Considering this game - quick question

[Myth64]

I've never played a Persona game, would it be fun without a guide? I don't mind missing stuff or not doing things optimally.

I've read countless comments and some reviews claiming it can be stressful balancing all the social stuff, etc.

[Jremiahh]

its fun without a guide plus newgame plus exists for completionist. Getting everything done in this game in one plathrough is like a challenge run

[Mistie]

Don't worry about it if you don't max all links, you can always do everything on NG+

In general, don't listen to anyone when they say that Persona needs to be played according to guides. On the second playthrough - it's possible, but not on the first.

Imagine yourself, doing 2-3 steps, open guide and watchin what you should do next over and over again e.t.c. Like this game make no sense. Even if you miss something on your first playthrough, it doesn't mean you won't enjoy the game. It's recommended to play freely on your first playthrough.

[Sirius]

Originally posted by Myth64:

I've never played a Persona game, would it be fun without a guide? I don't mind missing stuff or not doing things optimally.

Well, you answered your question yourself. If you don't mind, then yes you won't need to look up guides to have fun.

Originally posted by Myth64:

I've read countless comments and some reviews claiming it can be stressful balancing all the social stuff, etc.

For 100% runs you already said it's fine for you not to achieve, yes probably.

It's possible to "lose" the game if you mess up too bad (like not getting leveled enough and and so being unable to beat a boss before a deadline), so I suggest to at least carefully read the in-game explanations of these "functions" when they pop up and keep several savegames during these times so you can, should the worst happen, return to an earlier save and be more diligent with your shadow killing times, but other than that, you should be fine doing whatever in between those times.

[Myth64]

Originally posted by Sirius:

Originally posted by Myth64:

I've never played a Persona game, would it be fun without a guide? I don't mind missing stuff or not doing things optimally.

Well, you answered your question yourself. If you don't mind, then yes you won't need to look up guides to have fun.

Good point but I still wanted to get people's points of view. I thought someone might say, "yes it's fun" but you need to remember this, etc.

I decided not to buy the game on steam because I still have gamepass (had a six months free sub due to internet provider offer) and just realised it's on it.

Thanks to everyone who answered though!

[cyb3rc001]

yeah, it takes about 80 hrs to complete the base game, and I'd say another 20 hrs for episode aigis, so you have plenty of time to complete it.
(I also didn't pay for it, but used Steam Family )

[Birdii]

Originally posted by Myth64:

I've never played a Persona game, would it be fun without a guide? I don't mind missing stuff or not doing things optimally.

I've read countless comments and some reviews claiming it can be stressful balancing all the social stuff, etc.

Persona 3, including reload, is a borderline impossible to max everything without a guide. Even with a guide, it's difficult to max everything unless you are following a strict calendar guide. Most people I've interacted with about Persona recommend using a guide for classroom answers and max social link options.

Dungeon crawling and boss fights do not require a guide at all.

The biggest issue I can see most people running into with Persona 3 is that it is probably the most back heavy [modern] Persona game. It's a good story, just takes way to long to actually start.

[Arifufu]

yes, playing any games blindly is more fun, do whatever you want in the game

[ɛքȶɨƈ ¯\(º_o)/¯]

doing it blind right now and it's fun. There are a couple of links you can look up since you can miss those and theres 1 boss that isnt really hidden but takes a while to unlock if you chat a lot with a certain blue dressed girl