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Western RPGs like Baldur’s Gate, Mass Effect, Fallout, and Dragon Age are all well known for having dating and romance options, but they are less common in JRPGs. While many JRPGs have romantic storylines, it’s less common that they have dating sim elements where you can choose from a variety of different partners. If you’re looking for a JRPG to play with dating sim or romance options, here are 10 of our favorites.

Fire Emblem: Awakening 2x1r25

When people think of JRPGs with romance options, many think of the Fire Emblem series, which has long allowed people to marry certain units and strengthen them. Fire Emblem: Awakening gets exceptionally deep into the romance options, and you almost need a spreadsheet in order to organize everyone optimally. Not only will you be planning out your marriage – and the spawn that ultimately comes from that relationship – but the marriage and children of your other units. Certain marriages will produce offspring with different traits that can give an advantage in battle, making romance strategic.

Persona 3 Portable 2736k

Almost since the beginning the Persona series has had romance and dating options – more on that later – but they became far more overt with the modern series. In these games you can romance as many people as you like, but just be aware that if you invite them out for a date at the same time, they tend to not vibe with it. We’ve chosen Persona 3 Portable to represent the series, as it has a male and female MC with different dating opportunities. One of the cheesy things I love about this is that if you date one of the characters that dies mid-game, there is a post game dialogue that lets you know they are just in a coma. There aren’t many JRPGs where smooching will save lives.

The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel 3o503h

Most of the games in the long-running The Legend of Heroes series have some dating or romance aspects, but the Trails of Cold Steel subseries takes it to a new level. There are four games in Trails of Cold Steel and while romances start fresh in every game, there are bonuses for characters that you romanced in other titles. In the first entry, if you choose someone to take to the dance near the end of the story, they’ll receive an EXP boost in the second game. It doesn’t just offer you additional cutscenes, but a few sweet rewards for your affections.

Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age 551z6n

Dragon Quest hasn’t always had romantic or dating options, but Dragon Quest XI added the option to date certain characters in the post game. It’s still completely optional, but it adds an extra layer to the after credits quests for those who are deeply invested in the game. After you’ve finished the main story you’ll be asked to rebuild Cobblestone and once done, you can choose another character to live with forever. While you can only technically marry Gemma, you can choose to cohabit with a number of other characters giving you some options. 

Yakuza: Like A Dragon q6b1h

Most of the Yakuza games don’t have dating sim or romance options outside of hostesses and that always felt more friendly than romantic. Yakuza: Like A Dragon switched this up with its personality stats that dictate which of six women our protagonist Ichiban can date. While it’s completely optional, dating certain NPCs and party has huge benefits, and there is even a side story related to dating all six women at once. For a man who fails so completely in love in Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth he’s quite the lothario in his debut game.

Summon Night 6: Lost Borders 261235

Many of these games have dating or romance elements as an aside to the story, but Summon Night as a series is known for being part JRPG, part visual novel, and part dating sim. This is the series you will want to jump into if you want the dating to be at the core of your gameplay. At the end of every chapter someone will you up on the rooftop, and you can decide how much you vibe with them. While Summon Night 6 has some localization issues, you should try out the series if you want the quintessential JRPG meets dating sim experience.

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth g4h2k

Just like in the original Final Fantasy VII there are some hidden dating and romance options in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth. Things you do and say with different party throughout the game will determine how they feel about you, and this culminates in a date that you have at the Gold Saucer. In the original FF7 you could date Tifa, Aerith, Yuffie, or Barrett, with Aerith being the standard option – sorry Tifa fans – but Final Fantasy VII Rebirth adds two new options. Cloud can also date Red XIII in Rebirth, or if you haven’t shared enough romantic moments with any of these characters you’ll share a romantic date with the boys: Cid, Vincent, and Cait Sith. Yes, at the same time.

Unicorn Overlord 42183w

Unicorn Overlord is one of the best games of 2024, and it also is the JRPG with the most dating and romance options. It’s all about recruiting characters and organizing them into armies to fight for the cause, and almost everyone you recruit can be romanced and married. In fact out of 70 recruitable characters you can smooch more than 60 of them. You need to build your bonds with everyone, by giving gifts, eating with them or having discussions, and maxing out your rapport means you can hand over the Ring of the Maiden and marry them. Aside from showing your love to that character they gain +5 in every stat, so there are definite benefits to falling in love.

Tokyo Xanadu Ex+ i6c31

Technically Tokyo Xanadu Ex+ isn’t a dating sim in the sense that you don’t pledge yourself to one person, but you do choose which characters to spend your time with, and there isn’t enough time to get to know everyone. Finishing your bond with a certain character will give you a special final scene and item near the end of the game, giving you more incentive to spend as much time as possible with your favorites. There is a canon choice here that gives you more insight into the ending, but if you have a favorite teammate, you’ll want to make sure you spend your time with them as well.

Persona 2: Innocent Sin 2z5g47

The modern Persona series – Persona 3 onwards – put romance and dating at the forefront as an integral part of the gameplay. However, romance options began with Persona 2: Innocent Sin where our protagonist Tatsuya can choose to date Maya, Lisa, or Jun. Yes, Persona 2 had a same sex dating option, which the modern series will not give us for some reason. Your choice of romantic partner doesn’t have any major outcomes on the story, and if you play Persona 2: Eternal Punishment you’ll know that Maya is Tatsuya’s canon romantic partner, but it is still a beautiful touch to this early story.

Let us know what your favorite JRPG that has dating sim options is in the comments below!

The post Best JRPGs with Dating Sim Romance Options appeared first on Siliconera.

Good Smile Company has opened up pre-orders of QSet+ figures for the Persona 3, Persona 4, and Persona 5 Protagonists. Pre-orders will close on May 29, 2024.

Each figure costs 2500 JPY, or $15.99. Those in Japan will get it some time in October 2024. Meanwhile, those in North America will get it in Q1 2025. As a reminder, due to licensing restrictions, Good Smile Company only ships to Canada and the United States.

QSet+ figures are small, using a chibi design, and stand at around 80 millimeters in height. They usually include a diorama based on or inspired by the series they come from. In the case of the Persona Protagonists, the QSet+ figures feature them sitting in chairs that are a dark purple color. This is likely a reference to the Velvet Room, in which the characters will sit while conducting business with Igor.

As a note, the Persona 3 Protagonist will use his design from Portable. There are minor differences between the original version and the one in Reload. He has his signature headphones around his neck, whereas the Persona 5 Protagonist is holding a pair of handcuffs. The Persona 4 Golden Protagonist is sitting while leaning his cheek against his hand. He doesn’t have his glasses on.

The Persona Protagonists QSet+ figures are available for pre-order until May 29, 2024.

The post New QSet+ Figures Focus on Persona Protagonists appeared first on Siliconera.

Perhaps it’s because I grew up during a time before higher-end fan merchandise and companies like Loungefly capitalizing on fandom, but I sometimes end up surprised when I’m using something tied to a series and it’s genuinely good and useful. The official Atlus Persona 3 Portable Theodore and Persona 5 Morgana beanies both fall into that sort of category, as each one is well made and definitely references the games well, but they’re also great go-to hats.

Both of the hats are one-size fits most items, and they’re both made of acrylic. The Morgana one has a little more “to” it, due to the embroidered facial features and multiple colors stitched together. However, both are basically durable, warm beanies designed to throw on before you leave the house. The colors are right, the designs are accurate, and they’re everything you’d expect from Atlus merchandise.

What I like most about these two options is how they cater to different sorts of needs. The Persona 3 Portable Theodore beanie is a more subtle way to show affinity for the series. People unfamiliar with the series and character might think it is just a blue hat with a patch. Even people who know the series might not recognize the patch, since the emblem on the character’s hat in his in-game portrait is so small. 

Meanwhile, the Morgana Persona 5 beanie has more personality to it. It’s immediately recognizable as the mascot from the game. Given the popularity of that particular installment, people who haven’t even played but consider gaming a hobby will know it’s from some title, even if they can’t pick out the exact one. It’s definitely a way of making a statement while staying warm or accessorizing.

Speaking of warmth, the recent weather in Illinois during this month meant I got quite a bit of practical use out of both hats while running errands or shoveling snow from the driveways of some family . The only “downside” to the two hats is that the Morgana beanie is much warmer than the Theodore one. This means if you’re picking one out to get or wear for practical purposes, you have to go with the more obvious reference. However, I will say that the Morgana one held up very well in extreme conditions (there were single digit temperatures that felt like below-zero ones here), and it also maintained its same level of quality after a washing. All of the pictures here on the “models” were taken after it’d gone through the wash twice. 

Generally speaking, both the Persona 3 Portable Theodore and Persona 5 Morgana beanies are pretty good hats. They might be more expensive than you may pay for such things, but the nods to the series will probably more than make it worth it for some people. I would say the Theodore one is better as a general-use item. The Morgana one is great for a fun, silly look, but it is so insulated and warm that I’d recommend using it during actual winter months.

The Persona 3 Portable Theodore and Persona 5 Morgana beanies are available at Shop Atlus for $29.99 and $27.99, respectively. Persona 3 Portable is available on the PS4, PS5, PSP, Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and PC. Persona 5 is on the PS3 and PS4, while its Royal version is on the PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and PC. 

The post Persona 3 Theodore and Persona 5 Morgana Beanies Are Surprisingly Practical appeared first on Siliconera.

New Zippo lighters based on the Persona series and Shin Megami Tensei V are about to appear in Japan. Each Zippo lighter costs 11,880 yen (or about $80,) and the expected release date is mid-December 2023. The Persona and SMTV lighters are now available for pre-orders from the Philia Online storefront, and other anime goods.

There are three new Persona lighters and two Shin Megami Tensei V lighters. The Persona lighters feature official artworks of the protagonists of P3P, P4G, and P5R on one side, and the logo of each game on the other. For the P3P Zippo lighter, only a version featuring the male main character is available.

The first SMT V lighter features series mascot Jack Frost on one side, and the game logo with the Demon icon on the other side. The other one is decorated with the main floral motif of the Jouin High School uniform on all sides, and the Japanese SMT V logo in one of the sides.

You can check out the new Persona and SMT V Zippo lighters in more detail on the gallery below.

Other Atlus merchandise recently announced includes a new line of Super Groupies apparel inspired by Persona 5 Royal.

The new Persona and SMT V Zippo lighters cost 11,880 yen (~$80) each. They are expected to release in Japan in mid-December 2023, and pre-orders are now open from the Philia Online storefront.

The post Persona and SMT V Zippo Lighters Appear in December appeared first on Siliconera.

Atlus and Limited Run Games announced the pre-order period for a physical release of Persona 3 Portable (P3P) for PS4, Switch and Xbox One/Series X. Pre-orders open on September 29, 2023,. There will be a standard edition of Persona 3 Portable, as well as a Collector's Edition which includes a replica Evoker.

Persona 3 Portable originally launched for PSP way back in 2009, but came to modern consoles early in 2023. This new physical release will be available on its own for $34.99, as part of the Grimoire edition for $69.99, or in the S.E.E.S. Collector's Edtion for $199.99. Each edition is available for any of the available platforms at the same price.

The Grimoire Edition includes the game, a steelbook, a slip cover and a box to carry it all in. Meanwhile, the S.E.E.S. edition includes everything in the Grimoire Edition, as well as the soundtrack, a school patch, armband, trading cards, certificate of authenticity, and an All Out Attack-themed shadowbox. The centerpiece of the S.E.E.S. edition of Persona 3 Portable is a replica of the Evoker gun used in game, along with it's own light-up shadowbox.

You can get a look at each of the editions in the Twitter embeds down below:

Limited Run Games also announced modern console releases for the Gex series and Tomba back at its showcase in July, 2023. Atlus also has a remake for Persona 3 in the works, titled Reload.

Pre-orders for Limited Run Game's physical release of Persona 3 Portable (P3P) and its editions open on September 29, 2023, and close on November 12. The game is also available on the Switch, PC, PS4, Xbox One and Series X.

The post Persona 3 Portable LRG Collector’s Edition Has an Evoker appeared first on Siliconera.

The Square Enix Store is selling a melody clock based on Persona 3 Portable for customers both in Japan and in North America. It will play a song every hour, for a total of twelve songs. There is a video on the Square Enix social media that shows how the clock sounds and looks. The Persona 3 Portable clock costs 16,280 JPY, or $147.99, and it’ll come out in July 2024.

Here's the video showing off the clock.
https://twitter.com/sqex_estore/status/1696343832571625633?s=46&t=H5PQOQrVgcNnJC_jNkLBGA

According to the description on the North American Square Enix store, the Persona 3 Portable melody clock has a light sensor. It will only play a melody when it senses light, so you don’t have to worry about “Burn My Dread” waking you up in the middle of the night. It can also double as a night light, since it comes with a backlight that’ll turn on when the room gets dark.

The tracks that are in the clock are:

• "Aria of the Soul"
• "Burn My Dread"
• "Burn My Dread - Last Battle-"
• "Joy"
• "Mass Destruction"
• "Master of Shadow"
• "Memories of You"
• "Tartarus_0d06"
• "Want To Be Close"
• "Way of Life"
• "When The Moon’s Reaching Out Stars"
• "Wiping All Out"

The artwork for the clock shows all of SEES in the original art style of the game. Atlus has updated the sprites and designs for everyone in the Persona 3 Reload. But since the clock is for Portable, everyone (including the FeMC) looks like they did during the original release of the title.

The Persona 3 Portable clock is open for pre-order and will ship out in July 2024. Persona 3 Reload will come out on February 2, 2024. Persona 3 Portable is on the Nintendo Switch, PS4, PSP, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and PC.

The post Persona 3 Portable Clock Plays Songs Every Hour appeared first on Siliconera.

At WonHobby 37 Summer, Good Smile Company announced three new Persona 3 Portable, Persona 4 Golden, and Persona 5 Royal figures. The male leads from all three games are ing the Qset line. It also offered an update on the Persona 5 Royal Nendoroid Doll of Joker. Of the four, the Nendoroid Doll is furthest along in development, as it appeared as a painted prototype.

All three of the Persona 3, 4, and 5 Qset figures only appeared as concept art. Each one shows one of the protagonists in a chibi form sitting in a chair that looks like it is plucked from the Velvet Room.
[gallery size="full" ids="975217,975218,975216" link="file"]

As for the Nendoroid Doll, it shows Joker in his Phantom Thief attire. The pose features him brandishing his knife.
[gallery columns="1" size="full" ids="975220" link="file"]

As a reminder, one of the most recently available Good Smile Company Persona figures is one of Futaba Sakura that's being rereleased.

Persona 3 Portable can be found on the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, PC, and PlayStation Portable. Persona 4 Golden released on the Switch, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, PC, and Vita. Persona 5 Royal is available on the Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and PC.

The post New Persona 3, 4, and 5 Figures Announced appeared first on Siliconera.

Following rumors of a Persona 3 remake, Atlus shared a trailer for the game early on its official Instagram . Its official title is Persona 3 Reload. The video involved initial footage of gameplay, showing both the school life and Tartarus exploration elements. Only the male protagonist Makoto appeared in the footage and imagery. The announcement also confirmed an early 2024 release window and Xbox Game release. The only platforms mentioned were Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and PC. The trailer was since removed from Instagram. [Thanks, Wario64 and ScrambledFaz!]

Here's the trailer, which ScrambledFaz caught before it was removed and shared online.

Atlus messed up. They revealed Persona 3 Remake too early on their instagram pic.twitter.com/xycj3wZZ5d

— Faz (@ScrambledFaz) June 8, 2023

As Atlus leaked this and the Persona 5 Tactica trailer early, there is no word on additional platforms. All of them bear Xbox-themed marketing and refer to Xbox Game . As such, we'll probably learn more immediately after the Xbox Game Showcase on June 11, 2023.

The Persona 3 Reload remake will come to the Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and PC in early 2024. The original game and its FES version appeared on the PS2. People can find Persona 3 Portable on the PS4, Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and PC.

The post Atlus Shares Persona 3 Remake Trailer for Persona 3 Reload Early appeared first on Siliconera.

Persona is a series that's done super well for Atlus over the years. Basically, a Shin Megami Tensei spin-off turned into an IP that is more recognizable to some than the original RPGs that spawned it. This does mean it might seem a bit overwhelming to hop into the series. Especially since there are numbered installments and spin-offs. However, it's all really quite approachable, and it isn't too difficult to jump in if you're wondering how to start playing through the Persona games.

How to Play the Mainline Persona Games in Order 1d4f3o

First, here is the full list of Persona games. Only certain entries really should be played in order.

You should play Revelations: Persona/SMT Persona before Persona 2: Innocent Sin, then Innocent Sin before Eternal Punishment. There are overarching elements that all tie together here, as well as recurring characters.

With the later Persona games, it’s best to start with a Persona 3 entry, then move on to Persona 4 and 5. However, all three are completely self-contained, so you don’t have to play them all in order or worry about losing context if you only choose to go through one.

• Revelations: Persona (PSX) or Shin Megami Tensei: Persona (PSP)
• Persona 2: Innocent Sin (PSX, PSP) - The PSX version only appeared in Japan.
• Persona 2: Eternal Punishment (PSX, PSP) - The PSP version only appeared in Japan.
• Persona 3 (PS2), Persona 3 FES (PS2), or Persona 3 Portable (PS4, PSP, Switch, Xbox One, XSX, PC) - I’d recommend Persona 3 FES, as it is the fullest experience, but Persona 3 Portable is the easiest one to find and play now.
• Persona 4 (PS2) or Persona 4 Golden (PS4, Switch, Vita, Xbox One, XSX, PC) - Go with Persona 4 Golden here, as it is the easiest to find and features the most lore and gameplay.
• Persona 5 (PS3, PS4) or Persona 5 Royal (PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, XSX, PC) - Persona 5 Royal is the smart choice here, as it’s available on more platforms and includes additional story elements.

But What About the Persona Game Spin-Offs? 6ak5c

Okay, this isn’t too tricky. Mainly, because only one line of spin-offs actually has a consistent story to it. Even though the Dancing and Q games are considered sequels, there’s no overarching story.

Persona 4 Arena 6k1q2t

These are the fighting games with Persona 3 and 4 characters. Ultimax takes place after the original, so play them in order to get the full story! Though if you’re getting one of the more modern remasters of Ultimax, you’re good and can already go through things properly in order.

1. Persona 4 Arena (PS3, Xbox 360) -
2. Persona 4 Arena Ultimax (PS3, PS4, Switch, Xbox 360, PC) -

Persona Dancing 3u3y65

All of the Persona Dancing entries are rhythm games. A good rule of thumb is to play the ones for entries whose soundtracks you enjoyed most.

1. Persona 4: Dancing All Night (PS4, Vita) - As this is the entry with a story mode, you’ll want to play it first.
2. Persona 3: Dancing in Moonlight (PS4, Vita) or Persona 5: Dancing in Starlight (PS4, Vita) - As these entries aren’t as story heavy and “take place” at the same time, you can go with whichever entry’s music you prefer first.

Persona Q 3w1a6s

These are essentially Persona takes on the Etrian Odyssey dungeon-mapping formula. Each installment is self-contained. So play the original if you only like the Persona 3 and 4 characters, and go into Persona Q2 if you like the Persona 3, 4 and 5 folks. The sequel does build on mechanics, so you may want to go with that second if you play both.

• Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth (3DS)
• Persona Q2: New Cinema Labyrinth (3DS)

Persona 5 Strikers 1e72r

This is a weird one too! It takes place after Persona 5. Not Persona 5 Royal, to be specific. It’s a Musou-style beat’em up, so play and beat Persona 5 before getting into this PS4, Switch, and PC game for the best experience.

The post How to Get Started with the Persona Series appeared first on Siliconera.

The most recent Persona game ports of 3 Portable, 4 Golden, and 5 Royal are going on sale on multiple platforms this week. As such, Atlus shared a trailer and details about each deal. Essentially, the Switch versions are the only ones that won’t be reduced during March 2023. However, due to the PlayStation Essential Picks Sale, Steam Spring Sale, and Xbox Publisher Spotlight Series, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and PC versions are reduced where applicable.

The discounts are largely the same on every front. Persona 3 Portable and Persona 4 Golden are on sale for $15.99 each and Persona 5 Royal is $41.99 until March 29, 2023. On the Microsoft Store, the 3 and 4 bundle is $29.61, and 5 Royal is $41.99 until March 27, 2023. During the Steam sale, 3 and 4 will be $15.99 each and 5 Royal will be $38.99 until March 23, 2023.

Here’s the new trailer to accompany the Persona games sale. As usual, it’s one of the “accolades” trailers during which Atlus shares positive remarks about Persona 3 Portable, Persona 4 Golden, and Persona 5 Royal.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZNTl9FhykBw

For reference, the Switch versions of the

Persona 3 Portable can be found on the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, PC, and PlayStation Portable. Persona 4 Golden released on the Switch, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, PC, and Vita. Persona 5 Royal is available on the Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and PC.

Related: How to Read Books and Where to Get Them in Persona 5 on Attack of the Fanboy

The post New Persona Games Trailer Appears Along Sale on 3, 4, and 5 Royal appeared first on Siliconera.

Here’s something I never thought I’d type back in the early 2000s: there are so many otome games available in English! Over the years, companies seemed to realize they’re viable and would sell. Which is great for us, as it means more adventures to enjoy and virtual folks to romance. That might also make it a bit difficult to decide which games to buy, however, as they are a ton out there. So, as part of Siliconera’s game recommendation series, we decided to go through some of the “best” Switch otome games we’d recommend across various specific categories, as a jumping-off point. Keep in mind there are many, many great games on the platform, and these are just a way to get started.

Best Switch Otome Game with a Slice of Life Vibe: Cafe Enchante 3p2s13

I suppose we could also call this one the best Switch otome game with supernatural love interests, but part of what makes Cafe Enchante so fun and soothing is how ordinary it can feel in spite of that. Some drama does come up in different routes as you learn more about bachelors’ respective realms. But there’s still a generally cozy vibe, which is lovely.

Best Switch Otome with RPG Elements: Persona 3 Portable 5x6d25

Yes, Persona 3 Portable qualifies thanks to almost all of those new, lovely social links for a female protagonist. (We don’t talk about Ken.) Getting closer to people like Akihiko and Shinji as you try to fight the shadows and uncover Tartarus’ mysteries is a genuinely good time.

Best Switch Otome Game with Farming Elements: Rune Factory 4 Special 51o4c

There are honestly a lot of great Story of Seasons games on the Switch that are fun, but there’s something special about Rune Factory 4 Special. The cast of bachelors is amazing. Farming is intuitive. You do have the RPG elements here too, if you want them. Plus, you could spend months playing. 

However, even with its issues, I’d say Story of Seasons: Pioneers of Olive Town is a close “second.”

Best Switch Otome Game Port: Code:Realize Guardian of Rebirth 1d395j

Okay, let’s be clear. Idea Factory has a habit of rereleasing a ton of its otome games on every platform ever. Look at Hakuoki. This also happened a lot with Code:Realize Guardian of Rebirth, but it’s such a strong story with amazing, supernatural characters that it feels a little less like a cash grab when it happens.

Best Switch Otome Game with Bachelors that are a Little Hopeless: Variable Barricade 23365m

There are a few Switch otome games out there with guys who aren’t all “there.” Like they have some serious personality issues. Cupid Parasite is fine and all, but Variable Barricade offers some dudes who are a little bit hopeless, but without getting to be overly obnoxious or annoying. Plus, you have the mechanic where you determine if you let love in or not.

Best Switch Otome Game with Historical Elements: Birushana: Rising Flower of Genpei 25596x

There are quite a few otome games that get historical, and Birushana is one of them! It’s set during the Heian period, with players going through the Heiji rebellion and finding love. The characters are fantastic, there’s some cool “battle” art, and Noritsune Taira is fantastic.

Best Switch Otome Game with Investigation Elements: Even If Tempest 2p4o6v

Yes, there are a few Switch games with otome elements and detective or investigation themes. I think Even If Tempest, even with its errors, is probably the most engaging one. The fact that you’re trying to uncover who is trying to sabotage you, while also keep from dying and finding love, is really compelling. It’s an enjoyable game.

Best Switch Otome with Roguelike Elements: Boyfriend Dungeon 2544j

Questionable stalker aside, Boyfriend Dungeon is a great game to pick up and play in short bursts. Also, because of its design, you can romance every weapon/love interest in a single route. Not to mention in August 2022, even more romance options appeared in a free update.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VdaKM4vAqWE&ab_channel=Nintendo%E5%85%AC%E5%BC%8F%E3%83%81%E3%83%A3%E3%83%B3%E3%83%8D%E3%83%AB

Best Switch Otome We’ll Probably Never See Localized: Tokimeki Memorial Girl’s Side 4th Heart b231a

Okay, I honestly have faith that eventually Koei Tecmo will see the trends and localize a Ruby Party game. Or maybe they will allow some other company to do so. Which means we’re going to fall back on the failsafe. Sad as it may be, I doubt we’ll ever see Konami step up and localize a Tokimeki Memorial Girl’s Side game. As annoying as all the DLC in 4th Heart is, it’s still quite a fun life-sim and dating sim, and it’s sad we’ll never see it.

The post Best Switch Otome Games That Do (and Don’t) Include Visual Novel Elements appeared first on Siliconera.

Persona 3 Portable is basically my ideal sort of otome game. Lots of cool characters are in it. You get a lite life sim to experience. There are RPG elements! The only thing that would be better in my mind is taking Tokimeki Memorial Girl’s Side, localizing it, and tossing some Arabian’s Lost: The Engagement on Desert excuse for dungeon-crawling into it. I’d be set. But there’s one thing it doesn’t do that I’d love. While the female protagonist route in Persona 3 Portable does add Junpei as a Social Link, it doesn’t add him as a romance option, and that’s still quite sad.

Understandable, to be sure. Spoilers aside, there are certain plot points that would make it difficult to implement to be sure. The fact that Junpei even is a Social Link for Kotone (the default name for the heroine) in Persona 3 Portable is something! It gives us someone who, right from the start, is there to us, make us laugh, offer advice, and stay by your side. Junpei is always there. But it’s the fact that he can be so relatable and dependable that he becomes a fun option for someone to wonder, “What if?”

There are some great (and not underage, creepy) romance options we do get with the Persona 3 Portable Social Links. Shinjiro is fantastic. Obnoxious, ever-present bandage aside, Akihiko is also very cool. Basically, Aigis is there as a possible girlfriend too, if you want. I’d even say I consider Shinji my “canon” pairing for the game, given how things turn out. But there’s a level of friendship that develops in Junpei’s route that isn’t present with the other options. Junpei is with you from the beginning. You have a shared foundation and parallel experiences, in a way. Of all the people you know and meet, he’s the first to reach out to you and offer an unconditional level of . It’s an ideal base for a relationship.

Especially since we also see Junpei grow as a character. We get that friendships and people aren’t always perfect with him. There’s a sense of jealousy that comes from the player being picked to lead, rather than him, even though the two ed at the same time. It’s almost as though he feels an obligation or need to be in charge due to stereotypes, and we see him accept that he’s great no matter what position he plays on the team.

I mean, I do appreciate in a way that Junpei isn’t someone you can romance in Persona 3 Portable. It is great that Kotone can turn to a good guy friend who always helps her out and is fun to spend time with. Not to mention the story does still play out in a way that leaves him unavailable. Things could have been done to change things up, much like they do for another female protagonist Social Link. But then that undoes a lot of good for yet another character. Plus, it adds a sense of realism. You can’t always fall in love with everyone. Not to mention it reinforces the idea that yes, men and women can be friends without it becoming something more.

But also I still really, really wanted to make Junpei my virtual boyfriend and kick off our romance back when I first played Persona 3 Portable, and all that’s come back on the Switch.

Persona 3 Portable is available on the Nintendo Switch, PS4, PSP, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and PC.

Related: How to Create Jack Frost with Dia in Persona 3 Portable on Attack of the Fanboy

The post I’m Still Sad I Can’t Romance Junpei in Persona 3 Portable appeared first on Siliconera.

Atlus released another ranking video of the top 10 most popular songs in Persona 3 Portable, to celebrate the recent release of the P3P remaster. This new ranking comes a week after the release of a previous video about Persona 4 Golden’s most popular songs. Atlus held a poll in December 2022 asking fans to submit their favorite tracks from the Persona 3 Portable and Persona 4 Golden soundtracks.

This time, DJ Aigis is the representative for Persona 3 Portable and the one responsible for presenting the ranking and giving commentary on each song. DJ Waka reprises his role as the composer of the remix of the medley, so even long-time fans will experience some differences in the tracks presented in the ranking.

The top 10 most popular songs from Persona 3 Portable are the following:

1. “Memories of You“
2. “The Battle for Everyone's Souls“
3. “Mass Destruction“
4. “Burn My Dread “
5. “Burn My Dread -Last Battle-“
6. “When The Moon’s Reaching Out Stars“
7. “Wiping All Out“
8. “Time“
9. “A Way of Life“
10. “Deep Breath Deep Breath“

While the PS2 re-release of P3, titled Persona 3 FES, included brand new music tracks along with its extra content, the video only includes songs from Persona 3 Portable. The P3 FES extra content is not included with the P3P remaster.

You can check the video below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pHK4VKa6y6k

Persona 3 Portable is available for the Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and PC.

The post Fans Chose Persona 3 Portable’s 10 Most Popular Songs appeared first on Siliconera.

Sega shared through their official twitter a series of pictures of the new offices of Sega of America, which highlight several of their biggest franchises, such as the Persona series. The decoration of the offices includes a timeline of Sega's history with illustrations, which marks Sega’s acquisition of Atlus in 2014 with art of Persona 5 and Shin Megami Tensei IV.

https://twitter.com/SEGA_OFFICIAL/status/1619898232079024131

It is a well known fact that the Persona series is one of Sega’s strongest intellectual properties, and the company knows it well. They know how to show their appreciation for the franchise as well. In their new North American installations, the timeline of Sega’s history includes Atlus’ 35th Anniversary, the 25th Anniversary of the Persona series, and the release of Persona 5 Royal in all platforms in 2022. In the timeline, all these entries share an almost even protagonism with Sonic the Hedgehog himself, the prodigal son of Sega.

Sega doesn't stop there. The office area includes a seating booth themed after the Phantom Thieves of Persona 5, while the refreshment corner includes an entire wall dedicated to artwork of the four protagonists of Persona 3 Portable, Persona 4 Golden, and Persona 5 Royal. This comes as no surprise, as the latest three numbered entries in the Persona series have recently reached all modern platforms.

If you also want to decorate your house with Persona-themed items, Atlus recently partnered with Useless Use Lab to release a line of home decor.

Persona 3 Portable, Persona 4 Golden, and Persona 5 Royal are immediately available for the PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Switch, and PC.

The post New Sega of America Offices Celebrate the Persona Series appeared first on Siliconera.

Even more Persona soundtracks are making their way to select streaming services, including Spotify. The Persona Channel official website announced that the soundtracks for Persona 3 Portable, Persona 3 Dancing, Persona 5 Dancing, P3D & P5D Advanced Edition Soundtracks, and the Persona Super Live 2017 are available now on streaming. These five albums a selection that is already jam-packed with the likes of Persona 5 Royal, and even classics like Persona 2, along with Persona 3 & 4.

The new soundtracks added to streaming services include some special tracks that were previously unavailable, such as “Soul Phrase”, the new opening theme included in Persona 3 Portable. Meanwhile, the soundtracks for Persona 3 Dancing and Persona 5 Dancing add new remixes of classic songs.

The “Advanced Edition” of the P3D & P5D soundtracks includes some exclusive tracks such as “Let's Go! Phoenix Ranger Featherman” and “Current Net Price Tanaka (ATLUS Kozuka Remix) feat. President Tanaka,” along with some other tracks, which were included in the Persona Dancing games as DLC. Additionally, Ryota Kozuka, the main composer of the Persona Dancing series, created new remixed exclusively for the Advanced Edition soundtrack.

Persona Super Live 2017 is the recording of a live performed at Yokohama in 2017. Because of this, it includes sounds captured during the concert, such as the cheering of the attendants.

In addition, these are not the only good news for the fans of the Persona series. In December 2022, iam8bit announced a new collection of Persona Dancing vinyls that will release in 2023.

The post Persona Dancing, P3P and PSB2017 Soundtracks Come to Spotify appeared first on Siliconera.