E3: Persona 2: Eternal Punishment impressions

[05.11.00] » Details of long-awaited sequel revealed.

   A playable, albeit regrettably untranslated, demo of Persona 2: Eternal Punishment was on display at Atlus' E3 booth. The bad news first: Atlus only has the rights for Eternal Punishment, and not Innocent Sin as had been hoped.

   The good news is that, according to PR reps, Eternal Punishment's story is separate and stands on its own. Though it references certain details of Innocent Sin's plot, players will not have to know the story of the first game in order to play the second. Those who enjoyed the first Persona will be happy with the sequel; the same battle system is back with some interesting changes. As in the first title, your characters' location on the battlefield matter in tactics; but in the sequel you'll be able to move your characters around the battlefield and attack from strategically advantageous positions. Some interesting new weapons are on display as well, including a set of two guns wielded John Woo-style. The innovative "Contact" option, enabling you to negotiate with the enemies, returns in full force.

   Unfortunately, the plot was rendered opaque to this non-Japanese reading player, but the gameplay was interesting enough on its own to recommend it. Check back later for Persona 2: Eternal Punishment media.