In Japan, the JRPG series Persona has been popular since the first installment. Revelations: Person very popular. Originally, the game was just a spin-off of the one that had existed since 1992. Shin Megami Tensei-series. Both series exist in parallel today and share some features and ideas. With 3 person and 4 person Atlus and Sega then celebrated their first major successes with the series in the so-called West. 5 person and especially the extended version Person 5 Royal However, they brought about the final breakthrough; the latter is considered one of the best JRPGs ever and is at the top of many top lists.
The developers now want to capitalize on this success and are bringing it with them Persona 3 Portable and 4 Golden Person Two older titles have been remastered for PS4 and PS5. We were able to take a look at both games, which were released on January 19.1th. In this review, we'll briefly introduce both titles, give an overview of the improvements, and tell you who will benefit from these remasters.
Persona 3 Portable
Persona 3 was the series' first foray onto the PS2. However, this remaster is based on Persona 3 Portable, released a few years later and developed for the PSP. Besides new content, this version also includes some adjustments for the PSP's handheld hardware. It's not entirely clear why Atlus didn't use Persona 3 FES as a base, which was a kind of director's cut of the original. Persona 3 Portable plays somewhat more like a visual novel, even though the combat system remains fun.
Compared to Persona 4 and Persona 5, the third installment is significantly darker overall. The Shin Megami Tensei roots are even more apparent. True to the series, you play a high school student spending an exchange year in your hometown. You quickly discover that you can summon a Persona and fight with it. In fact, there are several Persona users, and disguised as a school club, you explore Tartarus, which opens every night after midnight.
Besides the dungeon-like levels, you also have to manage everyday life and build relationships with your classmates and other characters. This strengthens your social skills, which in turn improve your Persona. Tartarus is largely randomly generated, while the fancy palaces from 5 person So you'll search in vain here.
4 Golden Person
4 Golden Person is the PS Vita version of 4 personThis version offers some new content but isn't technically limited. The PS Vita was significantly more advanced technically than the PSP, which is why there were no problems. Overall, the game is a bit more lighthearted and fun than its predecessor, but the basic concept is, of course, very similar.
This time we're heading out to the countryside, to a sleepy little town. A mysterious series of murders shatters the idyllic peace, however, and you quickly realize that they're connected to a midnight television show. Through the TV, you can then enter a parallel world, where, of course, you'll once again be reliant on your Persona.
4 Golden Person is already closer to 5 person It's clear that the developers have finally found their groove, the one that would lead to the acclaimed sequel. The story is more of a focus, and both the combat and daily life planning are somewhat smoother than in P3P.
This is what's included in the remaster
In terms of content, there are no changes to the originals, and Atlus hasn't really overreached technically either. Sure, the games look better than before with a smooth 60 fps and HD resolution, but these improvements can't really hide their technical limitations. The menus and animations, in particular, do look a bit dated. On the other hand, the almost complete elimination of loading times on the PS5 is a real boon. It's simply very pleasant not having to wait every time you change locations.
Who are the new editions suitable for?
