If you saw our E3 preview of Shin Megami Tensei: Persona for the PSP, you'd know that the remake of the PlayStation classic role-playing game has an all new sountrack from series composer Shoji Meguro. We've been dying to get our hands on some of the music that will be in the game's included 2-disc complete soundtrack since then.
Atlus was kind enough to give us the soundtrack early. I've spent most of the day enjoying the 67 tracks across this two disc set, and I can say now that this is Persona music at its finest. Those that enjoyed the music of Persona 3 and 4 will definitely be pleased, but I think it's safe to say that the soundtrack for this portable game even outshines that of those titles. Think I'm crazy? Wait until you hear it.
This is definitely a game that you'll want to rock with headphones.
Persona PSP's score is incredibly varied. If you played the original PS1 title, you can forget about the limited sound of the in-system synthesizer. Instead, you get Meguro's bombastic battle tunes, fast-paced story music, and uplifting melodies, all recorded in the best possible way. These are full, CD-quality recordings that range from quirky tunes (cats meowing and car horns honking) to full on Japanese Pop-ish vocal tunes. And speaking of vocal tunes, there are a ton of them in this soundtrack -- and they're not just for openings and cutscenes, either. The Velvet Room song is as beautiful as ever. My favorite vocal piece, the "Satomi Tadashi Pharmacy" song, is back and better than ever.
What's nice is that even as a series fan, many of the melodies and compositions of this soundtrack are completely new to me. This, of course, has to do with some additional gameplay content that has been added to this new version of Persona. No spoilers here on that, though. Almost the entire second disc is filled with hauntingly beautiful tunes, heavy on the orchestration and piano. Some feature ambient noises and dissonant tones -- this is a kind of score you can get lost in. The second disc collection in particular makes for a listening experience that can stand on its own, away from the game.
It's still early, and there are still embargos and what not, but I wanted to convey how great this soundtrack is now, if for no other reason than to remind you that you need to get in on your preorders, as this is a "while supplies lasts" kind of deal. Look for more in-depth coverage of the soundtrack and the game in our upcoming preview and review of Shin Megami Tensei: Persona PSP.
Contest:
7:00 PM on 07.30.2009 | 
I think the new soundtrack is incredible, and I can't wait to get this game.
Seriously need this game, and I'm not shelling out for the PS1 original.
@phantomile
Exactly. I can vouch for that, since I tried to play a PS1 eboot on my PSP sometime ago, and I say to hell with that tinny synthesizer noise. I'd bet money that if Atlus could have done it this way back in 1996, they would have, and nobody would be complaining.
Social Links were introduced in Persona 3, so they aren't present in this game. This game is still pretty good, but the worst in the series easily. Persona 2(especially Innocent Sin) is much better and I hope they get the same treatment.
I can't wait for this game, my (now) yearly dose of Persona. I need mah fixin'. Sucks that I never played this originally, but here's my chance.