Fursona 4
 

I honestly couldn't believe my eyes, but apparently Persona 4 is headed... for the PS2. Yes, that's no error. Needless to say, I'm eagerly waiting for more info.

Just googling it gets you several links, but basically it popped up on a Bloomberg site during some analysis of Atlus' forecasts and so on.

Persona 4 for PS2

Hm for the ps2? I wonder if this has mean that they were developing this a while ago right after Persona 3. Otherwise, I would have assumed they would have put this on a next gen console.

Thank goodness anyway, I was hoping I wouldn't have to succumb to buying a ps3 for this game. Long Live Shin Megami Tensei and Atlus!
(I hope this one does as well as Persona 3 in the states)

Yay, another new Persona game. :3:

But where the hell is Fes? I want that before P4.

We still dont have a real confirmation, do we? who is Bloomberg? And RPGFan has messed up in news a few times. Would be sweet if true, I dont have any nextgen consoles cept a DS.. :)

The most exciting news is the fact that the Megaten team plans to release 10 titles. Oh I could only wonder what some of them are!!

Please tell me you're joking. Also, I already said that googling gives you several links saying the same/similar thing. It's not just RPGFan.

Neat?

Atlus does Financial years that end in July. So the "first half" would be Aug 07 to Jan 08. And the "second half" is Feb 08 to July 08.


Of course now the real question is "What does this mean for US/Europe?"

Cool! That means I don't have to buy a PS3 to play it. Cheers Atlus! :beer:

But really, it is very surprising indeed. As always, when you thought that finally, finally the PS2 would be put to rest they announce another game that's in the making for it. Will it ever end? :eagletear:

I hope they've at least been working on it for awhile. This just seems a little rushed to me, and I hope the product doesn't suffer for it.

Oh, you.

Doesn't really seem all that interesting to me. If anything, it's sapped enthusiasm for Persona, which in itself depresses me.

This doesn't make any sense. >_>

Also, thank god it's on the PS2. But yeah, what of FES? Maybe by Persona 4 they actually meant FES?

What this means is, people don't need to buy a PS3. Now if only they were making Disgaea 3 for the PS2, all reason to own one would be removed. <3 (Upcoming titles that we're waiting on the never-never to be released don't validate a purchase, give me a break.)

rpgland has been wrong before (star ocean 4 comes to mind); I very much figure they are talking about FES since I think it was rumored other places (and listed on some VA resumes) anyway.

I've seen the article they've cited, and it does mention Persona 4. It's not Persona 3: Fes on accident, unless it was Reuters' (or whoever it was) fault.

What doesn't? I like the Persona series. The fact that they're not doing anything with this new title except throwing it back onto the PS2 saps my enthusiasm for it. Ordinarily I wouldn't care if I lose enthusiasm for a game, but since it's a game in the Persona series, which I admire, it's a depressing thing.

The source is from Bloomberg Japan, asking about what the hell they have planned since Atlus has suddenly managed to start doing good and not bad in terms of their stock and the consumer gaming division putting out considerable profit (after a long period of loss).

Also RPGCrazied, like it was already explained to you on NeoGAF, Bloomberg is a major financial news firm. Also their source on NeoGAF was directly from Bloomberg Japan, not RPGFan =p

I knew it was one of those fancy business sites. Can never recall what one.

So what you're saying is, you don't want to play it because it's on the same console as the previous game.

★OK★

No, that's not what I'm saying. I'm saying enthusiasm is lost when it's on a dying console and will, in all likeliness, look exactly like its predecessor.

☭AWESOME☭

Kinda like how Crash Bandicoot 2 looks the same as Crash Bandicoot 1, only slightly better? I thought Malmer's "I'm not buying No More Heroes, because the European one is the same as the Japanese one! America gets blood! I don't want censored games!" reasoning for not buying a game was weak, but wow, the game isn't even out yet.

Most sequels do, in fact, look like their previous releases, or at least try to keep the same style so it doesn't end up looking like a completely different game with a few small references here and there.

I think the PS2 is far from dead. I mean, it has thousands of games, and practically everyone owns one. The graphics in Persona 3 are by no means bad, and I'd like to see more of them. The soundtrack was amazing, too.

You know, you keep saying I'm not buying the game when all I've said is that I'm disappointed. Games can look the same, sure, but it doesn't mean I should be lapping this shit up. Look at Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance, and its sequel, Radiant Dawn-- there is such a thing as being too similar, and when we had to deal with samey graphics in that one game as it is (the countless, randomly generated floors of Tartarus), I feel like I have the right to be upset with the decision.

By all means, if they want to prove me wrong and show off a game with a drastic departure from Persona 3, I'm okay with that. Really okay.

And the PS2's release list has been waning, there's no doubt about it. You have a few stragglers who don't want to take the plunge into the current generation just yet, but they're hardly bringing over exciting things. The developers have mostly been moving on to the PS3, 360 and Wii.

I guess I was wrong, but I gotta say I agree with Generic on this. You're promoting laziness from developers by acting like this is 100% okay; but at the same time it isn't like anyone here outright said they wouldn't fucking buy it.

I loved Persona 2 more than pretty much any other PSOne RPG, and Persona 3 was decent enough, but seeing them shit out a new game in less than the span of a year now, on the same dated technology does worry me. Sorry if that's stupid to you or makes me look "elitist" or whatever but it's how I feel, especially given how much I like the series in question.

Let the big guys make the "current-generation" mainstream... and then the little guys will follow.

Come on, the ps2 is just ridiculously successful... perfect play ground for niche games like this one.

In other words... it's still too early to worry about.

Persona 3 was made in July 06, and it took just over a year to translate. Atlus might've been working on Persona 4 since then, or FES.

And.. give me a break. This isn't promoting laziness, developers can make whatever kind of game thy like for whatever system they want (providing it isn't porn/extremely violent). Not supporting them is only encouraging crap companies like THQ and EA to spit out more next-gen games that are typically all graphics and no gameplay.

In fact, the niche crowd that appeal to this kind of game don't even own a PS3, but perhaps a 360 (unlikely) or a Wii (possibly).

In the chances that it's an English FES release disguised as Persona 4, I can't rule that out since FES is a 40-50+ hour RPG which is the length of most common titles these days. But yeah it's totally too early to tell what will become of this.

I think a translation or report error is more likely in the PS2 -> PS3 part (since all the actual report mentions is "A new Persona 4 is in the works for the PS2") without anything following to rule out that it couldn't just be simple typo well before this is some kind of Persona 4 to FES mix-up.

But I doubt either is the case. Atlus did confirm a Shin Megami Tensei game was in the works for the PS3 and when the Persona 4 rumors started people just assumed that the PS3 game was Persona 4 so we'll probably see a P4 release on the PS2 then a new entry for Shin Megami Tensei for the PS3 soon after.

As for the news itself I'm actually on two extremes. I would actually love if Persona 4 was basically a copy of Persona 3 but with a far more complex social system that actually had some real impact on the story and character relations along with something better than a randomly generated dungeon, or I'd rather just have a totally new game with a completely new style and concept. If it ends up somewhere in between I'll probably just get pissed off because it doesn't have all of the elements that made P3 great while still feeling like too similar of a game to P3.

so when do you think we will get more info? we still dont have very much of it.

Well, all we can do is wait, right? It's hard to know when it will come.

hum.. isnt that jump fiesta thingy tomorrow? i know its the 20something.. maybe we will hear something then.

Jump Festa is primarily an anime and manga convention. Square-Enix is usually the only game company with any significant presence to speak of.

Double-posting to show scans and info.

http://i30.tinypic.com/nzos9u.jpg
http://i29.tinypic.com/xnzv3b.jpg
http://i29.tinypic.com/161nxq9.jpg
http://i31.tinypic.com/14tmp92.jpg

The game takes place in the countryside with a new emphasis on the weather (rather than stages of the lunar cycle), where murders begin to happen whenever fog rolls in. The game's theme, subsequently, is mystery suspense. They've promised a lot of plot twists and the like, along with multiple endings (yay!). The game is supposed to be about 1.5 times bigger than Persona 3 and will supposedly boast something like 60 hours. Trailer should be up at some point.

Looks promising, but I want confirmation that the game doesn't cop out and give me the samey-dungeon bullshit. I like the small town feel of the screens so far.

EDIT: Oh yeah, Japan gets it in July.

I'm really happy to hear that they're not doing a "straight" P3 sequel. I haven't finished P3 yet by any means (and I love it to bits), but I almost can't imagine playing another entire game with these main characters, and I don't know how willing I'd be to accept just that main guy in a new setting either.

I like the concept of weather/fog, sounds interesting and a little less predictable than the lunar cycle. Multiple endings are always awesome, too. It does look really, really similar to P3, but I'm not sure if that's a bad thing really. I think it's kinda like a tribute to the fans, you know? Like... "Hey you guys seemed to really liked this game, so we made another one just like it for you". Kinda like FES really, fanservice of sorts.

Plus, it's not unlikely that they've already started work on a next-gen Persona game. I'm just gonna look forward to this game (and play P3 more so I'll finish it in time for this to be translated--though I suppose it'll be a while).

Hopefully Atlus will include the Japanese voices, like with Odin Sphere. Maybe there's not enough space for them I guess... But it would be awesome.

The graphics are less about fanservice and more about Atlus wanting cheaper development costs.

Reusing the same engine is never about fanservice, it's always about cutting corners. The game will probably be good anyway, but Persona 3 wasn't exactly scoring "wow" points with it's visuals in the first place so I'm not expecting much out of 4 now either. (after seeing that it's using the exact same engine.)

Oh well, as long as it has a good cast of characters and a decent storyline I guess that's all that really matters.

I thought Persona 3 looked really good visually - especially being on the PS2 with half the game basing itself on forming social bonds with other people.

So, even with Persona 4 using the same engine, looking at the screens, it actually looks quite a bit better visually.

Maybe I'm just not seeing it, but how did the social aspect of Persona 3 improve the graphical quality?

Well, I suppose you're right, but the engine is already there. Making another engine for the PS2 seems like a colossal waste of effort to me.

Anyway, when I said fanservice I meant more along the lines of their using the exact same art style and gameplay elements. I am actually hoping to see some changes for an eventual next-gen title, but for now, I don't mind this. Maybe I'm over-rationalizing it, but eh.

The reason it's still on the PS2 is because they were going to use the same engine; not the other way around. It would not have been a colossal waste of time to start from scratch on a current console.

As for the gameplay elements, I'd still say it's not much for fanservice. Shin Megami Tensei games always revolve around some sort of cycle-- usually lunar, but weather patterns are certainly not an absurd change.

The art style is probably similar because of Persona 3's overwhelming popularity, yes.

Well the visual style is the same for sure. Looks like its going to be what I expected, a tweaked P3 which is fine by me. I'm holding out for some soundtrack info as I really hope the P3 style for that returns as well.

FYI it's not surprising this isn't coming for the PS3. Atlus has only recently applied for a PS3 development and publishing license at about the same time Sony slashed the PS3 SDK cost in half.

I'm not necessarily talking about PS3 when I say "current consoles."

In any case, Shoji Meguro is back for the Persona 4 soundtrack, so. It'll likely have the same vibe to it.

I think target demographic would be in effect when speaking of any other console. Software sales aren't exactly slouching on the PS2 either even this late into its life cycle.

Yes, that's my thought on it, seeing as genres aren't categorized by consoles like they were in the previous generation.

Well that and it's easier if you don't have to sell your previous fans to a new piece of hardware. As already said its pretty obvious this is mostly a quick action to cash in on the success P3 generated. I just hope Atlus doesn't run into licensing issues with SCEA as their recent policy as been to focus on improving the PS3 market.

Doesn't mean the game can't be fantastic though. I just hope the choices in the social interactions have more of an impact on the main storyline this time. The comment about multiple endings has me somewhat hopeful on this.

That makes me think of Higurashi though with out the little girls.

The persona of the guy with the headphones look like if you mix Kamen Rider with Mickey Mouse and a disco suit. Not that I'm complaining as I love long red scarves.

I still haven't finished P3 but I do hope that they put all they want in it so we don't go through another FES fiasco over whether it gets localized or not.

Why fix something that is not broke? Persona 3's Engine was just fine so no reason to waste time to work on another one. (Heck it happened with Nocturne and Digital Devil Saga). I am very excited that it is happening so soon, wonder what the SMT Team has after this one.

Seriously. I loved Persona 3, but did they really have to make it the fucking gigantic dungeon crawl that it was? With a little more variety, it really could have been one of my favorite JRPG's ever.

I'm excited to see how they handle Persona 4. I am supposing they'll most likely just make it into another huge dungeon crawl, but I certainly hope that's not the route they decide to take. Heres to hoping for something different.

Bah, who am I kidding? I'll buy it either way.

On the other hand, some of us kinda like dungeon-crawler type games. There are enough RPGs out there which are all about different areas, variety, exploration... is it so wrong that there's more than one type of RPG?

Not at all. I just think if they were going to do it in Persona 3, they could have done a little better than a 150 floor tower OF DOOM with background changes every 50 levels.

I like dungeon crawls and all, but the whole tower thing is played out. That's simply my opinion, though. Like I said, I loved Persona 3. I just got tired of climbing through those generic levels upon levels.

Nicovideo's got a 17 minute long video of Persona 4 up. Unfortunately, it requires you to sign up, but some clown on /v/ has concocted a reliable guide that yours truly in easily. I forgot to mention, there's megaspoilers for those who will be going with a complete media blackout for this game.
Here's the video

Ah, someone put the video up on youtube.

And here's the guide:

The only thing about Tartarus that really bothers me is the inability to go onto higher levels until the game is ready for you. I do hope there's one huge dungeon again, I actually really like that in games. But I agree that a bit more variation within that dungeon would be nice.

I just realized that my P3 save (which is like two-thirds of the way in) is already clocking 65 hours of gameplay. Granted, some of that is cause I just leave the game on because save points are kind of far between, but it makes me wonder how long this supposed "60 hours of gameplay" really is when I get to play it...

Yeah, this is what I meant by "fanservice".

That's not what fanservice means. It's, quite literally, a service to fans. What they're doing here is serving themselves (no, I'm not calling it reprehensible).

Enthusiasm sapped. The game looks and is doing things exactly like Persona 3. Should have just made it Persona (3): Insert Subtitle.

I consider this servicing--very specifically--the fans of Persona 3. Fanservice by its nature is intended to sell whatever it is that is serving the fans (well, unless it's a freebie I guess). This, as opposed to a "bold, creative vision" or whatever, which this isn't (I guess, I didn't watch the video for fear of spoilers). You are free to call it self-service if you prefer, I mean, we're basically agreeing about what this is. Just not using the same word for it, apparently.

Woah, Persona 4 already? I still have to get FES and go through that first :gonk:

Still, awesome to see the PS2 is going to be supported for a while longer with titles
like these :3:

Well, cashing in on a franchise is not really fanservice-- that would mean that every Final Fantasy and Mario game is fanservice. Something that's fanservice is more like, say, bringing a popular-but-dead character back to life in a sequel (Leon in Tales of Destiny 2, Zero in Mega Man X2). We both agree on the main point though, which is all that matters. Right now, I'm just trying to explain what sparked the confusion.

Anyway, the trailer is just... underwhelming.

So I may have miss this up until now but uh Evokers = glasses now? If so...ahahaha!

I really don't know what all the fuss is about. Persona 3 did exceptionally well so they are releasing Persona 4 which looks similar (due to using the same engine). Since Persona 3 did well, why go out of the way to make Persona 4 and risk killing the franchise. Going from Persona 2 to Persona 3 was in itself a pretty big risk to accomplish, hence why not ride on Persona 3's success and have Persona 4 be similar?

Heck, here is a good example of what happens when a franchise is changed just a bit:
Seiken Denetsu= Started out pretty solid and then mutilated with several changes by Square Enix after Seiken Denetsu 3 till Dawn of Mana (instead of boosting up levels, how about the player goes back to lvl 1 yay!)

Seriously, if Persona 3 did so well, why bother changing the format?

Seiken Densetsu sucks because of shoddy design; not because they tried to change anything. Shit, look at the more recent games-- they've been doing the best they can to replicate Secret of Mana in look and feel. The only decent Mana game to've come out lately, Heroes of Mana, is an RTS. So, change has no correlation with quality.

Using a new graphics engine is in no way "risking" the franchise nor is it changing the format, unless they decided to take it in a markedly new direction like a kid's game about learning the alphabet (O is for Orpheus!). I never said I'm surprised that they're going to attempt to run the series into the fucking ground. I just said I'm kind of disappointed.

But why would you be? Were you expecting a sea change from Persona 3 to 4, within just a year or so?

BTW, I think the glasses just lets them see the monsters. I doesn't seem like they're whipping them out, saying a little something, and BAM Persona.

I think the point is they shouldn't have made a game so close to it in the first place. They could have extended development time and made a higher quality product but they chose to release it in rapid succession for sales purposes. (with FES inbetween for good measure...) A good business move obviously, but it *is* disappointing to those who don't fall into the hype of it all.

Glasses aren't the evokers either apparently, it's the cards they carry with them. Someone pointed this out at another forum and after re-watching the trailer I'm inclined to agree with it.

That's fine, since that's your opinion and all. I heard the same thing about Ace Combat Zero rolled around not too long after AC5 using the same engine, and many things were reused. And where does the hype factor into all this? They're obviously in this to make money, Persona 3 did very well apparently, why not bring that same team back and try again?

Personally, I think people were expecting a little too much to come from this title.

I see hype for it everywhere is why I brought that up. That anyone who announces even the slightest disappointment is pretty much crucified on the spot for not orgasming over the prospect of the game. I guess I can't explain well what I'm trying to say here, but basically Persona 3 is still fresh in a lot of people's minds and they are taking advantage of that by offering a game incredibly similar.

I don't have any problem with the same team making the game, nor does it even bother me that they are using the same engine (many games do this, but they at least heavily tweak it in the process); the problem here comes from the fact that the game looks nigh on identical, visual-wise and gameplay-wise. I mean, IDENTICAL; as in you'd think this was just an add-on like Aegis' after-game quest in FES. It *screams* quick cash-in which, of course, disappoints me. :(

I mean, if you look closely at the video Igor sports the same portrait they used in Persona 3. They could have at least re-drawn the guy.

Eh, not really. Aside from that mention a while back to Bloomberg Japan that first revealed the title and this, the game hasn't had much hype. Your view of anyone being excited to see another title similar to one they enjoyed is a bit odd. Crucified? Jesus Christ, you're making them sound like they're zealots.

While I can understand why this would rub people the wrong way, but why not? Persona 3 did reasonably well critically, why not try to deliver a similar experience with another theme?

Again, what were you honestly expecting if you understood that it's for the PS2 and:

You get this much but then:

AC0 fits in well with this. It looks and feels just like AC5, and if you wanted to put a negative spin on it you could could say it might as well be an AC5 add-on. I STILL don't see the problem. Especially since they're in this to make money, and I can see why Namco and Atlus did what they did.

However, if a third game rolls around and after two years (or more) of development it's little more than the last game with a graphics improvement, then you'd have a damn good reason to be upset.

Haha, you're right. ;)

I really enjoyed the look of P3, so seeing another take on the same style doesn't bother me at all. What I'm afraid of is everything that could have used some improvement in the last one remaining static. Not necessarily carrying over, just no steps shown towards improvement. Ally ai will probably still be flimsy. No depth added to social links. Arbitrary barriers in the dungeon that associate to in game time and events. Repetitive goals. Bloated playtime that has too little happening in too long a span of time.

Despite the above, I really did enjoy P3, swear to god, but I found it far from perfect and more like a good start. Touched on an idea that could be done better with a magnificent result. And I know we know hardly anything about the game still, but it's just a hunch that these things will be largely left alone.

Another point that makes me a bit trepidacious is that I probably powered through P3 almost more for the particular charm of that title's style, setting, cast and the interaction between them. Whether or not that can be recaptured or done to equal effect, I'm weary on. I already like less the whole pumpkin orange color theme and in general what's been shown so far looks less vibrant in many respects.

Because as the lead designer of Persona 4, you have a vision of your game that you want to achieve, rather than merely trying to appeal to people who liked Persona 3 (and at least in the case of Generic Badass, failing to do so because of that).

Well, yeah, but that doesn't really mean it's a good idea in every case. I mean, everyone in the games industry is always in it to make money, but to what extend a company is willing to sacrifice creative integrity over potential profits differs hugely per company and even per project. A lot of people probably would've bought Ico 2, but Sony made Shadow of the Colossus instead.

I don't mind reusing the graphics engine really (hell, one of my all time favorite RPG series is .hack//), but like Qwarky I'm worried that they're too content to rest on the success of P3, and won't improve the gameplay in areas that it needs improving. I'm not even gonna think about the next next game at this point.

Then again, the multiple endings is a good sign, so I may be jumping to conclusions. Either way, we won't know until the game comes out.

And if the director's vision is to use a similar approach and set of tools to present a different scenario and cast? In this case they seem to have done both, which is a win/win situation for both the dev team's creative pursuits and the consumer's demand for more P3-like gameplay.

I already addressed this, and it seems like some folks simply have a lower tolerance to milking (or perceived milking). I'd give them the benefit of the doubt and wait and see if they photocopy P3 again for the next entry.

Have they shown any reason to cause you to worry about this? Beyond using reusing assets, of course.

Agreed. Though, I just have to mention that Persona 3 had multiple endings (in that it had more than one), heh.

Yeah, I'm not gonna draw any such conclusions myself until I've at least seen more of the game. I'm just saying that catering to the crowd you have gathered (or like you say, seeming to do so) isn't always effective.

And hell, if it's an "encore" game it might still be fantastic. I'll still buy it.

I don't think Qwarky has posted in this thread yet...

Persona 4 looks great. Persona 3 is my favourite modern RPG, not because of the story, characters or gameplay as such, but rather due to the overall mood, and it seems that Persona 4 will retain that. And the Japanese small-town setting is exactly what the game needs. It looks like Shenmue I. Great by that association alone.

http://i32.tinypic.com/a3egt4.jpg

In conclusion: Game of the Year 2009.

It was you! :B

I caved and checked out part of that video, mostly to listen to the music... I was curious if they changed the music to reflect the smaller town. I'm not sure what I think of the music, it sounds really similar, and I really associate that sound with a big city, it's really urban. I'm hoping that a couple tracks give a more "country" feel, maybe with some guitar or more analog drums or so... Anyway, watching that video made me kinda hyped for P4 as well, haha. BRING IT ON!

To make this post a bit less of a senseless rant, here's the first fanart that I found of P4, I really like it:

Hmmm... The game has caught my attention. Looks like there are 3 more characters whose names they haven't released yet. The singer girl, the guy with the skull on his shirt and the kid with the hat. I wonder if there would also be an animal (O.o). Oh wait I think its the panda/bear thing. The new characters are shown in this movie
I think the movie can be downloaded at the p4 site but..My download wouldn't start.

About Igor..I think his picture is almost the same as his pic in Persona 2 (except for the irises). I am sad though that the rest of the Velvet Room people are absent. I distinctly remember Belladona. Now it not even a Velvet Room..its more of a Velvet Limo lol.

Here is more on the guy with the skull on his shirt for those who are curious:
Name: Tatsumi Kanji
Persona: Takemikatzuki (personally I like the design)

http://img73.imageshack.us/img73/919...8368352yd6.jpg
http://img73.imageshack.us/img73/248...8439563wt9.jpg

Why hello there.



Secret: It is a very large jpeg.

http://img222.imageshack.us/img222/7...lolololks6.png

July 10th, eh? So we'll probably be seeing this sometime next year then if we're lucky! Honestly, I still think it is too early to get another persona game. They should wait at least another year or two and put it on the PS3.

But then it would probably go to the route of how Disgaea 3 was in a way. People shunning it because of the graphical aspect behind it.

I applaud NIS for using 2D graphics and sprites on the PS3. We don't need every game to look like a next gen first person shooter or Metal Gear Solid 4.

On one hand, I'm glad that they are announcing a new Persona game, but on the other hand I'm a bit worried. The time between 2 and 3 (and Fes) was long enough to create something fresh and original, instead of just making a few changes to the second game, and with the release of yet another game, I fear that some of the creativity and originality will be lost, just to be able to ride on the success of the third game.

Two years from one full version to the next. You have to keep in mind that Japan's had the game for a good spell by the time folks abroad picked it up. A game doesn't need to stew for more thantwo years to evade concerns about lack of creativity/milking/etc..

WOW super awesome... why haven't I heard about this???? Grrrr and I thought I was up to date with RPGs >....<

Similar art and setting (love it) - hmmm is there any indication whether a North American release is underway or considered?

NA release? We'll probably get one since it apparently did well enough last year to mention in their fiscal report (and to prompt a mention of the then unknown P4).

There have been estimates ranging from the tail end of this year to mid Spring '09. Given just how long it took to localize P3, I personally lean towards the latter.

You're right, but we're in an era where more and more people are moving into the gaming industry area, and are the ones that think that "Oh pretty must equal good." :erm:

Well, after a good while we've got yet another scan for P4. This time it's got the crew in more familiar territory, including one of the S. Links from P3 (oh and the website has updated quite a bit since then):

Ah my favorite girl (Chihiro) from the previous game is back! This just made the game even better!

Damn, I have absolutely abysmal timing since right when I post that yesterday, ANOTHER character scan was revealed today. This time it's the handgun-wielding, detective freshman Naoto and his (huge doubts about gender here) Persona. It looks like's investigating the events around town while the party and MC's uncle does the same.

http://www.rpgland.com/content/media...vrdiscs415.jpg

December 9.
$40.
CD with "select songs" included.
Atlus USA

I-Is it supposed to be ugly?

:(

Best news I've heard in a while. I'm glad they kept it at the $40 price point & tossed in a music CD again. Here's some of the info released about the game (in english):

I've known about the party being manually controlled again for a while, but part-time jobs? New weapon creation system? Improve party support? Doesn't sound like gaining new tactics to me. From some of the videos on the official site now you'll be able to form S. Links with male party members (the one I saw was Yousuke's Magician one).

A bring a small offering of how awesome this game is going to be. There's a lot more rock style tracks in this one but keeping to the tradition of offering a music style unlike any other RPG out there.

Get the Flash Player to play this audio file:

That track sounds pretty good. I honestly didn't care much for most of P3's soundtrack until after I'd heard it in the game, but this sounds like more typical SMT fare without the rap.

I completely missed that bit about party members being manually controlled now. That was one of the few really annoying things in Persona 3, so it's fantastic news that they fixed it. The AI was okay, but it was irritating how often they'd waste turns on Mudo/Hama skills or bring themselves to the brink of death with physical skills.

Well, since we're talking about the music . . . Atlus is presenting Persona Music Live in Tokyo. It's a live concert with music from Persona 3 (includuing FES), Persona 4 and the Persona anime.

Source: Square Enix Music Online :: Video Game Music News

EDIT: That track's pretty good. I have the OST from gamemp3s but I didn't get that far into it.

I'm definitely getting this. I just wished Atlus would've included more extras and stuff like the JP releases. Wouldn't mind paying a little more for the LEs.

(I haven't even opened my P3 LE. Been playing a burnt copy instead lolol)

Sup anyone wanna buy fursona 4

Dammit! I only have enough money for the MLB Power Pros behind you. :(

Oshi-

Is there an LE version for the JP P4? 'Cause if there is one with extras like P3's, I'm ordering one.

So....did you get the 5 finger discount? ;)

How geeky xD. Be careful though, if it's anything like P3, the game can be a bitch to play in Japanese, with all the slang used.

you should wait a week and buy it in a second hand store for a 1000 yen discount, did it with Fes and FFXII International and saved around 3000 yen.