How far would you go?
The PS2 being a dying console, it can be hard for gamers to have confidence in it. Most developers have moved on to greener pastures, while others are still putting out garbage titles because they know they'll gain at least a tiny bit of money from it. Sometimes, the occasional gem shines through all this leftover pile of vaporware.
Persona 3:FES is pretty much what we'd call an expansion pack for Persona 3. It has the same game, but bonus content was added to follow-up to the end of the original game. Straight up, this is an amazing value-package. It is one of the longest game I have ever played (clocking at around 80hours) and has one of the best setting I have encountered. The subject matter in this game is pretty dark and gloomy, as far as games go. It doesn't help that the main characters use what is called an "Evoker", which essentially is a gun-like device that unleashes what is called the power of "Persona". Basically, "Persona" is the façade that the characters use to confront life's hardships. It's simple: point the gun to your head, let out your power, repeat until enemies are gone.
It might be a weird way of putting things, but without this device, the game wouldn't have the same appeal. The characters are there, on the screen, not only cheating death because they're fighting these Shadows, but they are also challenging themselves. "How far would you go to save the ones you love?". This is a question that resonates throughout the whole game, alongside other quotes like "Remember, you are mortal". It gives a nice double-sided view of things, in a way. I think what made me like the game the most was the effect it had on me after having played it, as opposed to the effect it had on me when playing it. It's a very slight adjustment, but it is notable. The depth of the characters and the interactions they have together, make this whole endeavor worthwhile.
While it has problems with its continuity and flaws in the gameplay mechanics, Persona 3 doesn't care and marches on. The best part is the story and the interaction with characters and the environment. Let this be a caveat of sorts, because this is definitely a game worth playing, or at least checking out.
