Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3 (PlayStation 2, 2007)

Game's Premise:
As it turns out there is an extra hour in every day. This hour is hidden between 12 AM and 1 AM... the 'dark hour'. Normal people aren't aware of this hour because they turn into coffins. Only those with 'special powers' are able to remain in their human form and aware during this hour. Some of those people can also summon an alternative forms of themselves. This form is like your inner mask, it is made from the stimulations that you receive from the world around you. The connections that you build with different people influences your inner persona.

Pros:
The story is very well written and intriguing. The monsters in the game are very creatively done. Some of these monsters were taken straight from the other Shin Megami Tensei games.... yea I'm looking at you Jack Frost. Than again there is an overwhelming amount of new monsters here too. The game has voice acting for most of the dialogue! Random encounters have been updated, now you are able to see your enemies and avoid them if you wish. The battles have a nice flow to them and are both quick and decisive. Persona 3 is a very meaty RPG with a lot of content. The normal school life is balanced well with the super natural. You can join a club, make few friends. The choices that you make early on will effect your game at later point. This gives the game a huge replay value. The game has a distinct anime flavor. In fact all in-game cutscenes are hand drawn anime! The anime's quality is excellent, however, and it does not disappoint. The game is teeming with bonus content waiting to be unlocked.

Cons:
The in game graphics will not blow anyone away. While the environment are fully rendered in 3D, but they look blend. The character models don't have as many polygons as in some of the other titles in the series. The gameplay can get repetitive at times. Also, the anime look and feel of the game may not be for everyone.

Bottom Line:
If you are a Shin Megami Tensei fan, or a fan of Adult RPGs than you already own this title and don't need to bother reading this. If you are new to the series and you like Jap. anime this game will appeal to you as well. I am enjoying this game a lot, it is a good step above Devil Summoner (the previous entry in the series).