SMT: Persona for PSP to have simultaneous retail and PlayStation Network launch

[AtlusAram]

UPDATE: THIS PRESS RELEASE IS NO LONGER ACCURATE. THE PLAYSTATION NETWORK DOWNLOADABLE VERSION OF SMT: PERSONA WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE UNTIL OCTOBER 1st, 2009. WE APOLOGIZE FOR THE INCONVENIENCE!

SHIN MEGAMI TENSEI®: PERSONA® FOR PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) SYSTEM TO HAVE
SIMULTANEOUS RETAIL AND PlayStation®Network LAUNCH
Although you'll have to (PSP)go and buy the UMD version to get the game's full 2-disc soundtrack

http://www.atlus.com/res/personapsp_glamshot_550.png

IRVINE, CALIFORNIA — AUGUST 5, 2009 — Atlus U.S.A., Inc. today announced that the upcoming Shin Megami Tensei®: Persona® for PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, the highly-anticipated remake of the first chapter in the critically-acclaimed Persona series, will launch simultaneously at retail and via PlayStation®Network on September 22nd. Retail customers have an added incentive to pre-order; the UMD release of SMT: Persona is a Collector's Edition boxed set, with each and every launch copy including the game's full 2-disc musical score, courtesy of master composer Shoji Meguro, at no additional cost.

Lauded for its mature and philosophical narrative, SMT: Persona stands apart from other RPGs of its era, blending sophisticated storytelling with addictive combat, demon negotiation, and demon fusion components. Boasting a fully redone localization (including content never before seen in North America), all-new music, beautiful new animated sequences overseen by famed artist Kazuma Kaneko, enhanced graphics and sound, adjustments to game balance, and a number of technical and design improvements, this is the definitive version of one of the most sought after RPGs of all time.

"Over a decade after the game was originally released for PlayStation®, we're proud to be able to deliver a remade, remastered SMT: Persona through the ever-growing PlayStation®Store in addition to traditional retail channels," said Tim Pivnicny, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Atlus. "When the PSP®go System launches in October, customers will immediately be able to load up a digital copy of what promises to be one of the platform's strongest RPG releases of the year. To show our devotion to our fans and retail partners, the UMD release of SMT: Persona will include the game's complete 2-disc soundtrack. This tremendous value is exclusive to the retail version of the game, and only available for a limited time at launch."

Shin Megami Tensei: Persona is currently scheduled to release in stores and via PlayStation Network on September 22, 2009. Both versions have an MSRP of $39.99, but only the physical launch copies will include the game's soundtrack on 2 discs, all packaged in a premium oversized outer box.

Visit the official website:
http://www.atlus.com/persona

Sample the Soundtrack:
http://www.atlus.com/spoils/p.html

###

About SMT: Persona
The rumor going around St. Hermelin High School holds that if you play the "Persona" game, you can see what the future holds for you. When a group of students-some eager, some skeptical-tries the game out, they experience something quite different. Before long, the city is turned upside-down and demons are roaming the streets, and only the students' newfound power of Persona can set things right again.

Whether you pursue Takahisa Kandori and his abuses of the power he wields as SEBEC's president, or whether you delve into the curse of the Snow Queen that has plagued St. Hermelin for decades, a deep, modern, psychological tale awaits. Remember your true self, and free the tortured psyches of others...

Key Features
• More than the same old JRPG — Dark, philosophical, and complex, Persona sets you up in a modern day Japan that has gone into chaos. Demons run free, and you and your team must navigate corruption, mental frailty, and an alternate version of your world to bring your reality back into order.
• A second chance on PSP — Offering a second opportunity to experience the beginnings of the acclaimed Persona series, this remake boasts a fully relocalized script, revamped user interface, faster battles, expanded soundtrack, and new in-game movies with voice work added just for the North American release.
• Unique tactical opportunities — The inner selves known Personas are your key to progressing through the adventure, adding skills and incredible depth to your battle tactics. Expand and improve your collection through the Demon Negotiation system that offers spell cards that you can later fuse into new Personas.

Shin Megami Tensei: Persona has been rated “T” for Teen with Fantasy Violence, Language, Partial Nudity, Simulated Gambling, and Suggestive Themes by the ESRB.

###

About Atlus U.S.A., Inc.
Located in Irvine, California and founded in 1991, Atlus U.S.A., Inc. is renowned for its proud tradition of publishing exceptional role-playing games with strong niche appeal. The Atlus library of critically acclaimed video games includes Odin Sphere, the Trauma Center series, and the award-winning Shin Megami Tensei series. For more information, visit http://www.atlus.com.

For breaking news, special promotions, insider info, and more, visit http://www.atlus.com/faithful to join the ranks of the Atlus Faithful!

©2009 ATLUS SHIN MEGAMI TENSEI, SMT, and Persona are registered trademarks of Atlus U.S.A., Inc. Licensed to and published by Atlus U.S.A., Inc.

[sdragon21]

Smart move,Atlus.
BTW, if the digital download for Persona proves successful, will you do all of your future PSP releases as both Retail and Digital download???

[hickwarrior]

So, I can try and make an american PSN account and then DL the game? No? FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF--

Seriously though, it sounds kind of neat. Too bad you need a retail product(pre-ordered or launch copy) in order to get the soundtrack. But eh, maybe i can use youtube for the songs I like. :X

[Dave3]

Since I've been wanting this game with a proper localization for so long, I'm inclined to pick up the retail version and also get it digitally. Anyone else thinking the same thing?

[mlisette23]

Smart move in more ways than one. Some people will be too impatient to wait for their retail release and just buy the download edition while they wait.

[Juanblue85]

Congrats Atlus USA on your first DD game for the US PSN. I am however going for the retail version of course. ^_^

[mafia28]

YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!

Thank u Atlus!!!

[Pibbman]

But wait, you can't say this is simultaneous. :P

PSN updates on thursday, the game releases on tuesday. Around here, at least for me, gamestop always has the game ready the exact day.

Most people if I recall on the forum here get theirs on wednesday. So really the majority would be waiting an extra day if they went digital, so everyone is probably better off with the physical version anyways,

[unknown]

It's nice that people not living in the US can get it off of the PSN now.

[Ryo_Suzuki]

Since I've been wanting this game with a proper localization for so long, I'm inclined to pick up the retail version and also get it digitally. Anyone else thinking the same thing?
I want to do it, since I hate carrying the umd around, but I really don't want to pay an extra $40. XP I'm still picking up the retail copy since I'm a sucker for pre-order bonuses.

[Nephlabobo]

As long the real, physical, more-worthwhile version is being released, I'll be happy.

DD and DLC suck.

[pichonCalavera]

Since I've been wanting this game with a proper localization for so long, I'm inclined to pick up the retail version and also get it digitally. Anyone else thinking the same thing?

I'm going for the retail version because i like my Atlus games with the box art and all that physical stuff.

Altough I do wonder if for example the loading times would be shorter on the digital version, making the digital game a better experince.

[four_black_hearts]

I really wish Atlus Japan would do a PS2 port.:very_sad:

[hickwarrior]

It's nice that people not living in the US can get it off of the PSN now.

Umm, how? I'll try to login to the american PSN, but if I'm right, I need a seperate account for that one... I'll edit once I figure that out (Even though I'm pretty sure I would need a seperate account for it.).

EDIT: Nope, I'd have to make an american PSN account in order to DL that. Well, guess ebay is where i can get this, though (http://cgi.ebay.nl/Shin-Megami-Tensei-Persona-PSP-BONUS-SOUNDTRACK-Engli_W0QQitemZ270435395260QQcmdZViewItemQQptZVide o_Games_Games?hash=item3ef734a6bc&_trksid=p3286.m63.l1177). Although I don't know if I can trust this guy...

[Foobar]

I really wish Atlus Japan would do a PS2 port.:very_sad:

Trust me, you don't want that. PSP games tend to look rather blurry on PS2.

Nice to see it'll make the PSN network on day one, though I don't agree that a DD version should cost as much as the retail version.

[ShadowYuri]

[QUOTE=four_black_hearts;127676]Nice to see it'll make the PSN network on day one, though I don't agree that a DD version should cost as much as the retail version.

Wow, good thing you mentioned it, I haven't noticed! I would have thought the PSN would be cheaper, but oh well. I'm buying the UMD release anyway.

[chirokitsune]

Kinda wish there was some sorta way the PSN download could get the soundtrack. I love the original game's soundtrack a lot. I personal dislike UMDs since I've had to replace a few games now due to whatever crappy glue holds that clear cover piece.

[four_black_hearts]

Trust me, you don't want that. PSP games tend to look rather blurry on PS2.


Trust me, the clarity of the graphics are certainly not the reason why anybody wants this game. It's not an unreasonable wish either, plenty of Japanese companies are hard at work, still busy porting lots of PSP games to the PS2.

[PainKilleR-[CE]]

Trust me, the clarity of the graphics are certainly not the reason why anybody wants this game. It's not an unreasonable wish either, plenty of Japanese companies are hard at work, still busy porting lots of PSP games to the PS2.

Like what? It looks like there are a lot more games getting ported from the PS2 to the PSP than the other way around. There are some multiplatform releases that end up on both, I guess, but that's not really the same as porting from the handheld to the PS2, and there really aren't many games coming out for the PS2 any more (though I've got one shipping to me at the end of the month, and there's word coming out of Japan that THAT game's getting ported to the PSP, too).

[four_black_hearts]

As you said there are still PS2 games coming out, and most of them seem to be either multi platform releases, or PSP ports! ;)

[Pibbman]

What they gotta do next is FINALLY do a PSP port of Innocent Sin, and bring it over. No chickening out this time.

[Foobar]

What they gotta do next is FINALLY do a PSP port of Innocent Sin, and bring it over. No chickening out this time.

If Persona is any indication - what with the inclusion of the Snow Queen bit and all - I think if Persona 2 comes to PSP, it would have both parts of the game.

Plus they did give us both versions of Persona 3, so I'd say they've learned their lesson about shorting the western side on content.

[OokieSpookie]

Have a bit of a question about this honestly.
I want the retail version because I want the soundtrack cds (and I like boxes)...
Will there be a way to download it only the PSP go if you buy the retail version?
A code of some sort or something perhaps?

[Soushi_Grapple]

I know you can play the game on the PSPgo, I think the OST is in-store only. ;)

As for Innocent Sin... I'm still iffy. Hitler is a touchy subject for some isn't it? But then, there are games like Operation Darkness, ect, that have Nazi elements, so who knows? As far as I'm aware that and the fact that there was a question about a character's orientation were the main reasons it wasnt brought here, right? Seems like everyday stuff now, when you think about it, lol. I wouldn't mind having to rebuy the 2 games on PSP if they did them seperately, but something similar to a Ys I and II set for IS and EP sounds good-- have they invented double UMD cases yet? XD Or maybe UMDs have the space.. I really don't know. o.o

[Pibbman]

I know you can play the game on the PSPgo, I think the OST is in-store only. ;)

As for Innocent Sin... I'm still iffy. Hitler is a touchy subject for some isn't it? But then, there are games like Operation Darkness, ect, that have Nazi elements, so who knows? As far as I'm aware that and the fact that there was a question about a character's orientation were the main reasons it wasnt brought here, right? Seems like everyday stuff now, when you think about it, lol. I wouldn't mind having to rebuy the 2 games on PSP if they did them seperately, but something similar to a Ys I and II set for IS and EP sounds good-- have they invented double UMD cases yet? XD Or maybe UMDs have the space.. I really don't know. o.o

why should it be? Hell they have a major motion picture in theaters thats based entirely around nazis. Not to mention there were previous films, as well as a game (whose name that escapes me at the moment) that will be coming out filled with it. Then there is also wolfenstein or whatever its called too.

It's not like you're playing as a nazi going around killing people in concentration camps.

I don't think there was really any reason. If anything it was because of one of two that I personally think it could of been.

1. Was because SCEA was being a dick again.
2. Atlus wasn't sure if they wanted to continue the series here? Maybe they randomly picked one of the two in a coin toss. In any case, the question still remains why not the first part in two?

[OokieSpookie]

The OST is definitely retail only, which is why I am wondering if there will be a way to again buy the retail version (to get the ost) and still use the game on the psp go.

For example, Patapon 2 had a retail release that had a key in it that you input on the PSN and are able to download the game instead of using the UMD.
Supposedly Sony is going to have a way to be able to load the UMDs to the GO but who knows.

[Pibbman]

The OST is definitely retail only, which is why I am wondering if there will be a way to again buy the retail version (to get the ost) and still use the game on the psp go.

For example, Patapon 2 had a retail release that had a key in it that you input on the PSN and are able to download the game instead of using the UMD.
Supposedly Sony is going to have a way to be able to load the UMDs to the GO but who knows.

That would be a waste of money, since it would require a whole 'nother SKU. They would basically be printing a box with the actual UMD game and bonus stuff, then a separate retail item with a key slip, a box and bonus items, and then creating another that is entirely digital only on the PSN store.

[OokieSpookie]

It wouldn't require a seperate sku at all if there was a key for a psn download inside the main umd release.
It would be just an extra card inserted into the package.
It would be much like digital copies on blu ray releases.
You get the blu ray release, and there is a card in the package with a download code for a digital version download. (Code usable once of course)

[Iris]

2. Atlus wasn't sure if they wanted to continue the series here? Maybe they randomly picked one of the two in a coin toss. In any case, the question still remains why not the first part in two?

Why the first part in two? EP has a built-in recap of IS halfway through, so it's capable of standing by itself (even if you get a much richer understanding by actually playing IS first), and EP's gameplay shows far more polish. The game has more playtime and more replay value.

[Enzeru]

Awesome Atlus! ^^ Let's hope you do the same for Kenka Bancho.

[Soushi_Grapple]

2. Atlus wasn't sure if they wanted to continue the series here? Maybe they randomly picked one of the two in a coin toss. In any case, the question still remains why not the first part in two?

Why the first part in two? EP has a built-in recap of IS halfway through, so it's capable of standing by itself (even if you get a much richer understanding by actually playing IS first), and EP's gameplay shows far more polish. The game has more playtime and more replay value.

I wish I'd known that, I'd continued my playthrough on EP before finishing my run through of IS (well trying to anyway.. lol, I havent had the laptop much to play it and as far as EP I'm trying to get enough money for that cat statue...)

[Nephlabobo]

It wouldn't require a seperate sku at all if there was a key for a psn download inside the main umd release.
It would be just an extra card inserted into the package.
It would be much like digital copies on blu ray releases.
You get the blu ray release, and there is a card in the package with a download code for a digital version download. (Code usable once of course)

Nope, your idea sucks, and just proves why physical discs are superior.

[Gtamatte]

I just tried buying from american psn so anyone from europe can buy this if they make an american psn account.

[Kyuketsukimiyu]

I'm thrilled to see this. One of the big reasons I was against getting a PSP Go was that there has been a lot of speculation about Atlus not releasing games on the PSN... The soundtrack is too alluring though to drop my preorder at Gamestop though. It would be nice to see the Atlus Spoils extend to the PSN via the key system, but for right now I'm just happy to see a sign that Atlus will be friendly to those of us who are interested in the PSP Go.

[Tsuko]

it would be cool if the umd copy came with a code as proof of purchase that allowed the owner of the umd version to get the PSN download version

[shouamabane]

I know this release is coming out at an awkward time when PSN PSP games are just starting to release at launch. In the future PSN buyers should get some sort of added bonus as well. PSP Go users won't have a choice.

edit: I just want to add that I am stoked to play Persona and day 1 PSN PSP games releases are great. Thanks to all involved.

[Tsuko]

Yea, same here, Im really looking forward to the Snow Queen path.
I hope it has a code of some sort as proof you bought the game from a store like Gamestop or Bestbuy enabling you to be able to get it from PSN so you wouldnt have to pay 40$ twice, the code could also serve as certification that you arent playing a pirated version of the game

[Futanari]

Can we get a special code with our hardcopy to download it from the Playstation Network without paying twice?

[Tsuko]

Hopefully this will happen
seeing how companies are fighting game piracy, this could help them succeed

[Foobar]

Just out of curiosity, has it said what the file size of the download version will be? I've already pre-ordered, but I do like stuffing my memory stick full of games.

[Enzeru]

Just out of curiosity, has it said what the file size of the download version will be? I've already pre-ordered, but I do like stuffing my memory stick full of games.
I think they said ~800 MB.

[solidus0079]

Anyone know when games usually post to PSN? I've never paid attention to it before, but guess I should now! :D

[Inzaghi]

Anyone know when games usually post to PSN? I've never paid attention to it before, but guess I should now! :D

This particular game will be available for download through PSN on October 1st.

[solidus0079]

Anyone know when games usually post to PSN? I've never paid attention to it before, but guess I should now! :D

This particular game will be available for download through PSN on October 1st.
?This thread says it's simultaneous with the UMD which is today?

[Zacewing]

Anyone know when games usually post to PSN? I've never paid attention to it before, but guess I should now! :D

This particular game will be available for download through PSN on October 1st.
?This thread says it's simultaneous with the UMD which is today?

They delayed it, iirc.