Persona Q2: New Cinema Labyrinth is a high-octane, strategy-focused RPG spin-off that brings together the legendary casts of three different eras of the Persona franchise. Serving as a sequel to the original dungeon-crawling spin-off, this title moves away from the social simulation aspects of the mainline series and dives headfirst into an Etrian Odyssey-inspired experience. Available on the Nintendo 3DS, it offers a massive crossover event that fans of the series have long anticipated.

A Cinematic Multiverse of Heroes

The story of Persona Q2: New Cinema Labyrinth begins with the Phantom Thieves from Persona 5. While traveling through Memento in Morgana—who serves as both a companion and their transport—the group is sucked into a mysterious vortex. They find themselves trapped within a cinema, discovering that their adventures have been broadcast to an audience. To escape the theater, they must jump through the silver screen and navigate various movie-themed worlds to find the keys to their freedom.

As you progress through the labyrinthine dungeons, you will encounter and recruit allies from Persona 4 and Persona 3 (including the female protagonist from Persona 3 Portable). With a staggering 28 playable characters represented in adorable chibi forms, the game offers immense variety. While you begin with a strict party of five members from Persona 5, the roster expands as you conquer new dungeons, allowing for deep experimentation with team compositions.

Deep Strategy and Dungeon Crawling Mechanics

Gameplay in Persona Q2: New and Cinema Labyrinth revolves around exploring grid-based, labyrinthine dungeons. These maps are winding mazes filled with enemies, treasure chests, and shortcuts. A core feature of the experience is the manual mapping system; players use the 3DS touch screen to draw their own maps, marking walls and points of interest—a rewarding task for those who enjoy the role of a cartographer.

Combat utilizes a sophisticated turn-based system that blends classic Persona elements with new strategic layers:

  • Press Turn/Advantage System: By attacking enemy weaknesses, you can earn an "advantage," allowing your characters to act earlier in the next turn or avoid using SP.
  • All-Out Attacks: If you successfully knock down all enemies in a single turn, your party can launch a devastating All-Out Attack for massive damage.
  • The BOOST System: Landing critical hits or using specific elemental attacks can grant characters various bonuses for their next turn.
  • Baton Touch: Party members can pass tactical advantages to one another during combat.
  • Strategic Positioning: Character roles are vital; physical attackers should occupy the front row, while fragile healers and buffers must be protected in the back row.

Expanded Elemental Combat

To keep the gameplay fresh for long-term fans, Persona Q2 incorporates expanded elemental types found in more recent entries of the series. In addition to traditional magic, players must master elements such as Nuclear, Psi (Psychokinesis), Bless, and Curse. This variety ensures that even when revisiting older characters, there are new tactical considerations to manage when building your ultimate party.

Who is this game for?

This title is a must-play for fans of the Persona and Etrian Odyssey series who crave intense, combat-oriented gameplay. If you enjoy "Mystery Dungeon" style games, deep party customization, and the satisfaction of mapping out dangerous territories, Persona Q2: New Cinema Labyrinth provides a challenging and rewarding experience that celebrates the history of the franchise.