A classic entry in Atlus’ flagship Shin Megami Tensei series will be hitting the PlayStation Network this week. Originally released in 2000 on the PSOne, Persona 2: Eternal Punishment will be available to North American players who are unable to get their hands on an exceedingly rare and hard to find physical copy of the game. It is the original PSOne localization – although Japan received an enhanced PSP port of the game, no announcement has been made for North America.

Eternal Punishment is set in a world parallel to Persona 2: Innocent Sin, but this time, the story revolves around reporter Maya Amano. A news reporter, she is sent to Seven Sisters High School in Sumaru City to investigate a series of murders. It seems a demonic being known as “The Joker” is behind them, and possesses the ability to turn rumors into fact. This will play an important role in the game – through the use of the “Rumor System” players will be able to spread rumors, and, if done properly, this can trigger in-game events and create entirely new story arcs.

As in any Shin Megami Tensei title, gamers will be faced with a series of choices throughout the game, which will affect the direction and ending of the game. Players will also need to make use of the “Contact System” in order to convince demons to join their cause, which will lead to the ability to summon over 80 different Persona.

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