Persona 2: Innocent Sin Analysis (Part 1) - Ultimate Persona Compendium

The Ultimate Persona Compendium is a comprehensive video series analyzing the Persona games, from beginning to end. In this entry we finally get to the first Persona sequel, and the start of the Persona 2 duology - Persona 2: Innocent Sin. This part mainly focuses on symbolism, themes, inspirations from the real world, characters, and many more of its intricately woven nuances.
Curious where the analysis series begins? Check out the official playlist: • The Ultimate Persona C...
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CHAPTERS
0:00 Opening
1:15 Intro
5:18 Story Summary
14:19 Real World Parallels
28:17 Nyarlathotep
46:27 PSX Ad
46:56 Shadow Archetype
49:37 Maya Amano
53:00 Yukino Mayuzumi
55:36 Lisa "Ginko" Silverman
59:30 Eikichi "Michel" Mishina
1:03:38 Tatsuya Suou
1:06:32 Jun Kurosu
1:11:12 Der Doppelgänger
1:17:02 Persona Parallels
1:22:38 The Great Father
1:29:40 Outro
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VIDEO CREDITS
“Sachiko” voiced by Aamebell: / aamebell
“Der Doppelganger” narration by Dylan the Knight Owl: / @dylantheknightowl
Tags: #ShinMegamiTensei #Persona #Megaten

[@karimhill7993]

Fun Fact: The events of the Persona 2 duology took place in 1999. That was also when the Kirijo Group was trying to bring forth The Fall which led to the events in Persona 3.

[@matteste]

Who's willing to bet that a certain Crawling Chaos had a hand in that little detail. You know, as a backup just in case his current plan went south.

[@OriginalGameteer]

1999 sounds like a sucky year in the persona-verse Glad it's not our universe or else I'd have been born in a real bad year

[@nathan7031]

@@matteste Kei's route in Eternal Punishment actually sheds some light on the Nanjou group's involvement with the entire debacle as well (remember the Kirijo group was originally apart of the Nanjou group). Namely, the revived Kandori's involvement with the Anti-Shadow weapons, and how the fuck the Nanjou group was able to clean their hands from the entire thing.

[@toughlondonman]

Karim Hill I don’t think persona 1,2 have a connection to 3 but I do think the collective unconscious in these games might be connected to mementos in persona 5

[@karimhill7993]

@@toughlondonman In Persona 3, some of the characters from Persona 1 and 2 were mentioned on a TV show called Who's Who. Mitsuru's father mentioned the Nanjo Group to her when SEES was vacationing in Yakushima. In Persona 5, Katsuya Suou was mentioned on TV. It is heavily theorized that the Reaper from Persona 3, 4, and 5 is the vengeful spirit of Tatsuya Sudou, one of the antagonist in the Persona 2 duology. The Reaper's appearance is very similar to Sudou's outfit and the Reaper only has 1 eye on its left side and Sudou lost his right eye in both Persona 2 games. The blue butterfly that appears in Persona 3, 4, and 5 is most likely Philemon.

[@Jon_the_Wizard]

The ultimate takeaway from Persona 2: Innocent Sin is "being Jun sucks." Seriously, let this boy be happy.

[@demi-fiendoftime3825]

Jon the Wizard Narlepotep:no

[@Next-xm2dh]

Atleast he got his mother Back at the end

[@Samm815]

Then EP is "being Tatsuya sucks." Both of them.

[@AkatsukiBoss13]

@@Samm815 That's because someone has to be the whipping boy.

[@derekmartin5340]

@@demi-fiendoftime3825 narlepotep

[@xblade149]

Jesus, atlus really did their research when making this game. Especially symbolism

[@xblade149]

@Order & Chaos yeah true

[@blumiu2426]

It's not too hard if you study occultism. Most of this information is immediate. You learn psychologists were either crazy themselves or were into occultism or philosophies of the past stemmed from such, which ties into the occult being able to use these so well. It can be combine with politics, science and religion, corrupting each because in the end, it serves or ends up serving a singular purpose. Persona is less so invested in all this these days, but the framework is still there. It's strange that Persona can lead people into occultism or those into it realize the meaning and symbolisms. In a larger irony, you will find those leaders of the occult wanted these beliefs spread just as the game manages to do. The game uses rumors, superstition and lies that spread such, while in reality occultism goal was spreading old mysticism into all facets of society. Because again, the purpose leads to a common result because of the understanding of human nature and self-seeking. If that's confusing, then I'm trying hard to condense this lol! An example is, Personas are said to be self, but use pagan and religious figures to demonstrate that they are reflections of human aspects. Creations of consciousness according to one man. The irony is, who is to say he was not deluded by something beyond himself? If you look into it, he and Lovecraft and other well known figures in history have had similar experiences; dreams that inspired something to come about. Harry Potter, Twilight, and more prominent examples had a dream or experience which something was shared with them to inspire something that would have a cultural impact in some form. Occultism differs from Persona in that we have one personality, not multiple, but through traumatic circumstances or rituals, one can become possessed by a desired spirit. If not possessed, in control of that bring different "boons" to the individual; charm, fortune, intimidation, ect. People in high positions are said to take part in this regularly because those that have dabbled have shown results. Simplifying, persona can be looked at as spirits/demons possessing an individual. In deeper levels of the occult, the admitting dealing with these spirits can turn against them, as they don't truly have control of them, but it's the trade-off. Crowley and Blavatsky admit as much. Philemon and Nyarlathotep represent duality. Duality is the central aspect of occultism at it's center. Man becoming god, but only so if we except the good and evil of one self; the thing is, one must embrace both and enact both. So is good really good if you are doing evil at the same time? If not evil, something you know is wrong. Depends on one's morality or beliefs, which is why this works or aspects many can recognize since it resonates with very human aspects in secularism/humanism/nihilism. So by never separating from one's impulses and desires, or embracing them, it's a spiral or cycle when you look at reality. It's typically those with high morality (not ego) that put aside selfishness for selflessness, have exemplary character and positive impact in history. You also see collectivism or humanity/society becoming one or connected in order for nirvana or paradise to come about. I'll stop there as that much is much harder to explain. But Persona dabbles lightly in something much deeper and when studied seriously, is much darker and seldom ever the explored aspect.

[@Evilriku13]

@@blumiu2426 I mean it all started with Carl Gustav Jungs' works which inspired Atlus to do the Persona series in the first place. Sadly it lost its touch with the concept and dark psychological ideas of the guy who is together with Nietzsche the grandfather of modern psychology.

[@blumiu2426]

@@Evilriku13 They could only carry that so far, though. Persona was hinged on demons being part of one's psyche (and yes, that's what it is as if you study the occult, it talks about spirits being used as a boon in everyday life or other purposes). The first two games explored the concept well, but I don't think it was one that can be milked for long, thus taking a new direction + others joining team focusing on the Personas and social interaction/the tarot system.

[@kana22693]

Persona is what '90s parents thought Pokemon was, a gateway to the spooky scary occult knowledge.

[@MaybeNotARobot]

P2IS is such a strange game because it goes absolutely _fucking insane_ starting from the middle, but it never feels like it screws up the tone. It’s very interesting!

[@Cepheus773]

Totally. Once I reached Xibalba I took a step back and realized how hard the game snowballed from the basic rumors that started the plot. It all felt like a natural progression of the narrative. Quite the feat.

[@Anotheruser229]

Mark danced crazy

[@absolute1664]

​@@Cepheus773 man

[@em0cia]

LET'S POSITIVE THINKING

[@Anotheruser229]

Mark danced crazy

[@Samm815]

There's a reason I call this Daddy Issues: The Game.

[@majaheban8301]

Same xD

[@blaze45ful]

Nah, that fits FF X better.

[@saltminer7711]

@@blaze45ful I call that one "HAHAHA" the game

[@joeltraver9125]

They should name the persona group 'The Circle Of Daddy Issue's'

[@troubleshootq]

dang, I thought you were only referring to Maya. I just realized that everyone got daddy issues in the game except Tatsuya and Yuki lmao.

[@matteste]

And one detail about Maya Okumura that I noticed is that Nyarly never once directly manipulated her. All he did was set the board, all the manipulating she did herself. Thus, by her killing Maya Amano, Nyarly won the bet by virtue of her having acted on her own volition, letting the world burn to live in her own delusions.

[@basilofgoodwishes4138]

She wanted to honor the memory of the man she loved and hated both Jun and Junko for not seeing his "genius". She also has the same surname as Maya Amano and could be read as a dark reflection of her own father complex and wish to see dreams realized. Both Mayas were unable to move on from the loss of a loved one due to them following blindly their dreams to death and instead kf seeing these dreams as they were, they deluded themselves that dreams must come true, even at the expense of your loved ones. Diffrence is that Maya Amano wanted dreams to be fulfilled by people's own hands and eventually realized that she had been selfish with her wish to be not forgotten as this harmed her loved ones more than anything, whereas Okumura was always alone after Akinari's death and had no one to cling on in her eyes and ultimately wanted a dream to be realized by just wishing it rather than making it. I also think that because of this Katsuya would be the perfect partner for Maya Amano as he is the opposite of her father; someone who sacrificed his dreams for his family. He shows that while dreams as important, they are not everything and are not worth throwing away your loved ones for. Rather be poor and be with friends and family than fulfil your dreams and be alone, then you get Kandori and we all know how that ended.

[@AloyImpact]

@@basilofgoodwishes4138 so essentially what you’re saying is that Okamura is the shadow of Amano made real?

[@giraftlop7047]

Fun fact: Carl Jung is canon to this universe as well as being a persona user.

[@jadak100]

Sauce?

[@andremelo1670]

@@sanmedina what?

[@andremelo1670]

@@sanmedina oh sorry. The persona series is so crazy that this would not surprise me.

[@andremelo1670]

@@sanmedina they aren't? (And in communism?)

[@IceLizardsUnited]

Exhibit A on why Persona 2 is the best Persona story.

[@ShadowBaofu]

And this is just part one. I adore this particular duology,

[@aagh8714]

SMT* unless you like tuning avatars*

[@halcyon9911]

I have to correct you here, not because your opinion is wrong, but because Persona 2 is the THE BEST Persona game not just story xD

[@tataladdd4251]

Ooooh, now, let me pause you right there... Persona 2’s story is fantastic, but saying it is the best game is like saying a game like Persona 5 would be better off using Persona 2’s clunky gameplay. I love the P2 duology and they may be my favourite games in the series, but I can accept for a fact that P5 is the better game.

[@aagh8714]

@@tataladdd4251 p5 gameplay looks nice but is any old jrpg bs, better than p2 but not good enough to give it better status

[@Zubatticus]

When you first brought up Joker killing the Persona users for a past sin, the first thing that came to mind was Morgana saying "Looking cool, Joker." I've been corrupted forever. I'll shut up and continue watching now.

[@SnicketySlice]

lol the benefit of playing P2 first.

[@RonaldoVODS]

"Joker is not looking cool anymore"

[@Kortegard0341]

You'll never see it COMIIIIIING!

[@KraNisOG]

Aren't their like 4 different people called Joker though? Joker the persona Master Joker the antagonist Joker P5 Protagonist My Dear Joker, a boss in P5:TPS Probably more, but yeah, Joker is by no means unique to only 2 games.

[@KraNisOG]

@@tjbattle7920 I speak human

[@MagillanicaLouM]

Wow the story section of this really shows just how on point Tadashi and the crew were on the writing and research of the themes they wanted to convey and topics they discussed. These games earn the rep of best story in the series for good reason

[@jjr3z]

Persona 2 is such a great treasure that Atlus gifted to us. I consider it to be a timeless classic that any RPG fan should play at some point in life. Now if only more people like you made more Persona 2 videos

[@chironthecuddley6144]

I played Innocent Sin after playing P4 for the first time and I still love Innocent Sin the most out of the Persona games I have played. I still need to get to Eternal Punishment after I play IS again, so I can play them back-to-back.

[@northwestclasspnw7974]

@@chironthecuddley6144 I can't do it. The random encounters suck so much. I literally don't want to explore the world being worried about slow, boring random encounters all over the place. The fusion system was unfamiliar and off-putting. And the first hour of story just didn't make sense to me, it felt like the game thought I just understood everything without it needing to be explained.

[@chironthecuddley6144]

@@northwestclasspnw7974 That's 90's game design for you. I don't really mind figuring stuff out for myself as long as I get the gist of it from the tutorials.

[@Cepheus773]

@@chironthecuddley6144 I got into Persona with P4G and I adored it. I played P3 FES next and I hated it. I just finished Innocent Sin and I absolutely loved it. What an incredible story. I'll never forget that ending. I'm waiting for the fan translation of Eternal Punishment on PSP, but man, I want a P2 remake so badly.

[@chironthecuddley6144]

@@Cepheus773 I kinda gave up on waiting for the fan translation of EP, so I just got the PS1 version on PS3.

[@fefeman2856]

can't wait for part 2 and Eternal punishment. Loved the video. The whole part about Maya being a christ archetype blew my mind, I was kinda aware of it, but I have no idea it was so explicit and so carefully crafted.

[@sumiokodai1652]

Even past the symbolisms and philosophical themes, the characters are so engaging. The banter, dynamic, dialogue just flows really well. Friendship's more showing rather than telling. And the soundtrack helps a lot. Reminds me why I love 20th Century Boys manga.

[@mori-cq5282]

One thing I've come to find interesting about the Persona games, and it's perhaps the #1 reason why they always tend to hold up well story-wise, is how contemporary (or topical) the games tend to be anecdotal. Likely not intentional, but Persona 1 really was the stepping stone into the exploration of our unconscious and overall awareness of mental health. This had likely only become more important to many people around this time. Persona 2 then came about because of how close it'd been released to the Y2K craze and the numerous insane rumors surrounding it. It spoke upon how destructive misinformation can be. Persona 3, as far as I can tell, is likely the most self-contained since it didn't come out around any sort of major events. Either way, it's message of death and embracing it perhaps makes it timeless in that aspect. Persona 4, awfully similarly to Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty, speaks upon the rise of technology, the tons of information at everyone's fingertips, and how we can be absorbed deeply into it. It's similar to Persona 2 in that the "personas" the characters take on involve false identities and bouts of escapism here and there. Lots of postmodern commentary. May have been seen as paranoid rambling way back when, but these two games have held up extremely well. Persona 5, then, more resembles Persona 1 in being direct about people keeping up false appearances and the unconscious. However, that now has the twist of breaking away from people's expectations and fighting back against them. This could be the result of the then newfound interest and closer attention being paid to, well, certain archetypes and/or labels being put upon people. Very odd, but cool, considering how Persona (and SMT overall) takes characters and godlike figures from older media a lot of people seem to have forgotten about. Says a lot about how repetitive the human nature can be, especially with stuff from thousands of years ago citing all this.

[@RblastonYT]

Yet it’s ironic that hope always comes back it’s weird how repetitive but stubborn we are

[@dragoneye6229]

To expand on Persona 3 it came out in 2006 and a lot of wars happened just prior and were finally dying down. There were a lot of people who lost loved ones to the war in the middle east for example. So I imagine it's theme meant a lot to people. Persona 5 is like a mix bag because it parallels the modern world. A teacher who thinks he's hot shit and abuses kids as his own self given reward? Where do we see people believe they deserve all kinds of things even though they have barely worked? Where do we see people trying to legalize messing around with minors? And that is just one boss and one aspect of the game. I finally watched a LP of 5 and oh boy you can tell it's a deep exploration of the corruption way too many people have given into. The main character is trying to break free from what he sees as a prison, represented by his velvet room in game, constructed by people long entrenched in their positions and abusing their power to keep him where he is. It's about his anger to a system that was broken not by it's rules but by those who ignored the spirit of it for their own desires. It's about how corporations, classes, schools, government and even politics are all just prisons due to those who spread misinformation to keep their power. Just think of school today, the Covid lies, or the election rigging that so many people allow to happen and you'll understand the characters anger in P5.

[@snakeslife-uroborodjinn790]

Persona 3 came out in 2006. Back then, apathy was writing on the wall for modern society's blights. People seemed to be drowning in a lifestyle of viceful, capricious opulence in defiance of the poor economic situation of most of the planet. It's hard to describe because indeed it wasn't tied to any major events. But it was like we all knew that the great financial crisis was just around the corner and tied with the constant war happening at the time it wasn't hard to just shut down. That's what the game is referencing and commenting on, with people literally shutting down in apathy.

[@frozec8568]

@@dragoneye6229 very based and true take

[@hamstersandwich9917]

There's a wonderful series by LadyVirgillia that breaks down P5's characters and how they relate to modern Japanese culture, from Joker's convicted status and the corruption in the legal system, Ann's mixed heritage, Futaba's hikikomori nature and more. Its a fascinating watch to those who want more in depth analysis of P5

[@genesischaparro8954]

Maya Amano: she died for our sins

[@demi-fiendoftime3825]

Then rose again

[@mobileuser7962]

@@demi-fiendoftime3825 Just like Jesus... O-o

[@masterchiefpettyofficerspa3646]

It's funny how people think that Minato is Jesus even though Maya did it first.

[@mobileuser7962]

@@masterchiefpettyofficerspa3646 Facts tho

[@demi-fiendoftime3825]

@@masterchiefpettyofficerspa3646 Eh she did the full story Minato is a more actuate representation in that he died and now there's an insane cult of people awaiting his return.

[@Next-xm2dh]

The Symbolism In this Game Is Much Stronger then I thought, This Gives me Much more appreciation for it

[@SaiyanGamer95]

It's kind of a shame we don't get stuff like this; characters/Persona users from the previous game returning to assist the next game's protagonist. From 3 onward, characters are mostly relegated to brief mentions, non-important cameos/easter eggs, and minor allusions.

[@TheRezro]

Because they are around forty at that point (P5)

[@SaiyanGamer95]

@@TheRezro Yeah, but it would still be pretty cool.

[@alwaysangry2232]

after the ending spit on the face of the ppl who played the first game....maybe was for the best

[@Zakkious]

At this point, it feels like Atlus is shaping up something by having all these people from different places in Japan getting personas and going through a journey of their own. It might lead to something grander in the future, who knows

[@aekaydubs]

As an American watching in 2020, I found parts of this utterly chilling and all too real.

[@dragoneye6229]

Just wait until you play or watch Persona 5

[@martinsmith8118]

@@dragoneye6229 Eeeeh... Whether or not P5 actually tackles its subject-matter well is debatable.

[@dragoneye6229]

@@martinsmith8118 I was referencing finding some of it all too real. P5 is nightmarish when you look at it with values and ethics and toss away the idea that its world exists in a vacuum. From a minor getting naked for adults to abusive teachers getting away with crap because they are part of a ideological cult. It's all too real. Even now the governor of CA wants to keep his lockdown powers even though COVID is over. This reeks of keeping power for any reason and is a constant point of any Persona game. Heck it's a point of almost every game ever.

[@surelylune]

@@dragoneye6229 covid literally isnt over you fucking idiot

[@dragoneye6229]

@@surelylune Yes it is. Anytime a vaccine is made it's literally over. There is nothing to fear. If you have been vaccinated you are immune. You could walk amongst thousands who are not vaccinated and it would not make a difference to you. It is over.

[@DonChalant]

Persona 2 is something special

[@rannusr4819]

38:30 I wonder if this is why Social links were introduced, to lead more people to enlightenment and lessen Nyarlothep's influence.

[@faidou9954]

Persona 1 and 2 deserves better treatment, from the community and the publishers/devs. Sure the 1st 2 games were flawed, but they were at least great games!

[@W1ndF4lc0n]

Its not like 3, 4 and 5 aren't flawed.

[@marcelosilvestre244]

Persona 1 sucks dick imo

[@tataladdd4251]

Artsy Cunty It does suck dick, you are right. It was pretty clunky, leveling up was ass, the grid system was stupid and the story was convoluted. I still played it all the way through though and I enjoyed it. The characters were really likeable and the music was good. Persona ranks and learning skills was really engaging. If you can wrap your head around the story and get into it, you can get a lot out of it.

[@Evilriku13]

@@tataladdd4251 whatever P1 did wrong, the OST (PS1) is still aged very much and I like its dark electro beats that work at best during night sessions. Same goes for some music in Persona 2 (IS) too. Too bad the remake/enhanced PSP version doesnt fix alot of its core problems, but its "more playable"/endurable so to speak.

[@brandoa1131]

Shaman Xeed oh boy. 3,4,5s dating parts of the games take 1/100th of the game and have literally 0% impact on the story.

[@felman87]

An hour of Persona. That's exactly what my doctor recommended. How did you know SS?

[@nekotorin]

That final montage of P2 at the end triggered so much nostalgia in me. I don't know if you're reading this but I am so happy that there are a lot of people out there who shares the same feelings I had for this game. So many memories of my childhood, Persona 2 made me who I am today and I am thankful that I managed to experience this masterpiece. Thank you so much for creating this analysis.

[@marta2631]

P2 with P5 graphics would be amazing...

[@SamBeta20]

I rather see Hi-res sprites, but I see no reason why we couldn't have both. Just feel like isometric graphics are under appreciated.

[@tounsi_m7ashesh]

P5 doesn't look good m8

[@tounsi_m7ashesh]

Actually other than dds nocturne and Raidou 2 i can't think of a good looking 3d megaten game

[@tounsi_m7ashesh]

@@SamBeta20 hi rez sprites would be great and would also preserve the game's aesthetic and look

[@kimikothetanuki314]

@@tounsi_m7ashesh bruh

[@matteste]

Man, I knew that P2's symbolism and stuff ran deep into it's narrative, but seeing it all spelled out like this just makes one appreciate the attention to detail the writers had and just how well interwoven it all is. It makes all the later Persona games look like first grade school projects by comparison.

[@sumiokodai1652]

Even without knowing symbolisms, you know it accomplishes the 3 main themes for the succeeding persona games. Mortality, truth, and shadows. And the scale's even bigger than the political scale in persona 5.

[@samuffert]

Uh guys, can i say the line now that this just appeared in my recommended vids today? Yes? Alright *I'VE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS*

[@mythosinfinite6736]

You release that anime girl from your closet right this instance young man.

[@OriginalGameteer]

"They can also be quiet, cruel, and criminal." Dont start spreading rumors about me Jun

[@noahsnurr8559]

I don’t care that this will take years to finish but this compendium is a gift to the video essay format

[@Jun-el-cochebomba]

A few years ago I decided to play this game because I heard that Hitler appears as a boss fight, I assumed the game was a convoluted mess of ideas, little did I know I ended up being surprised by one of the best video games ever. the only thing I want now is a pc port of the psp versions of innocent sin and eternal punishment and hopefully we'll get it

[@Ayryvyl]

Has the time finally come? Been looking forward to this!

[@Blarglesnarfe]

Ayryvyl *I’ve been waiting for this!

[@neveroddoreven6597]

Strangely, this video helped me to realize that I have a father complex, and know I’m moving faster in my therapy than ever before. Thanks, Snickety!

[@michaelolaf9968]

This game has desperately deserved a video (series) like this. Frankly I'm more excited at this upload than I was to be playing it, but everything else about it needs more exposure. Thanks, Snickety.

[@ShadowBaofu]

This gives me chills. I cant wait to see you tackle this duology.

[@DylantheKnightOwl]

A truly amazing video, and as a Sagittarius I can, in fact, confirm this is epic and delves in deep. Great start to this game, I really enjoyed this and I would say your narration is at your best here.

[@delakek]

Damn, I found your channel a few weeks ago. Guess that was a good time since I didn't have to wait that long for the vid. Good content, keep it up! :D

[@CountXDracula]

This is one of the best videos on KZbin and it's only the first freaking part.

[@wheremedad]

Honestly, I've grown to love the way you present videos. I came here because of the persona content but this long-form analysis of every part of a game is super intriguing to watch. I would love to see you do this kind of thing with other games. I like your shorter reviews too but these extended deep dives into a game are a joy to experience. I can't wait for part two!

[@aidanklobuchar1798]

The plot feels very much, at least initially, in the vein of 20th century boys. Which is fascinating, given that 20th century boys began serialization shortly after Persona 2's release, in a timeframe I assume is too short for the manga to be copying the game. Must have been something in the Japanese collective consciousness around that time....

[@paperpopper2586]

Damnnnn... there so much in these games that i never would have noticed myself... so much symbolism and shit... And people say video games are “bad” or a “waste of time.” Thats bs, games are art! I think the persona and nier series show this the best On a more personal note, this series and more specifically this video, kinda helped me i guess. Im 17 and going through a lot of shit right now, you know like figuring out who i am and all that, and mental apathy or whatever. So, thanks i guess

[@N7Maric]

I’ve been waiting for this!

[@linhardtfan4208]

this is a SERIOUSLY phenomenal video, and i've been looking forward to it since the first part of the series!!! i really enjoyed the deeper analysis of the plethora of symbols within the game; so many people people who don't know anything about p2 are quick to say "lol hitler" but everything about the characterization and symbolism goes so much deeper, and it's great that you've shed light on it, for fans and newcomers alike. also: i was sure great father's left leg was tatsuya's father? nyarlathotep's appearance throughout the game (and of course in the final battle) is meant to be similar to akinari, and tatsuya does get called out to during the battle. honestly though, that's a minor nitpick in an otherwise great vid. looking forward to the next installment!!!

[@SnicketySlice]

The left leg is not Tatsuya's father. Tatsuya also does not get called out by Nyarlathotep like you claim. The left leg actually says "Jun!" before attacking, which would make no sense if it was meant to be Tatsuya's father. The official guidebook seems to support this: twitter.com/PersonaComp/status/1139707959640903681

[@linhardtfan4208]

@@SnicketySlice ahhh okay, thank you for the explanation, i was misremembering

[@WeedDigimon]

I have been eagerly anticipating this event.

[@filthyfrost6458]

One of the most amazing videos I've seen. You always find ways to out-do yourself, Snick!

[@MarioWiZZeL]

The work put in these ultimate compendiums is truly heartfelt!

[@ChalkTeacher]

I've been waiting for this! Only 1h30m?! TOO SHORT!

[@JustSkram]

3 hour part 2 or bust

[@TemLightKiBlade]

It is persona time! and one week after I finally beat innocent sin for the first time. Lucky me. Your first compendium inspired me to finally finish, so thank you and I look forward to watching this and more.

[@ali3nfr3ak83]

Outstanding video as usual. Did not disappoint with the amount it took

[@CandidaRosa889]

This is the most definitive video I've seen for this game, amazing work on this.

[@spacefes7365]

Was on the edge of my seat for this entire analysis, cannot praise you enough for this video

[@Eileen2k]

I adored this whole analysis. So much detail and lore! Very informative and interesting to listen too.

[@jmh8817]

The research on this is staggering, even having played both games I learned a lot more than expected.

[@sergio_trindade]

Incredible video, man. It's awesome seeing the early Persona games getting this kind of care and attention. Can't wait for the next one.

[@AnActualWolf]

I've been looking forward to the next installment in this analysis series. Well done, Snickety!

[@Nebula427]

Very well done. Thanks for all your hard work. I greatly enjoyed this. I loved Innocent Sin before, but have a far greater appreciation for it now.

[@kazineverwind5267]

"Maya is Christ." Well when you put it that way...

[@Hyake]

Whenever I’m feeling down I’ll always remember to LET’S Positive THINKING!

[@gabrieldevoogel6225]

No remember LETSU POSITIVO THINKINGU

[@oni91119]

So much thought was put into this game, and i live for it. Which makes this game my favorite persona game

[@lennchen5432]

It feels like P5R is kinda closer to P2. It now uses "seeds" born in distorted palaces. Three seeds create a crystal thanks to Jose... What an interessting thow back, because it sounds silimar to the four skulls.

[@Nilnot]

It made my night when I found this video. Thanks Slice!!!

[@No_vec]

Legitimately my favorite videoessay on KZbin. Love your stuff!

[@AkhKhetSahRenBaKaIbShutSekhem]

Phenomenal Video. I loved watching every second of it!

[@gingcunt5627]

Love this series!!! Please keep this going your so good at explaining the persona series!!!

[@DanielPetryAKATad]

Thanks for all the hard work you put into this series!

[@KnivesMcBride]

Jesus, that was one of the best in-depth analyses on a piece of media I've ever seen.

[@skullwolfsteam]

IV BEEN WAITING FOR THIS MY DUDE LETS GOOOO! iv wait so long to see persona 2 covered this is gonna one heck of a ride

[@kvdse120]

So happy you made this!

[@irlenanan]

Ah yes, the best Persona game

[@tenkuken7168]

story wise it is

[@sumiokodai1652]

@@tenkuken7168 Bc Atlus are cowards to give it a proper remake

[@MIGU3L2K]

All of you are wrong, all Persona games are the best Persona game

[@dizzytea4247]

@@MIGU3L2K thank you, it’s completely fine to think any Persona game is the best in the series. they’re all amazing in their own ways

[@Dndditches]

Fantastic analysis! P2 (both) is collectively one of my favourite games. Its literary genius. To think japanese writers are able to create this masterpiece which references so many authors in different languages and cultures. Plus all mythology, astrology, arcana, element etc are all perfectly consistent. The characters names even allude to their archnemeses, which is more clever when you play the JP version. Eg, both Mayas had different kanji names, “Gin” of Ginko means Silver ie, Silverman, also alludes to Ginji, etc. Only thing i’d add to your astrology analysis, Jun’s sign Aquarius, is traditionally ruled by saturn. His ultimate persona is Cronus which is Greek god (Zeus’ father) and his Roman name is Saturn. Saturn is the planet of restrictions and stability, considered the “greater malefic” and bringer of bad things. But also the stern teacher, as in growth/triumph through hardwork and adversity. Also of note, one of the most shocking scenes in the game is if you pick the wrong option for Yukino, Shadow Yukino wins and gets influence of Anna. They commit joint suicide holding hands and jump off the cliff. Yukino turns catatonic permanently. It’s next level.

[@deathinheels8148]

Damn. The symbolism is strong with this one.

[@Kelzmokra]

I was eager to see this analysis. Thanks for making such great videos

[@Joaza998]

This was a fun way to pass the time, great video!

[@Ray-fm7yf]

fantastic video, have been waiting for this

[@belgarath6388]

It's really amazing how games back in the days used to have such rich and emotional plots, might be my age showing but games like that are few and far in between nowadays. Which is a crying shame.

[@jamgin9890]

games still have rich and emotional plots.. just not most of the mainstream triple A games . you have to search for them

[@Blarglesnarfe]

Holy god, that is a LOT of background planning and detail. WOW. This was an impressive video.

[@GlibbyGloyper]

Dude, the amount of work you put into this video is insane. Persona 2's writing was a hell of a lot more complex than I would have ever thought and you somehow communicated it perfectly, same as your series on Persona 1. Wow, dude! Floored, really! I've only played P5 and am going through P5R now, but listening to you talk about the major arcana really helps me understand the Persona series better. The roots still seem to be somewhere in there past all of the glitz that P5 added. Looking forward to the next video.

[@daehan8227]

so oddly enough no jokes about Steven Silverman being Steven Seagal?

[@marinatedoctopus5706]

Boy have I been waiting for this!

[@Lexguin]

These videos are so well made!

[@jakeo5773]

Your best video yet imo! You convinced me to pick up these early persona games (1&2) as I came into the series late (back when P4 came out actually) after I watched your videos on P1. Since then I played P2 and was pumped to see that this video came put on it. This was a wonderful video, probably the best video I've found on Persona 2 on youtube period, please take your time and keep up the amazing content quality.

[@kevinrutledge9062]

Also i love this so much. I feel like it helps me love the persona series even more. I cant wait for him to do 3, and especially 4.

[@DoodleBlip]

I absolutely love everything about this plot

[@jmh8817]

Just replayed these games after the recent patch and wanted to come back to this series. Still the best video series on the games, IMO.

[@RaphyCuomo]

Definitely the best persona 2 video on the internet, I’d like to give 1000 likes! This game deserves more love! Great work!!!

[@OrobaSpyro]

It's nice to finally get the idea of Persona 2. It really is something else so far. Looking forward to more! Keep up the good work!

[@tentailsjack]

Had a blast learning about this game I really can’t wait for part two

[@ZedarShadow]

I forget you make documentaries, thanks for the hard work!

[@davidyang6074]

Thank you for not just rapid firing what happens in the story itself but actually going into why the story is meaningful

[@douchebagbrigade]

The video everyone has been waiting for

[@Mitsux31]

I normally don't watch long videos on KZbin. But... being Persona 2 my favorite game of all time (following Shadow Hearts) and how you explained every detail... I loved this video. I praise your work.

[@CyrusBluebird]

Well done on the long awaited part one of the next game of the series. Don't strain yourself too hard.

[@thegaminggod9826]

I just found your channel a couple days ago and I got to say I really love how much research and detail you've been putting into these videos keep up the good work mate.

[@shinatermin6782]

It's here! It's finally here!

[@ian66yager]

I love these videos so much ! ! You really are doing great work here and definitely worth the wait

[@TheBandoBandito]

It's here. Worth the wait.

[@SealedFantasy]

Incredible analysis. It must have been hard to compile. You really did great

[@PeskyFiend]

I’ve been waiting for this!!!

[@Metetron]

You uploaded this JUST as I beat IS for the first time. Looking forward to this series!

[@echoesamalie]

Honestly, Fantastic Work I this one dude, came out amazing!!!