Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3 Portable

 PSP
User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 802 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 600 out of 802
  2. Mixed: 36 out of 802
  3. Negative: 166 out of 802
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  1. Ishikaze
    Dec 10, 2020
    9
    Persona 3 Portable is my favorite game in the PlayStation Portable and I can say that with all of my heart. I played this game right after finishing Persona 4 Golden and I set my expectations really high for this game. I am glad to say that it delivered really well. I found myself addicted again.

    The game gives you a dark narrative unlike the newer games, since this was the first    Persona 3 Portable is my favorite game in the PlayStation Portable and I can say that with all of my heart. I played this game right after finishing Persona 4 Golden and I set my expectations really high for this game. I am glad to say that it delivered really well. I found myself addicted again.

    The game gives you a dark narrative unlike the newer games, since this was the first installment in the franchise to have the social links and the slice of life elements making the game feel a little like the mainline series, Shin Megami Tensei. It surprises me how the gameplay still holds up really well even in this day and age, the combat is inferior to the newer installments in the franchise but it still never gets tedious and was always fun. The soundtrack in this game boozes a chilly feeling that will give you goosebumps, this was also the first time that Atlus decided to make songs as most of their background music and battle themes. I also love every character in this game especially the main ones, I really like how some of the characters had a persona before you making it feel like the new strong member rather than being than the leader right away.

    I also played the Female Character in the New Game+ and I was really blown away. The new soundtrack that changes the theme and the dark vibe to a cheerful vibe that the game has is absolutely amazing. I really like the number of details they added to this new option of character, while not being canon. The Female Character also has a new circle of friends a new set of romance options. Playing as the Female Protagonist doesn't feel like just changing the gender of the character but it feels like playing as another person as it both male and female protagonists feels and acts different.

    After replaying the game after many years, I would say that it never disappoints. Not a single bit.    … Expand
  2. vahn
    Nov 8, 2012
    9
    I was both excited and scared when this game got announced: I'm a HUGE fan of the persona series, with persona 3 being my most favorite rpg, and of course the hype got me and I was literally counting the days for its release. The things I heard the most were the obvious female protagonist and some other innovations, which I don't remember, but I was anyway gonna buy even if it was the sameI was both excited and scared when this game got announced: I'm a HUGE fan of the persona series, with persona 3 being my most favorite rpg, and of course the hype got me and I was literally counting the days for its release. The things I heard the most were the obvious female protagonist and some other innovations, which I don't remember, but I was anyway gonna buy even if it was the same exact game for the ps2. But I can clearly say, this is one of the best rpgs on the psp, if not THE best: the game not only is an improved version of the ps2 version, it also adds a "new" storyline with the female counterpart, meaning that the 2 stories, even if the same, are also different at the same time. The game is also very long (I finished in about 60-70 hours, 80+ with the secondary tasks and the additional fusions) which really strikes out considering that most of the rpgs on portable consoles aren't very long (unless you do the additonal stuff...of course). The combat is also very improved, basically taking the best parts from persona 4 (the possibility to control your members, for instance) and still remains one of the strong points of the game, together with the story. My only BIG complains are mostly 2: 1) the game has a very simplified interface outside the dungeon, meaning that you will NEVER control your character outside the dungeon, but only a cursor. I know that they did this in order to make more space for the game and luckily you will still see your characters during the dungeon exploration, and I'm ok with that, but it's going to take a while to get used to it. Luckily the navigation works perfectly: you can move easily anywhere by pressing the Square button (taken from persona 4) and the cursor is quite precise and works good. Overall, it's fine, just too bad that you'll basically never see your character(s) outside the dungeon, especially when there are a lot of costumes to unlock, Also, because of this, most of the cutscenes got cut as well. 2) NO FES! If this game had also Fes (the second part of the game, called "The Answer",that roughly lasts about 30 hours), this would be perfect, but unfortunely we only have few things from Fes (the possibility to choose different Stewards, some extra scenes, new persona, etc). Again, probably the lack of space made them cut the additional scenario, or else it would be perfect in all ways. And really, that's about it: the game is the same as the original, with a different interface, but with 2 very well detailed campaigns that aren't necessarily the same: they basically tell the same story with 2 different perspectives and, actually, it really encourages you play twice, doubling the hours and the ways to play the actual game. I personally recommend to try it out if you want a good rpg for your psp (it's a dungeon crawler RPG, the ideal for portable consoles) and even if there are some flaws (it can be slow if you don't install the game into your memory card) it still remains one of the best rpgs on the psp. Must try at all costs.… Expand
  3. Wingandwind
    Apr 18, 2020
    9
    This persona game is my favourite out of the persona series and honestly I think this is the best version of the game.

    The graphics were honestly outdated even when the game was new, with square, clunky models that most games haven’t used since the 90’s. The soundtrack however is probably my favourite video game soundtrack with everything from bouncy pop to powerful emotional orchestra    This persona game is my favourite out of the persona series and honestly I think this is the best version of the game.

    The graphics were honestly outdated even when the game was new, with square, clunky models that most games haven’t used since the 90’s. The soundtrack however is probably my favourite video game soundtrack with everything from bouncy pop to powerful emotional orchestra numbers.

    The battle system isn’t super complex and pretty clean, if you are familiar with Pokémon or other turn based battle you will pick it up very fast. It should be noted that it is a huge step up from the previous persona 2 and was a genuine and successful attempt to make the game better. However, it may come across as outdated to modern players. This version in particular has the option to play as a girl with different interaction, giving this version the best replay value.

    While the plot does have issues such as the game being so dark at times it is overbearing and villains that get very little development, is probably the best of the series with the strongest cast. Buy, rent, watch an LP, or skip? Buy if you can or beg Atlus to remake this game on a modern console.    … Expand
  4. Catsy
    Apr 30, 2013
    10
    Persona 3 Portable is a remake of the PS2 version of Persona 3. The story is about a group of students who enter a tower at their school which appears past midnight during an hour called the "Dark Hour". During the Dark Hour, shadows appear and wreak havoc. The team must destroy the strongest shadows and stop the Dark Hour for good.

    The remake of the game features a Female gender which    Persona 3 Portable is a remake of the PS2 version of Persona 3. The story is about a group of students who enter a tower at their school which appears past midnight during an hour called the "Dark Hour". During the Dark Hour, shadows appear and wreak havoc. The team must destroy the strongest shadows and stop the Dark Hour for good.

    The remake of the game features a Female gender which changes social links from people at school to the SEES members. She's also given a few romance options and her starting persona is coloured differently than the boy's.

    I really enjoyed P3P's story it was dark, serious, and much bigger than imagined. It really felt like a massive adventure by the end of the game, like I had spent my time well and not wasted it on a different JRPG.

    The characters of P3P are normal high school students. They are united by a common goal and also by their own struggles and challenges. SEES members live in a dorm together dedicated to investigating the Dark Hour, however, all of them have struggles with their parents. One has an alcoholic father, another's expects her to be a doctor like their other relatives. The pain of their memories unites them as a team.

    A bit of an upside is that their Personas evolve relating to the story, rather than making their social link max level.

    I also enjoyed the music of P3P. As it's a portable game, and a remake, the music selection is really just a rehash of the Persona 3 music. The soundtrack itself only comes with about 10 songs on it and even then, some of those are from the previous game. The songs in this also relate back to the story of the protagonist. The same goes with the opening animation.

    Combat... I really loved the combat. So much. I never played Persona 3, but in P3P, you are given the ability to take control of your team mates and use their skills instead of setting a fighting mode and hoping for the best. Team mates can also be separated and sent to explore other parts of the dungeon. Fighting alone or with one other character increases the amount of XP you'll get per battle. Team mates can even level up without you battling with them.

    So all-in-all, P3P is a good remake of the PS2 version of Persona 3 and gives veterans of the series a change to experience a different side of the story.    … Expand
  5. Welterweight426
    Jun 9, 2012
    10
    The PSP port of Persona 3 is both better and worse than the original. On one hand, it has more content and it streamlines some of the more awkward aspects of Persona 3, like equipment. However, the cutscenes and the map have been made slightly less active, so to speak. Cutscenes dont really exist in this game. There are moments where you have conversations but now you dont really see theThe PSP port of Persona 3 is both better and worse than the original. On one hand, it has more content and it streamlines some of the more awkward aspects of Persona 3, like equipment. However, the cutscenes and the map have been made slightly less active, so to speak. Cutscenes dont really exist in this game. There are moments where you have conversations but now you dont really see the conversation. You see a head pop up and hear the dialouge. Its a minute detail that does not take away from the game, though. Despite that minor flaw, Persona 3 Portable is still an amazing game.… Expand
  6. stako
    Feb 17, 2014
    10
    I've rarely been at a loss for words when it comes to opinions on video games, but now I find myself in the first time I don't know how or where to begin. So I will just start at the beggining. A lot of people I've known or followed talked about the Persona series and I got this game recommended to me at least 10 times before I actually tried it, and the sad thing is that I tried itI've rarely been at a loss for words when it comes to opinions on video games, but now I find myself in the first time I don't know how or where to begin. So I will just start at the beggining. A lot of people I've known or followed talked about the Persona series and I got this game recommended to me at least 10 times before I actually tried it, and the sad thing is that I tried it because I was bored and I had nothing to do - my Vita was busy being dusty in the corner, I had no time to play big PS3 games (Persona 3 turned out to be bigger than the usual PS3 game, but I didn't know that) so I just decided to try whatever I hadn't tried on my beloved PSP. I just started with 3, because I didn't have any of the other ones, and frankly - it had the best review scores, so that was enough for me. I went in with a negative mindset - I'm not a big fan of JRPGs, neither am I a fan of long games or grinding. To me - a five hour polished story mode is all that is required. This game had three crucial parts to it that made me understand that it is a masterpiece. And I most certainly had no idea that this game will become my favorite game of all time. First crucial part: The intro - shocking and unexpected.
    P3 made a wonderful transition to the PSP. Some complain that most cutscenes are just voiceovers and portraits, but I liked that. I'm usually not a fan of weird japanese designs, but this game made me love its direction, because of two main reasons: it was faithful to it's own source material, meaning the abundance of other Shin Megami Tensei games, and because it was all done in real style with lots of polish that very few games ever achieve.
    Second up is the soundtrack. I have to be honest, at first I hated it. 10 hours in - I was singing along with it, and I had it on my MP3 player, and I still listen to it. It's an amazing soundtrack and a great example of what soundtracks can be - a very well done variant of sorts, because it does tell you how to feel, but it also escapes steriotypes, like the battle music having to be thrilling or scary. Also, the game is almost fully voice-overed in english - props!
    The gameplay is the best JRPG gameplay I've seen. I felt I had control in all the right places. The game knew exactly where the weak points of the JRPG genre are, and it made sure to tell me "Listen dude, this is stupid, so here is what you can do to make it fun and fluid". This is the first JRPG in which I've had actual fun with, but you have to play it to understand why.
    Lastly, and most importantly for me - the story. I have to admit here - I'm a sucker for high-school anime drama. But even at that, the story of Persona 3 really delves with some actual issues. I went in this expecting a silly and overexposed story, but it was surprisingly quite mature, as stated by the intro sequence, going to places that even mature games don't go. This game even may teach the player some things, if they are willing to learn, there is even a slight hint of symbolism in it, which I loved. Ofcourse, to some folks it's common knowledge - to me it was, but it didn't ruin the experience for me what so ever. I've never felt so attached to video game characters in my life - to movie characters - yeah, to book characters - absolutely, but to a video game? Never. But towards the ending of this game I felt that I was my protagonist - the people in the game were my friends and the game made sure that I care for them, and I really did. Second important reason prooving game is a masterpiece - it gives you multiple reasons on multiple levels to care about it's characters. From the little things like their AI not sucking during battle, to the big ones, like them actually having personality and developement throughout the story. Truth be told, I actually miss the characters now, and the memories of the Persona 3 story are also memories of my own, though that may sound farfetched. The story of the game itself isn't anything special when you think about it. In this case it's not so much about literal content - it's about pacing and the way the story is told - by making you feel you are an actual part of it and your actions cause actual consequences to the world, that the game tries it's best to make you a part of and for the most part - succeeds. I'm not saying it will work with everyone, I'm saying that it's very masterfully done. The last crucial proof point of this game is the ending. It's one of the most well-executed endings in gaming history and I loved it. And frankly - I didn't want it to end. I wasn't ready.
    In conclusion, I think the PSP edition is the deffinitve edition. This game is made for portable handhelds. But forget about that - I've never played a game as polished and well-constructed as this. No game has ever managed to keep me entartained for more than 10 hours - I'm not a patient man. And I've, personally, found enough reasons in this game to call it my favorite game. It comes highly recommended from me to everyone.    … Expand
  7. ryohji
    Aug 14, 2014
    9
    How do you know that you really like a game? It's when despite taking up to 70 hour per run you still start a new game (plus) as soon as you finished it. And that is what I did... three times! But why is that games so addictive and so good?
    The personas that you invoke through fusions of parents personas and after looting shadows (the monsters you fight). It will takes you hours to find    How do you know that you really like a game? It's when despite taking up to 70 hour per run you still start a new game (plus) as soon as you finished it. And that is what I did... three times! But why is that games so addictive and so good?
    The personas that you invoke through fusions of parents personas and after looting shadows (the monsters you fight). It will takes you hours to find the fusions that suits you.
    The combats, based on elemental strengths and weaknesses, are really enjoyable, making you planning your roster of Personas to better serves your group.
    The characters are really attaching, despite some over used tropes. And this is a really good point since you need to develop social links with them. These links will allow you to boost the persona you fuse and to obtains the fusions of some of the most powerful personas of the game.
    The story is classic but good, better than most JRPGs.
    P3P Strongest point is, like many many Atlus games, the design. It is very original, not the classic "anime style" thanks to Shigenori Soejima's style. The personas, however are designed by Kazuma Kaneko who is the main artist on The Megami Tensei games from which the Persona games are spin-off's. The menu's design and simple colour scheme (shades of blue with the male protagoniste, cliché shades of pink with the femal protagonist) and the really good sound track achieve to make this games aging very well despite the PS2 era models and textures. But that is ok on a small PSP/Vita screen.
    To cut it short and despite it flaws ( it's just a polished, cut-scene-free, extra story-free version of Persona 3 FES for handheld consoles) it's a game to have if you haven't played the PS2 versions of one of the best JRPGs ever made with a exciting new game+ as a Femal character with new dialogues, new S links and an introduction to Persona 4 and Catherine. To my humble point of view, it is only topped by P4 The Golden... until Atlus release Persona 5.    … Expand
  8. ashketchum
    Jun 25, 2017
    10
    Persona 3 Portable is a fantastic game. It is a port of the original PS2 game. I would say that it is one of the foremost games of both the RPG and simulation genres. It has a charmingly unique art style, great but simple game mechanics as well as it's own distinct style. It has a fitting soundtrack, with several memorable pieces, and one of the most balanced difficulty curves in any gamePersona 3 Portable is a fantastic game. It is a port of the original PS2 game. I would say that it is one of the foremost games of both the RPG and simulation genres. It has a charmingly unique art style, great but simple game mechanics as well as it's own distinct style. It has a fitting soundtrack, with several memorable pieces, and one of the most balanced difficulty curves in any game I've played. However, the dungeon sections of the game get repetitive after a while, and they require minimal strategy compared to many other RPGs, though the designs of the dungeons are quite imaginative. The pros vastly outweigh the cons, though, and in the end, P3P was one of the most unique and memorable gaming experiences I have had.… Expand
  9. JonSnow05
    Jan 13, 2019
    9
    Persona 3 Portable es una version ligera del juego PS2. Los entornos 3D ya no estaran, en su lugar nos moveremos por una imagen del lugar y las personas están mostradas como iconos. Los unicos entornos 3D están en la mazmorra y en los combates.
    Quizá para cierta gente que jugo a la versión de PS2 no les guste pero trae una serie de mejoras a las mecánicas y puedes controlar directamente a    Persona 3 Portable es una version ligera del juego PS2. Los entornos 3D ya no estaran, en su lugar nos moveremos por una imagen del lugar y las personas están mostradas como iconos. Los unicos entornos 3D están en la mazmorra y en los combates.
    Quizá para cierta gente que jugo a la versión de PS2 no les guste pero trae una serie de mejoras a las mecánicas y puedes controlar directamente a tus compañeros.
    Totalmente recomendado.    … Expand
  10. GGTTW
    Mar 2, 2020
    8
    В целом. Игра подарила мне воспоминания которые останутся со мной на долго. Игра стоит того чтобы пройти её, однако временами она может показаться утомительной и нужно ещё учитывать, что на её прохождение у вас отнимется 100+ часов. Но игра явно не для всех игроков, лично я, прошёл её с удовольствием, и однажды хочу взяться пройти её на максимальной сложностиВ целом. Игра подарила мне воспоминания которые останутся со мной на долго. Игра стоит того чтобы пройти её, однако временами она может показаться утомительной и нужно ещё учитывать, что на её прохождение у вас отнимется 100+ часов. Но игра явно не для всех игроков, лично я, прошёл её с удовольствием, и однажды хочу взяться пройти её на максимальной сложности
  11. JRPGDIE
    Dec 17, 2020
    10
    This is a fantastic JRPG that anyone will like, couldn't recommend it enough
  12. JasonTran
    Feb 7, 2022
    0
    **** masterpiece.The opening is fkin great.The combat system is far superior than that of the ps 2 version.The story is captivating.This game is so good that i spent all of my time playing it instead of prepairing for my highschool entrance exam.Im glad to say that im proud to say that i failed getting into my dream highschool,for i was to play this masterpiece
  13. chess101
    Sep 2, 2010
    10
    THE PROS: great story line,solid game controls,graphics are great for a port both handheld and the composite cable on my 46" HD T.V look good,the game gives you a choice which affects the outcome of the story line, Long game play I have found some replayability in this game that can't be found in any other RPG,and the best con is if you decide to challenge levals that don't really provideTHE PROS: great story line,solid game controls,graphics are great for a port both handheld and the composite cable on my 46" HD T.V look good,the game gives you a choice which affects the outcome of the story line, Long game play I have found some replayability in this game that can't be found in any other RPG,and the best con is if you decide to challenge levals that don't really provide a challenge in order to rank up "death will be your challenge".
    THE CONS:you have to fight the same monsters over and over again (I do have to say this atleast the monsters do leval up which can surprise you and that I like)
    CONCLUSION: I love this game and it is the first one that I can"t seem to put down! (I have 56 games for my PSP GO) and this one has kept me playing at an addictive leval more than all the rest combined    … Expand
  14. MKAUS
    Oct 17, 2010
    10
    My favourite PSP game yet, coming on the tail of Metal Gear and Kingdom Hearts (both of which I loved) that is a big call. I cannot recommend this game enough to RPG fans there has been proper care taken to make this PSP version as addictive and fun as the PS2 releases without making it feel watered down, and in my opinion it is the best version of all three.
  15. MyNameIsNobody
    Aug 30, 2010
    8
    A great port of a classic RPG, Persona 3 Portable boils Persona 3 down to its essence: a romance/adventure sim coupled with the familiar gameplay of the Shin Megami Tensei series. By changing the story sequences from a free-roaming 3D environment to the traditional visual-novel format, Atlus has allowed PSP players to experience Persona 3 in full, while adding several new scenes, theA great port of a classic RPG, Persona 3 Portable boils Persona 3 down to its essence: a romance/adventure sim coupled with the familiar gameplay of the Shin Megami Tensei series. By changing the story sequences from a free-roaming 3D environment to the traditional visual-novel format, Atlus has allowed PSP players to experience Persona 3 in full, while adding several new scenes, the option to play as a female, and reducing tedium to a minimum. Great for fans of the original game, or for those new to the series.… Expand
  16. VeryCutePanda
    Sep 11, 2010
    9
    P3P managed to fix the flaw from P3 and FES, but in order to maintain a quality gameplay they sacrifice they cutscenes, not that it was great graphics to begin with but it just makes me felt like they come short a little. The freedom to play as a girl (slight different in plot but huge different in social links) is a plus and they got rid of the annoying status indicator. Put it shortly,P3P managed to fix the flaw from P3 and FES, but in order to maintain a quality gameplay they sacrifice they cutscenes, not that it was great graphics to begin with but it just makes me felt like they come short a little. The freedom to play as a girl (slight different in plot but huge different in social links) is a plus and they got rid of the annoying status indicator. Put it shortly, it's a must for those who love P3 and those who're willing to give this series a try... just be more accepting that there's no more free roaming and cut scenes.… Expand
  17. EvillyAffable
    Nov 9, 2010
    9
    Persona 3 Portable is basically a stripped down Persona 3 FES with added portability and a female main character. It's also the sole reason why my PSP isn't gathering dust.
    The battle system underwent a complete overhaul, now being more reminiscent of Persona 4 than its predecessor. This means that you can fully control your party, which is a very welcome addition. Mitsuru is actually    Persona 3 Portable is basically a stripped down Persona 3 FES with added portability and a female main character. It's also the sole reason why my PSP isn't gathering dust.
    The battle system underwent a complete overhaul, now being more reminiscent of Persona 4 than its predecessor. This means that you can fully control your party, which is a very welcome addition. Mitsuru is actually useful now!
    The game is just as long as it was on PS2, clocking at around 70 to 80 hours on average. The additional Social Links and story events featured in the female path made the game feel just as fresh and new as when I played it for the first time on PS2, and this downscaled offering definitely survives multiple playthroughs.
    I recommend this to anyone who enjoys JRPGs, regardless of whether or not they've already played a previous version of Persona 3, which I have. This is essential! You mustn't miss this! You mustn't!    … Expand
  18. iamtrent424
    Feb 10, 2011
    9
    Very fun game. I love this game its so fun. The gameplay is just right. I never played any Shin Megami Tensei games until this one. This is one of psp best games of ever. The graphics is just right for a console game, Playing this game make it feel like you living in an anime series. I think everybody who has a psp should most definitely this game it is worth getting. At first this gameVery fun game. I love this game its so fun. The gameplay is just right. I never played any Shin Megami Tensei games until this one. This is one of psp best games of ever. The graphics is just right for a console game, Playing this game make it feel like you living in an anime series. I think everybody who has a psp should most definitely this game it is worth getting. At first this game looking so bored to me. Then I started playing it . Very awesome story to the game. I recommend this game. A excellent role playing action game.… Expand
  19. JRPG_fan
    Jan 25, 2011
    10
    one of my favourite JRPG and the best I have played on PSP, storyline is what I am after and this one delivers, big fan of the SMT series and for the moment they have only gotten better hope that cathrine will bring us some new surprises as well :)
  20. rossbr
    Jan 27, 2011
    10
    This was one of my favourite game on PS2. The PSP version is even better. The new campaign is great as are some of the new features. Definitely worth getting if you enjoyed the PS2 version.
  21. REiS9
    Mar 19, 2011
    9
    The game play is really fun, there seemed to be a lot more strategy needed than most would think.
    The story line to this was actually quite impressive; a little cheesy; but good.
    I love the various of choices you get. You also get to communicate with your friends and other things as well. The problem is though; I did find myself in the dungeon.. A lot. A lot more often than I assume the    The game play is really fun, there seemed to be a lot more strategy needed than most would think.
    The story line to this was actually quite impressive; a little cheesy; but good.
    I love the various of choices you get. You also get to communicate with your friends and other things as well.
    The problem is though; I did find myself in the dungeon.. A lot. A lot more often than I assume the average person is needed.
    And for Leonix7791. It's a turn base game. Did you expect some fast paced game? I do agree with you though; the voice acting could have worked out a little better.
    But really other than that; this game is just beautiful.    … Expand
  22. Dezuuu
    Apr 4, 2012
    7
    Persona 3 Portable is obviously inferior to the original, but still looks and plays very good on the PSP. Combat is simple, characters are original and interesting, but the battles are still repetitive and get boring after a while.

    Fun to play from time to time, a solid JRPG.
  23. Frioniel
    Jun 6, 2013
    10
    P3P being the portable version of Persona 3 is a underrated masterpiece. There are many draws in the game, the main ones being story and characters. But the anime style and clearly Japanese soundtrack are great too.

    Gameplay is really fun, this version has the unique One more! battle system where if you attack a monster with it's weakness you get to attack again. But the monsters get    P3P being the portable version of Persona 3 is a underrated masterpiece. There are many draws in the game, the main ones being story and characters. But the anime style and clearly Japanese soundtrack are great too.

    Gameplay is really fun, this version has the unique One more! battle system where if you attack a monster with it's weakness you get to attack again. But the monsters get the same advantage if they attack you with one of your weakness'. It feels a little like you're cheating because you can wipe out the enemy before they ever even get the chance to move if you know what you're doing, it's a lot of fun once you get it down, it becomes almost like a rhythm

    This version also makes it easier to play in shorter bursts and adds the female protagonist which really does change things up. All this comes at the cost of the 3d world beautiful cut-scenes and the 20 hour story epilogue "The Answer", so what version to get should be determined by what system you have more than anything.

    Voice acting is some of the best in the business, and the character design is amazing especially if you like anime, I highly recommend the artbook to go along with it, the huge soundtrack is worth getting aswell

    The story is very dark (even the color scheme was made to reflect this) and will probably make you cry (I sure did). Finally one of the coolest aspects is that you have to commit pseudo suicide to summon your persona, each character has a different way of doing it and even after hundreds of hours it never gets old.

    If you like JRPGS and/or anime or just a game with great all around everything then get this, you won't be disappointed    … Expand
  24. Steeldude
    Oct 13, 2014
    6
    The great potential of this game - the simulation of a life of a school kid and the bonds he forms with others - is totally ruined by the level of boredom and tedoiusness that you'll feel while doing the 250+ floors of Tartarus, one of the worst randomly generated dungeons I've ever encountered in a video game. The enemies are color swaps and the whole gameplay just revolves around knowingThe great potential of this game - the simulation of a life of a school kid and the bonds he forms with others - is totally ruined by the level of boredom and tedoiusness that you'll feel while doing the 250+ floors of Tartarus, one of the worst randomly generated dungeons I've ever encountered in a video game. The enemies are color swaps and the whole gameplay just revolves around knowing an effective attack and doing a combo attack afterwards, thus requiring zero strategy. The story itself is nothing special.

    The best part of this game are simply the interactions with others, however, they are constantly interrupted by the super boring dungeon parts. Unfortunately, the whole game suffers due to this.    … Expand
  25. Foxtina
    Jan 5, 2018
    7
    It felt like I had played a small portion of the original game. No good scenes, no anime videos, some OST's are gone as well. Gameplay is repetitive, going to Tartarus over and over again felt like a chore. I chose this version because of a female protagonist and I slightly regretting it.
  26. Gamingking007
    Aug 10, 2012
    9
    This is officially the best psp game I have ever played!!!shin megami is a genius!!!simply beautiful and my heart was so touched by its beauty!Thank you guys for making this game! I can't wait for persona 4!!!
  27. martizo
    Sep 26, 2020
    0
    the only reason for not give 10/10 is because in the final levels of the game, the repetitive gameplay is tiring, aside that, this game is a art piece, is stand behind of the original ps2 but this port is not bad at all, for newcomers is the perfect entrance in j-rpg games. the story and in special the music is something you can remember in the instant you hearit don't matter how many years pass.
  28. midipon
    Apr 26, 2014
    4
    As I've never played the other versions of this game before, I won't talk about the merit of P3P over FES or the vanilla version. That being said, the characters are hard to like, the story and the dungeon are repetitive, and the music/presentation is atrocious! Thankfully this version of the game cuts out most travel time with it's point-and-click map system, but the colors are drab andAs I've never played the other versions of this game before, I won't talk about the merit of P3P over FES or the vanilla version. That being said, the characters are hard to like, the story and the dungeon are repetitive, and the music/presentation is atrocious! Thankfully this version of the game cuts out most travel time with it's point-and-click map system, but the colors are drab and the music when taking the male path is just flat out BAD. The only saving graces are the fairly entertaining battle system and the social links you can make with non-party members. But even the S.Links can't be too good! You HAVE to have a romantic relationship with S.Links of the opposite genders. At least they don't get jealous and break the links in this version of the game.

    And even the battle system begs to have a menu where you can see who gets turns when. You can press a button to see who goes next, but that doesn't help much in the grand scheme of things, and the boss battles are boring as all hell since they are SO repetitive and become too easy after the first few in-game months. Not to mention you get a game over whenever the main character dies and the other characters can hardly hold a flame to his/her versatility and usefulness.

    However; this IS probably the best version of the game. You can choose your gender, the story tacked onto the end of the FES version is gone, and the battle is made to be less frustrating and more streamlined.

    It's a fun game, but it's hugely overrated.    … Expand
  29. AzurealZX
    Apr 14, 2017
    3
    I expected something better for all of the hype this really average franchise gets.

    All characters were boring anime archetypes with no flavor of their own. The story was an extremely generic premise that flows in the typical Japanese way of story telling like Light Novels. Tartarus, the main gameplay feature was fun at first but as you progress in the tower, it becomes more and    I expected something better for all of the hype this really average franchise gets.

    All characters were boring anime archetypes with no flavor of their own.
    The story was an extremely generic premise that flows in the typical Japanese way of story telling like Light Novels.

    Tartarus, the main gameplay feature was fun at first but as you progress in the tower, it becomes more and more tedious by the second. In the end, I forced myself to complete the game.

    Bosses have a terrible gameplay design, for example the ones under the Millitary base, you have to kill the 2 bosses in the exact same turn or the one that wasn't killed will revive the other one ON FULL HP. No, they don't warn you about that, they never tell you about it until the first revive happens.

    One of the bosses even relies COMPLETELY ON LUCK. That's bad game design.
    He uses a move that spawns a roulette in front of you and you spin it and stop it.
    Whether you damage him for some small amount or he 2-3 shots you, that's up to luck.
    Whether you get debuffed or he gets debuffed, that's up to you..
    Oh, did I say that there' s another boss fighting besides that guy? Yeah, 2 enemies at the same time.
    Not only you have to rely on luck but you also must simultaniously fend off that other guy who has an attack that can one shot you if you have an Ice based Persona. or leave you barely alive on about 30 hp if you don't.

    The whole game is riddled with badly designed bosses and the pacing of the story is bad. A story sequence happens and you're left with a whole month of free time before the next one.
    Either you grind which is boring, or do Social Links, which are just unfleshed dialogues that get the other characters attached to you. The characters seem to start loving you way too quickly. You go and say hi and you already got a girlfriend... (It's an over exaggerated example, chill.)

    One good thing about P3P is that there is at least fast travel and no pointless walking.    … Expand
  30. SheriffPete
    Aug 25, 2010
    9
    This does take a bit of time to get going but it is hands down the best RPG I have played for the PSP. Leonix7791 is right, it is a bit slower than the usual RPG but the style and characters are so well done that the slow pace only accentuates how good this game is. The only thing really lacking is the inability to free roam and the 2d dialogue and "cut" scenes . This is probably due toThis does take a bit of time to get going but it is hands down the best RPG I have played for the PSP. Leonix7791 is right, it is a bit slower than the usual RPG but the style and characters are so well done that the slow pace only accentuates how good this game is. The only thing really lacking is the inability to free roam and the 2d dialogue and "cut" scenes . This is probably due to the limted memory of the UMD.

    I played the first one for the PSP and found it repetitive and flat. This one on the other hand is the work of a development team who konws what they are doing and pull it off with real panache. If you are looking for an RPG a bit different from the norm you should give it a try, particularly if you like Magna. Only problem is that you may find it hard to go back to the typical D and D flavour of virtually every other RPG franchise out there once you've given this a try.
    Fantastic, charming and completely engrossing.    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

1
#1 Best PSP Game of 2010
2
#2 Most Discussed PSP Game of 2010
3
#3 Most Shared PSP Game of 2010

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
89

Generally favorable reviews - based on 40 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 40 out of 40
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 40
  3. Negative: 0 out of 40
  1. Games Master UK
    Jul 8, 2011
    83
    Minus the original cutscenes and Iwatodai's open world, P3P is still a classic RPG oddity. [Aug 2011, p.81]
  2. games(TM)
    Jul 3, 2011
    90
    Magnificent. [Issue#110, p.133]
  3. Play UK
    Jun 26, 2011
    78
    The story is absolute bobbins. [Issue#206, p.92]
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