PersonaFollow

Anyone into this game series; in particular, the Shin Megami Tensei series?

I've been replaying Persona 3 FES recently, and forgot how much fun it is. The game itself runs as half random dungeon-crawler, half dating sim (ok, just simulation game in general, but it feels like a dating sim). The formula sounds wonky, but it seems to work. The graphics are standard PS2 fare, but the character portraits and major cut scenes are anime. Most of the normal scenes are voice-acted, and the acting can be really good... or really bad (looking at you, Ken and Fuuka). Vick Mignogna (Edward Elric from Full Metal Alchemist) does one of the voices. They also more recently released a PSP version of it, with the option of your main character being a girl.

Anyway, I'm actually going to ask in particular if anyone has played Persona 4. I recently started reading the anime; it seems even darker than Persona 3 (grisly murders), and I was thinking of looking online for it if it's worthwhile. Any reviews?

The simulation aspect is that during the day you make friendships with various people in and out of school. These "social links" become stronger as you grow closer - when they get more powerful, you get more power when you create new personas (roughly guardian spirits) for the dungeon. When you "max" a social link, you get an item needed to create a very powerful persona. There are, I believe, 22 social links - I am currently trying to get all of them in one run through (which lets you create the most powerful persona). They can range from a sports team member, to a monk, to an old couple, to several girls whom you can date. You level stats like Academics, Charm, and Courage, which opens up various new social links, but unfortunately seem to have no effect on the dungeon-crawling.

Oh, and Pold, you'll probably love the music. J-Pop and Engrishy J-Rap. It's hilarious and catchy as all heck. It may in fact drive you insane.

That sounds exactly like a dating sim(or at least the ones on Newgrounds).

That's okay, I don't need to be driven. I live in walking distance.

I've acquired Persona 3, 3 FES, and 4.

Do the Shin Megami games have a linear storyline between them? Can I start playing Persona 3 without having played any of the previous ones? FES is just 3 with some added stuff, right? Is 4 a continuation of 3, or a separate story?

I want to start playing them but am curious if I need to play them in a certain order, or need to play some of the older games first?

I have one of the Shin Megami Tensei games. I love it. I've never beat it, but it's really fun.

I like talking to the demons. But the death-face-head guys suck ***.

Hahahaha! Oh my gosh, that's fantastic!

Mangafox also has a Persona 3 series on it, but I'm thinking it'll skip a TON of the story. It's only 16 chapters, and the first week takes up the first 3...