Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 2 Innocent Sin
Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 2 Innocent Sin
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this game.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 2 Innocent Sin is a role-playing game with turn-based combat. It was originally released in Japan in 1999. To accommodate a growing audience for the Shin Megami series in the US, the game was updated and localized here 12 years later. The entire series has always had a very niche following and contains a surrealistic presentation of humans and non-humans, including creatures known as "Personas" (doppelgangers). In this game, players battle other characters' Personas and work to unravel a mysterious series of events happening inside a city school. There is a lot of fighting and combat in this game, but because it all occurs in a turn-based system, the emphasis is more on strategy than violence. There are some references to sex, drugs, and the game has some cussing.
Community Reviews
Nazis And The Occult
Report this review
What’s It About?
SHIN MEGAMI TENSEI: PERSONA 2 INNOCENT SIN has a complicated story, but at its heart, it is a surreal mystery presented with many turns and twists. The central concept is that players are in school when, all of the sudden, various rumors and gossip inexplicably start coming true. For example, someone starts a rumor about the school emblem being cursed, and anyone wearing the emblem quickly falls ill. Players need to fight their way through an unusual and bizarre series of monsters and not-quite-human creatures to get to the bottom of the mystery.
Is It Any Good?
The only reason Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 2 Innocent Sin was released in the United States is because the game's original Japanese release in 1999 managed to receive such a cult following from gamers who can't even speak a word of Japanese that the publisher decided to translate and localize it. That speaks to the captivating, unique nature of the game. It is bizarre at times, and even those who have an unwavering focus on the story can become confused at the winding twists and turns. But there is a certain appeal to the way the game and story unfolds. In addition, the turn-based battle system is extremely well executed. Turn-based role-playing games are falling out of favor, and fans of this style will appreciate that this game still manages to capture the cerebral and strategic appeal associated with turn-based battles. While it is certainly not for everyone, those who enjoy surreal science fiction and Japanese anime will likely become instantly entranced with this game.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in this game. What makes the combat here different than other games?
What are the good qualities of the main characters in this game?
How would you react in a situation of adversity?
Game Details
- Platform: PSP
- Available online?: Not available online
- Publisher: Atlus
- Release date: September 20, 2011
- Genre: Role-Playing
- ESRB rating: T for Drug Reference, Language, Mild Blood, Sexual Themes, Simulated Gambling, Violence
- Last updated: August 29, 2016
Our Editors Recommend
-
Dissidia 012: Duodecim Final Fantasy
Dense, intense combat RPG set in the Final Fantasy universe.
-
Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3 Portable
A deep and amazing RPG with some mature themes.
-
Hexyz Force
Charming anime-style RPG shows real depth of character.
For kids who love playing roles in games
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate