FTR, I'm a bit too intimidated to post in Academia, but I still read everything that gets posted. Not that I'm a neutral observer, but I'd be surprised if I was the only one lurking there.
Ok then I'll try and get P3P somehow. Thanks for the info. Somehow I thought FES had elements besides Answer that P3P didn't have.
Sort of? The version on PSN is the FES version. Most of it's additional content is included in Persona 3 Portable, with the exception of The Answer, a bonus chapter which Fynn outlined in his review. I agree with him on it. While it adds some fantastic additional information about the game's finale, its very grind-heavy, and most of the conflicts within it feel forced. On the other hand, the Portable version features a female protagonist, and several of the Social Links were rewritten for her. ATLUS had much more experience writing by the time they made the PSP version, so those new Social Links are incredibly strong, and they replace a number of the weakest links from the original game. Plus, you still get all the rest of the bonus content from the FES version. If you're just looking for writing, that is what I would point you to.
Hm, I don't have a PSP but I could probably borrow one from my friends. Is the PSN version worse?
Honestly, even counting those visual novels I've read, I can't think of anything that comes close. Especially to Persona 3 (which I also recommend the PSP version of, the way Fynn did). The writing is just really, really good.
Well I guess if you don't count visual novels . . .
Yep. Not just in terms of dialogue, but all the writing in the game. Scenario plotting, consistency of themes, use of character, and the variety of views it analyzes its core subject from. I cannot honestly think of any game that comes as close to having as mature, strong, and well written content as the Persona games. There aren't many games that I will just sit down and write essays about, but these games are among them.
The best writing video games have to offer? I'll hold you to that. :P
