Despite a very restful and ordinary winter season, the side of me that desires the extraordinary, the fantasy is very much alive and kicking. Nothing quite fills the void like some classic Japanese RPG like the Persona series.
Me & You
No doubt thanks to Final Fantasy, I have a soft spot for summons. Persona takes the concept of otherworldly creatures and gives it a demonic spin. In essence, the common thread behind the series is the existence of Personas, the conjuring of creatures that represent our psyche. Personas reflect our internal anatomy and yes, they can fight.
If only looking in the mirror is this cool.
Academia
Persona also focuses on protagonists who are strictly high schoolers. Although the age group is quite popular in this genre, it is the emphasis on academic influence that sets the series apart from others.
In addition to fighting powerful demons, the characters also have to engage in social activities such as school clubs, get a part-time job, study for final exams and remain viable within society. Ultimately, creating social links with different individuals and polishing your academic abilities will effect your combat status and the strength of your Personas.
Dark Comedy
Gaming mechanics aside, it is the story of each Persona game that draws me into their world. The comedy can be slapstick, yet the series has always taken a darker tone with its mythology. Dealing with adolescence may seem tiring after some time, but Persona promises to take its story seriously and often with a twisted, well, twist.
For example, in order to summon your Persona, you must aim a gun-like device called an Evoker and shoot yourself in the head. Yeah…
The Verdict
Persona comes with its own unique tone and mythology. With its interesting contrast between everyday activities and after-school demon slaying, the series (especially Persona 3 and 4) has yet to disappoint me.
Popularity: 28% [?]
I remember playing the first persona way back in the day (was that PS1 territory?) and being kind of unimpressed by it.
But then again, I was a much different person then, and my appreciation of dark humor and themes hadn’t quite ripened yet.
The main reason I’d be hard pressed to picking up this game, Robert, is the anime style. I’m not a fan of anime, and the OMG ANIME fanboyishness so many people have toward it makes me stay generally away from anything that looks too overdone. But if you suggest it, I just may have to take a gander when I get some gaming time..
Don’t get me wrong, it’s NOT for everyone, especially due to the reasons you suggested. I simply like the characters and story, but I would mainly recommend it for its dark atmosphere.