In August of last year, Atlus brought Persona 3 to America. Considering it is a game steeped in a foreign culture, its success in the West came with some surprise. It is perhaps due to the popularity of the English release, that it appears Atlus will be releasing the expansion to the game known only in Japan as Persona 3 FES (or “Festival”). Earlier in the month Atlus posted a countdown timer on their homepage’s banner which has an eerie resemblance to a scene in the game. In addition to this banner, some websites have advertisements depicting an arm with an evoker, displaying the same countdown. It is rumored that when this countdown reaches 0, an official statement will be released concerning the game.

The expansion offers a variety of new game play features. First is a longer version of the regular story as well as new personas, new outfits, and rumors of more endings. Lastly, after the game’s main story there is an additional chapter in which the player assumes the role of Aegis, the game’s comic-relief-robot-girl. Don’t all games have those?

If you already have Persona 3, hold on to it, as FES will (most likely) be released in two forms. One will be just the bonus data on a disc that requires the original to boot up. The other form is an all inclusive version, for those who either sold their copy, or wish to jump on the bandwagon. At this point however, this is simply an assumption based on the Japanese release. Once a formal statement from Atlus is released we should know for sure.

Either way, hold on to your copy if you have it, since it can be assumed the raw version will be cheaper. Atlus usually releases the American version of their games with an OST (original sound track) or some other accessory that makes buying it right away an added bonus, so pay attention to the release date once it is announced, and make any reservations while you can.

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