Persona PSP good and bad

[Tsuko]

I played the Japanese version of Persona PSP, the new music was absolutely horrible
Atlus... please give the option to turn the music off in the NA Release...

The Jpop music has haunted the series since Persona 3, please dont take that path with future games

[Iris]

Or you could...turn the volume down?

[Kakizaki]

^Why? That is a pretty silly statement.

While I don't often agree with Tsuko, I do have to admit the music of the first Persona is some of my favorite video game music ever. I am sad to see pieces I liked being significantly altered or altogether replaced.

[Sanctine]

I am sad to see pieces I liked being significantly altered or altogether replaced.

I've seen videos, and it's awful. The new music is absolutely dreadful, and does not fit the atmosphere at all.

[cj iwakura]

The new battle music is pretty good.

Hey, maybe it'll have a 'classic' OST mode(unlikely).

[Hamel]

I like the battle music
but not as a battle music just as a song
it doesn't fit the battles IMO

[Iris]

When he says include an option to turn it off in the NA release, there are two ways I read that:

One, an option to replace it with the old music, which if it isn't included in the Japanese version already, I really don't see as happening in localization. Asking a company to do the extra legwork to program something in that wasn't there before is a lot to ask of a localization.

Two, an option to just turn the music off, which...at that point, you might as well just turn the volume down.

Mostly, I think I'm just sick of how every discussion I've seen about this game eventually devolves to "THE MUSIC SUCKS, DON'T DO THIS ATLUS!" When...it's a done deal in the JP version, it's probably a pretty inevitable deal in the NA version.

[IceCold_Assassin]

I dont think its SO bad that I would want to turn the music off all together, in fact I dont even think its that bad.

[AdrianMorales]

Based on the samples on the Japanese site, I can honestly say that I'm once again in love with the beautiful music that the Persona games can produce:)

[Sleepless Neko]

Based on the samples on the Japanese site, I can honestly say that I'm once again in love with the beautiful music that the Persona games can produce:)

The new song sounds good, but it feels so out of place, especially the normal battle and the boss battle... It doesn't even have a battle song feel!

[jeffx]

Those songs are most definitely stored in Atrac3 format, the standard for PSP games. I know it's extra work but if you really want your original soundtrack back, it's just a matter of replacing the offending battle themes with the original ones (converted to AT3).

annnd that's all I'm going to say about that.

[Dante_Sword]

music is ugly, I did not like, do not go with the game, I also provide verción Japan.

[Tsuko]

Persona, Persona 2 Innocent Sin and Eternal Punishment had good music in it, when Persona 3 came out it turned to a Jpop kind of music, same with Persona 4, is that Jpop sh*t really all that great that they have to screw over a much desired remake by putting that music in it?

[Tsuko]

Atlus of Japan, please hand over all game developing to Atlus of America because YOU FAIL
LOL

[Rednusander]

There's a difference between voicing your dissent and flat-out insulting us or our parent company on our own forums. I know you meant it in jest, but let's tone it down next time, please.

[OverGAR]

Well i dont like the music jpop on Battle buut i think it go along with the main theme of the game. I really hope some badass arrange for boss battle ^^

I dont see this game as a remake. Need more change at least.

[Enzeru]

I like the battle music
but not as a battle music just as a song
it doesn't fit the battles IMO
Yeah, I agree. I love J-Pop and all, but on the first Persona game? Now I can't speak from experience, but based on what I've read and seen, it doesn't really match.

[Pibbman]

I agree with a lot of others, I don't think j-pop fits in with battle themes, to me it's kinda like having Barney sing 'I Love you' while you're beating the crap out of demons.

I agree with Enzeru, this will be my first time playing the first game, and I've read a basic idea of the story behind the original, that being stuff like hardship and difficult choices these youth face as they grow up (wait... isn't that like all Persona games?) and it doesn't seem to fit in. To see pop music just "pop" out during a dangerous battle is pretty amusing too.

[Tsuko]

There's a difference between voicing your dissent and flat-out insulting us or our parent company on our own forums. I know you meant it in jest, but let's tone it down next time, please.

i understand, sorry
The one to blame is the person to started the whole Jpop thing,
I just hope that if theres a Persona 2 IS and or EP remake that they have the slightest bit of Jpop in them
and also it was the Japanese version i was playing so it was basically going to menus with a blindfold if i could have understood Japanese i might have found a way to change the music
Now a Plus to Persona PSP... The Graphics and Detail for Amazing!

[SickleCellAnemia]

Nonsense Tsuko! Keep insulting them! Do it!

It's not like I want you to get banned or anything...mwahahaha

[Foobar]

Listened to some tracks from the new version, listened to some of the old version, contrasted it against Nocturne and DDS and Raidou. Older games in the series too.

It doesn't sound that far removed, just a little more youthful and optimistic than before, which suits Persona perfectly. Its not as dark as other parts of the franchise, folks, let's not fool ourselves here.

[DamageCity]

It doesn't sound that far removed, just a little more youthful and optimistic than before, which suits Persona perfectly.


The original Personas were just as dark as any of the other SMT games.

[Auragaea]

Honestly, apart from a few vocal tracks, I think the music for the game is just fine. I'll be damned if a few songs will destroy this game for me. Besides, if you don't like the music: deal with it or don't get the game.

[Kakizaki]

Honestly, apart from a few vocal tracks, I think the music for the game is just fine. I'll be damned if a few songs will destroy this game for me. Besides, if you don't like the music: deal with it or don't get the game.

I don't know how to word this, but suggesting people not 'get the game' because they dislike the music is a little off. As I stated before, this isn't purely an issue of disliking the music. It is a matter of music you dearly loved in a title that was very influential to you being replaced with music that doesn't fit. It is kind of frustrating because the original localization was completely butchered. There was no need to alter the sound track. The overworld map and elements of the battle system? Sure, tweeks were needed.

Yeah, I'm sure seeing people complaining about the music does get old. I can understand that. I also understand that not much can be done about it at this point. But keep in this in mind - for many of us that have been following SMT for a while, the first Persona was our first real exposure to the series in the U.S. The music was a very large part in establishing the atmosphere in the title, and it was unlike many other rpgs available in the West.

[Vicious1915]

the music of the first Persona is some of my favorite video game music ever. I am sad to see pieces I liked being significantly altered or altogether replaced.


Yeah, I'm sure seeing people complaining about the music does get old. I can understand that. I also understand that not much can be done about it at this point. But keep in this in mind - for many of us that have been following SMT for a while, the first Persona was our first real exposure to the series in the U.S. The music was a very large part in establishing the atmosphere in the title, and it was unlike many other rpgs available in the West.

Agreed. The battle music change makes me REALLY sad. I Love the Megami Ibunroku: Persona Soundtrack and I'll miss the original battle music. I dunno what the other tracks are like but I'm sure they're fine. The only tracks I'm gonna have beef with are the battle tracks.

[DamageCity]

Ugh I can feel this thread inching closer to an end but...

The thing with the battle song, for me, is that it's the most predominate song in the game. It's a constant. The over world song changes at a certain point to where it only play when you're in a shopping mall but so far the battle song is always the battle song unless it's a boss battle...


... then it's a different new j-pop song.

Gotta say though I ####ing love this game.

[Flußkönig]

After listening to the new soundtrack I can totally understand the perspective of the people who are complaining about it. Honestly it was a bit on the generic/ forgettable side and I can't help but feel like Meguro dropped the ball on this one. Perhaps being responsible for both directing and the music was a little to much for him.

It isn't like I really loved the music in the original game or anything, but I do feel it is a better fit and overall is of a higher quality than the new music.

[DamageCity]

Perhaps being responsible for both directing and the music was a little to much for him.


Keep in mind he only directed the anime scenes. It's a port of an Okada (http://www.popanime.net/megami/wiki/index.php?title=Cozy_Okada) game.

[Flußkönig]

Perhaps being responsible for both directing and the music was a little to much for him. It's a port of an Okada (http://www.popanime.net/megami/wiki/index.php?title=Cozy_Okada) game.Great, thanks for pointing that out. :roll:


Keep in mind he only directed the anime scenes.Do you actually know that was all Meguro did in his role as director or is that just an assumption on your part?

[Tom]

When I got the first Persona years ago, I didn't like it very much... It seemed very "dreary" at first. But I loved the music so much, and I was bored, so I kept playing it. The more I played it, the more I liked it. I even bought the soundtrack.

I don't care for the new style quite as much. I felt that with 3 and 4, they took the series in a totally different direction, so the change in music marked a "different generation" for Persona. I could accept it.

However, putting that music into the old Persona feels inappropriate... Like putting hip hop into a Dragon Quest game. It just doesn't mesh with the game's style. I understand that they don't want to make this game seem like "just another PS1 to PSP port with extras," but I think that they could have gone about it remixing the music in a different way, instead of just pasting P3/4's style back into part 1 by hook or by crook. I also definitely think that including a "classic mode" would have been a great idea.

The fact that they created animated cutscenes, but didn't bother to add voice acting to them seems rather careless, and the fact that they forced in inappropriate music willy-nilly makes it seem like a "quick buck" ploy to me.

However, I am glad that English speakers will finally get a chance to play the Snow Queen Quest (even it does include those kooky sempai/kun honorifics). I hope it fails in Japan (to keep them from making this same mistake again), but succeeds in America to bolster the success of the PSP and the Persona series in general.

[Foobar]

Saying Persona is as dark as the rest of the SMT games is like saying the same for Raidou's Devil Summoner games. Raidou has "dark" imagery, but its pretty campy saturday morning anime stuff after that. If Raidou is dark, I guess FFX-2 is as well. :lol:

But that actually brings me to another point. The audience behind RPGs has changed since Persona originally was released, more women play RPGs these days and I know my fair share that fell in love with Persona 3 and 4.

Not to mention half the cast of each game is usually female, too. They're girls with issue females have. Then there's the dating sim stuff. People object to J-Pop, yet take no issue here?

Pardon me while I depart briefly for more lulz :lol:

OK back.

Yeah, its now tied into the gameplay, but that doesn't change the fact these games have dating sim elements. That's every bit as girly to me as J-pop. Either you get over it or you don't.

Now that the Persona games have women in the audience, particularly from Persona 3 and 4, doesn't it make just a little sense to make an appeal to them with the soundtrack? Its part of what hooked them in to start with.

Could be worse, they could just make every male protagonist androgenous as Vaan or Tidus, but they didn't. Or they could over-Americanize it again, take one character, make him black and force him to be a stereotype instead of making him a Japanse character in a Japanese setting.

That's why I never touched the original Personas right there. I took how they localized those games to be an insult. I was not scared to learn about Japanese culture. I just wanted the game JPs got. Changing names around is one thing, but changing character ethnicity and location is a whole different ballgame to me.

I understand why the soundtrack has changed. And really, if you want to fault the battle theme for anything, fault it for being the one you hear the most. This is just a long standing RPG issue in general - seems like no one ever wants to do more than one battle theme, just the same one over and over and over again, only changing up for boss fights.

I suppose it wouldn't be too farfetched to squeeze in the original tracks of the game, but then, PSP has proven its UMD storage to be limited before. Cater to the purists or cater to the new members of your audience? Think I'd go with latter in this case. Especially considering women are more dangerous than purists are.

[Iris]

...you know, being a female who immensely prefers the old Persona games to the new ones (despite my complaints here about how sick I am of the soundtrack bashing, yes), I'm not entirely sure what to make of the assertion that Atlus needs to put J-pop in a game to market it to me.

The assertion that they're trying to cater to the newer side of the fanbase stands up perfectly well without needing to drag gender into it.

[Yukichin]

Pardon me if I have facts wrong, but wasn't it Meguro that did the original music for Persona, but had limited capacity and such to work with? Now that he has more room to create music, he's doing the stuff he wanted to do in the first place.

[Flußkönig]

Pardon me if I have facts wrong, but wasn't it Meguro that did the original music for Persona, but had limited capacity and such to work with? Now that he has more room to create music, he's doing the stuff he wanted to do in the first place.I don't think so. Meguro worked on it with 3 other composers and being as this was his first job as a composer for Atlus he didn't do that many songs. From what I have heard he was only responsible for those songs that looped over and over. The majority of Persona's soundtrack was done by other composers, so I guess you do have your facts wrong.

Okay, according to someone who knows way more about it than I do these are the songs that Meguro composed for the original game.
01 Persona (Arrange Version)
03 A Poem of All Mankind's Souls (Arrange Version)
11 Bright Shopping District
17 Dark Shopping District
24 Deva Yuga
25 A Poem of All Mankind's Souls
26 Persona

[SickleCellAnemia]

Especially considering women are more dangerous than purists are.
In short, WOMEN ARE MONSTERS!!! :seesaw:

[Foobar]

Especially considering women are more dangerous than purists are.
In short, WOMEN ARE MONSTERS!!! :seesaw:

No, but sometimes they're more frightening. There are times even monsters will cut you slack o.o;

[Iris]

Now that I've had the chance to take the game for a brief spin: the battle theme does sound out of place to me, but I'm willing to forgive it because it's so goshdarned catchy. I'm going to be humming this for weeks, aren't I? I can completely get the complaints about the music, but I still don't find it enough to RUIN THE GAME for me.

And speaking of other good vs. bad -- I knew there were more save points, but in the hospital it seemed like there were almost obnoxiously more. I turned a corner and found one and I swear I'd just had one thirty seconds ago. Should make it nice for playing on the go, though.

[DamageCity]

Yeah more save points and your SP recovers like mad.

[Iris]

I'm coming up on four plane flights in one week, so I suspect all those save points are going to make me a happy camper. XD

(As opposed to the original, where I'd be up to nearly six in the morning running around the longer dungeons because of the lack of save points plus my insane compulsion to map every tile...)

[DamageCity]

Well with it being on a portable system, it only makes sense.

Sometimes I have a 12 minute train ride, sometimes an hour.

[Tom]

More save points isn't really that big of an issue for a PSP game, considering that you can shut the PSP off at any time without losing your place in the game.

[unknown]

It's still nice to have though when you have an itch to play something else.

Also did they add any new scenes and/or story stuff to P1?

[DamageCity]

It's still nice to have though when you have an itch to play something else.

Also did they add any new scenes and/or story stuff to P1?


I'm not sure, nothing I can see so far. Keep in mind I'm plowing through it in Japanese so the dialouge is all new to me. I'm wondering if the put in a new game plus. Also the game has been put on the backburner so I can finish P4 and get into Super Robot Taisen.

[reason1313]

the music of the first Persona is some of my favorite video game music ever. I am sad to see pieces I liked being significantly altered or altogether replaced.


Yeah, I'm sure seeing people complaining about the music does get old. I can understand that. I also understand that not much can be done about it at this point. But keep in this in mind - for many of us that have been following SMT for a while, the first Persona was our first real exposure to the series in the U.S. The music was a very large part in establishing the atmosphere in the title, and it was unlike many other rpgs available in the West.

Agreed. The battle music change makes me REALLY sad. I Love the Megami Ibunroku: Persona Soundtrack and I'll miss the original battle music. I dunno what the other tracks are like but I'm sure they're fine. The only tracks I'm gonna have beef with are the battle tracks.
I'm torn on this.

On one hand, I have to agree with Vicious1915. This was my 1st Persona experience as well and drastic changes to anything in game usually don't bode well imo.

However, i did happen to love the P3/P4 music as well, so i may just like this.

When i run into issues like this, since it's Atlus doing the game, i tend to give them the benefit of the doubt. Besides, when anything is redone, there's alway a cry to keep things the same. That doesn't always work well either.

[DamageCity]

Aside from a few tracks, map and cut scenes... there are no drastic changes to the game. It's still the great ####ing game I played 12 -13 years ago.

[Kenji]

It's still the great ####ing game I played 12 -13 years ago.
That's good to hear. :) I'll definitely be buying it in that case (especially since I've been playing around with older MegaTen games, recently)

[Foobar]

Aside from a few tracks, map and cut scenes... there are no drastic changes to the game. It's still the great ####ing game I played 12 -13 years ago.

Figured the complaints were just hissy-fits of anime fetishist proportions anyway. A few changes made to make the game a little less rough around the edges. Hopefully the Square Button help function from Persona 4 also made the list of additions.

You have to admit some of the SMT gams prior to Persona 4 were a bit aloof when it came to telling you what this or that buff, aliment or character trait did before you learned it. Some aspects of a game shouldn't be trial and error. Persona 4 fixed that and made going back through stuff like Nocturne and DDS a little easier on me.

[Ike.]

this thread is really whiny

[Samarecarm]

More save points isn't really that big of an issue for a PSP game, considering that you can shut the PSP off at any time without losing your place in the game.

You just reminded me. In my game the time that the PSP is "turned off" (rather, in "sleep mode", is it? I forgot the word) it accumulates, so three days after I got the game I had 37+ hours. Right now, I've been playing for 139 hours. This is already the game I have played for the longest time in my career :tongue:

Are all PSP games like this or would you call it a bug?

[DamageCity]

More save points isn't really that big of an issue for a PSP game, considering that you can shut the PSP off at any time without losing your place in the game.


Keep in mind that some people also use the PSP as a music player, so if I'm going to be using that function for the rest of the day more save points are nice.

[Inzaghi]

It's still nice to have though when you have an itch to play something else.

Hey unknown, where's the Raidou 2 art in your sig from?

[unknown]

It's still nice to have though when you have an itch to play something else.

Hey unknown, where's the Raidou 2 art in your sig from?

I dunno, found it on some site.

Here's the full version

http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x165/arcstuff/ed34c441aae8c12492163b5e90381b7f004.jpg

And while I'm at it, here's the full version of my Raiho avatar

http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x165/arcstuff/1c98b177c89f852f3617820d36b07fa1664.jpg

[AbsyntheDelacroix]

That's my new wallpaper.

[Desperado]

^ I agree Tom

As a fan of the original (though I never owned it but played it with a friend), I do believe that the new music is- oh how do I say this -terrible.
With Persona 4, the jpop music perfectly matched the game's attitude, as did Eternal Punishment. The other three before it, not so much. Though I've never played Innocent Sin, I'll make the generalization that it used the same music as Eternal Punishment. Both P:4 and P:2EP are the only in the series that I know of that matched the attitude of the game as a whole.

[thealchemistoftime]

you can always lower the volume of the psp and just listen the original tracks on your portable device

[Foobar]

The original battle music was the only track I had trouble hearing a sample of, someone directed me to a sample today.

I seriously want to know what you people were smoking thinking that's better than the new battle theme. I was seriously waiting for a guy to start shouting "MOOORTAL KOOOMBAT!" in the middle.

From Persona to Persona 4 I'd actually argue the music of the series has gotten progressively better. Persona 2's music was better than what was in the original game.

[Nephlabobo]

Considering the limited storage capacity of UMDs, it would probably have taken up too much memory to put both soundtracks on. It's too bad though. I do agree it's a bit anachronistic to put J-Pop in the first game.

I'd rather Meguro had just slickified the original soundtrack, to be honest.

[OverGAR]

I was hoping for a better boss battle, but after hearing:
Boss Theme -Bloody Destiny- (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=msSf_UIVA5A&feature=related)

Mid Boss Battle - Revelations: Persona (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ErXZNnpejAI) <- original

The only problem for me with the music are the battles, I think the other ost of the place match somehow, the final battle theme is cool: Pandora~ Last Battle (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4SfSSNaEgOg&feature=related)

It's just I prefer Arrange, like Meguro did with some of the old Devil Summoners theme in the new one.

[Foobar]

The newer Pandora theme is just better for it not beating around the bush, there's such a thing as taking too long to build up the tension of a song.

The old midboss theme was OK, just sounds a bit dated. And a little too Castlevania.

[Taroni]

Haven't yet heard it, but sounds like it would be like P4's battle bgm (which seems more like a sure thing battle or full of hope not actually fighting bgm lol) Don't know about persona's bgm but the second game's worked out, but it's too late for that part of develeopment one would think... For those who is really complaining bad their must be a mixer option to turn down music and leave sfx and vo up but my guess may be incorrect since it is a psx remake

[Nephlabobo]

I prefer the old one.

It would be really nice if Atlus re-released the old Persona Revelations soundtrack for those of us who would like to buy it.

[Foobar]

Haven't yet heard it, but sounds like it would be like P4's battle bgm (which seems more like a sure thing battle or full of hope not actually fighting bgm lol)

No.

Its about halfway toward P4's theme, but not that bubbly. I thought the theme for P4's fights fit it perfectly, though.

Don't know about persona's bgm but the second game's worked out, but it's too late for that part of develeopment one would think... For those who is really complaining bad their must be a mixer option to turn down music and leave sfx and vo up but my guess may be incorrect since it is a psx remake

I think the case is really that the new OST isn't bad, its just not the old OST. I think some of the parts of the old OST that people are romanticizing here weren't even that good in context to the time it was released.

But for some, that was one of the first RPGs they ever played. My first RPG was the first Dragon Quest, aside from the pen-and-paper ones friends tried to get me to play. There's really not much to work with there in terms of romanticism. The soundtrack there was reused for two more games, I think. I get warm fuzzies hearing the main and overworld themes, but they could change the rest and I wouldnt care.

In Persona's case, its just not 1996 anymore. Persona, unlike other RPGs, takes its cues from modern day. I think the Persona battle theme was tacky for its time considering that was when electronica was the electronica craze was already fading.

[Kakizaki]

But for some, that was one of the first RPGs they ever played.I don't think that is the case for many of us here making comments regarding how we feel regarding the old soundtrack. Quite a few of us here are quite old - so you can throw this theory right out the window.

It isn't 1996 anymore, but that doesn't make the use of a somewhat questionable j-pop-like song for a battle theme in a title that is involves a heavy amount of battling justifiable. I understand why they did it, but I don't agree with it at all.

Yeah, you you might be getting tired of what you see as whining regarding this new soundtrack, but countering it with off base remarks is just as fruitless.

[Yukichin]

But for some, that was one of the first RPGs they ever played.I don't think that is the case for many of us here making comments regarding how we feel regarding the old soundtrack. Quite a few of us here are quite old - so you can throw this theory right out the window.

It isn't 1996 anymore, but that doesn't make the use of a somewhat questionable j-pop-like song for a battle theme in a title that is involves a heavy amount of battling justifiable. I understand why they did it, but I don't agree with it at all.


I have a question. Not to sound rude or anything, but did you also dislike P3's battle music?

[Kakizaki]

^No problem man. That isn't a rude question.

To answer your qustion, no, I couldn't stand P3's battle music or the music used in general. I had never had a problem with any SMT related title's music (of the titles that I had played - which is fairly considerable) until P3.

[unknown]

You got to admit though, Battle Hymn of the Soul is one of the most badass final boss themes ever.

Totally blows the P4 one out of the water.

[Foobar]

But for some, that was one of the first RPGs they ever played.I don't think that is the case for many of us here making comments regarding how we feel regarding the old soundtrack. Quite a few of us here are quite old - so you can throw this theory right out the window.

No, I think its a valid theory. The only reasone people would hate a change to such a degree would be those that hold something rather dear. Experiences people had for the first time are usually held closer than others, even if it doesn't make much sense in hindsight.

People here are essentially defending what sounds like the Mortal Kombat theme and dismissing the new version as "J-pop" (a term recklessly used in this topic). I don't think people would romanticize something so tacky without a reason.

I mean, Star Wars is pretty tacky, but that doesn't stop most of us from loving it anyway. There's a certain sentimental attachment to Return of the Jedi and A New Hope, even though they were pretty weak movies.

It isn't 1996 anymore, but that doesn't make the use of a somewhat questionable j-pop-like song for a battle theme in a title that is involves a heavy amount of battling justifiable. I understand why they did it, but I don't agree with it at all.

Yeah, you you might be getting tired of what you see as whining regarding this new soundtrack, but countering it with off base remarks is just as fruitless.

Uh, the whole topic is pretty fruitless and it is whiny considering taste in music is purely subjective and there's really nothing we can do to prevent this music from being in the final version.

Where remakes are concerned things can and will change. I mean, isn't the whole thing Meguro this time around? There could be some other issues behind the scenes with the other composers that led to the decision of these changed tracks. Maybe they couldn't get the other composers to agree to let Meguro reversion their work. Maybe they didn't want to pay anyone else but Meguro for the soundtrack compositions.

I actually do think the idea of an OST with both sides of the music presented is a good one. Kinda like how Dark Spire did it. Have both versions of select tracks for people to listen to, if only for history's sake. But again, I don't know the circumstances that led Meguro to reinventing part of the soundtrack to start with, so I don't know if that is practical or just problematic.

Finally, as a fan of Jurassic 5, I have to like the Persona 3 battle theme, it reminds me of them. Didn't see any problems P4's theme either, many of characters had a more positive outlook than in previous games, so I found it to fit.

I do take issue with RPGs having one central battle theme, though. I really wish composers would get out of that rut and compose just a few more battle themes for standard fights. It would lead to less complaining in the long run.

Nocturne actually had a decent variety. It changed in certain areas.

[Kakizaki]

No, I think its a valid theory. The only reasone people would hate a change to such a degree would be those that hold something rather dear. Experiences people had for the first time are usually held closer than others, even if it doesn't make much sense in hindsight.

I know people really, really love to play the resistant to change card -- that is until there is change to something they felt was well done the first time around. Then for some reason it always seems to move into some other realm beyond opinion and nostalgia, or they happen to be an expert regarding composition or whatever topic is in question. Not saying this is you.

Anyway, I found, and still find, the soundtrack enjoyable, not for the reason you seem to want to believe but because I enjoyed the ambient and surreal nature of many of the tracks. You also seem to want to concentrate on the battle music - that isn't the only piece that is being replaced. I know you may find this hard to accept, but some people genuinely like the music -- and for more than just nostalgia. Despite what you seem to think, the music was a radical departure from what was present in the West at the time.

I find it interesting you criticize the original track for being generic and Mortal Kombat like (as you commented on this earlier, I now have to ask what you are smoking to compare it to Mortal Kombat) yet you don't have a problem with the bog standard and trend following use of j-pop and j-pop like tracks.

Music is subjective, but you can say that regarding every element that comprises the game. Of course it can't be changed. Many things can't be by the time we are aware of them, but that certainly doesn't stop people from voicing their dissatisfaction.

[DamageCity]

People here are essentially defending what sounds like the Mortal Kombat theme and dismissing the new version as "J-pop" (a term recklessly used in this topic). I don't think people would romanticize something so tacky without a reason.

Dude, it's J-pop plain and ####ing simple.

[Hitoshura]

People here are essentially defending what sounds like the Mortal Kombat theme and dismissing the new version as "J-pop" (a term recklessly used in this topic). I don't think people would romanticize something so tacky without a reason.

Dude, it's J-pop plain and ####ing simple.

Seriously. Anyone who thinks it's not J-pop is just plain deluding themselves.

It's not even good J-pop either, although I'm sure someone will say "there is no good J-pop!" to which I shall recommend Akiko Shikata.

[Yukichin]

Hm. Listening to the battle theme... well, I don't have it playing right now but I do remember my impressions of it were that it wasn't battle theme-y enough. I liked P4's battle theme, and I can groove to P3's (though it doesn't really sound like a battle theme)... I like the P1 remakes boss theme, though.

[King9999]

You got to admit though, Battle Hymn of the Soul is one of the most badass final boss themes ever.

Totally blows the P4 one out of the water.

If you're talking about The Genesis, then I agree.

If you're talking about The Almighty, well...

[Tom]

I think the new battle song is not J-pop, but J-r&b. The new battle theme reminds me of "I'm Every Woman." I suppose people will argue that such a song suits Maki's search for identity; however, it doesn't rock... And it doesn't get me excited about the battle. I'd rather go into battle with "Mortal Kombat" music than Whitney Houston. ;)

I really hope that the next "incarnation" of Persona will return to its musical roots. I think it's a shame that they changed the music so much for the remake. Actually, I didn't like Persona at first. I was bored, and it was the only game I had at the time. I remember hearing the steel drum song at the Harem Queen's lair, and that's when I think I really fell in love with the game. Some of the dungeon music is flat-out incredible, like Majin Forever. I could seriously meditate to this, or something. I would just stand still in this dungeon to just enjoy the music.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ppPXPROuetw

P.S. One of my greatest gaming fears is the day that a J-pop intro is added to a Dragon Quest game.

[H3artagram]

So, since this one being released for the PSP, what are the odds of P2 being re-released?

[Zacewing]

So, since this one being released for the PSP, what are the odds of P2 being re-released?

I don't know, but if Atlus remade both P2 games for PSP (or at least ported them to PSN) I'd love them forever.

[Yazarc]

I read through these posts thinking some people were exaggerating about the new music. I don't care for this at all. I would have approved of remixes or something like that along the lines of what Square-Enix did with Romancing SaGa or Media Vision did with Wild Arms.

This new music.....ick.

If Persona 2 Innocent Sin ever gets released here, they better not touch the music. It has one of the best battle themes in any RPG out there.

[SlaughterX]

I don't really have a problem with the new theme, but I think I could do with out the lyrics...

[Foobar]

P.S. One of my greatest gaming fears is the day that a J-pop intro is added to a Dragon Quest game.

Yeah, because they've really dabbled with changing that one around.

People here probably had a heart attack when it changed from MIDI to actual instrumentation in DQVIII.

[Yukichin]

If Persona 2 Innocent Sin ever gets released here, they better not touch the music. It has one of the best battle themes in any RPG out there.


You know... I actually don't care for the battle music in P2:IS. It's good, but it's too repetitive; it's a loop of the same short music, as far as I can tell.

[Kakizaki]

P.S. One of my greatest gaming fears is the day that a J-pop intro is added to a Dragon Quest game.Yeah, because they've really dabbled with changing that one around.

People here probably had a heart attack when it changed from MIDI to actual instrumentation in DQVIII.


Yes, because it is only people on these forums that have a problem with the new music...

[Crabman]

The insturmentation is actually kinda neat! Not too fond of the lyrics though...it makes to song too chill. It would be great for music in an environment or something, but not so much for battles. I haven't played the original Persona so I can't really compare it to that, but P2/P3/P4 had more energy, a faster paced battle themes than this song.

It's definitely catchy as hell though, so I'll probably be singing it to myself (abeit 5 million octaves lower) eventually.

[ProudClod]

I've never played Persona 1 before, but I've had my fair share of ruined childhood memories thanks to remakes/sequels, etc. So, while I sympathize with all the SMT fans that have been playing since P1, I also understand the new direction Atlus is taking.

1) This is not a port. This is a remake. Redone sprites, redone cutscenes, redone music.

2) Unfortunately for many of you guys, this is not a title aimed to please oldschool SMT fans. Whether we like it or not, SMT has become much more popular within the last decade. Persona 3 and 4 introduced A LOT of new fans to the series. I believe this remake is geared towards those that hopped aboard the SMT train at Persona 3/4.

With that being said, the new music makes sense.

[Kakizaki]

^When you say within the last decade, I hope you truly understand the frame of time you are referencing. P3 and P4 are still relatively young within that frame. Keep in mind that within this 'decade' there have been rereleases of SMT 1&2 on both PSX, GBA, and Virtual Console - also DS on PSP in late 2005 (I should note that DS is still easily attainable new in Japan at many stores - I didn't see too many other older PSP titles)

In regards to PSP Persona and appealing to new fans, success of P3 and P4 aside, I don't think it is too hard to recognize how far the SMT has dropped off in recent years sales wise. This could be attributed to many things that don't necessarily relate to the games themselves, but it certainly wouldn't hurt Atlus to appeal to older fans.

While a few concessions have been made regarding PSP Persona that are meant to appeal to newer fans, let's be completely honest. The core gameplay in MIP / Persona PSP, gameplay the differs radically from P3 and P4, is still intact. If newer players go in expecting an experience similar to P3 or P4, they may be in for a severe shock. While I understand the menu for the battle system has been revamped, MIP's combat will still be much slower the P3/P4's. A few cinemas or J-popified music isn't going to change that for them. That is why I find these changes puzzling (also the complete removal of tracks and less tracks overall -- that is another story though)

I also think the use of 'remake' is pretty sketchy. New sprites? A little touching up, but they look pretty similar to me at this point. But I guess it is all a matter of opinion.

[DamageCity]

I've never played Persona 1 before, but I've had my fair share of ruined childhood memories thanks to remakes/sequels, etc. So, while I sympathize with all the SMT fans that have been playing since P1, I also understand the new direction Atlus is taking.

1) This is not a port. This is a remake. Redone sprites, redone cutscenes, redone music.

2) Unfortunately for many of you guys, this is not a title aimed to please oldschool SMT fans. Whether we like it or not, SMT has become much more popular within the last decade. Persona 3 and 4 introduced A LOT of new fans to the series. I believe this remake is geared towards those that hopped aboard the SMT train at Persona 3/4.

With that being said, the new music makes sense.


Wow, you couldn't be more wrong.

[Crabman]

also DS on PSP in late 2005 (I should note that DS is still easily attainable new in Japan at many stores - I didn't see too many other older PSP titles)

Devil Summoner is part of the "Atlus the BEST" line or something like that in Japan. Everytime I see it on Play-Asia I get so tempted, even though I can't understand Japanese at all :(

[DamageCity]

also DS on PSP in late 2005 (I should note that DS is still easily attainable new in Japan at many stores - I didn't see too many other older PSP titles)

Devil Summoner is part of the "Atlus the BEST" line or something like that in Japan. Everytime I see it on Play-Asia I get so tempted, even though I can't understand Japanese at all :(


"the Best" is the same as "Greatest Hits" allthough any company can release their own best of games.

[unknown]

You got to admit though, Battle Hymn of the Soul is one of the most badass final boss themes ever.

Totally blows the P4 one out of the water.

If you're talking about The Genesis, then I agree.

If you're talking about The Almighty, well...

I'm talking about both of them.

[ProudClod]

^When you say within the last decade, I hope you truly understand the frame of time you are referencing. P3 and P4 are still relatively young within that frame. Keep in mind that within this 'decade' there have been rereleases of SMT 1&2 on both PSX, GBA, and Virtual Console - also DS on PSP in late 2005 (I should note that DS is still easily attainable new in Japan at many stores - I didn't see too many other older PSP titles)

In regards to PSP Persona and appealing to new fans, success of P3 and P4 aside, I don't think it is too hard to recognize how far the SMT has dropped off in recent years sales wise. This could be attributed to many things that don't necessarily relate to the games themselves, but it certainly wouldn't hurt Atlus to appeal to older fans.

While a few concessions have been made regarding PSP Persona that are meant to appeal to newer fans, let's be completely honest. The core gameplay in MIP / Persona PSP, gameplay the differs radically from P3 and P4, is still intact. If newer players go in expecting an experience similar to P3 or P4, they may be in for a severe shock. While I understand the menu for the battle system has been revamped, MIP's combat will still be much slower the P3/P4's. A few cinemas or J-popified music isn't going to change that for them. That is why I find these changes puzzling (also the complete removal of tracks and less tracks overall -- that is another story though)

I also think the use of 'remake' is pretty sketchy. New sprites? A little touching up, but they look pretty similar to me at this point. But I guess it is all a matter of opinion.

This is how you make a reply. Thank you for the respectful reply Kakizaki.

I agree with pretty much all of your points. However, with that being said, I must also mention that your points don't contradict my theory.

You are right. "Last decade" is a bit broad. However, the popularity of the series grew exponentially -- more and more by the year. For example, 4 years ago, only a handful of people on NeoGAF would've known the name "Shin Megami Tensei". Fast forward to today, and it's embarrassing NOT to know Megaten on NeoGAF. I guess I shouldn't have said "decade", since I was referencing to the boost in popularity caused mainly by P3 and P4.

Not sure what you mean about Megaten dropping off in sales in the recent years. Granted, the only sales statistics I have seen come from untrustworthy sites like VGChartz, nothing in the last few years has indicated that Megaten was selling less. Since I don't have any reliable sales data, I can't make any kind of assertion as to whether current generation SMT titles sold more than last generation -- but as far as word of mouth popularity, Nocturne, P3, and P4 put SMT on the radar for so many gamers that have never heard of the series.

It doesn't make perfect sense to change the music to be more in line with Persona 3/4, but to leave everything else largely unchanged, however, it makes much more sense than anything that has been posted in this thread. If you think Persona PSP's new soundtrack sounds like P4's soundtrack by accident, I'm going to give up trying to argue here.

[Zacewing]

The new battle theme is really addictive, but the boss battle theme is awful.

I hate how Meguro uses nothing but Jpop and raunchy rock songs in Persona games though.

[DamageCity]

Thank you for the well thought out argument. Great post. Will read again.


It wasn't an argument, it was a statement.

[Kakizaki]

If you think Persona PSP's new soundtrack sounds like P4's soundtrack by accident, I'm going to give up trying to argue here.Did I ever mention it was an accident? My point was changing the soundtrack while leaving the classic gameplay does nothing to bridge the gap so why even bother.

As far as sales numbers, I have seen enough people post numbers from Dengeki and other Japanese sources (the-Magicbox used do this) so see a very apparent trend.

I think it is fairly well know that the SMT series was could once be considered one of the 'big 3' in regards to rpgs in Japan. I don't think it is hard to recognize it is not any longer. As I said before, that could be attributed to much more than the games themselves, but the games may also play a part in it. Yes, in the West the popularity of Persona has grown over the last several years, but the overall series in Japan has been in decline for years. The spike in sales / interest of Persona 3 and 4 have created a surge of interest (and a new fanbase in the West), but a surge that does not eclipse the former popularity of the series as a whole.

On a side note, I had some very interesting conversations regarding SMT and Persona with a few individuals while I was in Japan. Most conversations involved their disinterest with the newer enteries in the SMT franchise (btw, if any of you happen to find yourselves in East Shinjuku, check out 8 bit cafe, awesome place). Granted this is not a accurate sample by any degree, but it is still pretty interesting to me.

Also, knock it off with the ticky tack stuff guys. I'm deleting several of these posts.

[Kenji]

Now I'm curious, what were some of the reasons given for the decline in interest in MegaTen?

[Kakizaki]

^You mean by the people I spoke with?

The main one seemed to be radical departure in gameplay and tone.

[Philemon]

I'm assuming the big reason why the music was changed was because Meguro is not only the composer, but the director haha.

But I'm still very happy about getting a port of this that's complete and true to the original (sans the music) :D

As for Kaki talking about MegaTen, as an old school fan, my interest is still going strong. SMT 3, DDS 1&2, and Devil Summoner all reinforced this fact (P3 and P4 not so much...)

Especially the latest Devil Summoner. It has that MegaTen of old charm that I'm lovin' to death. Though that could be in part to Kaneko having direct involvement with it.

Though back to Persona, I'm hoping Persona 1 does well enough to warrant ports/pseudo remakes of P2 IS and P2 EP too.

[Zacewing]

I just don't think the battle themes suit the battles in Persona PSP at all. :/

[Kenji]

The main one seemed to be radical departure in gameplay and tone.
The hardcore turn-based combat where all commands are input prior and the one with the highest Agility stat moves first, the demonic apocalypse, and world religions as told by Computer Science geeks?

Well, I can't blame them, there's a lot of appeal in those things for me (especially the last, since I am training in Computer Science).

Then again, Japanese stick-in-the-mud-ness isn't something I believe should be catered to. It's, for one thing, one of the reasons why Gundam 00's second season largely stopped being innovative and just went back to safe territory.

But, alas, Atlus is stuck... if they try to push the Japanese gamer out of the comfort zone, profits will suffer even more than they have.

[Kakizaki]

^I'm not sure why you quoted me there, but I believe you took something waaay out of context.

[Kenji]

I did? :question:

(for the record, I was responding to the response you gave to my question)

How did I misunderstand?

[Fuyukaze]

All I'd like to know is if it'll include the content that was cut from the PS1 release.

That and if there'll be any pre-order goodies.

I've already got it on pre-order so I'm buying it reguardless but it'd be realy nice to know eventualy.

[Zacewing]

All I'd like to know is if it'll include the content that was cut from the PS1 release.

That and if there'll be any pre-order goodies.

I've already got it on pre-order so I'm buying it reguardless but it'd be realy nice to know eventualy.

If you mean the Snow Queen Quest, then yeah it's in.

[Hellel]

While I've never heard the music in the original I enjoyed what I've heard so far. Then again I became my foray into Persona with P3.

[ProudClod]

While I've never heard the music in the original I enjoyed what I've heard so far. Then again I became my foray into Persona with P3.

Case in point.

I completely agree.

[Kakizaki]

^Not case in point as they have yet to play the first Persona...Just because the music is familiar and attractive to them, does not mean the game play will be.

I can counter every 'case in point' you cite with an example of someone who feels completely the opposite (heck I can do it in this thread alone).

[Sheumin]

I like the battle music
but not as a battle music just as a song
it doesn't fit the battles IMO

Very much agreed. I haven't seen any gameplay with the songs in the ost, but...

[Inzaghi]

For the record, I don't agree with the assumption some seem to be making here that a player who enjoys P3 is incapable of enjoying P1. P1 is a different kind of game, but still extremely good, and people who just enjoy RPGs should be capable of appreciating it.

[Kakizaki]

Personally, I'm not implying they won't like it (maybe I missed something, but I'm not sure anyone in this thread has directly implied that -- but as I stated, it is possible I missed it), but I don't believe it is an automatic they will like it simply because the new music provides some sense of familiarity.

I have said people only familiar with P3/P4 could possibly be in for a shock. Again, that isn't necessarily stating they might not like it, but I don't think it is unrealistic to acknowledge that there will be a few that will be let down because of the many differences between the old titles and the new titles. I'm basing this off of much more than just on what is said around here. I have been hanging around quite a few other boards taking in what others are saying in regards to Persona PSP. I'm also basing this off the unwillingness of people to learn / educate themselves about SMT titles despite the growing amount of information available in English.

I'm wrong quite often and will admit to it when I am, but I hit the nail right on the head (was it last year where Atlus USA had the SMT panel?) in regards the the utter disinterest in anything that wasn't P3 related at the panel. Granted I wasn't there, but it was very apparent in the video posted on the Atlus website.

I don't think I should have to state what a nut I am about MIP. I want it to do well and I am still glad the new version is coming here. But as I have stated numerous times before, I find the change in tracks and removal of tracks a very, very odd concession when you take into account how little else has changed.

[Enzeru]

Some people here were talking about how the UMD may not be able to hold the original soundtrack as well as the new soundtrack - but, isn't a UMD able to hold 1.8 GB? How much could a PSX disk hold? 1 GB tops? Then if the soundtrack is even up to 500 MB (I doubt it), how would it not be able to hold both soundtracks?

[unknown]

Atlus reduced the sound quality for faster load times.

[Saburo Hikari]

Started with P3 and P4, and I've never played nor heard of the music in P1. For the remake, I would've preferred just a remix of the original music (like what Square Enix is doing for the Final Fantasy remakes and Dissidia -Final Fantasy-) to keep the original fans happy and for me to experience as much of the original as possible.

However, even if the music is changed for the remake, I'll try and enjoy it anyway. I love the P3 and P4 soundtrack, so maybe I'll like this one too, even if it doesn't match the game as much as the original music. I can always try and listen to the original soundtrack later.

[ProudClod]

^Not case in point as they have yet to play the first Persona...Just because the music is familiar and attractive to them, does not mean the game play will be.

I can counter every 'case in point' you cite with an example of someone who feels completely the opposite (heck I can do it in this thread alone).

My argument was that this "concession" was made in order to appeal to gamers who discovered SMT with Persona 3 and 4. Is it the right thing to do? How should I know?

I don't think we're arguing here at all. I'm being descriptive, and explaining WHY something is the way it is. You're being prescriptive, saying why something SHOULDN'T be the way it is.

[Kuma-san]

The music is great, but if you played the original Persona then you should know that it doesn't fit in well.

And also, I can't believe that they decided to skip on the voice acting! Reading subtitles during a cut scene is annoying by 2009 standards. Except for those Phillenom (I seriously forget how to spell his name, sorry) scenes, but then again those scenes had voice acting in the original Persona.

[Kakizaki]

^Not case in point as they have yet to play the first Persona...Just because the music is familiar and attractive to them, does not mean the game play will be.

I can counter every 'case in point' you cite with an example of someone who feels completely the opposite (heck I can do it in this thread alone).

My argument was that this "concession" was made in order to appeal to gamers who discovered SMT with Persona 3 and 4. Is it the right thing to do? How should I know?

I don't think we're arguing here at all. I'm being descriptive, and explaining WHY something is the way it is. You're being prescriptive, saying why something SHOULDN'T be the way it is.

The prescriptive / descriptive comment has little bearing -- I know exactly what you are saying and why. My point still remains the same in relation to yours. The changes in music are a half-heartened effort to bridge interest imo, and I could give examples of what has lead me to believe this.

I'm still glad this is coming out here, but sad that one of my favorite elements of the game has been severely neutered.

[Zacewing]

The music is great, but if you played the original Persona then you should know that it doesn't fit in well.

And also, I can't believe that they decided to skip on the voice acting! Reading subtitles during a cut scene is annoying by 2009 standards. Except for those Phillenom (I seriously forget how to spell his name, sorry) scenes, but then again those scenes had voice acting in the original Persona.

They're going to be voicing the new animated cutscenes in the US version.

[PainKilleR-[CE]]

As someone that never got a chance to play this game originally, I'm glad the remake's coming, but the music in the battle videos I've seen seems very out of place. The music in some of the other scenes seems fine, though. Of course, I thought the Devil Survivor music sounded really bad in the videos that were released ahead of time, but most of it has grown on me while I've been playing it.

Then again, I recently started listening to some of the stuff on the Nocturne soundtrack again, and it really makes me wish more of the SMT spinoffs used stuff like that.

[Silverevilchao]

I myself have never played the original Persona (infamously crappy English translation? Not touching it with a twenty-foot-pole), so I don't see what the big deal is with the new music, especially when I loved Persona 3's and Persona 4's music (Persona 3's more); maybe that's why I like it so much, because it sounds a lot like Persona 3's music without the rap and with far better English pronunciation. Of course, I also loved the Devil Survivor music, too, and I'm hearing the songs from that game in my dreams, which I'm not sure is a good thing or a bad thing.

I dunno, it sounds more like a "they changed it now it sucks (http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/TheyChangedItNowItSucks)" thing than anything else. Like how the Legend of Zelda fans cried over Wind Waker having a cartoony art style and sailing, prompting the creation of the stale Ocarina of Time homage Twilight Princess.

As for the "change in tone" of the MegaTen series as a whole, people have to keep in mind that, Devil Summoner aside, the only games that have come out in the past year or two have been the Persona games and Devil Survivor. Persona from the start being happier-than-usual MegaTen fare and Devil Survivor being a spinoff on the Nintendo DS, which pretty much has no M-rated games to begin with (and the one or so that was, GTA, flopped miserably). These aren't main-series games we're talking about, these are spinoffs. That's like judging the entirety of the Final Fantasy franchise based solely on the Crystal Chronicles games.

Oh, speaking of voice acting, I bet $20 that Yuri Lowenthal's going to show up in some way, shape, or form.

[Soushi_Grapple]

Sorry if this was answered already, but is this game first-person view? I've always found that annoying and hard to navigate... I'm worried it will overshadow what I could enjoy of this game. >>; I had the first one, but like others, didn't care for the translation and in my case, hated the first person view. So, when this came out I was hoping for something similar to Persona 2 which I loved. If not, oh well... I guess I'll manage. X.X

[PainKilleR-[CE]]

Some of the videos show the first-person navigation in some areas. I don't think they've made any drastic changes to the gameplay. It would be nice if they could give us better sounds for the footsteps and some of the transitions, though.

[Iris]

I dunno, it sounds more like a "they changed it now it sucks (http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/TheyChangedItNowItSucks)" thing than anything else. Like how the Legend of Zelda fans cried over Wind Waker having a cartoony art style and sailing, prompting the creation of the stale Ocarina of Time homage Twilight Princess.

Oh man, don't link TV Tropes! There goes my evening.

That aside, though, I don't think it's quite the same situation as Wind Waker. Wind Waker was giving a new tone to a completely new installment of the series -- so yeah, it was a change in tone, but the game was built around that change in tone.

This is taking an existing game that had its own tone already, and changing that. Like if instead of making a new game in Wind Waker's graphical style, they just remade Ocarina of Time in that style.

That said, having spent a fair amount of time on playing the Japanese version of the port (up through Deva Yuga), I like most of the songs fine -- it just feels really bizarre to hear them in that game. I think the soundtrack is at its best when it just lets Meguro play around with instrumentation and tweak the existing themes instead of writing entirely new ones.

As for the change in tone as a whole -- yes, these are spinoffs, but the tone of the Persona series alone is still a lot different than it used to be, so I think there's still more validity to that than you're acknowledging.

edited to add, since the two posts above mine mentioned it: yes, it's in first person. The gameplay hasn't really changed much at all, aside from the interface being a lot easier to use. The only drastic difference in the gameplay is the redesigned world map, which is IMO a huge improvement. Not being able to jaywalk in the original drove me nuts.

[Raksha]

I haven't played the original Revelations: Persona, but on the outside look, I can tell that the new musics on the PSP remake doesn't quite fit the atmosphere.

However, I had played Megaten since Nocturne, and once I was disappointed by the news of P3's change of direction. When I started playing it though, I realized that it is still a quality game by its own right. It was still fun to play, and dare I say that it is still a 'Persona' game, based on what I've heard about the series. It still involves high-school students, just the like the earlier games. It still involves the topic of inner conflict of humanity (which I heard to be a prominent theme for the series). It still has an array of gods and goddeses as Personae for its solid gameplay. It has a great script, and an excellent plot.

The point is that, regardless of the J-Popish direction it took, it's still a Persona and it's still an excellent game. Why do people have to fuss over the change in direction so much that they don't buy it (the flop on P3/4 sales on Japan, as I heard here) when it is still a great game anyway and that it does still retain the essentials of Persona series? I would put here too that, based on what I've seen from footages of Persona 2, it's nowhere far from being grim dark of main Megaten series. It was fairly lighthearted as well, at least when the occassions are right. The only thing P3 did was make them more apparent.

The music on P3 was a new thing for me. Hip-hop for random battle, seriously? But as I played the game, it grew on me and now I'm loving it so much.

It's the same for the matter of Revelations: Persona's musics. Speaking for myself, I'd say the same thing about it as what I felt about P3. Sure, now I'm thinking it doesn't fit, although the musics are still good by its own right. But as I play, who knows?

Now, if it's a matter of that some people happen to not like J-Pop musics, then does that mean the change of direction is bad? That's like saying the older Megaten is terrible since some guy doesn't like grim atmosphere.

P.S: Sorry if I sound weird. I'm not a native English speaker.

[Yukichin]

I dunno, it sounds more like a "they changed it now it sucks (http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/TheyChangedItNowItSucks)" thing than anything else. Like how the Legend of Zelda fans cried over Wind Waker having a cartoony art style and sailing, prompting the creation of the stale Ocarina of Time homage Twilight Princess.

Oh man, don't link TV Tropes! There goes my evening.



http://xkcd.com/609/

=P


I personally loved Persona 4's battle theme, and didn't really mind P3's, though it wasn't as good, to me.

I know Persona 3 and 4 don't really feel as dark as the first games or the regular Megaten games, but.. well, I've not beaten 4 yet, but I have to say Persona 3 got really grim. It seems like the use of color and somewhat peppier music detracted from it (at least, that's what people seem to say), but I found it rather bleak at the end, myself.

[Kesseki]

I think most of the music is fine, even the regular battle music. The boss music is kind of weird, what with it being quiet for half the tune. I thought the world map music was going to be the boss music for a while. Can't really comment on whether it fits or not, as listening to the music by itself and hearing it while playing are two different things. I do wish there had been an option to turn the original soundtrack on, though, but that would probably require more disc space than the UMD has.

[Zengaku]

i dont really mind the music and to me it sounds fine and also persona 3 had jazz music in its battle? really? jazz music? well anyway just because a game has bad music in your own opinion it should not keep you away from a game if you hate it that much just mute it. as for me i am going to get it eitherway

[heyitskeith]

I've always given big ups to the Persona series soundtracks. I found the hip hop influence in P3 both refreshing and innovative. I do however hate JPOP with a passion- which unfortunately can be found all over the recent titles.

JPOP is only appealing to manga and anime kids. The music will turn off average joes to the game who aren't deep in the genre. I feel the game play and storylines are way above all the garbage in the rpg market its a shame people would judge.


You guys disagree or agree?

Easy solution? Give the MC an mp3 player like in TWETY and let him pick bewteen 5 or so random encounter themes.

[Yukichin]

I've always given big ups to the Persona series soundtracks. I found the hip hop influence in P3 both refreshing and innovative. I do however hate JPOP with a passion- which unfortunately can be found all over the recent titles.

JPOP is only appealing to manga and anime kids. The music will turn off average joes to the game who aren't deep in the genre. I feel the game play and storylines are way above all the garbage in the rpg market its a shame people would judge.


You guys disagree or agree?

Easy solution? Give the MC an mp3 player like in TWETY and let him pick bewteen 5 or so random encounter themes.

I completely disagree. I should think that the game's aesthetic would be what would turn people off moreso than the music. If they're not an "anime and manga" kid, then why would they play a game that's all anime visuals? And how would you be able to tell it would only appeal to them? If they wind up liking the music, they do so because they like the way it sounds. It has very little to do with the fact that it's Jpop. I know people who are into anime and manga but dislike typical Jpop tunes... but by what you said, they would like the P4 and P3 music anyway, because they're anime and manga kids.

I don't remember being able to choose your encounter theme in TWEWY. I remember being able to choose background music, but not encounter theme.

[greyshm]

after playing the japan version I like the new music in the game. but I DO miss the original battle theme immensly (Even though it is in the game, but remixed and not as a battle theme.) . Not saying the new one is bad, but It kinda feels outta place. I also wish there was a way to turn the volume up. My one fear is that the song Child Abuse isn't in the new version.

[Foobar]

i dont really mind the music and to me it sounds fine and also persona 3 had jazz music in its battle? really? jazz music? well anyway just because a game has bad music in your own opinion it should not keep you away from a game if you hate it that much just mute it. as for me i am going to get it either way

It was big band, pop, hip-hop and rock all rolled into one. I tend to refer to that as fusion.

I liked it mostly because it reminded me of Bran Van 3000. Very few people can blend multiple genres into one song and make it work, but apparently Bran Van 3000 and Meguro can. Bran Van 3000 would say it was a form of Rock Floor, whatever that is...

I'm all over the map musically, so I tend to appreciate most of it.

[Kenji]

I just watched the video walkthrough and, I gotta say, there's a lot to be impressed with. Among the various things I already knew about, one of the things I'm particularly happy with is how the Velvet Room Persona selection shows compatibility with any given character prior to creating it.

I think that's a great idea, and that any prospective P2 redux on the PSP should include that, along with the streamlined menu concept of this game. Anything to reduce the headache of the actual playing (which has stalled my Innocent Sin game: more irritating, it's the only reason it's stalled) is much appreciated.

I'm really looking forward to this, the game preordered and everything. That it comes out so soon after my birthday only sweetens the deal. :)

[jinnaihiryu]

Has anyone else noticed they removed the black guy???? Wtf, where is Mark from the original? Everyone else is intact.

[PainKilleR-[CE]]

Mark was a symptom of the very bad localization they did on the game when they brought it over for the PlayStation. The guy in the yellow hat is the one that was changed into 'the black guy' in the previous localization.

[jinnaihiryu]

Ahhhh ok, thanks for clearing that up for me :)

[Mank]

...I like the music... (and I picked up SMT with Nocturne, which is also a great game...)
But yeah, I'm thinking I might be picking up a PSP for this...

[RainbowDespair]

The original battle music in Persona 1 probably fits the mood of the story better than the new music. However, the original battle music also hurt my ears: it was loud, repetitive, and just obnoxious in general.

[ArkAurelius]

Are you kidding?!

How can you bash on the epicness that is the Persona OST! D<

Persona 3, P3 FES and P4 had awesome songs, how can you NOT like them!?

I, for one, LOVE THEM!

[Spectralpulse]

The original battle music in Persona 1 probably fits the mood of the story better than the new music. However, the original battle music also hurt my ears: it was loud, repetitive, and just obnoxious in general.


A thousand times this, i read through this thread hoping to find away to change it. The song was nice at first but now its starting to give me a headache. I hope it doesn't eventually ruin the game for me.

[kat_ears_kahrain]

The original battle music in Persona 1 probably fits the mood of the story better than the new music. However, the original battle music also hurt my ears: it was loud, repetitive, and just obnoxious in general.


A thousand times this, i read through this thread hoping to find away to change it. The song was nice at first but now its starting to give me a headache. I hope it doesn't eventually ruin the game for me.

Gonna take you for a ri... oh wait... wrong game...
I do agree it starts to grate after playing for awhile. I've started to see the appeal of a BGM OFF option.

[Eddie Van Helsing]

Has anyone else noticed they removed the black guy???? Wtf, where is Mark from the original? Everyone else is intact.

Nyarlathotep ate him. Good riddance. :seesaw:

[Eddie Van Helsing]

I've started to see the appeal of a BGM OFF option.

Sony implemented that in hardware. Just turn the volume all the way down.

[Guni]

The old soundtrack is way better by far. But the new soundtrack grew on me a bit. My biggest problem with the new soundtrack is that its short, so they use the same songs in a lot.

[Evilkinggumby]

Has anyone else noticed they removed the black guy???? Wtf, where is Mark from the original? Everyone else is intact.

Nyarlathotep ate him. Good riddance. :seesaw:

that character was actually a replacement for a character atlus usa didn't think american audiences would 'get' so they swapped it to a black dude. they also made a mess of other changes and omissions to localize it.. I haven't played this new incarnation but i hope by them bringing back the weird hat guy it also means they returned all the lost content and took out some of the other changes that made little sense...

[kat_ears_kahrain]

I've started to see the appeal of a BGM OFF option.

Sony implemented that in hardware. Just turn the volume all the way down.

I just want the BGM off, not all the sounds.

[hickwarrior]

To me, the ST isn't aggravating. It's just BGM when I focus on the main part of the game. The ST doesn't bug me because of it. Oh, and I have no rose-tinted vision of the other BGM. I do agree with some original themes not needing to be replaced. Like the boss BGM, that was a good one.

But I guess it would fit more with all the other BGMs, since the old boss BGM is supposed to be 'dated'. Or something like that, I'm not really sure why it's replaced.

Anyway, is difficulty already answered in this thread? Because I just seem to be experimenting with persona fusions, seeing what works, but it's like there's almost no resistance. IT's pretty easy up to the point where I am on normal difficulty. Not what I was expecting. Is the hardest difficulty really hard? And how is it hard?

[Enzeru]

To me, the ST isn't aggravating. It's just BGM when I focus on the main part of the game. The ST doesn't bug me because of it. Oh, and I have no rose-tinted vision of the other BGM. I do agree with some original themes not needing to be replaced. Like the boss BGM, that was a good one.

But I guess it would fit more with all the other BGMs, since the old boss BGM is supposed to be 'dated'. Or something like that, I'm not really sure why it's replaced.

Anyway, is difficulty already answered in this thread? Because I just seem to be experimenting with persona fusions, seeing what works, but it's like there's almost no resistance. IT's pretty easy up to the point where I am on normal difficulty. Not what I was expecting. Is the hardest difficulty really hard? And how is it hard?
All difficulty changes is the amount of damage you receive. Hard Mode increases it by 20%. Not a big deal when you have 99 Balm of Lifes like me. :[

[DirewolfX]

I like how every character can switch Persona. I think there's a bunch of things that I hope they bring to P5 from P1:

1) Allow your party members to switch Persona like the main character, but limit their choices (perhaps to only on or two arcana and fewer slots at once). The main character should also have access to some unique arcana that none of the others get.

Really, if you think about it, the side characters having only two personas (one being an 'evolved' form of the first) seems to indicate that they're one dimensional people. Giving them access to multiple personas within a limited selection of arcana says that they are deeper characters, but still have defined personalities, unlike the main character, who is a blank slate for the player to decide.

2) Expanded elemental system. I see why they reduced the elemental variety: it's hard to make the pseudo-press-turn battle system that P3/4 have work with such a large variety of elemental attacks, but by allowing your party members a limited facility to switch persona, you can prepare ahead to cover a wider array of bases.

This can also be adjusted by having different monster resistances with the difficulty levels. For example, on easy mode an enemy is weak against all elemental attacks; on normal, weak against elemental and strong against force; on hard, only weak against zio and strong against force.

3) Hama/Mudo being 'curses' and not instant kills. Really, these spells are just frustrating to have used against you and too expensive and useless to use against the enemies.

[Foobar]

I don't see how redundancy in the elemental system is any kind of depth. Zan or Garu, they're both wind magic, pick a line and change its properties as you move up its tiers of strength.

This is kind of a point that annoyed me about Deus Ex - they had augments for marksmanship, but they also had weapon upgrades for improving marksmanship. Oh and then you got points to improve marksman skill just by levelling up. There was nothing deep or balanced about that. Just redundancy that cheapened the game's emphasis on the importance of the choices you made.

Everyone having personas is also a bit too much to manage every fight and still play efficiently. There's always going to be hole in someone's defenses or Persona options, then there's persona compatibility on top of that. Plus, you couldn't do it in a direct sequel to Persona 4, since P3/P4 are believed to take place in a different timeline.

I can see why some of this stuff got streamlined in later installments of the overall franchise.

I'll admit Hama/Mudo gets kind of arbitrary from series to series, though. Some games it kills you, other it just kind of hurts. I'd actually prefer it just kill me outright rather than be an ailment.

[Iris]

Everyone having personas is also a bit too much to manage every fight and still play efficiently.

I really would have to beg to differ on that one. I think I ended up with my most efficient parties in Persona 2 where I was able to change everything around.

[Kakizaki]

I didn't think Zan and Garu were both wind elementals. I believe Zan is typically force based and Garu is solely wind.

For anyone questioning redundancy of spells or how it would work in the Press Turn system, see Nocturne. It seemed work fine. There was a significant drop off in P3/P4 that was noticeable to anyone that was familiar with the older titles and it had little to do with a "redundancy" in spells / spell families.

[Foobar]

Everyone having personas is also a bit too much to manage every fight and still play efficiently.

I really would have to beg to differ on that one. I think I ended up with my most efficient parties in Persona 2 where I was able to change everything around.

Perhaps so, but we're not talking about Persona 2. Follow-ups tend to come with more refinements. Persona 2 also had fusion magic, so there were benefits to setting up things a certain way, even if it also left a weakness open in your line-up

[hickwarrior]

All difficulty changes is the amount of damage you receive. Hard Mode increases it by 20%. Not a big deal when you have 99 Balm of Lifes like me. :[

So, it's stil pretty easy to go through or am I missing something here?

[Iris]

Everyone having personas is also a bit too much to manage every fight and still play efficiently.

I really would have to beg to differ on that one. I think I ended up with my most efficient parties in Persona 2 where I was able to change everything around.

Perhaps so, but we're not talking about Persona 2. Follow-ups tend to come with more refinements. Persona 2 also had fusion magic, so there were benefits to setting up things a certain way, even if it also left a weakness open in your line-up

But in that case, if we're talking about a possible return to everyone being able to change Personae, then presumably that would also come with refinements that would keep it perfectly efficient.

I just don't get how it's "too much to manage." It's no worse than...lots of RPGs, and frankly, I liked having to manage it and the lack of party customization in P3/4 bores me a lot.

[bluekamikaze]

I think people should realize this is the first game in the series. this is what started it all out remember without the old as building blocks you dont get the new.. some people are just too picky and hate to tell you all but now it not the time to be picky cause the rpg market this year is pretty slim.. i think some of the reason for this is cause people sit and bash games over stupid reasons and then it hurts sales Which causes other good games that would have gotten released later not to.. think before you speak.

[DirewolfX]

I think people should realize this is the first game in the series. this is what started it all out remember without the old as building blocks you dont get the new.. some people are just too picky and hate to tell you all but now it not the time to be picky cause the rpg market this year is pretty slim.. i think some of the reason for this is cause people sit and bash games over stupid reasons and then it hurts sales Which causes other good games that would have gotten released later not to.. think before you speak.

Discussion about what was good and bad in the original game and remake is still relevant. Should we just buy every RPG that comes out just so that game makers produce more? You can go spend your money that way, but I prefer to spend mine on games I like. It just so happens that the Persona series is one I really like; and that includes both the P1/2 style and the P3/4 style. That doesn't mean there aren't flaws with the game.

[Tsuko]

This game is a good remake better then i first thought

[Zacewing]

I actually like the soundtrack. "Let The Butterflies Spread Until The Dawn", "Bloody Destiny" and "School Days" are easily my favourite songs in the Persona series.

A Lone Prayer is great, too, but it can get annoying due to the high encounter rate.

[kolaces]

I enjoyed the Yakuza demon's shameless plug for Atlus games. You got at least one laugh out of that translation! :)

[MomoChan]

I was a little disappointed on how the Satomi Tadashi Pharmacy Song was remixed. The original version was way more catchy.

But other than that, everything else is great.

[hickwarrior]

To me, the satomi tadashi remixed theme feels more polished than the original one, though. But the difficulty is lower than I expected. Then again, I should play extreme mode, though.

[MomoChan]

To me, the satomi tadashi remixed theme feels more polished than the original one, though. But the difficulty is lower than I expected. Then again, I should play extreme mode, though.

Polished, yes. Catchy, no.

The old one always made me want to sing along to it because it was upbeat. The new one feels too cozy.

As for the difficulty, Extreme isn't as hard as it looks. Normal feels like the old PS1 version except for the jacked-up encounter rate.

[Blizz]

I love the new graphics that they remastered for the psp. Looks amazing I love everything just one thing that i wasn't happy about and it wasn't the music it was that mark was different and they kinda messed with the dudes hair. But besides that 5/5 I love this remake.

[Zacewing]

it was that mark was different and they kinda messed with the dudes hair.

Mark wasn't African American in the japanese PS1 version. They made him African American in the US version to make the cast more racially diverse because they changed everything to make the game appear that it took place in the US instead of Japan.

And by "dude" I assume you mean the main character. His hair and skin colour were changed in the US version. All of the character designs in the US PSP version are the characters' original Japanese appearances from the japanese PS1 version.

[Kenji]

Finally got around to starting this game... even though I'm still not finished with Devil Survivor (so I won't be going full steam 'til then).

Anyway, I'm thoroughly impressed. Personally, I think the combat system's more satisfying than Persona 2's, and not just for the reasons I usually cite (i.e. menus). I've played with sword/gun combos in the original SMT (guns almost always win), but Persona's grid actually makes the choice between gun and sword more than a simple physical "element" choice. It's probably the best balance sword/gun system I've seen in the series so far.

It makes P2 feel especially simplified in comparison (the P1 contacts seem to have more "hidden" variables... I once had bribe turn from a good idea to a very bad one in one conversation), without having the out-of-battle hooks of P3 and P4.

I'm not trying to rag on P2 or anything, but my dream-port for the PSP would reincorporate some of these more complex battle system options from P1.

[MomoChan]

Ugh, I'm too used to P3 and P4 nowadays.

Whenever I see "Weak" or "Critical" in this game, I'm always expecting an extra turn.

Despite that, I like the fact that they notify you of Rank-Ups in battle now like in P2. Back in the PS1 version, I always had to check in the menu to see if there was any progress at all.

[Zacewing]

The only thing I hated in P1's battle system was how Persona switching took up a turn, whereas in Persona 3 and 4 you could switch Personas and then attack in the same turn.

[smashman98]

There was only one thing i disliked in the persona 1 remake and that was the ridiculously high random battle ecounter rate i literally this was so annoying it made the game feel slow in my opinion and really just ruined the experience for me
but that aside i gotta say i loved the sound track
and with THAT aside i gotta say persona 3 portable we need it over seas please we beg you

[Fatney]

Honestly, I'm kinda disappointed. This game really feels slow, and it's more the kind of game that would've been fun if I played the original when it first came out. I'm going to try the game some more, maybe I'll change my mind.

[Zacewing]

Honestly, I'm kinda disappointed. This game really feels slow, and it's more the kind of game that would've been fun if I played the original when it first came out. I'm going to try the game some more, maybe I'll change my mind.

Turn on Animation skip in battles. It makes battles feel much more fast paced.

[Fatney]

I do that. It isn't just the battles, but more the game as an overall feel.

[MomoChan]

Honestly, I'm kinda disappointed. This game really feels slow, and it's more the kind of game that would've been fun if I played the original when it first came out. I'm going to try the game some more, maybe I'll change my mind.

"If the dumb Americanization doesn't put you off, the slow pace will". That was always my observation of the Revelations version as a whole.

But it makes no difference, actually. The slowness is the same in any version of the game, whether it be JP, NA or PSP 2009.

Here's where your patience and overall fandom would pay off.

[Fatney]

I played 2-3 hours last night, and it got better. I was planning on playing something else, but the first thing I heard when I turned the PSP on was the really catchy overworld theme. Sleep mode! Then I just had to try it out some more...

One thing I wish they would implement is 3D movement in every 2D segments. It's kinda annoying to move in only four directions, especially when there's something you got to find or talk to...

It's the kind of game with a very slow start which may put some people off. Like Borderlands, the start is really boring, and if every reviewer hadn't said that it got better I would probably never continue playing it. (talking about Borderlands here)

Oh, and the really high encounter rate. If I want to enjoy the music, I have to actually stand still, especially since the song just starts from the beginning after every battle. And the battle theme is kinda boring, the "louder" parts of it is OK though.

[Zacewing]

Yeah, the encounter rate is kind of a turn-off.

I think the improvements to the game definitely improve the gameplay's pacing. The Persiona summoning and skill animations are about half as long as the PS1 version, and there's also the improved framerate, reduced loading times, and also the animation skip and expanded auto-battle features makes the game feel overall less clunky.

[Fatney]

I agree, the battles are very swift. I always keep skip on, though.

[Kakizaki]

One thing I wish they would implement is 3D movement in every 2D segments. It's kinda annoying to move in only four directions, especially when there's something you got to find or talk to...

I haven't checked this out myself since I am pretty used to the old movement style, but isn't there an option to switch to this sort of movement?

[Fatney]

I don't think so. The only thing I found is the possibility to choose if you want i.e. the upwards directional button to move your character northwest or northeast.