Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 2: Innocent Sin Review for PlayStation Portable (PSP)

Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 2: Innocent Sin Box Art

System: PSP
Dev: Atlus
Pub: Atlus
Release: September 20, 2011
Players: 1
Screen Resolution: 480p	Drug Reference, Language, Mild Blood, Sexual Themes, Simulated Gambling, Violence

Although the story and battle system are undeniably the backbone of the Persona 2 experience, they don't make a perfect game. On the technical side of things, Persona 2 does falter a bit, and most of these issues are due to its age. Since the original Persona 2 was released in 1999, you can expect some less-than-modern visuals. Pixel-based environments vary in complexity, and battle stages are unfortunately very repetitive. Even the animation feels old, which is a shame because you can tell that the game was ported with some effort to the PSP. Unfortunately, it is lacking that final bit of polish that we've come to expect from games on the PSP.

Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 2: Innocent Sin Screenshot

Sound is a little bit better, with a choice of two soundtracks and a pretty good voiceover. The only real problem is that the voiceover is a bit uneven, and kicks in only during specific parts of the game. I suppose this makes sense, as there is so much dialogue in the game that a full voiceover may have been a little too time-consuming for the re-release schedule. Still, randomly hearing voices go in and out during pivotal scenes is a little jarring.

Despite small hiccups in both the visuals and the soundtrack, Persona 2: Innocent Sin is a solid port of the Persona game Americans never got to play. It has been a long wait for both MegaTen and Persona fans, and the finished product is definitely worth the attentions of both. However, if you don't fall in to one of the aforementioned groups, you may still want to check out Persona 2. It's a great example of an old school story-driven JRPG, and in a genre that only sees a handful of releases a year, it's great when you have a release that nails almost everything. Persona 2: Innocent Sin isn't perfect, but if you're a JRPG fan, it's probably the best thing you'll play this year.

By Amanda L. Kondolojy
CCC Senior Contributing Writer

RATING OUT OF 5

RATING DESCRIPTION

3.2

Graphics
Graphics are stylish, but a bit too antiquated.

4.0

Control
Menu controls work well; there are no issues.

3.9

Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
Music is great, but voiceover is a bit uneven.

4.3

Play Value
With a branching story that can reach up to 40 hours, this is one portable that will keep you playing.

3.9

Overall Rating - Great
Not an average. See Rating legend below for a final score breakdown.

Review Rating Legend
0.1 - 1.9 = Avoid	2.5 - 2.9 = Average	3.5 - 3.9 = Good	4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
2.0 - 2.4 = Poor	3.0 - 3.4 = Fair	4.0 - 4.4 = Great	5.0 = The Best

Game Features:

The "Lost Persona" arrives, expanded and enhanced: The only Persona game to never see a formal release in North America is finally here, with improved visuals, the option to play with the original or a remixed soundtrack, new quests, and much more!

A Twisted World in which Rumor Becomes Reality: When casual gossip suddenly becomes harsh existence, the denizens of Sumaru City realize the bizarre phenomenon can quickly get out of hand and be used to further nefarious agendas.

Befriend the Enemy: Contact enemy demons to gain items, tarot cards, and vital information only they have. Negotiate carefully: every demon reacts to certain approaches differently!