Long time fans of the Persona franchise since Persona: Revelations was released may ask, what is Persona 2: Innocent Sin? There was a Persona 2: Eternal Punishment but not this title. You see, this, unlike every other Persona title was not released in English. Whilst it was never officially announced why, however the most probable explanation would have been political correctness, as some aspects of the game could have been deemed offensive if it was released then. However, with times changing and the release of the remake on the PSP for the game in Japan, it seems like ATLUS has decided that now is the time to offer the game to the masses.
This game has a battle system unlike any other Persona game both previous and current, however lends itself more to Persona 3’s battle system then others. In this game, there are only five characters in the game, and each wields the “Fool” arcana and can therefore all summon multiple Persona. Also, all five characters can be used in battle at a time, allowing the fusion of skills between party members and not having to worry about selecting one character or another.
From what I have seen so far, the interface has had an improvement over the PS1 version of the game, however so far, the visual effects, including the mapping system is for the most part identical. The music also allows you select between two types, “Classic” which is the retro tracks from the old game, and “New” which is the newer remixes of the music. Sadly however, fans of the J-POP tracks that the Persona games like to add might be disappointed because as of yet, I don’t believe they have any lyrical tracks ingame, besides the openings.
The storyline as taken from the official website is as follows:
The story takes plac ein Sumaru City, Japan, population of 1,280,000. Its protagonist attends Seven Sisters High School, whose emblem is considered a status symbol even amongst students from other schools.
Soon though, a rumor that Sevens’ emblem was actually cursed, and that wearing it would disfigure ones face, had spread around the city. Even worse, the rumor came true…. and it was only the beginning of a string of rumors becoming reality…. one after another.
Before long, the protagonists discover the power to summon another side of them called “Personas”, which they use to investigate the strange incidents around the city, all while facing their own personal demons as well. Time is once again on the march…
So yes, that is the storyline for you. The rumor system is actually a rather interesting way of doing things and does let you change the world quite a lot. For fans of Persona 1, you will be glad to know that some of the characters from the game make cameos, and one of the characters, Yukino (Who in the original English Persona 1 release was essentially booted from being playable after the first hour, despite not being killed off and retaining her Persona ability), returns as a playable character. More information I am sure will be shared as time goes on. Also included are some updates to the game, such as the Climax Theater! (Nothing hentai) and a Scenario Builder, all of which shall be revealed as time progresses. You can find the official website HERE.
Anyway, after the jump is the first trailer video for the game, as well as the first batch of English Screenshots and the press release.
Note the date is from 2010, however the trailer above is the same as the one ATLUS provided…. saves me uploading the same trailer twice. Also I will include a Japanese preview trailer for the game.
There were sadly only a couple of screenshots provided as of yet, however what was provided is below:
and finally the all important press release outlining what ATLUS has currently provided about the game… if you were not willing to read my blurb above:
About SMT: Persona 2: Innocent Sin
The story takes place in Sumaru City, Japan, population 1,280,000. Its protagonist attends Seven Sisters High School (“Sevens” for short), whose emblem is considered a status symbol even amongst students from other schools. Soon, though, a rumor that Sevens’ emblem was actually cursed, and that wearing it would disfigure one’s face, had spread around the city.Even worse, the rumor came true…
And it was only the beginning of a string of rumors becoming reality, one after another…
Before long, the protagonists discover the power to summon another side of them called “Personas,” which they use to investigate the strange incidents around the city, all while facing their own personal demons as well. Time is once again on the march…
Key Features
- The “Lost Persona” arrives, expanded and enhanced! — The only Persona game to never see a formal release in North America is finally here, with improved visuals, the option to play with the original or a remixed soundtrack, new quests, refinements, and much more!
- A Twisted World in which Rumor Becomes Reality — When casual gossip suddenly becomes harsh existence, the denizens of Sumaru City realize the bizarre phenomenon can quickly get out of hand and be used to further nefarious agendas. It’s up to you and your classmates to figure out what or who is pulling everyone’s strings.
- Befriend the Enemy — Contact enemy demons to gain items, tarot cards, and vital information only they have. Negotiate carefully: every demon reacts to certain approaches differently!
- Full Team Control — Your entire squad is yours to command! Summon new Personas for all five members of the party and manage their equipment and items to give your team the best chance for victory.
