14 DAY TRIAL // Atlus is announcing that the launch date for its Persona 4 role playing game is set for December 9. The game, developed for the PlayStation 2, even if most of the mainstream titles tend to move to the PlayStation 3, is set in the same game world as Persona 3, with the action apparently taking place two years after the events of the previous game.
The setting is not the urban environment that we got used to while playing Persona 3, but a Japanese countryside, where a set of gruesome and ritualistic murders are taking place, with an unknown organization apparently behind the killings. The aim of the game is to discover the evil murderers and restore the peace and tranquility of the rural town of Inaba.
The game will place more emphasis on the normal life that the characters lead while battling the forces of evil. Of course, these teenagers are wielding giant swords and summoning Persona, aspects of their souls, to help them with magical attacks, but they also have to attend classes, talk to friends and take on part-time jobs. The way you balance daytime teenager tasks with nighttime evil fighting determines the evolution of the game.
The Social Link element of the game has also been developed. To solve the murders and battle the culprits you need all the help you can get from your Persona summoning friends. To get it, you have to develop a relationship with them, through discussion and judicious use of their powers in battle.
The game seems to use the same engine as Persona 3, with only a few graphical elements redone. The title will carry a price tag of $39.99 and buyers will also get a CD with the game soundtrack.