Persona 2: Tsumi

Persona 2: Tsumi (also known as Persona 2: Innocent Sin) was an RPG video game released for the Japanese PlayStation in 1999. The Persona series is an offshoot of Megami Tensei, a popular Japanese video game series. Note that this is a different game from its sequel, Persona 2: Batsu.

The game is set in Sumaru City, Japan. A rumor is going around the city that if someone calls their own cell phone, a mysterious figure known as the Joker will answer, and grant the caller a wish. The game centers around Tatsuya Suou, a student at Seven Sisters High School; when he and his friends Eikichi and Lisa call the Joker, tragedy ensues. The three teens begin their own crusade to find out the truth behind the Joker ritual, aided by reporter Maya Amano and photographer Yukino Mayuzumi (from the first Persona). They find that the answer lies much closer to home than they'd thought...

First, the good: The plotting of the game is quite well-done. Engaging characters and an intriguing plot will keep you playing, and the gameplay is deep but easily learned, and the battle system is quite polished. The music is alternately wonderful and "bleah!", but the quality songs prevail.

The bad: When the songs are bad, they're really bad. Everything in the menu and battle systems seems to take one or two more button presses than should be necessary. Many gamers raised on the Final Fantasy series will find that this game may be sort of hard (it requires much more strategy than a lot of RPGs). And finally, the game is in Japanese, with no U.S. release on the horizon.

If you do understand Japanese even a little, and like console RPGs, I highly recommend this game. If you don't understand Japanese, I recommend its sequel, Persona 2: Batsu (released as Persona 2: Eternal Punishment in North America), instead.

This review is for the Japanese version English patched (I emulated w/ FF to nul grinding). Also if you have not played any other Persona game then it may be hard to recommend this game as it's pretty dated. I feel it takes a certain perspective and level of understanding to truly take in what Persona 2 (IS) has to offer.

The graphics are dated and the system to get battle ready is grindy, but unique with style.

Extremely well written (translated) dialog which compliments each character arc and drives the narrative to a relatable and satisfying degree. I found progressing (the story) effortless and engaging, and it's philosophical elements complementary to the characters, which reflect the actions, desires, thoughts, any person could experience. Playing Persona 3/4 first helped me appreciate the characters a lot, and the way they are portrayed/how each arc unfolds provide the foundation. Combined with touching themes and a few bopping beats and woven together with Atlus' now signature Tarot cards, this game may show you sides of yourself never consciously conceived if one is willing to accept them. Overall, it will make you laugh and cry, as it shines it's light on the burning desires of a human being.