5/5 ★ – ZCGonzo's review of Revelations: Persona.

a preface: this is specifically for the PS1 version of the game. despite restoring a little side scenario in localisation, the PSP port is far worse in nearly every aspect. the game's presentation was compromised with a (cheaply) remade soundtrack and cutscenes, poor porting of graphics and visual effects, and awkward UI. an underappreciated RPG gem and a time capsule of when Atlus were at a creativity peak. the art, graphics, writing, sound design, and music all mesh wonderfully into an incredible atmosphere that I don't think most RPGs today can even match. gritty, dreamlike, desolate, fantastical: the game blends all of this together in what is nothing less than a triumph of visual and audio design. the combat is really unique even today as well, with many mechanics that maybe aren't quite polished but still have enough depth and mystery to make experimentation enthralling. the story is excellent and supported by a great cast of characters, with an interesting psychological bend that makes it stand out from the most popular RPGs of the time (they even beat Square to the punch with Final Fantasy 7's Cloud on that one). pacing's just right too. very replayable, especially since you can choose your 5th party member which all come with their own unique fighting styles and dialogue. it may surprise people to know that the game was a bit of a sleeper hit in America, standing alongside Wild Arms as one of the better RPGs to pick up while waiting for FF7 to release. my favourite MegaTen and probably my favourite RPG!