Common Sense Media Review
By Mark Raby
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Sci-fi role-playing game features anime and some violence.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Play
Videos and Photos
Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 2 Innocent Sin
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
- Pricing structure :
- Available online? : Not available online
- Publisher : Atlus
- Release date : September 20, 2011
- Genre : Role-Playing
- ESRB rating :
- Last updated : June 20, 2019
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