[PS2] Fursona 4

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.

Jam it back in, in the dark.

Originally Posted by Generic Badass

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

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.

There's nowhere I can't reach.

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...

Quote:

As already said its pretty obvious this is mostly a quick action to cash in on the success P3 generated.

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

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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.

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Originally Posted by Metal Sphere

Persona 3 did reasonably well critically, why not try to deliver a similar experience with another theme?

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).

Originally Posted by Metal Sphere

Especially since they're in this to make money, and I can see why Namco and Atlus did what they did.

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.

Originally Posted by Metal Sphere

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.

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.

I was speaking idiomatically.

Originally Posted by Metal Sphere

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.

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.

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

Originally Posted by Dr. Uzuki

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

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:

Spoiler:

Her name seems to be Amagi Yukiko!

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