P4: One Week to Go Round-Up

Well, if you live in Japan, you only have one more week to wait for Atlus' Persona 4. Thus, this will probably be the last Famitsu article on it (other than the review, of course).

This week's scan really doesn't reveal anything we didn't know already, but rather sums up many of the features we can expect to see in the game. I've listed them in bullet form below.

-P4 takes place after the events of P3 (2011, I believe) in the rural city of Inaba, where strange serial killings have been taking place. They seem somehow related to the weather.

-The hero and his friends are pulled into the world inside Televisions related to a rumored phenomenon known as Midnight TV. Inside the alternate world, enemies known as Shadows thrive, and the heroes believe they have some connection to the murders in town.

-Personae may be fused together in a mysterious place known as the Velvet Room (a Persona series staple)

-During battle, a teammate acting as a guide (Kuma, and then Rise) will give you constant updates on the Shadows you are facing, as well as any changes in your party's health and status.

-Your allies may still fight on AI (ala P3), or may be commanded directly (ala P2) during battle

-During the day, you will still be required to follow a routine high school life, including class, clubs, and other such responsibilities.

-Social Links return, allowing you to build relationships with those around you, simultaneously building your abilities with your Personae. Links with members of the opposite sex may also develop into romantic relationships, but can also fall into trouble depending on your actions.

-Activities besides school and social links are available, including reading and fishing, should you have the time and feel so inclined.

-It might be possible to have sleep-overs with some of your friends. (According to the article, anyways. I'm a little skeptical unless it's part of a Social Link.)

-There are 8 revealed characters that will be joining you (including yourself with the Persona Izanagi): Yousuke Hanamura (P: Jaraya), Chie Satonaka (P: Tomoe), Yukiko Amagi (P: Konohana Sakuya), Kuma (P: Kintoki Douji), Kanji Tatsumi (P: Take Mikazuchi), Rise Kujikawa (P: Himiko), and Naoto Shirogane (P: Sukunahikona).

Persona 4 will be released on PlayStation 2 in Japan next Thursday, July 10.