Atlus announces Persona 3 FES as a seperate $29.99 release

[LordGeo]

~ TIME ~- (http://www.atlus.com/time/)

As of this post, it says: "007:12:48:01:375" (roughly)

So we have another 7 days, 12 hours, 48 minutes, and 1.375 seconds until we know what this is about.

From my estimation, that's Tuesday, February 26 at about 7:00 A.M.

Any guesses?

[Kinomoto_Shinji]

SMT for PS3! :noodle: :noodle: :noodle: /wishes/

[ADC]

Etrian Odyssey 2 for DS. :>

[broodwars]

Something for Wii? ^_-

Nah, it'll be another niche strategy game that appeals to about 10% the gaming marketplace, will only have a production number in the mid-1000s, and will be on the PS2...or PSP.

[Chacranajxy]

hate to spoil it for you guys, but it's going to be...

...

Persona 3 Fes.

[TheLaughingMan]

I was also gonna say this...

Persona 3 FES

But quite frankly it's the title Atlus could release that i'm the most hoping for. It would really be awesome if that's what this announcement is!

Though i wouldn't mind to see some PS3 SMT... O.O

[ADC]

Gots questions. In Japan, there's a "director's cut" which includes Persona 3 and FES in the same package. Would Atlus do that? Or would they just release FES on its own? (I'm still not paying $75 for a game, see.)

[broodwars]

Gots questions. In Japan, there's a "director's cut" which includes Persona 3 and FES in the same package. Would Atlus do that? Or would they just release FES on its own? (I'm still not paying $75 for a game, see.)

I highly doubt they'll combine the two games, what with reverse importation and all. Although if they plan on releasing an "international" version of that set in Japan, it could be likely.

[Chacranajxy]

Gots questions. In Japan, there's a "director's cut" which includes Persona 3 and FES in the same package. Would Atlus do that? Or would they just release FES on its own? (I'm still not paying $75 for a game, see.)

I would doubt they'd do that. I'm thinking they'll just have an append disc, which checks that you do indeed own the original Persona 3, and then it's like "okay, now you can enjoy Persona 3 with bonus content. Please look forward to it." And you'll be able to play the Fes content even if you don't have P3, of course.

And there isn't a "maybe it's Persona 3 Fes," for those of you who are still wondering. That's what it actually is. Either way, Atlus has had Persona 3 Fes for a while... just haven't announced it yet.

[Jumbo]

Yeah, this is ~totally~ looking like FES. (Go back and watch the opening movie, there's a part with a timer counting down in the exact same font and with the same animation as well.)

Youtube link of the OP (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zluAoJ45QfM) (Check at 0:54 on this vid.)

As for releasing it as an entierly new game or as an Appendix only, (They did release both in Japan, with the appendix disc being much cheaper.)

I'd like to see them do the same thing here. Release an appendix disc for people that have purchased the game at t discount (Even if it was some kind of B&M/e-store exclusive mail in or what have you) and then just release a full version of FES as well.

I'm curious as to how this will turn out release wise.

[TheLaughingMan]

And there isn't a "maybe it's Persona 3 Fes," for those of you who are still wondering. That's what it actually is. Either way, Atlus has had Persona 3 Fes for a while... just haven't announced it yet.

Oh. Now, THAT is awesome! They've answered the prayers of tons of fans. Hurray! :grin: I'm so happy right now.

Atlus... :notworthy:

[TheLaughingMan]

Well it's most likely it will be only the append disc though. Probably at $40 too, if not $30 (that might be a bit wishful thinking though...).

[ADC]

'Twould be nice, then, if they re-pressed Persona 3 at the same time. But this is Atlus we're talking about, who re-press titles maybe once per console … and they already did it on the PS2 (Disgaea – Hour of Darkness).

[Darkex]

Persona FES :noodle:

[Advent_Nebula]

It is for Persona FES.

[brichibi]

I'm gonna join the bandwagon and say Persona 3 FES... mostly because... you can reserve it at GameStop now ^__^;;;

[DeadlyMessiah]

Uh... Persona 3 was already released.

[brichibi]

Uh... Persona 3 was already released.

Persona 3 is indeed out already, you can't reserve games at GameStop that have already been released (that and I already own Persona 3). FES is something different, it has more content in the main game and it has Episode Aegis, which is sort of a sequel.

FES was only released in Japan last year, but now it's coming to the US. According to the GameStop reserve list, it'll be in April, but that's always subject to change. It was just nice to look at the PS2 list at work for a customer then to see "Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3 FES" on the reserve list :)

[brichibi]

Well it's most likely it will be only the append disc though. Probably at $40 too, if not $30 (that might be a bit wishful thinking though...).

Your prayers have been answered, it's $30 :) Unless... if they bump it up to $40, but I don't think they will.

[DeadlyMessiah]

Uh... Persona 3 was already released.

Persona 3 is indeed out already, you can't reserve games at GameStop that have already been released (that and I already own Persona 3). FES is something different, it has more content in the main game and it has Episode Aegis, which is sort of a sequel.

FES was only released in Japan last year, but now it's coming to the US. According to the GameStop reserve list, it'll be in April, but that's always subject to change. It was just nice to look at the PS2 list at work for a customer then to see "Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3 FES" on the reserve list :)


Huh? What is different about it? And what do is this Episode Aegis? Lastly, what does FES stand for?

[GHardin]

Lastly, what does FES stand for?

According to the Wikipedia entry (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Persona_3_FES#Persona_3_FES) :
"According to the game's director, Katsura Hashino, the subtitle of "FES" is said to come from the word "festival"."

[Jumbo]

Hmmm... Now the question is, with that price point, will it be the appendix only and still require the original P3 disc or not...

[Jumbo]

And what do is this Episode Aegis?

Episode Aegis is basically an extra 30 hours or so of new story taking place soon after the end of the original game. It's basically an epilogue to the game with Aegis as the main hero(ine) this time. Also more dungeon crawler based as you spend less time outside building communities and more battling your way through the new dungeons.

As far as changes to the original game (if you go back and play through the original story) it is basically a directors cut. There are some new in game cut scenes, new persona, a new community, differences in how you can go about leveling up your stats, (Courage, Charm, Academic) the ability to take Koromaru out on walks at night, (and get random items or increase community points) new costumes you can obtain for your characters that will change their appearance when in Tartaros, Over 50 new quests with Elizabeth, etc.

[MadL]

Question:

Can you carry over statistics from a regular P3 game session over to FES?

[Lego]

So for someone looking to pick up Persona which one should I get?

Persona 3
FES

both?

[HitokiriShadow]

Uh... Persona 3 was already released.

Persona 3 is indeed out already, you can't reserve games at GameStop that have already been released (that and I already own Persona 3). FES is something different, it has more content in the main game and it has Episode Aegis, which is sort of a sequel.

FES was only released in Japan last year, but now it's coming to the US. According to the GameStop reserve list, it'll be in April, but that's always subject to change. It was just nice to look at the PS2 list at work for a customer then to see "Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3 FES" on the reserve list :)


So, if I get that, there will really be no reason to play the regular Persona 3? *looks at unopened copy of Persona 3*

[ADC]

See, I'm still confused on that point. Maybe I've just been reading too much off of Wikipedia, but I thought that FES was essentially an expansion pack for Persona 3 and that you'd need the original game to play it. If it's the complete game plus all this extra material for only $30, I'm in like Flynt.

[Ialdaboth]

For only 30$ you would only have the append version, I guess.

So time is up, and Atlus website is just giving me "February 25, 2008 06.00.00 AM". No word about Fes, apparently (even if it appears to have been confirmed elsewhere (http://boards.gamefaqs.com/gfaqs/genmessage.php?board=937269&topic=41590233) ).

Did I miss something ?

See, I'm still confused on that point. Maybe I've just been reading too much off of Wikipedia, but I thought that FES was essentially an expansion pack for Persona 3 and that you'd need the original game to play it. If it's the complete game plus all this extra material for only $30, I'm in like Flynt.

Depend if Atlus USA release the complete or just the append version of Fes ;)
Interesting, but the second-hand price for P3 seems to have go through the roof since last week XD

[ADC]

Interesting, but the second-hand price for P3 seems to have go through the roof since last week XD
The other reason I wish Atlus would re-press Persona 3 is to piss off the cheesedicks at Amazon Scalperplace who think that the game's really worth $80 or more. It's a game!
:sigh:

[brichibi]

I'm thinking it's like what everyone else has been saying, for the price of it, it's just going to be Episode Aegis and not the game with extra stuff + episode Aegis. It would be cool if it were, but I kinda doubt it.

I'm also not sure if you need to have save data from Persona 3 to play FES, does anyone know if this is true or false?

[Danj]

OK here's the summary, this has been confirmed by an Atlus employee on the NeoGAF forum so we know it's accurate:

1. This is the standalone version of FES, so it includes the original game and no other disc is required to play it.
2. The MSRP is $29.99. No, really, the MSRP is $29.99.
3. It will be available to preorder from Atlus' own web store on 1st March, but you can apparently preorder it from other retailers right now.

As far as FES itself is concerned, you can't use original P3 saves with it except for starting a NewGame+ (or whatever the P3 terminology for that is). This is because of all the changes and bug fixes to the main game, not just because of the extra content.

[GHardin]

Well, that's good to hear...though now I feel like I have a rather pricey paperweight on my hand. Considering Persona 3 got tossed to the wayside because of other games, I'm feeling no particular reason to continue until FES comes out now. :(

I'm looking even less forward to having to go to Gamestop to find a copy (yeah, preorder would help, but oftentimes I find myself buying things in a spur of the moment).

[Danj]

Well, that's good to hear...though now I feel like I have a rather pricey paperweight on my hand. Considering Persona 3 got tossed to the wayside because of other games, I'm feeling no particular reason to continue until FES comes out now. :(

You could try and flog it on ebay perhaps? Also to be honest, even if they had done the append disc version it would still have costed around $30 I imagine, so I don't think you're losing out on the financial side.

I'm looking even less forward to having to go to Gamestop to find a copy (yeah, preorder would help, but oftentimes I find myself buying things in a spur of the moment).

I highly recommend preordering this. Atlus games go out of print very, VERY quickly. It's not quite as bad as things like, say, limited edition figures in Japan where if you don't preorder you don't get one, but it's definitely worthwhile to do so. I'll be doing it just as soon as FES shows up on VideoGamesPlus.

[Danj]

Here's the full FAQ (http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showpost.php?p=9926540&postcount=437) concerning Atlus USA's FES release.

[Advent_Nebula]

Question:

Can you carry over statistics from a regular P3 game session over to FES?

Persona Compendium and your stats carry over, no abilities on your Persona's carry though.

[Jumbo]

2. The MSRP is $29.99. No, really, the MSRP is $29.99.


Well, that answers that question.

This is a steal for such a good game. The Japanese Appendix only disc was around 40 bucks so getting a chance to grab the whole thing for such a price is great. Anyone on the fence about this game shoudl really consider it now.

[brichibi]

OK here's the summary, this has been confirmed by an Atlus employee on the NeoGAF forum so we know it's accurate:

1. This is the standalone version of FES, so it includes the original game and no other disc is required to play it.
2. The MSRP is $29.99. No, really, the MSRP is $29.99.
3. It will be available to preorder from Atlus' own web store on 1st March, but you can apparently preorder it from other retailers right now.

As far as FES itself is concerned, you can't use original P3 saves with it except for starting a NewGame+ (or whatever the P3 terminology for that is). This is because of all the changes and bug fixes to the main game, not just because of the extra content.

Thank you for the info :) Very, very helpful of you.


I highly recommend preordering this. Atlus games go out of print very, VERY quickly. It's not quite as bad as things like, say, limited edition figures in Japan where if you don't preorder you don't get one, but it's definitely worthwhile to do so. I'll be doing it just as soon as FES shows up on VideoGamesPlus.

I cannot, CANNOT stress that enough. Please, please preorder any Atlus title you're remotely interested in. I haven't seen ANY Atlus game at work (GameStop) in such a long time.

Believe me, I'll be pimping out preorders for this game like crazy. Not too many people preordered Persona 3 at my GameStop, so they sent us very little copies (like... one extra that wasn't on hold for preorder), then suddenly everyone was looking for the game and it had just... disappeared :(

You can actually preorder it now. I freaked out a customer because I saw it on the list and actually gave a fangirl squee... which was totally unintentional... then ran in back and grabbed $5 from my purse.

[LimePie]

1. This is the standalone version of FES, so it includes the original game and no other disc is required to play it.


Awesome! I (stupidly) didn't preorder the original game, and was never able to find a copy. The same mistake will not be repeated.

[Chacranajxy]

Well it's good that people seem to be seeing the light now... this is absolutely a game worth buying. Easily the best RPG of last year. And really, $30 for so fucking much content is an insanely good price.

I'll be preordering my copy from Amazon, most likely, because I don't want to go to Gamestop and put up with their arrogance/gutted copies.

[Hielostar]

I highly recommend preordering this. Atlus games go out of print very, VERY quickly. It's not quite as bad as things like, say, limited edition figures in Japan where if you don't preorder you don't get one, but it's definitely worthwhile to do so. I'll be doing it just as soon as FES shows up on VideoGamesPlus.

I cannot, CANNOT stress that enough. Please, please preorder any Atlus title you're remotely interested in. I haven't seen ANY Atlus game at work (GameStop) in such a long time.

Believe me, I'll be pimping out preorders for this game like crazy. Not too many people preordered Persona 3 at my GameStop, so they sent us very little copies (like... one extra that wasn't on hold for preorder), then suddenly everyone was looking for the game and it had just... disappeared :(

You can actually preorder it now. I freaked out a customer because I saw it on the list and actually gave a fangirl squee... which was totally unintentional... then ran in back and grabbed $5 from my purse.

I'll be putting in a preorder for the bf sometime this week. We both really enjoyed P3.

[NeoCortex]

This is great news. I picked up a copy of the previous release of P3 and am a little ways into right now. I think I'll just hold off finishing it until I can start a new game with FES.

At least I got the special edition bonuses. So it's not like I completely wasted my money buying the old version.

Here's the full FAQ (http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showpost.php?p=9926540&postcount=437) concerning Atlus USA's FES release.

I have a question about one part of the FAQ:
7. Is the US version of Persona 3 FES censored in any way? I heard you might have to remove... that.

Longtime fans of the Shin Megami Tensei series will be happy to hear that P3 FES is completely uncensored, including... that, which appears in its full "glory" for the first time in the US in this game.

What is he referring to? I haven't played through all of P3 yet, so I don't know if there's something that's obviously edited.

[Junker Woland]

What is he referring to? I haven't played through all of P3 yet, so I don't know if there's something that's obviously edited.
Since it does appear in FES, I'm guessing they're referencing one of the Shin Megami Tensei series' more infamous demons, Mara--it's basically a giant, tentacled penis riding a golden chariot.

Here's a short wiki (http://www.popanime.net/megami/wiki/index.php?title=Mara) on the character.

[ADC]

I'll be preordering my copy from Amazon, most likely, because I don't want to go to Gamestop and put up with their arrogance/gutted copies.
I'll, too. Very interested to see the game, and $30's a lot better than $80. (I bet the Scalpers are a bit upset today.) And I don't support Gamestop for those reasons and because of their standard practice of bilking their customers on used copies. Their standards have dropped since I worked there — what is it with all those generic covers? Are people really so bad at taking care of the packaging?

[HitokiriShadow]

OK here's the summary, this has been confirmed by an Atlus employee on the NeoGAF forum so we know it's accurate:

1. This is the standalone version of FES, so it includes the original game and no other disc is required to play it.
2. The MSRP is $29.99. No, really, the MSRP is $29.99.
3. It will be available to preorder from Atlus' own web store on 1st March, but you can apparently preorder it from other retailers right now.

As far as FES itself is concerned, you can't use original P3 saves with it except for starting a NewGame+ (or whatever the P3 terminology for that is). This is because of all the changes and bug fixes to the main game, not just because of the extra content.

So, it looks like there is no point in bothering with my standard version of Persona 3. Oh well, at least FES will be nice and cheap and I got some extra stuff with the original (like an artbook) that FES won't have.

[Chacranajxy]

OK here's the summary, this has been confirmed by an Atlus employee on the NeoGAF forum so we know it's accurate:

1. This is the standalone version of FES, so it includes the original game and no other disc is required to play it.
2. The MSRP is $29.99. No, really, the MSRP is $29.99.
3. It will be available to preorder from Atlus' own web store on 1st March, but you can apparently preorder it from other retailers right now.

As far as FES itself is concerned, you can't use original P3 saves with it except for starting a NewGame+ (or whatever the P3 terminology for that is). This is because of all the changes and bug fixes to the main game, not just because of the extra content.

So, it looks like there is no point in bothering with my standard version of Persona 3. Oh well, at least FES will be nice and cheap and I got some extra stuff with the original (like an artbook) that FES won't have.

hard to argue that's better than 30 hours of new content, though. In fact, it's impossible.

[HitokiriShadow]

No, its definitely not better. It just means my purchase of the original wasn't a complete waste of money.

[MadL]

OK here's the summary, this has been confirmed by an Atlus employee on the NeoGAF forum so we know it's accurate:

1. This is the standalone version of FES, so it includes the original game and no other disc is required to play it.
2. The MSRP is $29.99. No, really, the MSRP is $29.99.
3. It will be available to preorder from Atlus' own web store on 1st March, but you can apparently preorder it from other retailers right now.

As far as FES itself is concerned, you can't use original P3 saves with it except for starting a NewGame+ (or whatever the P3 terminology for that is). This is because of all the changes and bug fixes to the main game, not just because of the extra content.

Thanks for the info (and thanks to Advent_Nebula as well)! Good to know all that grinding in Tartarus won't go for naught. :) Sounds like it'll be worth it to go through P3 again, anyway.

NeoCortex: You're in Historic Williamsburg, too, huh? Small world. :)

[pathos]

Wow, I'm really happy about this announcement. Yes, most assuredly a pre-order.

I'm also glad they chose to release the full version, instead of just the append version. That way, they aren't just limiting themselves in sales to just owners of the original game. Of course, as with all Atlus games, get it early, or prepare to pay dearly for it.

Heck, right now I want to pull the game out for the third play through right now, and not wait for FES :laugh:

I am a bit puzzled by this bit of the faq.

___________________________________

you must start a new game at level 1. However, you will be able to load some things from your Persona 3 save into FES. These are:

-Your Academics, Charm, and Courage rankings
-Your discovered Fusion Spells list
-Any key items you possess that unlock Persona fusions
-Your Persona compendium (However, the Personas in your compendium will be reset to their base level, stats, and skills)
____________________________________

Ok, unlike a regular new game plus, you don't start at your old level (think I started the second play through at level 60 or so, and ended the second play through at level 99), but at level 1.

Some things they didn't mention though, is stuff like money, and equipment. You got to keep those with a new game plus (well, your money and any equipment you didn't have equipped at the end of the game, that is)

I guess since those aren't listed, it's safest to assume they will not carry over. Shame though

[NeoCortex]

Since it does appear in FES, I'm guessing they're referencing one of the Shin Megami Tensei series' more infamous demons, Mara--it's basically a giant, tentacled penis riding a golden chariot.

Here's a short wiki (http://www.popanime.net/megami/wiki/index.php?title=Mara) on the character.

That's...interesting. I guess I can see how that would get censored for a US release.


NeoCortex: You're in Historic Williamsburg, too, huh? Small world.

Yep. To be more precise, I'm usually getting my brain scrambled by a huge magnet in my physics lab, in Historic Williamsburg.

[Junker Woland]

That's...interesting. I guess I can see how that would get censored for a US release.
Surprisingly, Mara has never actually been censored for a US version. The one appearance on our shores was in SMTIII, but it's in a weaker, not quite as obviously phallic form.

[Azumangaman]

So...I CAN SPEND $30 on PERSONA 3?
Perfection!

[ADC]

Since yesterday, the lowest prices at Amazon Scalperplace have come down from $75/$90 to $55/$61. Everybody and his brother is trying to get rid of the original. Gits. Unfortunately, Amazon hasn't posted FES yet. Time's on our side, though.

[Advent_Nebula]

Hence why I am pre-ordering it quick, like Tomorrow quick.

[HitokiriShadow]

Same here. I'm pre-ordering it tomorrow after work.

[Greywing]

See, now I'm conflicted. The UK release of Persona 3 comes out on Friday - do I spring for that, knowing the PS2 may not last much longer at retail level in the UK? Or do I wait and hope that we get FES, risking missing P3 in any form?

[Dicrel Seijin]

I've said it before, and I'll say it again. I really need to come to this forum more often.

My friend had to loan me P3 because I couldn't find it. :( (I'm new to gaming and didn't know about Altus and their limited pressings.)

Here's my question--is it worth running though P3 once and importing to FES or should I just started anew with FES? (Keep in mind I just started the game and am in May.)

[Chacranajxy]

I've said it before, and I'll say it again. I really need to come to this forum more often.

My friend had to loan me P3 because I couldn't find it. :( (I'm new to gaming and didn't know about Altus and their limited pressings.)

Here's my question--is it worth running though P3 once and importing to FES or should I just started anew with FES? (Keep in mind I just started the game and am in May.)

Just start over with Fes. They added stuff to the main game, so especially if you're early into the game, just start a new game.

[Kinomoto_Shinji]

Alright. I guess I'll delete my old file and preorder for FES now. :/ At least the extra's were still worth the original preorder. At least by the timme this comes out I should have more time to dedicate myself to the game.

[beatmania]

So ... what's so good about this game?

<- Only played Persona on PS.

[Advent_Nebula]

So ... what's so good about this game?

<- Only played Persona on PS.

Just about everything.

A limited timeframe to complete the game, interactions that affect the game and the persona's that you summon. A very well put together cast. Great game play. by far the best of the persona stories to reach stateside. (Persona 2 Innocent Sin never made it over.)

[LordGeo]

(Persona 2 Innocent Sin never made it over.)


Yeah it did. At least, I remember a Persona 2 being released here for the PS1...

[ADC]

(Persona 2 Innocent Sin never made it over.)

Yeah it did. At least, I remember a Persona 2 being released here for the PS1...
Naw, that was Persona 2: Eternal Punishment, which is Chapter 2 of Persona 2 (Innocent Sin is Chapter 1).

[LordGeo]

(Persona 2 Innocent Sin never made it over.)

Yeah it did. At least, I remember a Persona 2 being released here for the PS1...
Naw, that was Persona 2: Eternal Punishment, which is Chapter 2 of Persona 2 (Innocent Sin is Chapter 1).

Oh, so we got Shining Force III-ed then.

[ADC]

(Persona 2 Innocent Sin never made it over.)

Yeah it did. At least, I remember a Persona 2 being released here for the PS1...
Naw, that was Persona 2: Eternal Punishment, which is Chapter 2 of Persona 2 (Innocent Sin is Chapter 1).
Oh, so we got Shining Force III-ed then.
Sure. Even back at the end of 2000 when Persona 2 dropped in the States, the RPG market was still pretty much FF and everything else. Nobody outside of Square really knew what they were doing when bringing games across the Pacific. Which doesn't explain how I ended up with a free copy of Koudelka, but there you are.

[Advent_Nebula]

Well from my understanding, and I don't know if this is true of not, but Innocent sin never came over because of Columbine High School happing right around the time of the planed localization.

[ADC]

Because we all know that Wikipedia is bullshit-free:

"Although there were reportedly efforts to import the first chapter of Persona 2, Innocent Sin's graphic subject matter may have inhibited its ability to be localized for foreign markets. Examples of this include the resurrection of Adolf Hitler, as well as the option of a homosexual relationship between the protagonist and another male character."

I mean, if you want to get girls into games over here, there's nothing like Adolf Hitler to make it so, right?

[Jumbo]

Some things they didn't mention though, is stuff like money, and equipment. You got to keep those with a new game plus (well, your money and any equipment you didn't have equipped at the end of the game, that is)

I guess since those aren't listed, it's safest to assume they will not carry over. Shame though

I'd like to think that if you go back and bring over a New Game Plus file, you can carry that stuff over. I think they were talking about simply updating a non-clear save file. In which case you only get the stuff they listed.

The New Game Plus in FES will allow you to carry over everything the first game allowed if you go back through it again anyway. Though again, I'm not positive if this is indeed for both the New game plus or any other save data being brought over to FES and might be worth confirming.

[Dicrel Seijin]

This is what I would like confirmed; is it possible to import the material from the original over to FES? If it's possible, then I'd like to go through the original game once to get a feel for it and to not start at level 1.

[Junker Woland]

I'd like to go through the original game once to get a feel for it and to not start at level 1.
Doesn't seem like an option going by the FES FAQ:
If you're in the middle of October in Persona 3, you cannot load that save into Persona 3 FES and pick up in the middle of October in The Journey; you must start a new game at level 1. However, you will be able to load some things from your Persona 3 save into FES. These are:

-Your Academics, Charm, and Courage rankings
-Your discovered Fusion Spells list
-Any key items you possess that unlock Persona fusions
-Your Persona compendium (However, the Personas in your compendium will be reset to their base level, stats, and skills)
Keep in mind FES is really a two-part product: an enhanced version of P3, and the separate FES-only content that picks-up after P3 ends.

Since you're pretty limited to what can be ported over from the original P3, you'd probably be better off just waiting for FES and experiencing the original game with some added material.

If you're curious, you can check-out the updated FES FAQ here (http://www.atlus.com/new_forum/viewtopic.php?t=674).

[beatmania]

So ... what's so good about this game?

<- Only played Persona on PS.

Just about everything.

A limited timeframe to complete the game, interactions that affect the game and the persona's that you summon. A very well put together cast. Great game play. by far the best of the persona stories to reach stateside. (Persona 2 Innocent Sin never made it over.)


Okay I just preordered the game today. Hope its fun.
I've been itching to get an American PS2 game to try out on my PS3 anyways :p

[Dicrel Seijin]

If you're curious, you can check-out the updated FES FAQ here (http://www.atlus.com/new_forum/viewtopic.php?t=674).

Ah, I missed that the first time through. Thanks much for that link.

Considering the April 22 release date, I'll probably continue playing the original, but I won't have that sense of urgency to complete it. (i already haven't touched it since reading the announcement.)

[ADC]

Considering the April 22 release date, I'll probably continue playing the original, but I won't have that sense of urgency to complete it. (i already haven't touched it since reading the announcement.)
Get your sense of urgency going. For some, it's a wonderful day. For some, the world ends. For me … :sigh: the stack gets a little bit taller.

Just by the bye, the Scalperplace prices today for the old one are $47/$64. I admit I'm surprised that there aren't any P3 owners pushing the bargain price and offloading their copies for like $35.

[Danj]

Just a heads up, FES is now listed for preorder at both VideoGamesPlus.ca (http://www.videogamesplus.ca/product_info.php?products_id=13957) and GameStop (http://www.gamestop.com/product.asp?product%5Fid=281894).

[Dicrel Seijin]

Get your sense of urgency going. For some, it's a wonderful day. For some, the world ends. For me … :sigh: the stack gets a little bit taller.

Oh, I'm planning on playing it over the weekend. Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance II is the only other one I'm playing with any frequency and frankly I'm tired of dying while trying to run/sprint out of two dungeon levels quickly filling with poison gas as undead abominations hound me. (I died three times last night. :( )

@Danj: looks like I'm visiting my friendly neighborhood gaming shop this weekend for reservations. :)

[HitokiriShadow]

I pre-ordered my copy today. I was going to do it Tuesday but various factors conspired against me.

[ADC]

I pre-ordered one at Gameshithole, but that's just because I'm hedging my bets. If it appears at Amazon, I'll just go back and get my $5.

[ellone]

I pre-ordered one at Gameshithole, but that's just because I'm hedging my bets. If it appears at Amazon, I'll just go back and get my $5.

It (http://www.amazon.com/Shin-Megami-Tensei-Persona-FES/dp/B0014CN2H6/) is now listed at amazon.

[ADC]

I pre-ordered one at Gameshithole, but that's just because I'm hedging my bets. If it appears at Amazon, I'll just go back and get my $5.
It (http://www.amazon.com/Shin-Megami-Tensei-Persona-FES/dp/B0014CN2H6/) is now listed at amazon.
WOOHOO! Thank you, ellone! :)