Allow us to get your week on track, PlayStation.Blog readers. SOUNDtrack, that is. SIGNED soundtrack, even. That’s right, we’ve got 10 soundtracks graced by the pen/magic marker/writing instrument of one Shoji Meguro, master composer of games like Persona 3 and Persona 4, and we’re giving them away. Here. Just to you folks.
“How do I enter?” you inquire, leaning forward in excitement. Easy! Just tell us what you’re most excited about regarding the upcoming P3P as a comment under this post. Maybe it’s the fact that you can take one of the highest rated RPGs of all time on the road now? Or the cast of memorable characters you just can’t get enough of? Or the dating sim elements? The fantastic music? The great art? The addicting gameplay? The original story?
10 lucky winners will be randomly (or as close to randomly as possible) chosen and sent a SIGNED soundtrack CD. Only North American residents are eligible to win, however. It’s not that we don’t love you rest-of-the-world’ers; we just want to focus this giveaway on the region in which the game is actually releasing.
Why are we doing this? Well, we’d love to use this opportunity to remind you that:
- a) Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3 Portable, Atlus’s upcoming handheld RPG epic, is right around the corner, releasing in stores and via PlayStation Network on July 6th.
- b) It features one of the best soundtracks ever, and in order to further emphasize that point, we want to give a few of those soundtracks away. SIGNED.
In case you all are a bit unfamiliar with the P3P soundtrack, perhaps we should share a sample with you:
[audio:https://blog.us.playstation.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/05_Wiping-All-Out_short-3.mp3]
For more music samples, visit the official Persona 3 Portable website!
“The music seems awesome,” you say, pensively prodding your chin with your finger, “but I’m not guaranteed to win it. I just wish there was some cool bonus with Persona 3 Portable that I was guaranteed to receive.”
Funny you’d say that, because there’s still time to pre-order your copy of Persona 3 Portable at a participating retailer (GameStop and Amazon in the United States and Canada) and receive a collectible Junpei Baseball Cap. It’s modeled after the one he wears in the game!
“Wow, they’re sure giving us a lot of physical awesome to celebrate the release of the game, but what about the game itself?” you muse aloud to no one in particular, gently tapping your pointer fingers together in front of your mouth.
We’ve already told you in previous posts about how Persona 3 Portable puts you in the shoes of a team of gifted high schoolers forced to use their developing supernatural abilities to save the world from destruction, and how the game cleverly mixes addicting RPG dungeon crawling with social sim elements. And how the PSP system release introduces a new female protagonist who experiences the events of the game from a new perspective, not to mention the addition of one-button menu shortcuts, a streamlined user interface, and more.
We’d say more about the game, but really, why not let others speak for us? Early reviews are in, Blog readers, and they’re glowing:
Gaming Nexus – A
“Atlus added enough new content to make this the first must-own PSP RPG of the year!”Gamervision – 10 out of 10
“Persona 3 Portable is one of the strongest games in the PSP catalogue, and a shining example of a role-playing game done right.”GamerTell – 99 out of 100
“Simply said, Persona 3 Portable is a system seller. If you own a PSP and can purchase “Mature” games, you should own it. If you don’t own a PSP, Persona 3 Portable is easily a game to inspire you to pick one up.”PlayStation Illustrated – 95 out of 100
“It’s a fantastic RPG stuffed with things to do and interesting, yet unusual, ideas.”1UP.com – A-
“I’d actually recommend Persona 3 Portable as the best introduction to the series — even ahead of the console versions of Persona 3 or Persona 4. But I’d also highly recommend P3P for longtime fans of the franchise…”gamrReview by VGChartz – 9 out of 10
“PSP fans can rejoice that such a grand RPG has arrived on their system of choice…”GameZone 8.5 out of 10
“…a solid version of a great RPG.”
Look for Persona 3 Portable on retail shelves and in PSN Store on July 6, 2010! For more info about P3P, visit the game’s official website.
Don’t forget: What about the upcoming Persona 3 Portable are you most looking forward to? Tell us below for a chance to win a SIGNED soundtrack CD! We’ll try and choose winners by the game’s release date (winners will be notified with a message sent to their PSN account).
I’m really excited for P3P to come out because, honestly, WHO ISN’T? One of (what I like to call) the best games out there, now available to take with you anywhere you go.
I am also looking forward to seeing how the game has changed, both story-wise and game mechanics. Also, I have to admit, I kinda wanna play the female protagonist story just because (and no, I wont enjoy making social links with the guys, even if it helps me level up and all that)
The final reason to look forward to Persona 3 Portable is not just because Persona 3 is a great game, but that also might mean that Persona 4 may come out on the PSP too (and if it doesn’t, thats alright, I think P3 is better then P4).
I can’t wait to play as the female protagonist! I really loved Persona 4’s battle system so I’m glad that this one is like that too. Since it’s portable, I can play Persona 3 when I’m not at home, which is great since I usually play when not at home now.
I’ve always heard good things about the Persona series from my friends, so I’m excited to use the release of P3P to be my first dive into this rich and entertaining world of unique game play mixed with dating sim. I can’t wait to try out the game from both the male and female perspective as well. Everything about this game series looks and sounds great. I think I’m really going to enjoy this ^_^
The redesigned battle system!
I’ve played through P3 and P3 FES so the thing I’m looking forward to the most is definitely playing through the game as the female main character.
This game is gonna last me through the entire summer!
Why shouldn’t I be excited? Persona 3 is everything to me. Whether it be the deep philosophical undertones, or the richly drawn complex and unique characterizations that populate this decidedly introspective world, I was at a loss at how genuinely emotional I had become upon reaching the game’s inevitable conclusion. I actually cried – for the first time in a long time. Never before had a video game affect me so.
Five years ago, I lost my love for video games. Zelda, Master Chief, it mattered not! I was tired of going through the motions. Having fun wasn’t enough. I began demanding an experience: one that offered more than “entertainment.” I wanted social commentary, philosophical prose, and introspective analysis. More so, I wanted to feel for these characters. When they were sad, I wanted to feel sad; when they were mad, angry. It just wasn’t enough to get to the next level.
I knew I couldn’t have been asking for much. Both the book and movie industry had managed to cater to these demographics, but somehow the gaming industry at large neglected us. As a result, I sought to boycott the video game industry until companies realized this terrible mistake they’ve made.
…continued in following post…
Being able to control every party member will make Persona 3 perfect, as far as I’m concerned. It’ll be awesome!!
…part two…
Thankfully, I didn’t have to wait long. When I first heard about FES, I was admittedly both cautious and pessimistic, but upon further reading I became enamored with the setting and world. The rest, as you know it, was history.
One week later, and after over 150+ hours of playtime I finished the Journey. The moment I saw the credits roll, I broke out into tears. I wasn’t ready. Ready to say goodbye: goodbye to such a fabulous game; goodbye to such a fabulous experience. I finally understood why I was so hesitant to begin with. Never again would a game affect me so strongly. I wasn’t ready to say goodbye in fear it would be my last.
In a way, I’m still sucked into the world of Persona 3. I have yet to say goodbye. Persona 3: Portable offers me this one last chance to do so. One last chance to bring closure to my Journey, and I can’t think of a better way than through the eyes of a female. Maybe Akihiko will finally notice me. >_> Here’s hoping. Atlus has brought me to tears once again with this rare, once-in-a-lifetime, opportunity to revisit this endearing classic once more. Come July 6th, it’s back to school!
With much Love,
Kelsey Jonathon Hart
<3
I’m excited simply because Persona 3 is my favorite RPG period. Never before have I needed an actual spreadsheet to keep up with the changes the game throws at you. Keeping up with the Compendium, your Social Links, your significant others from said Social Links, and let’s not forget just saving the world on top of being a genius, charismatic, badass. While newer games might be more in depth, chose your own adventure-style, there’s something to be said for good old fashion dungeon grinding that’s always fun, Japanese stereotypes, and meeting Vic Mignogna in person while cosplaying as Junpei.
Not to mention, you know you want the school uniform. ;)
I’m excited to relive the Persona 3 experience after nearly 3 years since the PS2 release! I’ve been waiting for a while to forget about most of the game so I could play P3FES and still be as enthusiastic as I was when I first played it, but when I heard about P3P, I told myself that I should just wait it out. I loved so many things about P3; the characters, their personalities, the music, the all around originality, and the climatic end…those were some great times.
And now I get the option to play as a female character? I’m sure that everything’s going to be different, and that’s just one of the reasons why I’m shaking with excitement!
The new mechanics, the jobs, the square button, and of course the hat.
Is it too late to enter? I want the OST, I’m a big Persona fan, I have all the games! Give me my soundtrack!
I’m looking forward to Persona 3 Portable because the gameplay and interface improvements will grant me the opportunity to fully appreciate Persona 3 at its finest. I made the mistake of playing Persona 4 first, which made it difficult to go back and play P3, because of the slightly more cumbersome interface and the inability to directly control party members in battle. While none of these issues broke the game, the difference in quality detracted from the aspects of P3 that made it so refreshing when it was first released. I’ve tried and failed three or four times to give P3 the love it deserves, so being able to play it with the P4-inspired facelift is the perfect solution.
And hey, at the end of the day, you just can’t have too much Persona.
I love the fact that this very japanese-centric RPG is coming to the PSP. I love that Atlus tries to keep as much of the Japanese humor, customs, and references as possible. I absolutely can’t wait for this game to come out.
So what am I most excited about? There is indeed many things in which one could be excited about with this enhanced portable release. It is verily so that a vast amount of these things do quite excite me, as I’ve always been a fan of the SMT series ever since the very first release of Persona: Revelations for the PS1. This gives me yet another good reason to play through the game a third time, having beaten the original P3 release, then beaten it again with P3:FES on Hard Mode, which was quite challenging by the way. However, what most excites me is the prospect of playing the female protagonist’s story path on hard mode whilst I travel and study abroad in Japan for a year.
It tis as I like to say, “Simply Yarrsauce”.
Triface
“Yarrsauce” Definition:
1. Leetsauce, only better.
Example: That topic is totally Yarrsauce.
2. Expression of endearment or surprise.
Example 1: Oh yeah, Yarrsauce baby.
Example 2: Yarrsauce, I never would of thought of that.
3. Random Word.
Example: Yarrsauce!
4. A special-sauce used on fried chicken.
5. A made up word because pirates are awesome and made up words with piratey overtones that are fun to say are even more awesome.
Looking forward to:
-playing as female protagonist, with new music tracks
-additional costumes
-getting free Junpei hat
-Persona 4 battle mechanics
-plsying in bed, or on the train
I’m looking forward to being able to play this game on the go and also the hope that more Persona games (2,4 and any future ones) come out on the PSP.
Should also be interesting to try it out with the new female protagonist; and definitely can’t wait for grabbing Junpei’s hat.
I’m most excited about the idea of downloading it on my PSPgo. The instant pause feature on the PSPgo will allow me to pause the game and return to it and not worry about finding a save point all the time, which will make Persona 3 so much more enjoyable! : )
I am excited for many reasons. But mainly, it’s the chance to play this game again, with a fresh new outlook, and it’s PORTABLE!!! 0_0! That’s just awesome! I an definitely looking forward to adding this game to my PSP library…provided I can afford it! Lol!
Thing I’m looking forward to the most is having an amazing game (with an amazing soundtrack) on the go. Also they did a great job on the dating sim section of this game.
Considering the fact that I’ve been playing these since Revelations: Persona back on the PS1, it’s impossible for me not to be excited about this game. Persona 3 was both addictive and wholly intense, and there’s some inherent charm in the gun-summon motif that still hasn’t been lost on me. Also, pretty darn happy it’s portable.
So, by North America, do you mean the U.S.A. only or can the rest of North America enter?
Controlling all the Characters and a Trip to Inaba…YES PLEASE! The only thing that could make this better if Persona 4 were to have a portable version (hint, hint Atlus!)
I am excited for the PSP port because it is not just a port…It is new and expanded. A female form for your character, the FES content from the start, more difficulties, and NPC control. What is not to get excited about? But mostly I am excited that this opens the door for a possible PSP port of Persona 2. I was very happy with the PSP port of Persona with the original Japanese content/characters intact. I would love to hear if we may get Persona 2 INTACT. The whole story. I hope if this game sells well it will encourage importing of other great games WITHOUT having to change or alter their roots (like character redraws, or edited content). I want everyone to get excited about this title and buy one.
My favorite thing about P3P is bringing my all-time favorite RPG to the PSP, even better than ever. The game did everything so well, from the story to the combat and dating-sim to the music and voice acting, there’s just no other game like it or as possibly as awesome as Persona 3.
What I’m most excited about is the option to play as a female protagonist in the upcoming P3P! This alone makes the game a must-play!
Are you kidding me? I can finally know what’s on a girl’s mind…the fact that I have to make her shoot herself in the head to do it is another issue though.
Also, METATRON! And on the go.
This games means quite a lot to me and for me to be able to take it wherever means that I can share with friends, family, random bus companions..and I can’t wait to see things from the female MC’s perspective and to relive key game moments from her eyes.
I can’t wait to get my preordered copy next tuesday! I had a lot of fun playing the first Persona when it was out on psp. And i heard a lot of people saying that P3 is by far, the best game in the serie. I’m more than enthusiast to spends dozen of hours exploring that amazing game. I love the style of the game and it look like they did a great job in adapting it on psp. With MGS, KH, Valkyria Chronicles 2 and now Persona 3, there’s no reason not to love the PSP. One thing i hope about this game is that it will be a little easier than the first one.
I’m most excited for being able to portably carry the best RPG experience on the PS2 for the PSP. Plus, the music is by far some of the most outstanding pieces of art in video games today.
Played Persona 3 on my 60gig PS3. My 60gig died due to YLOD and I was not able to finish the game. Have since moved onto a slim model. Enjoyed what I had played a lot so naturally I’m looking forward to playing all the way through on the psp version finally. Hopefully Persona 4 comes along as well as I didn’t finish it either. -,-
Since I have a Go I don’t get a chance at the Hat either. Sucks.
I have yet to play a Persona game. I used to work at GameStop and the Assistant Manager would talk nonstop about the series when the original PS2 version released. From his descriptions of the psychological elements and persuading enemies sounded so unique to me. I would’ve bought some of the series but GameStop doesn’t pay very well considering other minor needs… food, a roof… It’s odd, working at a game store but couldn’t get many games… But I totally plan on getting P3P. The trailers look (and sound) sweet!
love the soundtracks for persona
Absolutely excited to go through this game again, and the addition of a female protagonist might add another angle on the personalities of the supporting cast. I can’t wait for this to come out.
more yukari in shower….. while being in the shower = WIN!
I’ve been playing Persona and SMT for a long time. And I can still say that Persona 3 is my favorite. It’s very open ended for a dungeon-crawler, countless ways to develop your character, and not to mention that the actual plot and game itself is amazing. I remember the first time I played the game and Lotus Juice started singing in the opening, was powerful. The music was superb and fit the feeling of the game very well. On that note, the reason I look forward to P3P is not only the new aspects of the game and to sate my completion-ism, it’s the fact that I will be able to take it anywhere and everywhere, and be able to experience the story. My PS3 can’t play PS2 so this fixes that. I can’t wait to experience the new tracks included in the P3P OST either as just the tracks from the original P3 could pull your emotions and attention into the story. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a Junpei cap to go pre-order. So that whenever I see someone fall or on the ground I can yell “It’s time for an All-Out Attack!” with pride. And then be confused when the MC declines said All-Out Attack. Alas it is okay even if I don’t win the OST, I will drown my sorrows at Pheromone Cafe drinking Pheromone Coffee. ♪Charm has increased!♪
I look forward to playing as the female and getting Akihiko and Shinjiro to pay child support.
Really want to see the female scenario. Also must S-Link all the womens.
I’m excited because P3P is coming out on my birthday–July 6th! I’m a collector of great games and everything Atlus. I don’t even have a PSP, but I have already pre-ordered my P3P. A little dumb, I know, but there are some of us who still just collect to cherish.
I’m most excited about the adjustments made to the game’s battle system. The ability to control your teammates destroys the one slight flaw plaguing the PS2 original. Dare I say, the game could be entirely perfect.
Persona 3 is instrumental in my quest to find work life balance. 70+ hr weekly coding sessions must be punctuated with various forms of entertainment and social activity. Persona 3 will not only entertain but also provide crucial education in social nuance. I look forward to this entertaining learning experience. Being graced with the signed sound track would greatly aid me in this endeavor. :D
Easy, to fall in love with Mitsuru all over again!
The reason why I’m excited as a schoolgirl about Persona 3 on the PSP is first and foremost, yes, I do want my “Persona 3” experience on the go. While Persona 3 is one of the only new RPGs that I can actually commit to on the big screen, let alone with a lot of joy, I still want pretty much everything in my “Favorites” category of games on the go.
Another reason I want this game is because I’m a sucker for getting the ultimate gameing experience out of every game. Therefore since this game now has all these new social links, and cameos by Persona 4 characters, there’s pretty much no question that it’s a MUST own for me.
I can’t wait for P3P :D I love love love the art style of the characters and the voice acting. They are so to notch and you can really feel the emotions, not to forget the soundtrack is awesome too! But I always wondered, can you burn your dread in a toaster oven?
I’m most excited about the most compelling reason to blow around $200 on a PSP and some games yet. I know PSP has other good games (the original Persona, the first Star Ocean, etc), but none of them have seriously made me consider buying this system. This game does.
Honorable mentions would have to go to the Persona 4 improvements and the female main character. I love the idea of having full control of the party, and the new main character will give me something different from the FES version I already own.
I tried Persona for PSP and was a little let down by a few things. I really liked the overall feel of the game but too many random battles, and the card trading was i guess too much for my 30 year old brain. But I welcome Atlus and Persona into my life again I have pre-ordered P3P and I anxiously waiting for Amazon to ship my order (I know it doesn’t come out till next week). So as a RPG lover I would love a chance to get some memorobilia.
Thanks for bringing us some awesome games Atlus (shameless brown-nosing)
I been waiting for this game to be on the PSP since forever. I pre-ordered it as soon as it became available to do so. Never played the one on PS2 because my brother is a console hog. I been sulking all this time because the funny thing is, I own the FES limited edition. Can’t wait. Can’t wait. Can’t waittttttt for this to come out!! Get it to me soooooon Amazon.
Easily most looking forward to the new social links and being able to take this epic RPG on the road.
I’m looking forward to the chance to just play this series to start with – I’ve heard lots of good things about it. I don’t suppose there’ll be a PSP bundle with it maybe? I really need to replace my PSP-1000 too here soon (battery issues) and that would be a most excellent way to kill two birds with one stone.
Looking forward to the new female protagonist, the new social links and playing Persona 3 on the go! even though I own Persona 3 and FES…. lol Damnit Atlus don’t stop releasing great games.