Difficulty:

Hard

Time Spent:

20 to 40 Hours

The Bottom Line:

"Grows on you"

Game: Persona 2 Innocent Sin
Genre: RPG
Developer: Atlus
System: Playstation Portable
Total Score: 85/100
Value Score: 8.5/10

• Story: 10/10
o Persona 2 Innocent sin takes place a few years after Persona 1, however the main storyline is different as it revolves around the storyline between four main characters (and eventually a fifth one later on). Pretty much in the world of Persona 2, rumors are becoming true, and its all because of a figure by the name of "Joker". The storyline first begins at the main characters' school where a curse has been unleashed by a rival school, as they go in finding the origin of the curse, they stumble upon the true nature of Joker, rumors becoming true, Demons and spirits rampaging around the cities, Nazis invading Germany and ending up with aliens and talk about other worlds. The storyline changes and rewrites itself altogether throughout the game, but when you finish it, it will all make sense in some sort of way.

• Characters: 10/10
o Persona 2 Innocent Sin's characters are a lot more lively than Persona 1's, the character development is well done, as there are a lot of dramatic, humorous and sad scenes involving many of the main characters and the supporting characters around them. Even the antagonists themselves have a deep connection to the main storyline in which players will feel sympathetic for them unlike if you compare to other games. Persona 2 IS' characters will have a lasting impression upon players who play this gem of a game.

• GamePlay: 7/10
o The gameplay is slightly different from Persona 1, a lot of the enemies and many counter attacks have been nerfed but they've been replaced with a few new mechanics, for example, there are now fusion spells which you can have 2-3 personas using a combination attack involving 2-3 different spells to do one super move to dish out incredible damage. In terms of negotiation system with demons, not much has changed as the system is very similar, however the only different thing this time around now is instead of collecting demons and fusing them to make personas, players will collect cards from demons which than can be used to summon personas via the Velvet room. Another feature which was taken out in this installation which was available in part 1 was the use of two different types of weapons, a short range weapon and a long range weapon, this time around, players will only be able to use short range attacks, magic attacks and fusion spells. Equipment system is the same, leveling system is slightly different as now when a character level ups, players will be able to add 3 different stat points to the 6 available stats. Another thing worth noting is the horrendous enemy encounter rate, people will find it frustrating when navigating through dungeons.

• Graphics: 8/10
o The graphics at plain sight would be considered inferior to Persona 1, however when you boil it down to battle graphics, world map graphics and the ability to actually navigate the dungeons and buildings in a helicopter view, the graphical structure of P2 IS is far superior than its first game. The artwork is improved compared to the PSX version, cut scenes were remade with a few new changes (via censorship on the Nazi symbol), sprites have been less pixilated to make it seem more fluid in animation. However when compared to the standard 2D RPG in 2009-2011 era, the graphics are abit behind in the times.

• Sound: 8/10
o The sound effects from Persona 1 were recycled in Persona 2 IS, however there are a few new sound effects to go with the humorous storyline, other than that, the entire sound effect department is the same as Persona 1's.

• Music: 10/10
o RPG games usually have some of the best OSTs in the gaming industry, Persona 2 IS is no exception to that rule. Persona 2 IS for the PSP includes the original PSX OST and it includes all new made remix of the PSX versions exclusive for the PSP. Along with that a new opening vocal song and a ending song were made, there are over 200 tracks available for this OST. I recommend listening to the Velvet room theme songs, boss battle and the Unbreakable Tie (Main theme song).

• Length: 8/10
o The game isn't as long as Persona 1, however if you super grind, you will take about 30-35 hours to beat the game. However with moderate grinding, it will take you about 20-25 hours to finish the storyline. You could dish out up to 40-45 hours if you plan to farm all of the personas, go through the Abandoned Factory floors, finish all rumor side quests to fight monsters and of course the Theatre mode in game for extra side stories.

• Replay Value: 5/10
o Not much replay value other than the fact you can play Theatre mode to do some additional side story scenes. You also have access to the BGM mode where you can listen to the game's OST or you can watch the many movie cut scenes in the game.

• Player Value: 9/10
o Persona 2's not a RPG for everyone, however if you are a dedicated fan of the Persona series or a hardcore RPG player, than this is a RPG recommended for you. The game's difficulty and unique play style might shy away some players but it is a unique and rewarding experience in playing and enjoying the fantastic storyline.