Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth
Persona Q is the previously announced "SMT: Persona" for the Nintendo 3DS. For quite some time we've known that a game would be coming out for the system, but information had been very limited. Some rumors stated that it would be a remake or port of the original games, while others were starting to think that it may in fact be Persona 5; well, it looks like everyone was wrong.
In reality, Persona Q is a new spin off title which serves as a full crossover between Persona 3 and Persona 4. The game features the younger version of both casts, it uses a chibi art style, and the gameplay is said to closer to that of a "true" dungeon crawler (along the lines of Atlus' other series Etrian Odyssey). Atlus announced that it will keep a lot of the same mechanics in place, but at this time we do not know all of the details.
When it comes to the story, there is a pretty good chance that this is completely non canon. The story takes place during Persona 4's cultural festival where a mysterious bell begins to ring. This bell is heard by both the Persona 4 cast, as well as the Persona 3 cast (which should be much older and out of school at this point in the story), and they then find themselves in a huge tower fighting shadows (the main enemies from the Persona series).
For more information, check out the trailer below.
Persona 4: The Ultimax Ultra Suplex Hold
The second "spin off" title to be announced is a follow up to last years "Persona 4: The Ultimate in Mayonaka Arena" (aka, Persona 4 Arena). Just like the previous game, this one is a 2D fighter, and it takes place after the normal ending of Persona 4, tying together both Persona 3 and Persona 4. Unlike Persona Q, this game is in fact canon, and is a true sequel to the "sequel" of Persona 4. The game is said to pick up right after the events of Persona 4 Arena, but at this moment we do not know a specific point in time. Considering the characters appear younger, chances are it takes place before the Golden ending of Persona 4 Golden.
For more information, once again, check out the trailer below.
Persona 4: Dancing all Night
The final spin off title to be announced is one that is completely shocking. It's not that it is that strange or anything, its just that it isn't something you would expect them to do. So, just what is this game? Well... The title should say it all. Persona 4: Dancing all Night.
It is no secret that the Persona series has some great music. Just about everything about the newer entries just "pops," and the music just really helps set the mood. Walking down the streets in the game just really felt right, and a lot of the catchy tunes could easily get stuck in your head. Overall, the music of Persona just really caught on, and even today they still have Persona concerts in Japan.
The game's story takes place a year after Persona 4, and Rise has returned to the world of entertainment. Soon rumors begin to circulate about a strange video on a strange site which will transport you to the "other side." As people begin to vanish in the real world, the main characters from Persona 4 decide to step in and get to the bottom of things. This is when they enter the "Mayonaka Stage" where they must face off in dance battles against the shadows behind the whole ordeal. Overall, this game's story may in fact be canon, but it doesn't change the fact that it is a spin off.
For more information, well, you know the drill.
Well that about covers it for the Persona spin offs! As stated above, these games will all be coming around winter of next year, and they are on a verity of consoles. Persona Q is a 3DS exclusive, Persona 4 Arena's sequel is on the PS3 (considering Arc System Works has no plans on releasing games for Microsoft systems at this time, it may remain a PS3 exclusive; unlike Persona 4 Arena), and Dancing all Night will be on the PlayStation Vita.
If you're a Persona fan, then next year really is something you should look forward to!
