The gameplay is divided into two ''halves'';The Bar-nights are where you'll see the most resemblance to a Persona;it's mostly you,as Vincent,walking around the ''Stray Sheep'' bar and starting conversations with the other customers(who will then talk about themselves and you can help working out their issues).You also receive texts during that phase;it's usually either Catherine or Katherine;depending on how you answer them,it will influence a meter which will tell you whether you're inclined towards being Faithful,Adulterous or...Neutral.This influences certain cutscenes and the ending you get at the end.That said,the text messages are not the only way to change your meter;it changes slightly from conversations with various customers and characters from the next phase,which I'm about to talk about...
When it's late...
When it's REALLY late
...And then,there are the ''Nightmare'' stages which happen when Vincent falls asleep in his room after one freak-out too many.This time,the gameplay turns into a puzzle-platformer hybrid,where our tormented main character has to climb a crumbling tower of blocks by pushing,pulling and hanging on blocks.Of course, it isn't as simple;first of all,you're not the only one climbing;there also are anthropomorphic sheep that speak human language;you can talk to them in-between stage sections for (very helpful) advice or helping them with their own issues (better than it sounds).On top of that,as you get farther,you'll discover blocks with different properties,enemies that tries to get in your way and items that can help you climb.The result is a very well done puzzle game that truly tests your brainpower and speed,as well as being just fun.It's important to note that the Nightmare stages are very,very difficult;so much that Atlus even had to add a Easy mode.
From one side,you get an involving and atmospheric slice-of-life and on the other,you get a fast-paced and challenging puzzle tower..Not the most conventional combo but one that works for sure...
