What is the difference between Persona 3 and Persona 3 FES?

If you are a fan of JRPGs, you may have heard of the Persona series, a spin-off of the Shin Megami Tensei franchise. Persona 3 is one of the most popular entries in the series, and it has been released in three different versions over the years: Persona 3, Persona 3 FES, and Persona 3 Portable. But what is the difference between these versions, and which one should you play?

Persona 3 is the original release of the game for the PlayStation 2 in 2006. It introduced many elements that are now considered core components of the Persona series, such as the daily life simulation, the Social Links, and the central dungeon called Tartarus.

The game follows a group of high school students who form a secret club called SEES (Specialized Extracurricular Execution Squad) to fight against mysterious creatures called Shadows that appear during a phenomenon known as the Dark Hour.

Persona 3 FES is an enhanced version of Persona 3, also released for the PlayStation 2 in 2007. It contains all the content from the original game, plus an additional playable epilogue called The Answer, which stars Aigis as the main character and explores the aftermath of the main story.

The Answer adds a new dungeon called the Abyss of Time, new Personas, new cutscenes, and new gameplay mechanics. Persona 3 FES also adds some extra features to the main story, which is now called The Journey, such as new costumes, new quests, new scenes, and a hard mode.

Persona 3 Portable is a portable version of Persona 3 for the PSP in 2009. It contains most of the content from Persona 3 FES, except for The Answer and some minor features. However, it also adds some new content of its own, such as the option to play as a female protagonist, which changes some aspects of the story and the Social Links. Persona 3 Portable also improves some gameplay aspects, such as allowing you to control all your party members in battle and giving you more save points.

So, which version should you play? Well, that depends on your preferences and availability. If you want to experience the full story of Persona 3 with all its extra content and features, then Persona 3 FES is your best choice. If you want to play on a handheld device or try out a different perspective with the female protagonist, then Persona 3 Portable is a good option. If you only have access to the original Persona 3, then you can still enjoy a great game with a compelling story and gameplay.