Introduction
Persona 3 Portable is an enhanced version of the classic Japanese role-playing game (JRPG) Persona 3. It was initially released on the PlayStation Portable in 2009 and subsequently re-released on the PlayStation Vita in 2012. The game was developed by Atlus, the same studio responsible for the original Persona 3.
The game follows a group of high school students who live a double life as members of the mysterious “Specialized Extracurricular Execution Squad” (SEES) and as normal students during the day. The group is tasked with fighting various supernatural creatures known as “Shadows” and exploring the mysterious “Dark Hour” that exists between one day and the next.
One of the major features of Persona 3 Portable is its Social Link system. This system allows the player to build relationships with various non-player characters (NPCs) throughout the game. As the player’s relationships with NPCs strengthen, they gain access to powerful Personas and other rewards. In this article, we will take a closer look at the Social Link system in Persona 3 Portable and explore how it has evolved over the years.
What is the Social Link System?
The Social Link system is one of the core mechanics of Persona 3 Portable. It allows the player to build relationships with NPCs throughout the game. As these relationships grow, the player gains access to powerful Personas, unique skills, and other rewards.
When the player first meets an NPC, they will be given the option to form a Social Link with them. If the player chooses to do so, they will then be able to interact with the NPC and progress their Social Link. As the Social Link progresses, the player will gain access to increasingly powerful Personas and other rewards.
At the start of the game, there are a total of 22 Social Links available. However, some of these Social Links are not available until specific points in the story and it is possible to miss out on them if the player is not careful.
How Has the Social Link System Evolved?
The Social Link system has gone through several changes since its introduction in Persona 3 Portable. The most significant changes were made to the system in the 2012 re-release of the game on the PlayStation Vita.
The PlayStation Vita version of the game added a new Social Link known as the “Velvet Room.” This new Social Link allowed the player to access a previously inaccessible area of the game known as the “Velvet Room.” This area was a secret area that was only accessible to those who had formed a Social Link with the mysterious character known as “Igor.”
The Velvet Room also added several new features to the Social Link system. These features included a new “Fusion” system that allowed the player to combine two Personas to create a new, more powerful one, as well as a “Compendium” that allowed the player to store and access Personas that they had previously collected.
What Are the Benefits of the Social Link System?
The Social Link system is one of the key features of Persona 3 Portable and has been praised by many fans of the series. The system allows the player to form relationships with NPCs throughout the game and gain access to powerful Personas and other rewards.
The Social Link system has also been praised for its ability to make the game feel more personal and interactive. Players are able to form relationships with the NPCs and get to know them better as the game progresses. This helps to make the game world feel more alive and immersive.
In addition to its immersive qualities, the Social Link system also provides tangible benefits to the player. As the player’s relationships with NPCs grow, they gain access to powerful Personas and other rewards. These rewards can help to make the game easier and more enjoyable for the player.
Conclusion
The Social Link system is one of the most beloved features of Persona 3 Portable. It allows the player to form relationships with NPCs throughout the game and gain access to powerful Personas and other rewards. It has also been praised for its ability to make the game feel more personal and immersive.
The game has seen several changes to the Social Link system since its initial release in 2009. The most significant changes were made in the 2012 re-release of the game on the PlayStation Vita. This version of the game introduced the Velvet Room, which added several new features to the Social Link system.
The Social Link system is one of the most unique and beloved features of Persona 3 Portable and is sure to remain a fan favorite for years to come.