PERSONA 3: DANCING IN MOONLIGHT

Save the last dances

A decade after Persona 3 first captivated us in Europe, seeing its characters again in this rhythm action spin-off as detailed hi-res models feels like attending a high school reunion. Except everyone can dance like they’re in a high school musical.

Persona 5’s Phantom Thieves also join the party, albeit these are two standalone titles, making this one (or two) for die-hard Persona fans. Nonetheless, Shoji Meguro’s music has been a defining part of the series, as well as Shigenori Soejima’s character design, so as far as spin-offs go, button-tapping through remixes of catchy tunes like ‘Mass Destruction’ (it’s back, baby baby baby) and ‘Rivers In The Desert’ is a no-brainer.

Unlike Persona 4: Dancing All Night, P-Studio has foregone contriving a story. Thanks to your Velvet Room attendants, the ‘It’s all a dream’ device is enough excuse to relax with your favourite characters in social link-style conversations, which also unlock new outfits, accessories, and game settings.

The UI might make it challenging to follow the symbols as they fly out to the edges on a big screen, but the good news is the PS Vita versions will be getting a Western release. So if you’ve been woefully neglecting yours, nobody puts PS Vita in a corner.

“THE MUSIC HAS BEEN A DEFINING PART OF PERSONA, SO BUTTON-TAPPING THROUGH REMIXES OF TUNES IS A NO-BRAINER.”

Akihiko’s back in his dapper Gekkoukan uniform, though some may miss seeing his chest in Arena.

Who’s performing, and with whom, depends on the song selected. Some have a full ensemble.

Above Even Persona 3’s moody protagonist can’t escape the infectious beat. There’s no Dark Hour for him to worry about here.

Above Seeing characters dancing with each other in dorky ways is a highlight.

Above Persona 3’s cast graduate from PS2-era polys to fully detailed HD.