Shin Megami Tensei Persona 3 review PS3

A P3Zine Gold Award this month for Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3 (crazy name, crazy game?) the newest instalment of the Japanese RPG series. In fact it's almost two parallel RPGs - the daytime action takes place in the social minefield of a high school, where you'll need to study and make friends, but when the game ticks over into night-time, the school turns into a tower full of demons, and you'll need to use the skills and alliances you garnered in the day to help you through the night. It's an original and accessible RPG, which will keep you playing for many happy hours - find out more about Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3 in our full review now!

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Shin Megami Tensei Persona 3 review PS3

The Shin Megami Tensei series has always dealt with adult themes such as isolation, death and the occult in a measured, mature way. But rarely has its gameplay been able to match up to its ideas. Persona 3 changes all this with a more accessible approach that somehow loses none of its hardcore edge.

It's essentially two RPGs rolled into one. During the day your character attends school, chats to friends and takes part in lessons - you'll be asked questions and tested in various ways throughout each day, all of which affect your statistics. You might be asked to sing karaoke which boosts your confidence, while studying hard increases your Academics skill. The idea is really to build friendships with classmates, as these ties affect your combat performance in the other half of the game.