Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 2 - Innocent Sin

 PSP
  • Publisher: Atlus
  • Release Date: Sep 20, 2011
User Score
5.4

Mixed or average reviews- based on 342 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 155 out of 342
  2. Mixed: 33 out of 342
  3. Negative: 154 out of 342
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  1. Agent47593
    May 20, 2023
    10
    Fascinating story!
    Great characters!
    Amazing music!
    Cool old-school RPG!
    The best persona game in the whole series that you should play!
  2. Bombloco94
    Nov 30, 2019
    10
    Persona 2: Innocent Sin is so goddamn good, in my opinion,this is one of the best Persona games,way better than P4, Eternal Punishment and Persona 1

    P5>P3>P2>P4>EP>P1 IMO
  3. AgumonDX
    Sep 25, 2011
    9
    This is a very well made version of the original P2 from the PSX. It think is the best version and a great opportunity to experience the classic again. It´s true doesn`t have high-res graphics and can be a little frustating (lots of random battles), and also can confuse you, causing that you can get lost easily. But, appart from that, is a great game, with absorbing storyline,This is a very well made version of the original P2 from the PSX. It think is the best version and a great opportunity to experience the classic again. It´s true doesn`t have high-res graphics and can be a little frustating (lots of random battles), and also can confuse you, causing that you can get lost easily. But, appart from that, is a great game, with absorbing storyline, great character, with a lot of realism and humanity, good Ost, decent voice acting, and a fast-paced battle system. It fixes the weird grid battle system of the first Persona and makes it dynamic with the auto-battle. It has a lot of extras to obtain (theatre, fusion spells, secret tarot cards, secret bosses during the storyline...). It can be a little easy at early stages and it needs a high english level.

    The problem with the notes is that you can´t expect a game up-to date, this is like Tactics Ogre, very respectful to the original, but enhanded and very well adapted to the original. I highly recommend it to Shin Megami Tensei and Persona fan who couldn´t experience the lost episode of Persona 2, and to those people who want to play an old-school RPG. If you don´t like the high amount of random battle, the classic game system, the complexity of the storyline (they don´t tell you well where to go) and maybe a very classic scheme, this is not a game for you. Beside of all, is one of the greatest RPGs of the PSX, and now, one of the best of the PSP.    … Expand
  4. 6xdandangp
    Dec 29, 2012
    10
    Persona 2 - Innocent Sin has a fantastic story and characters. However, the gameplay is extremely dated and archaic. Because this is a remake, Atlus keeping the gameplay largely the same is justified and doesn't factor into my score.
  5. Kestal
    Oct 3, 2011
    9
    Persona 2 Innocent Sin returns players to a remastered, reinvented version of the game never released outside of Japan. Sporting a bizarre, but well-written story about rumours becoming reality and a clash with a mysterious figure known as "Master Joker", the game is a nigh perfect example of a classic-era JRPG.

    That is...Until you get to the mechanics. Like it or hate it, Persona 2 is    Persona 2 Innocent Sin returns players to a remastered, reinvented version of the game never released outside of Japan. Sporting a bizarre, but well-written story about rumours becoming reality and a clash with a mysterious figure known as "Master Joker", the game is a nigh perfect example of a classic-era JRPG.

    That is...Until you get to the mechanics. Like it or hate it, Persona 2 is full (and I mean FULL) of random encounters with a somewhat clunky battle system. The battles are much improved over their PSX counterpart, but still show their age - some of the mechanics being either simplistic or a bit turned-around to get to.

    That said, the encounter rate isn't too big of an issue as the battles are much quicker paced than in the original version and in the first Persona. You can now skip animations entirely to make the battles even faster than in SMT Persona, and believe me, you will come to appreciate it. Contacting demons is a lot smarter here - some of the questions demons ask you can actually throw you off, and the two and three person contacts can be fun. (Maya and Yukino = hilarity)

    I am finding that I am really loving this game, however my recommendation comes with a caveat...If you do not like "oldschool", or otherwise aged RPGs, you will want to stay away from this one. If you want something unique and, like me, don't mind the clunkiness of some of the game's systems, then Persona 2 Innocent Sin is a must-have. It's $40 I will never regret spending.    … Expand
  6. BeautifulLies
    Nov 7, 2011
    9
    Persona 2 Innocent Sin was well remade, I'm a big Shin Megami Tensei fan and playing Persona 2 brought back some memories. Like other Persona games, it has a immersive and a absorbing story line which really gets you thinking "whats's going to happen net?". Persona 2 gets a little frustrating with the high battle rates and what not but its easily understanable considering you need to gainPersona 2 Innocent Sin was well remade, I'm a big Shin Megami Tensei fan and playing Persona 2 brought back some memories. Like other Persona games, it has a immersive and a absorbing story line which really gets you thinking "whats's going to happen net?". Persona 2 gets a little frustrating with the high battle rates and what not but its easily understanable considering you need to gain experience and new personas. With a classic rpg styled game play its a easy going old school touch to it. Atlus has remastered another one of its masterpieces with more twists and turns with a perplexing story line, I highly recommend this!… Expand
  7. seieko_pherdo
    Dec 9, 2011
    8
    About I don't know say 11 or so years later Innocent Sin finally graces our shores in a form other than a fan translation. While it isn't as polished as Persona 3 & 4 it stands up well on it's own. It's a good thing that a game made in 90's has more of a soul than most triple A games today. The battle system has been made easier, fusion spells are easier to do and easier to to contactAbout I don't know say 11 or so years later Innocent Sin finally graces our shores in a form other than a fan translation. While it isn't as polished as Persona 3 & 4 it stands up well on it's own. It's a good thing that a game made in 90's has more of a soul than most triple A games today. The battle system has been made easier, fusion spells are easier to do and easier to to contact demons slightly. That being said the fusion system this game is not as useful as it would prove to be in later games. You can beat the entire game with the main persona you get at the beginning of the game and use nothing but and you'll be fine at least on easy mode. Also some of the translations seem off but I've seen the entity of the fan translation online so it's not a big deal. The new theater mode is neat too offering three interesting side quests, and yes while the quest make was not added to the North American version I don't that's a big deal though some are mad about it. Story wise this game is great though it gets bogged by the annoying high encounter rate. Though there is meter and on screen map that will flat out tell you when monster showdowns will occur and the high encounter rate often means you won't have to level grind for the most part, though the battles can interrupt the flow of the story and it's also easy to miss certain things. The voice acting has improved from the 90's compared to Eternal Punishment. Though in the Persona 2 saga the silent protagonist makes little sense since the main character IS NOT a blank slate. But that's a little annoyance Persona 2 is still a very solid game.… Expand
  8. Ulrich5000
    Nov 20, 2013
    10
    This game is fantastic, from the amazing story, to the colorful characters, to the obviously dated but still fun gameplay. This game stands as a gem in the PSP's library, and is a fantastic entry in the Persona series. The story completely pulled me in, there was just something gripping and amazing about this game. Another thing that I loved about this game is it's soundtrack. This gameThis game is fantastic, from the amazing story, to the colorful characters, to the obviously dated but still fun gameplay. This game stands as a gem in the PSP's library, and is a fantastic entry in the Persona series. The story completely pulled me in, there was just something gripping and amazing about this game. Another thing that I loved about this game is it's soundtrack. This game has an amazing....AMAZING soundtrack!

    Overall this game gets a 9.5/10, amazing story and soundtrack, though the gameplay does hold it back a little bit.    … Expand
  9. defunct32
    Nov 19, 2011
    8
    Even after all these years this game has never lost its charm for me, I did played it on the PSOne and thoroughly enjoyed it back then. With the PSP released P2 has been given a face-lift and many minor improvements, the only problem that many people seems to be unhappy about are the long dungeons + high encounter rate but it's not exactly a bad thing the battle are fast-paced (in myEven after all these years this game has never lost its charm for me, I did played it on the PSOne and thoroughly enjoyed it back then. With the PSP released P2 has been given a face-lift and many minor improvements, the only problem that many people seems to be unhappy about are the long dungeons + high encounter rate but it's not exactly a bad thing the battle are fast-paced (in my opinion) and the dungeons are challenging although a bit trying at time. If you like Persona 1 for the PSP you may like this.… Expand
  10. rixi
    Nov 1, 2011
    10
    Its a great game.Its been criticised for its high battle rate,but its necessary because you have to battle for experience and negotiate to obtain new personas.I don't think its aged at all,the same way i don't think FFVIII(for example) its aged,a great game will always be a great game even if its for psone or for NES.
  11. BasilZero
    Nov 24, 2011
    8
    Atlus brings the never before released outside of Japan Persona 2 Innocent Sin to the whole world! Enjoy this cult classic game that has a storyline that involves spirits, demons, gods, goddesses, aliens and even the Nazis! Amazing Storyline, gorgeous music and a unique gameplay system, although some players might get shy away from this game due to its heightened difficulty and horrendousAtlus brings the never before released outside of Japan Persona 2 Innocent Sin to the whole world! Enjoy this cult classic game that has a storyline that involves spirits, demons, gods, goddesses, aliens and even the Nazis! Amazing Storyline, gorgeous music and a unique gameplay system, although some players might get shy away from this game due to its heightened difficulty and horrendous encounter rate. Regardless, if you are a hardcore RPG gamer or a huge fan of the Altus/Persona series, than this game is recommended to get right now!… Expand
  12. TheNotuJP
    Apr 11, 2013
    10
    Simply put, the best persona game ever made, better then eternal punishment. better then persona 3 or 4, and better then the first one. Amazing music (There's a remade soundtrack but the original is better), AMAZING characters, this game probably has the best characters in any persona game, the persona 2 duology is the peek of the persona series, BUY THIS!
  13. smerickson89
    Mar 25, 2015
    9
    It's great. A bit different from 3 & 4 (I assume most people will be moving backwards from there). It draws on the earlier non-persona entries where you "talk" with the creatures if you so choose. It also doesn't have the day by day high school sim thing. The story and characters are fantastic. Everyone seems to say the gameplay is dated but I love it; classic turned based. I will say thatIt's great. A bit different from 3 & 4 (I assume most people will be moving backwards from there). It draws on the earlier non-persona entries where you "talk" with the creatures if you so choose. It also doesn't have the day by day high school sim thing. The story and characters are fantastic. Everyone seems to say the gameplay is dated but I love it; classic turned based. I will say that it's way too easy though. Even on the hardest difficulty setting. It has the same Shoji Meguro as the composer, and it gives the in-game option to change between the original score and more modern scores.… Expand
  14. midipon
    Apr 26, 2014
    9
    The best Persona game.

    You'll probably get sick of the frequent random encounters even if you don't have a thing against random encounters, but the goofy storyline (if only Hitler wasn't there to kill the mood) and great characters (best in the series) pull it through. You'll likely put the game down for a few days or so every few days or so because you'll be burned out on random    The best Persona game.

    You'll probably get sick of the frequent random encounters even if you don't have a thing against random encounters, but the goofy storyline (if only Hitler wasn't there to kill the mood) and great characters (best in the series) pull it through. You'll likely put the game down for a few days or so every few days or so because you'll be burned out on random encounters, but as long as you don't power through it it's a great experience.    … Expand
  15. SexyTractorDsco
    Nov 20, 2018
    10
    My 2nd favourite game in the Persona series after 3. A great re-release of a masterpiece. Shame we never got the PSP version of Eternal Punishment tho.
  16. LilyLocke
    Nov 16, 2018
    10
    It's ridiculous this and the Person 1 for the psp are so negatively reviewed. This is basically a PORT of an OLD game. It's not a re-imagining in the style of Person 3-5 like I think most people apparently are expecting and then become butthurt. It hurts me to see such an amazing JRPG treated so badly. I recommend a play and an open mind for both Persona 1 and 2. They are truly a great ride!
  17. INU4SH4
    Jun 23, 2020
    8
    Persona 2 Innocent Sin is a game with a fantastic story, in fact, it's my favorite story in the sub-series so far. The party members' personalities aren't very interesting at first, but later on, it becomes clear that they are characters with interesting motivations and all share a dark past relevant to the narrative. Another strong point about P2 is its soundtrack. Just like in the otherPersona 2 Innocent Sin is a game with a fantastic story, in fact, it's my favorite story in the sub-series so far. The party members' personalities aren't very interesting at first, but later on, it becomes clear that they are characters with interesting motivations and all share a dark past relevant to the narrative. Another strong point about P2 is its soundtrack. Just like in the other Persona games the music is bliss. There was not much voice-acting but it sounded great when there actually was there.

    Now for the cons. unfortunately the gameplay does not live to the brilliant story. It was actually the worst when I look back at every other SMT/Persona game I played so far. the encounter rate was terrible, the fights dragged a lot and there were too many elements/ailments. It took a long time to get used to its very sluggish combat but that wasn't enough to ruin my enjoyment.

    Best Persona story, some great characters, good music, and visual presentation. If this port fixed its tedious gameplay, this could have been the best Persona game. Overall still a classic.    … Expand
  18. sofiaclyg
    Dec 23, 2020
    9
    After 21 years, of course the gameplay hasn’t aged well that’s why I’m rating it with a 9 out of 10. Personally I loved the gameplay mechanics and I wish they’d include some of them in the newer persona games, what irritated me the most and almost made me drop it was the enemy encounter rate which is pretty high (as expected of a 90s videogame) but what made me continue the game was theAfter 21 years, of course the gameplay hasn’t aged well that’s why I’m rating it with a 9 out of 10. Personally I loved the gameplay mechanics and I wish they’d include some of them in the newer persona games, what irritated me the most and almost made me drop it was the enemy encounter rate which is pretty high (as expected of a 90s videogame) but what made me continue the game was the amusing and interesting plot behind it as well as the amazing character writing that I consider one of the best ones from all the media I’ve ever consumed. In terms of writing overall, this is the best persona game with this aspect. Please play this game (and it’s continuation with Persona 2: Eternal Punishment) because it’s a hidden gem. It’s a bit more mature and Shin Megami Tensei-like than the other modern persona games and it doesn’t involve the social sim aspects but that’s what it makes it special. One of the best videogames I have ever played. I can’t recommend it enough.… Expand
  19. GoldenJeans
    Aug 25, 2020
    10
    TIme to talk about my favourite Persona game and probably favourite game of all time: Persona 2 Innocent Sin. This game has a ton of grinding but trust me if you can beat P3's dungeon you can easily do Persona 2's. Plot is better though.
  20. netero09
    Nov 30, 2021
    9
    Outdated gameplay? Yes, but is not as that you think for sure, yeah the combat system is not the best and change the fusions for summons may not sound good, but one you get the track to the combat and negotiations it can be really fun specially with dual attacks, but where this game shine is the story and characters and as someone that has play the entire saga and some other shin megamiOutdated gameplay? Yes, but is not as that you think for sure, yeah the combat system is not the best and change the fusions for summons may not sound good, but one you get the track to the combat and negotiations it can be really fun specially with dual attacks, but where this game shine is the story and characters and as someone that has play the entire saga and some other shin megami tensei games this is the best or one of the best, from amaizing characters develpment with some great personalitis that are constantly evolving and makes you care about them to have litterally the best characters of the entire saga, maya amano, and the story is similar with a natural progrresion and discovers with some flashbacks that change everyting, is a solid,mature and coherent story at his best… Expand
  21. XDanielol
    Oct 26, 2022
    10
    Amazing! After the first one, this was a total blast! The story, characters, gameplay, I loved everything about this entry. Perhaps some people may find it tedious at times, but the story and experience is worth your time.

Awards & Rankings

13
#13 Best PSP Game of 2011
3
#3 Most Discussed PSP Game of 2011
6
#6 Most Shared PSP Game of 2011

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 25 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 25
  3. Negative: 0 out of 25
  1. Play UK
    Jan 25, 2012
    65
    A rather tame experience. [Feb 2012, p.82]
  2. Games Master UK
    Dec 17, 2011
    76
    Old school JRPG with a few unique twists, strictly for genre fans. [Jan 2012, p.94]
  3. Playstation Official Magazine UK
    Dec 5, 2011
    80
    Persona 2 isn't for everyone. The esoteric style and ageing looks will see off many a curious gamer, but persevere through the niggles and you'll uncover a stylish, incredibly written, charismatic experience.
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