Hearkening to a series beloved to myself, as well as many of its fans, is the Persona series. These brilliant Japanese role-playing games create a lifelike and joyous experience, all while stimulating the weird fascinations of modern fantasy. More than just the JRPGs that are core to the series, there are many other wonderful gaming experiences that blossom from this world. From fighting games to rhythm games, all further create a strange, yet realistic lore to explore. Persona Q2: New Cinema Labyrinth is a sequel that many fans have been craving, if only to see all their favorite characters share new experiences.
Debuting in 2014, Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth introduced all the fan favorite protagonists from Persona 3 and Persona 4 in a time-warping, perplexing sequel to both games that never truly happened. Confusing? Yeah, one would see this title, as well as the other spin-offs, reliant upon fan-service, as well as seeing characters that would never mingle be thrust together in a joyous adventure. Though that is the case, most of the games within the Persona series are canon to the overarching lore being told, the only exceptions being the Persona games before Persona 3. Yes, this does include the aforementioned dancing and fighting games.
Debuting on the 4th of August, the trailer for Persona Q2: New Cinema Labyrinth excited and surprised all. The anticipation for a sequel to the character mish-mash of the first game, combined with the new players of Persona 5, the ever-popular JRPG that put Persona into the mainstream, was the major excitement. However the truly shocking reveal was the inclusion of the ever-beloved, shadowed female protagonist from Persona 3 Portable, a remastered re-release of Persona 3:FES for the Playstation Portable introducing new mechanics and a choice of protagonists. The only non-canonized Persona character is finally receiving her just rewards, this decision truly makes this a marvel from all fans and curious onlookers.
While exploring the labyrinthine Mementos, the Phantom Thieves of Persona 5 are transported to a mysterious, unknown plane. Escaping the situation they have been thrust into, they make their way through this strange movie theater. Upon getting to a safe zone they run into a black-haired women in a white dress named “Nagi” along with a small girl named “Hikari”. Explained as the movie theater without an exit, it attracts those of equal power to the stage.
The only known release date for this game, as of current, is the Japanese release of November 29th, 2018. As this timeline approaches, we can be sure to expect more information on the American release of this anticipated title.
Sure, the excitement of this announcement is celebrated by the fans of Persona and acts as a stepping stone to be introduced to other fan favorite characters of those who have only known Persona 5. Though the real questions begin of how does this compare to other games in the series and what will be introduced as incentive for purchase? Though the information is limited, the reasons to put this game on one’s radar are as follows.
Persona 3, Persona 3 Portable, Persona 4, Persona 5. Yes, this blurb of game titles from the series is the biggest reason to be excited from this game. Characters from these differently set RPGs intermingle and react to each other that fans never thought possible. New horizons are unveiled, sharing various struggles and creating unlikely relationships with those not of their current iteration; fan-service at its finest. There’s a huge cast of characters that flourish together set in an adventure sure to be filled with antics and the sharing of intimate stories. Truly everyone from the main titles make their debut, boasting a unique art-style and all ready to weave their personal experiences with one another. From the Specialized Extracurricular Execution Squad (SEES) to the Investigation Team all while introducing the Phantom Thieves of Heart. This game promises to have heartwarming experiences and a plethora of zany character.
As far as the gameplay is concerned it is that of the first Persona Q with slight alterations to make the system feel more akin to the Persona series. For these titles borrowed combat assets from the other popular Atlus JRPG series of Etrian Odyssey. Focusing on the weakness exploitation gearing oneself for the iconic All-Out Attack that the main series is known for. Though with little information, there is a new tactics mode being introduced to the combat system
With the implementation of beloved characters, to a endearing twist on the gameplay mechanics, they are introducing a new adventure and setting to explore. Though only having a confirmation of release in Japan, one can expect to hear more news of the American release.
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The video shows off the game's characters in combat.