Persona 3 - Best Version?

[Dougtron]

I love the Shin Megami Tensei games but sadly I never got around to playing much of the Persona series aside from the first few hours of Persona 2: Inncocent Sin when the the translation was released. I'm looking to play Persona 3 but I'm not sure whether I should play the PS2 FES version or the PSP version. I've heard they both have their merits. Any recommendations?

[noiseredux]

so weird. I was going to start a similar thread. I don't have any of the Persona games right now, and wondering if I should get the PS1/PS2 titles like I planned, or the newer PSP games. Was wondering what the significant differences were? And I think most of them on PSP come with soundtracks, right?

[MrPopo]

Let me iterate out how I think you should go for each title:

Persona 1 - PSP, no question. The original PS1 release got pretty chopped up in localization, including the removal of a huge sidequest.

Persona 2 - Tentatively PSP. The difference between the PS1 and PSP releases are small; the PSP release includes an alternate soundtrack (but you can still listen to the original tunes) but right now only Innocent Sin has been localized. On the flip side, if you want to go PS1 then you need to use the fan translation of Innocent Sin. If Atlus does localize Eternal Punishment then I'd say go PSP all the way. If not then it's up to you; I don't know if there's a transferred save bonus, but if there is you'd want both to be on the same platform.

Persona 3 - This is a complex one. It's between Persona 3 Portable and Persona 3 FES. Each is superior to the original release, but in different ways. Both of them include an additional social link and a reorganization of the social links so you don't have to follow quite as exact a path to max all S.Links in one playthrough. FES includes The Answer, which is a 20 hour after-quest that is essentially just a bunch of Tartarus-style dungeon diving. There's no S.Links and no compendium and the bosses have more refined tactics, so on the whole it's harder than the main game. Portable does not include The Answer but does have the option of using a female main character. This changes up most of the social links and alters most of the ones that stay (only hanged man, devil, and sun are essentially unchanged between the two versions iirc). Additionally, you get the Persona 4 combat system and party member bonuses, which means you can fully control your party members and as you level up their S.Links they gain some in battle benefits, like taking a fatal hit for you. Personally I'd probably recommend Portable, as The Answer isn't that strong of additional content, while the improved battle system and FeMC in Portable are.

Persona 4 - It looks like The Golden on Vita will be the superior version.

[BoneSnapDeez]

It's worth noting that 1/2 for the PlayStation will cost you some serious dough.

I'm interested in trying the first two as well. I've tried to get into 3/4, but just couldn't. Think it might be wise to back up and start at the beginning.

[MrPopo]

It's worth noting that 1/2 for the PlayStation will cost you some serious dough.

I'm interested in trying the first two as well. I've tried to get into 3/4, but just couldn't. Think it might be wise to back up and start at the beginning.

Gameplay-wise 1/2 are pretty divorced from 3/4. I'm not sure playing from the beginning will increase your appreciation of 3/4. I'd be curious to hear why you couldn't get in to 3/4.

[J T]

Get whatever's affordable and available. They are all good.

[isiolia]

It's worth noting that 1/2 for the PlayStation will cost you some serious dough.

I'm interested in trying the first two as well. I've tried to get into 3/4, but just couldn't. Think it might be wise to back up and start at the beginning.

Gameplay-wise 1/2 are pretty divorced from 3/4. I'm not sure playing from the beginning will increase your appreciation of 3/4. I'd be curious to hear why you couldn't get in to 3/4.

While I've never really delved into them, I have Eternal Punishment that I bought when it was a new release. A friend of mine that adored 3 and 4 has tried playing my copy a couple times and quit out of frustration/boredom. From what I gather, 3 (and on) actually add a fair bit of convenience and accessibility.

[BoneSnapDeez]

It's worth noting that 1/2 for the PlayStation will cost you some serious dough.

I'm interested in trying the first two as well. I've tried to get into 3/4, but just couldn't. Think it might be wise to back up and start at the beginning.

Gameplay-wise 1/2 are pretty divorced from 3/4. I'm not sure playing from the beginning will increase your appreciation of 3/4. I'd be curious to hear why you couldn't get in to 3/4.

They're well designed games. Overall I like them (and own both), I just don't have the time or patience to play such long and complex RPGs these days. Give me something short and simple with Final Fantasy/Dragon Quest menus and I'm perfectly happy.

I do enjoy the Megami Tensei overall, with Revelations: The Demon Slayer being my favorite.

[Zevin_Mars]

It's worth noting that 1/2 for the PlayStation will cost you some serious dough.

I'm interested in trying the first two as well. I've tried to get into 3/4, but just couldn't. Think it might be wise to back up and start at the beginning.

Person 2: Eternal Punishment on the PS1 has been dropping in price over the last few years, I remember I first heard about the game in Official Playstation Magazine's top 200 PS1/PS2 games of all time list (really not a bad list either). Back then copies went for double what they're going for now. Keep an eye out and you might snag one for $35 like I did.

[Erik_Twice]

Additionally, you get the Persona 4 combat system and party member bonuses, which means you can fully control your party members

That is already included in Persona 3 FES.


Protip: All girls team in P3 fails, cover your elemental weakness