Atlus is bringing Persona 3 to America @ Gaming Target

Written by John Scalzo on December 16, 2006

News: The popular Megaten RPG is crossing the ocean next summer.

Atlus has announced they will be bringing Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3 to the PS2 in June 2007. Persona 3 has been a huge hit in Japan and many assumed it was only a matter of time before it was brought to America.

Persona 3 takes place in Gekkoukan High School and players will take on the role of a recently orphened boy. After arriving at the school, he is attacked by a Shadow. This attack brings out his Persona (or alter ego), Orpheus. From there the story expands out to reveal that many of the students at the school have Personas to fight the evil Shadows. Soon, he has only one option. As Atlus puts it, "with your school as the primary battlefield, you'll be forced to juggle between two lives: student by day, defender against evil by night."

УPersona 3 is the most exciting, challenging, and ambitious title in the SMT series to date!Ф said Yu Namba, Project Lead for P3. УWhile still faithful to its roots, it takes the series in a bold new direction with the implementation of the Social Link system, where your relationship with not just party members but also a huge cast of characters is critical to your success! Tired of endless random battles and character leveling? Then, focus on your Social Links instead... How you play the game is up to you!Ф

We also have a feature list for a little more in-depth detail on what Persona 3 will be like:

Engaging Social Link system lets you build intimate relationships with friends and love interests alike!

Unforgettable characters, including familiar faces from previous Persona games, and professionally-acted dialogue bring the story to life!

Massive replay value with over 20 Social Links and a complex storyline encompassing a full school year.

Highly stylized designs grace the beautiful 2D character portraits, detailed 3D animations, and heart-pounding cut scenes!

Hip Urban-Techno soundtrack from Shoji Meguro, the composer for Nocturne and Digital Devil Saga!

Intense, strategic battle system; find and exploit enemy weaknesses with the help of your allies!

We'll have more on Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3 soon.