stories each, with each floor taking about 5 minutes to complete. And I've already clocked over 13 hours into the game.

[Q --start DreinIX wrote--] Also, you say you haven't played much but are there any chances that you know if you can play the game casually and still get all social links at max? [/Q --end DreinIX wrote--]

I very much doubt it. The game goes out of its way to make a point that you have carefully plan your schedule and the social links you should develop. And they certainly don't happen all of a sudden, you really must work to get them.

Donatello (466) on 1/7/2009 1:33 PM · Permalink · Report

[Q --start DreinIX wrote--] Anyway, Donatello, are dungeons randomly generated like in P3? Also, you say you haven't played much but are there any chances that you know if you can play the game casually and still get all social links at max? To my disappointment this could no be done in P3 and while I did want to play the game again I couldn't find the time. [/Q --end DreinIX wrote--]

No, you can't max all social links in one playthrough. To me it's not a problem anyway, since I don't hang out with people I find uninteresting, even if it's beneficial when fusing Personae. Social links are easier to advance though and remember to equip a correct Persona when you're going to spend some time with your friend (for example, before you agree to train with Chie, equip Persona of the Chariot arcana, that way you gain more points). Oh, and don't forget to invest in Courage if you want to hit on girls!