Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 4

Role-Playing Console-style RPG

[Metacritic's 2008 PS2 Game of the Year] Shortly after an urban youth begins a year-long stay in the countryside town of Inaba, the rural town's peace is shattered by a horrific murder that leaves no clues or suspects. As the lone incident develops into a series of bizarre crimes, he discovers that only he and his friends have the power to solve the baffling case, bring those responsible to justice, and restore harmony to his new home. Balance your double life – Beyond intense battles, Persona fusion, and new weapon creation exists a normal high school life of friends, classes, and part-time jobs. The way you manage and integrate your activities within each day will determine how you progress through the game. Unprecedented team control – With a greater emphasis on developing bonds in the fight to solve the mysterious murders, strong friendships are key to your success. Directly control teammates in battle, earn greater party support for combat, and master individual Social Links to unlock your party's true potential. Find the true ending – 60+ hours of gameplay thrusts you into a deep mystery where midnight television leads to serial killings. You must investigate murders, rescue those who can be rescued, and unmask the culprit behind it all—or risk being forever shrouded in the fog of doubt. [Atlus USA]

Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne

Role-Playing Console-style RPG

(Also known as "Shin Megami Tensei: Lucifer's Call") Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne is actually the third game in the series, which first appeared on the Super Famicom. Remakes of the first two titles were recently released in Japan for the PlayStation and Game Boy Advance. While Nocturne continues the series' tradition of a modern-day post-apocalyptic setting, demonic overtones and mature themes, the PlayStation 2 version brings it into the next-generation of gaming with mind-blowing graphics and refinement of the gameplay system. Set in post-apocalyptic Tokyo, the game begins as nearly the entire population of the world is annihilated by a global catastrophe called the Conception. Now, the fate of the entire world lies on the shoulders of one boy, who must battle his way through opposing demonic forces and shape the world to come... or destroy it. Yesterday?s foe is today?s ally. Persuade over 100 different demons to join your party. Some demons may evolve into new forms on their own or fuse them to form even more powerful demons. Customize your character with Magatama, living parasites that grant the host demonic powers! Depending on the choices you make, you'll follow one of several ideologies which will ultimately determine the fate of the entire world! Special guest appearance by Dante, from Capcom's Devil May Cry series. Will he become your most feared enemy or your greatest ally? Over 50 hours of gameplay! [Atlus Software]

Summoner 2

Role-Playing Action RPG

You are the Queen of Halassar. Thousands have fought and died for you. Millions adore you as the "goddess Laharah reborn." Your fate is written in the Book of the Prophets. You are the savior of all creation. But your enemies are strong. The King of Galdyr wants you dead. Sinister factions plot your downfall. The armies of Urath march on your borders. Below Munari City, the mysterious Unseen weave a dark conspiracy. And now one of your own has betrayed you. A thief robs your inner sanctum. Intrigue lures you to the Midnight Sea. In a howling tempest, your destiny begins to unfold. [THQ]

Shadow Hearts: From the New World

Role-Playing Console-style RPG

The story begins as Johnny Garland, a young, 16-year old detective who lost his father, sister and his memory in an accident, accepts an investigation to track down a criminal suspect who escaped from custody. As he closes in on the suspect, Johnny witnesses a supernatural occurrence - a huge monster appears from a green light known as the "window" and swallows up the criminal. Apparently, a series of horrific incidents similar to this have been plaguing the cities across the nation. Johnny's female counterpart is 21-year-old bounty hunter Shania, a Native American who is searching for these mysterious windows and determined to fight them using her spiritual powers. Together, they travel around the states and are joined by other characters.