View source for Software:Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth

{{short description|2014 video game for Nintendo 3DS}}
{{Infobox video game
| title = Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth
| image = PersonaQBoxart.jpg
| caption = North American cover art, showing the casts of ''Persona 3'' (right) and ''Persona 4'' (left), and new characters Zen and Rei (center)
| developer = P-Studio
| publisher = {{vgrelease|{{wipe|Japan}}/[[Earth:North America|NA]]|Atlus}}{{vgrelease|[[Engineering:PAL|PAL]]|[[Company:Nippon Ichi Software|NIS America]]}}
| director = Daisuke Kanada
| producer = Katsura Hashino
| artist = Shigenori Soejima
| writer = Azusa Kido
| composer = {{ubl|Atsushi Kitajoh|Toshiki Konishi|Yuzo Koshiro}}
| series = {{ubl|''[[Software:Megami Tensei|Megami Tensei]]'' {{small|(main)}}|''Persona'' {{small|(sub-series)}}}}
| released = {{vgrelease|JP|June 5, 2014|NA|November 25, 2014|EU|November 28, 2014|AUS|November 26, 2014<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.kotaku.com.au/2014/11/persona-q-almost-defeated-me-but-i-wont-let-it-win/ |title=Persona Q almost defeated me, but I won't let it win |work=Kotaku |date=November 27, 2014 |author=Shrier, Jason}}</ref>}}
| platforms = {{wipe|Nintendo 3DS}}
| genre = [[Software:Role-playing video game|Role-playing]], [[Software:Dungeon crawl|dungeon crawl]]
| modes = Single-player
}}
'''''Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth'''''{{efn|{{Nihongo|'''''Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth'''''|ペルソナQ シャドウ オブ ザ ラビリンス|Perusona Kyū: Shadō Obu Za Rabirinsu|lead=yes}}}} is a [[Software:Role-playing video game|role-playing video game]] developed by [[Company:Atlus|Atlus]] for the {{wipe|Nintendo 3DS}}. It is part of the ''Persona'' series, itself part of the larger ''[[Software:Megami Tensei|Megami Tensei]]'' franchise. It was published across all territories in 2014: released in June in Japan, November in North America and Europe, and December in Australia. Atlus published the game in Japan and North America, while [[Company:Nippon Ichi Software|NIS America]] published it in the [[PAL region]].

The story of ''Persona Q'' is a crossover between ''[[Software:Persona 3|Persona 3]]'' and ''[[Software:Persona 4|Persona 4]]'', whose characters are drawn from their respective time periods by an unknown force and sent into a replica of ''Persona 4''{{'s}} Yasogami High School in another world. Meeting with Zen and Rei, two people whose memories were taken, the groups must unite and explore four labyrinths in the school to recover treasures hidden within. These treasures can restore Zen and Rei's memories which might help them find a way to escape. The gameplay fuses elements of the ''Persona'' and ''[[Software:Etrian Odyssey|Etrian Odyssey]]'' series, and focuses on first-person [[Software:Dungeon crawl|dungeon crawl]]ing through labyrinths and combat using the characters' "Persona" abilities against hostiles known as Shadows.

Development on the game began after Atlus's success with collaborating with an external developer on the 2012 fighting game ''[[Software:Persona 4 Arena|Persona 4 Arena]]''. It was based on the wish to create a collaborative spin-off with the ''Etrian Odyssey'' development team and fan demands for a ''Persona'' game on the 3DS. The ''Persona Q'' development team was made up of staff from both ''[[Software:Etrian Odyssey IV|Etrian Odyssey IV]]'' and the main ''Persona'' series. Series character designer Shigenori Soejima created the cast's new deformed "chibi" appearances, while the music was composed by Atsushi Kitajoh and Toshiki Konishi with supervision by series composer Shoji Meguro. First announced in 2013 alongside the console port of ''[[Software:Persona 4 Arena Ultimax|Persona 4 Arena Ultimax]]'', ''[[Software:Persona 4: Dancing All Night|Persona 4]]'' and ''[[Software:Persona 5|Persona 5]]'', it was the first ''Persona'' game to be developed for a [[Company:Nintendo|Nintendo]] platform. It released to strong sales and positive reviews from critics, with several enjoying the blend between ''Persona'' and ''Etrian Odyssey''{{'s}} gameplay styles. A sequel, ''[[Software:Persona Q2: New Cinema Labyrinth|Persona Q2]]'', was released for the 3DS in Japan in November 2018 and worldwide in June 2019.

==Gameplay==
[[File:Persona Q gameplay screenshot.jpg|thumb|The player controls characters from ''Persona 3'' and ''Persona 4'', and battles Shadows by using Personas.]]
''Persona Q'' is a [[Software:List of crossovers in video games|crossover video game]], containing characters from ''[[Software:Persona 3|Persona 3]]'' (P3) and ''[[Software:Persona 4|Persona 4]]'' (P4).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/56100/persona-q-shadow-of-the-labyrinth-announced-for-3ds-in-japan/ |title=3DS News: Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth announced for 3DS in Japan |author=Skrebels, Joe |website=Official Nintendo Magazine |date=November 24, 2013 |access-date=November 26, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141027223302/http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/56100/persona-q-shadow-of-the-labyrinth-announced-for-3ds-in-japan/ |archive-date=October 27, 2014 |url-status=dead}}</ref> It focuses on [[Software:Dungeon crawl|dungeon crawl]]ing in a style similar to the ''[[Software:Etrian Odyssey|Etrian Odyssey]]'' series, also created by developer P-Studio.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/36061 |title=Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth Announced for 3DS |author=Kaplan, Zack |publisher=Nintendo World Report |date=November 21, 2013 |access-date=November 26, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131209011602/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/36061 |archive-date=December 9, 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref> Gameplay follows a group of characters as they navigate mazes, with turn-based battles forming on certain areas. The player picks characters from both ''Persona 3'' and ''Persona 4'' to include in their parties, which affects some dialogue and story events.<ref name="siliconera1">{{cite web |url=http://www.siliconera.com/2013/11/24/persona-q-shadow-labyrinth-trailer-gives-first-look-game/ |title=Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth Trailer Gives A First Look At The Game |publisher=Siliconera |author=Ishaan |date=November 24, 2013 |access-date=November 26, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160220023130/http://www.siliconera.com/2013/11/24/persona-q-shadow-labyrinth-trailer-gives-first-look-game/ |archive-date=February 20, 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> The game comprises two main areas; a high school and labyrinths. At the high school, the player can heal their party, sell materials dropped by enemies in exchange for new equipment, and fuse "Personas" together. Personas are mythical beasts used for battling, and fusing turns them into more powerful versions.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://gematsu.com/2014/04/elizabeth-theodore-new-roles-persona-q |title=Elizabeth and Theodore have new roles in Persona Q |author=Romano, Sal |publisher=Gematsu |date=April 8, 2014 |access-date=April 8, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303222030/http://gematsu.com/2014/04/elizabeth-theodore-new-roles-persona-q |archive-date=March 3, 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref>

In labyrinths, the player's party explores in first person through large, maze-like areas with flights of [[Engineering:Stairs|stairs]] connecting them, while fighting enemies and finding treasures. As the player moves within the labyrinths, the game displays the percentage of tiles the player has stepped on. Once this reaches 100 per cent, a treasure chest appears on that floor.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.siliconera.com/2014/04/30/persona-q-shadow-labyrinth-looks-cheerful-serious-tone/ |title=Persona Q: Shadow Of The Labyrinth Looks Cheerful But Has A More Serious Tone |publisher=Siliconera |author=Sato |date=April 30, 2014 |access-date=May 1, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140909154508/http://www.siliconera.com/2014/04/30/persona-q-shadow-labyrinth-looks-cheerful-serious-tone/ |archive-date=April 30, 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref> The player also creates the in-game map manually, drawing in the location of walls and adding icons representing landmarks, to make return trips easier. If a player does not want to map out the dungeons themselves, they can switch to an auto-mapping mode.<ref name="gem mapping"/> The game features two types of enemies: Shadows, which appear randomly, and FOEs, more challenging enemies that move about on the field as the player moves. FOEs require the player to move in specific ways in order to avoid, as they are often much stronger than the player's party.<ref name="gem mapping">{{cite web |url=http://gematsu.com/2014/03/persona-q-foe-enemies-dungeon-mapping |title=Persona Q has F.O.E. enemies, dungeon mapping |publisher=Gematsu |date=March 12, 2014 |author=Janes, Thomas |access-date=March 13, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303222055/http://gematsu.com/2014/03/persona-q-foe-enemies-dungeon-mapping |archive-date=March 3, 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/3ds/persona_q_shadow_of_the_labyrinth |title=Review: Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth |author=Sleeper, Morgan |date=November 20, 2014 |website=Nintendo Life |publisher=Gamer Network |access-date=November 7, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160318232150/http://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/3ds/persona_q_shadow_of_the_labyrinth |archive-date=March 18, 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref>

When an enemy is encountered, the player battles against them using their Personas, which can attack enemies and heal allies. In addition to their main Personas, characters can also be equipped with sub-Personas.<ref name="ann">{{cite news |url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2014-04-11/persona-q-3ds-game-summoning-promo-streamed |title=Persona Q 3DS Game's Summoning Promo Streamed |work=Anime News Network |date=April 11, 2014 |access-date=April 11, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150921215505/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2014-04-11/persona-q-3ds-game-summoning-promo-streamed |archive-date=September 21, 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref> By using skills that the enemies are weak against or scoring a critical hit, the characters enter a status known as "boost", which eliminates health and magic costs temporarily. Boosting multiple characters increases the likelihood of performing more powerful attacks, or attacks combining multiple characters.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2014-04-18/persona-q-3ds-game-weak-point-group-attack-promos-streamed |title=Persona Q 3DS Game's Weak Point, Group Attack Promos Streamed |work=Anime News Network |date=April 18, 2014 |access-date=April 18, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306202249/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2014-04-18/persona-q-3ds-game-weak-point-group-attack-promos-streamed |archive-date=March 6, 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref>

==Plot==
The game's story is split into two separate campaigns for each of the Persona 3 and 4 teams, starting part way through the events of the previous games. Dialogue and events vary depending on the player's choice of protagonist.<ref name="siliconera1"/> At Yasogami High School in Inaba, during the culture festival, a strange bell rings, trapping the main characters from Persona 4, known as the investigation team, inside a bizarre alternate version of the school. Meanwhile, the members of the main characters from Persona 3, known as SEES, are on a mission into the mysterious Tartarus fortress when they are transported to the Velvet Room elevator, which suddenly winds up at the alternate Yasogami as well.<ref name="gematsustory">{{cite web |url=http://gematsu.com/2013/11/persona-q-shadow-of-the-labyrinth-announced-for-3ds |title=Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth announced for 3DS |publisher=Gematsu |date=September 12, 2013 |access-date=November 26, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131127011947/http://gematsu.com/2013/11/persona-q-shadow-of-the-labyrinth-announced-for-3ds |archive-date=November 27, 2013}}</ref> Upon arrival in the alternate dimension, the Velvet Room is warped into a strange and unstable configuration, with two doors that lead to different time periods. The two groups discover a labyrinth below the school, where amnesiac students Zen and Rei need help restoring their memories of how they became trapped in the school. The students team up to find a way to escape, fighting "shadows" along the way.<ref name="gematsustory"/> Along the way, SEES and the Investigation Team realize that they come from two different time periods.

The combined group eventually explores all four labyrinths, successfully unlocking the doors in the Velvet Room and restoring Zen's memories. He reveals that his true identity is the human avatar of [[Religion:Chronos|Chronos]], a manifestation of death, and Rei is a girl named Niko who died of illness twelve years prior. When Chronos came to escort her to the afterlife, he was intrigued by her descent into nihilism as a result of having lived an apparently meaningless life. Chronos created the alternate Yasogami High, split himself into Zen and a powerful being known as the Clockwork God, and sealed both of their memories in order to try to bring Rei happiness. The Clockwork God is the one responsible for trapping SEES and the Investigation Team in the alternate Yasogami, hoping for them to traverse the labyrinths and recover Zen's memories so they can merge and become Chronos once again: this would result in the teams being erased from time when their tasks were completed. The Clockwork God abducts Rei and transports her to the top of a clock tower outside the school. SEES and the Investigation Team decide to help Zen rescue Rei, and they ascend the tower and defeat the Clockwork God. After spending some carefree time together before the pocket dimension collapses, Zen and Rei vanish into the afterlife, while SEES and the Investigation Team promise to meet again someday and return home, although their memories of the incident are erased.

==Development==
''Persona Q'' began development in 2012 after the release of ''[[Software:Persona 4 Arena|Persona 4 Arena]]'', a fighting game co-developed by [[Company:Atlus|Atlus]] and [[Company:Arc System Works|Arc System Works]]. After their success, series producer Katsura Hashino wanted to create other collaborations. Hashino developed a new game concept based on fan requests for a Persona title on the Nintendo 3DS. The development team was made up of the main ''Persona'' development team and the ''Etrian Odyssey'' team, which had created the larger body of Atlus' work for the 3DS: the ''Etrian Odyssey'' team, led by director and former ''Persona'' team member Daisuke Kaneda, who had just finished development of ''[[Software:Etrian Odyssey IV|Etrian Odyssey IV]]'' for the platform.<ref name="PQorigins">{{cite web |url=http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_fh_diary&target_c_diary_id=83412 |script-title=ja:『ペルソナQ』がいっそう味わい深くなる開発者インタビュー【週刊ファミ通より全文掲載】 |publisher=Famitsu |date=June 21, 2014 |access-date=November 14, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304112215/http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_fh_diary&target_c_diary_id=83412 |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> Hashino wanted to continue the trend of creating unusual entries in the series, in addition to making ''Persona Q'' a "festive" collaboration between the two teams in honor of the series' 25th anniversary. The title Q was chosen to represent the developers' goal of originality. The main aim of the title was to create something for fans of the ''Persona'' series, which led to the addition of characters from two of the series's games.<ref name="SilHashino">{{cite web |author=Sato |url=http://www.siliconera.com/2013/11/25/persona-director-talks-persona-q-persona-dancing-future/ |title=Persona Director Talks Persona Q, Persona Dancing, And The Future |publisher=Siliconera |date=November 25, 2013 |access-date=November 26, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150817003412/http://www.siliconera.com/2013/11/25/persona-director-talks-persona-q-persona-dancing-future/ |archive-date=August 17, 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref>

The opening animation was directed by Tomohisa Taguchi, who also served as director for ''Persona 4: The Golden Animation''.<ref name="DengDirector"/> The scenario was written by Azusa Kido, who had been a writer for the ''Persona'' series since ''Persona 3''. Azusa felt the challenge of creating a storyline that would combine the characters from both games, as well as fan pressure around the characters' popularity. She had to make sure that none of the characters ended up as bystanders in scenes, which was difficult for the more taciturn characters.<ref name="PQorigins"/> While the respective protagonists of ''Persona 3'' (the "Protagonist") and ''Persona 4'' (dubbed Yu Narukami in additional media and later spin-offs) were blank slates representing the players, the later media expansions had given them set personalities which were reflected in ''Persona Q''.<ref name="PQusg"/> Despite being a crossover between the two game's casts, the story of ''Persona Q'' is considered canon to the ''Persona'' timeline according to the developers.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.siliconera.com/2014/06/20/persona-q-shadow-labyrinths-story-canon/ |title=Persona Q: Shadow Of The Labyrinth's Story Is Canon |author=Yip, Spencer |publisher=Siliconera |date=June 20, 2014 |access-date=January 9, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160228215642/http://www.siliconera.com/2014/06/20/persona-q-shadow-labyrinths-story-canon/ |archive-date=February 28, 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref>

According to Kaneda, the two teams found it difficult to combine ''Persona''{{'s}} combat and style with ''Etrian Odyssey''{{'s}} first-person exploration and dungeon mapping. The two teams were fiercely opposed to making compromises on either side. Initially, the developers were going to use the 3D dungeon design and battle system from the ''Persona'' series, but as development progressed, it shifted towards the viewpoint and battle system of ''Etrian Odyssey''. An element carried directly from the ''Etrian Odyssey'' series was the FOEs, whose behaviours patterns were designed to be unique to each labyrinth's floors and structures. Recognizable elements from the ''Persona'' series were included, such as exploitable weaknesses and group attacks. A Sub-Persona system, where characters could equip a secondary Persona was based on the ''Etrian Odyssey'' series' subclass system. Some spells were a combination of elements from both ''Persona'' and ''Etrian Odyssey'', while the "Boost" feature was an entirely new addition suggested by the staff. ''Persona Q'' was the first entry in the ''Persona'' series to appear on a [[Company:Nintendo|Nintendo]] platform, which offered challenges to both teams. The gameplay systems were ultimately created so that people familiar with both series would find common appeal, and multiple comprehensive tutorials were added so players would not be confused by the new features.<ref name="DengDirector">{{cite web |url=http://dengekionline.com/elem/000/000/866/866597/ |script-title=ja:『ペルソナQ』インタビュー完全版！ 金田ディレクターに聞く『ペルソナ』＆『世界樹の迷宮』のコラボが生み出す新たな可能性とは？ |publisher=Dengeki Online |date=June 19, 2014 |access-date=August 25, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160821102106/http://dengekionline.com/elem/000/000/866/866597/ |archive-date=August 21, 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref>

===Character design===
[[File:Persona Q character design comparison.png|thumb|Yukari's design in ''Persona 3'' (left) and ''Persona Q'' (right). The characters were redesigned due to hardware limitations, with a focus on their defining traits.]]

The character designs were handled by Shigenori Soejima, who had been involved in the ''Persona'' series since its inception and was in charge of character designs since ''Persona 3''.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Kemps, Heidi |date=August 2008 |title=Game King: An Interview with Kazuma Kaneko |journal=Otaku USA |volume=2 |issue=1 |pages=120–123 }}</ref><ref name="GIsoejima">{{cite magazine |url=http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2014/07/18/a-glimpse-into-the-mind-of-personas-art-director.aspx |title=A Glimpse Into The Mind of Persona's Art Director |author=Wallace, Kimberley |magazine=Game Informer |date=July 18, 2014 |access-date=June 6, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141110215934/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2014/07/18/a-glimpse-into-the-mind-of-personas-art-director.aspx |archive-date=November 10, 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref> Soejima's biggest concern with the characters was that fans had expectations about their portrayal, but their standard designs would not fit either with the typical ''Etrian Odyssey'' artstyle or with the limited visuals and screen size of the 3DS. Because of these, the characters were redesigned in a deformed "chibi" style.<ref name="PQusg">{{cite web |url=http://www.usgamer.net/articles/how-you-helped-design-persona-q |title=How You Helped Design Persona Q |author=Parish, Jeremy |website=USGamer |date=October 17, 2014 |access-date=June 6, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150416202522/http://www.usgamer.net/articles/how-you-helped-design-persona-q |archive-date=April 16, 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="GIsoejima"/> When looking at how to scale the characters down, Soejima focused on what made each character stand out visually, then made that the new versions' key feature. To accomplish this, the team researched what fans felt was a character's defining trait, and many of the alterations were done based on feedback.<ref name="GIsoejima"/>

In addition to standard enemy designs carried over from the ''Persona'' series, unique enemies were created by ''Etrian Odyssey'' monster artist Shin Nagasawa.<ref name="PQorigins"/><ref name="PQusg"/> Zeus, a character referred to in ''Etrian Odyssey III: The Drowned City'', made a cameo appearance as an optional boss and Persona. Zeus' Persona design was created by ''Etrian Odyssey'' character designer Yuji Himukai.<ref name="GemInfo"/><ref name="PQart">{{cite book |script-title=ja:ペルソナQ シャドウ オブ ザ ラビリンス 公式設定資料集 |trans-title=Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth Official Design Materials |publisher=Enterbrain |isbn=978-4-0472-9941-2 |language=ja |page=120 |date=September 9, 2014}}</ref>

===Music===
The music of ''Persona Q'' was composed by Atsushi Kitajoh, composer for the ''Trauma Center'' series, and Toshiki Konishi, who had worked on the remakes of ''[[Unsolved:Persona 2: Innocent Sin|Persona 2]]'' and its sequel ''[[Software:Persona 2: Eternal Punishment|Eternal Punishment]]''.<ref name="MusicPQa"/> Their work was supervised by Shoji Meguro, the main composer for the ''Persona'' series.<ref name="MusicPQa">{{cite web |author=Greening, Chris |title=Music and soundtrack details for Persona Q |url=http://www.vgmonline.net/music-and-soundtrack-details-for-persona-q/ |publisher=Video Game Music Online |date=May 22, 2014 |access-date=May 29, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140529170608/http://www.vgmonline.net/music-and-soundtrack-details-for-persona-q/ |archive-date=May 29, 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="MusicPQb">{{cite web |author=Sato |title=Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth's Music Will Be Different, Yet Familiar |url=http://www.siliconera.com/2013/12/30/persona-q-shadow-labyrinths-music-will-different-yet-familiar/ |publisher=Siliconera |date=December 30, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140306015508/http://www.siliconera.com/2013/12/30/persona-q-shadow-labyrinths-music-will-different-yet-familiar/ |archive-date=March 6, 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref> Meguro also worked on the soundtrack, composing the opening theme "Maze of Life".<ref name="OSTliners"/> While the gameplay and aesthetics were a cross between both ''Persona'' and ''Etrian Odyssey'', the music stayed firmly within the traditions of the ''Persona'' series while still having unique elements: an example given by Meguro was a request by the staff for a track evocative of the occult.<ref name="MusicPQb"/>

The ''Persona 3'' version of the game's normal battle theme, "Light the Fire Up in the Night", was one of the first tracks to be completed and influenced the general direction of the soundtrack.<ref name="DengComposers">{{cite web |url=http://dengekionline.com/elem/000/000/878/878290/ |script-title=ja:『ペルソナQ』の音楽は喜多條敦志氏＆小西利樹氏からこうして生まれた！ 目黒将司氏や土屋憲一氏の話題も飛び出す濃厚インタビューをお届け |publisher=Dengeki Online |date=July 16, 2014 |access-date=August 25, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160807125120/http://dengekionline.com/elem/000/000/878/878290/ |archive-date=August 7, 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> After the style was solidified, composing tracks went smoothly. A point of contrast with the main series was the dungeon themes: while the main ''Persona'' games had upbeat and frenetic tunes, ''Persona Q'' used gentler themes due to the more relaxed pace of exploration.<ref name="DengComposers"/> A track which received a lot of effort from the sound staff was the ending theme "Changing Me", the lyrics of which were written by Kido based on the game's story and themes.<ref name="MusicPQb"/><ref name="DengComposers"/> Meguro worked with long-time Persona collaborator Lotus Juice, who created lyrics and vocals for several tracks, including the main boss battle theme.<ref name="OSTliners"/><ref name="DengComposers"/> Multiple Meguro-composed tracks from ''Persona 3'' and ''Persona 4'' were remixed for use in ''Persona Q''.<ref name="OSTliners"/><ref>{{Cite web |title=Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth Review - IGN |author= |work=IGN |date= |access-date=8 October 2021 |url= https://www.ign.com/articles/2014/11/20/persona-q-shadow-of-the-labyrinth-review |quote=}}</ref> Yuzo Koshiro, who had worked on the ''Etrian Odyssey'' series, was brought in as a guest composer to create the tracks.<ref name="GemInfo">{{cite web |url=http://gematsu.com/2014/04/persona-q-streetpass-personas-sacrificial-fusion |title=Persona Q has StreetPass Personas and Sacrificial Fusion |author=James, Thomas |publisher=Gematsu |date=April 23, 2014 |access-date=May 26, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303221903/http://gematsu.com/2014/04/persona-q-streetpass-personas-sacrificial-fusion |archive-date=March 3, 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="OSTliners">[[Company:Atlus|Atlus]]. "''Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth Original Soundtrack'' liner notes." (in Japanese) Mastard Records. July 16, 2014 LNCM-1053~4 Retrieved on 2016-08-25.</ref>

==Release==
''Persona Q'' was announced in 2013 alongside several other Persona titles: the mainline entry ''[[Software:Persona 5|Persona 5]]'', a spin-off title ''[[Software:Persona 4: Dancing All Night|Persona 4]]'', and the [[Engineering:PlayStation 3|PlayStation 3]] [[Porting|port]] of ''[[Software:Persona 4 Arena Ultimax|Persona 4 Arena Ultimax]]''.<ref>{{cite web |author=Farokhmanesh, Megan |title=Persona 5 coming to Japan winter 2014, spin-off titles announced |url=http://www.polygon.com/2013/11/24/5139762/persona-5-coming-to-japan-winter-2014-spin-off-titles-announced |website=Polygon |date=November 24, 2013 |access-date=November 24, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160507113129/http://www.polygon.com/2013/11/24/5139762/persona-5-coming-to-japan-winter-2014-spin-off-titles-announced |archive-date=May 7, 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> The game was released in Japan on June 5, 2014.<ref>{{cite web |last=Schulenberg |first=Thomas |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2013/11/24/atlus-reveals-game-after-countdown-on-nico-nico/ |title=Atlus reveals Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth after countdown on NicoNico |publisher=Joystiq |date=November 19, 2013 |access-date=November 26, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131126045441/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/11/24/atlus-reveals-game-after-countdown-on-nico-nico/ |archive-date=November 26, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rpgamer.com/news/Q4-2013/112413a.html |title=News Bulletin - Atlus Announces a Plethora of Personas |publisher=RPGamer |access-date=November 26, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131128194119/http://www.rpgamer.com/news/Q4-2013/112413a.html |archive-date=November 28, 2013}}</ref> People who pre-ordered the game received a special soundtrack sampler CD. The CD features select original music from the game, in addition to special re-arrangements by the Atlus sound team that can only be heard on this CD. The full soundtrack was released on July 16.<ref name="MusicPQa"/> A manga adaptation illustrated by Akaume was produced for the ''Dengeki Maoh'' magazine from 2014.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2014-07-24/persona-q-shadow-of-the-labyrinth-3ds-game-gets-manga-adaptation/.76995 |title=Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth 3DS Game Gets Manga Adaptation |date=July 24, 2014 |work=Anime News Network |access-date=July 25, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150530064344/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2014-07-24/persona-q-shadow-of-the-labyrinth-3ds-game-gets-manga-adaptation/.76995 |archive-date=May 30, 2015}}</ref> Two manga adaptations were released in 2015: a ''Persona 4'' manga ''Side: P4'' written by Mizunomoto, and a ''Persona 3'' manga ''Side: P3'' written by Sō Tobita. The first was featured in Kodansha's ''Monthly Shōnen Sirius'' magazine in January, and the second in Kodansha's ''Bessatsu Shōnen Magazine'' in February.<ref>{{cite news |title=Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth Game Gets 2 New Manga |url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2014-12-24/persona-q-shadow-of-the-labyrinth-game-gets-2-new-manga/.82581 |work=Anime News Network |access-date=October 11, 2015 |date=December 24, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150707094340/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2014-12-24/persona-q-shadow-of-the-labyrinth-game-gets-2-new-manga/.82581 |archive-date=July 7, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Persona Q - Shadow of the Labyrinth - Side: P3 Manga Ends |url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2015-10-11/persona-q-shadow-of-the-labyrinth-side-p3-manga-ends/.93913 |work=Anime News Network |access-date=October 11, 2015 |date=October 11, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160507173538/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2015-10-11/persona-q-shadow-of-the-labyrinth-side-p3-manga-ends/.93913 |archive-date=May 7, 2016}}</ref> Atlus had started to ask players to avoid spoilers with their game ''[[Software:Catherine (video game)|Catherine]]'', which they did again for ''Persona Q''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://kotaku.com/please-dont-spoil-the-new-persona-game-begs-atlus-1586441834 |title=Please Don't Spoil the New Persona Game, Begs Atlus |website=Kotaku |access-date=March 17, 2021|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140704074953/http://www.kotaku.co.uk/2014/06/05/please-dont-spoil-new-persona-game-begs-atlus |archive-date=July 4, 2014}}</ref>

In February 2014, Atlus announced that the game would see an English release in the second half of 2014.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pocketgamer.co.uk/r/3DS/Persona+Q%3A+Shadow+of+the+Labyrinth/news.asp?c=57684 |title=Those nifty Persona spin-offs for the 3DS & Vita are coming to North America |publisher=Pocket Gamer |date=February 25, 2014 |access-date=June 7, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150320050728/http://www.pocketgamer.co.uk/r/3DS/Persona%20Q%3A%20Shadow%20of%20the%20Labyrinth/news.asp?c=57684 |archive-date=March 20, 2015}}</ref> The localization was handled internally by Atlus, and followed their policy for the ''Persona'' series: they kept the text as close as possible to the Japanese original, except where some aspects such as humor would be difficult for a Western audience to understand. They also sought to avoid localization that would seem out of context with the visuals, citing the changes to the setting of the ''Ace Attorney'' games as a type of localization they wished to avoid.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.siliconera.com/2015/07/20/localizing-persona-an-interview-with-atluss-yu-namba/ |title=Localizing Persona: An Interview With Atlus's Yu Namba |author=Ward, Robert |publisher=Siliconera |date=July 20, 2015 |access-date=July 20, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150720213530/http://www.siliconera.com/2015/07/20/localizing-persona-an-interview-with-atluss-yu-namba/ |archive-date=July 20, 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.godisageek.com/2015/04/atlus-interview-localisation-special/ |title=Atlus Interview: Localisation, Localisation, Localisation |author=Madnani, Mikhail |date=April 6, 2015 |publisher=God is a Geek |access-date=April 7, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304185917/http://www.godisageek.com/2015/04/atlus-interview-localisation-special/ |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> In Europe, the game was published by NIS America.<ref name="NISq">{{cite web |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-09-26-persona-q-shadow-of-the-labyrinth-gets-a-european-release-date |title=Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth gets a European release date |author=Matulef, Jeffrey |website=Eurogamer |date=September 26, 2014 |access-date=March 31, 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220111824/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-09-26-persona-q-shadow-of-the-labyrinth-gets-a-european-release-date |archive-date=December 20, 2016}}</ref>

==Reception==
{{Video game reviews
<!-- Aggregators -->
| MC = 83/100<ref name="MetaCritic">{{cite web |url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/3ds/persona-q-shadow-of-the-labyrinth |title=Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth for 3DS Reviews |access-date=November 6, 2016 |publisher=Metacritic |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160613095549/http://www.metacritic.com/game/3ds/persona-q-shadow-of-the-labyrinth |archive-date=June 13, 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref>
<!-- Reviewers -->
| Destruct = 8.5/10<ref name="Destructoid">{{cite web |url=http://www.destructoid.com/review-persona-q-shadow-of-the-labyrinth-283288.phtml |title=Review: Persona Q: Shadow of Labyrinth |author=MacGregor, Kyle |website=[[Social:Destructoid|Destructoid]] |publisher=Modern Method |date=November 24, 2014 |access-date=November 6, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160506104952/http://www.destructoid.com/review-persona-q-shadow-of-the-labyrinth-283288.phtml |archive-date=May 6, 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref>
| Fam = 35/40<ref name="famitsu review">{{cite web |url=http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=14290 |title=ペルソナQ シャドウ オブ ザ ラビリンス まとめ [3DS] |language=ja |website=Famitsu |publisher=Enterbrain |access-date=November 6, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161106170234/http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=14290 |archive-date=November 6, 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref>
| GI = 9/10<ref name="GameInform">{{cite web |url=http://www.gameinformer.com/games/persona_q_shadow_of_the_labyrinth/b/3ds/archive/2014/11/20/bringing-out-the-best-in-each-other.aspx |title=Bringing Out The Best In Each Other - Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth - 3DS |author=Wallace, Kimberley |work=Game Informer |publisher=[[Company:GameStop|GameStop]] |date=November 25, 2014 |access-date=November 6, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304232332/http://www.gameinformer.com/games/persona_q_shadow_of_the_labyrinth/b/3ds/archive/2014/11/20/bringing-out-the-best-in-each-other.aspx |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
| IGN = 8.5/10<ref name="IGN">{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/11/20/persona-q-shadow-of-the-labyrinth-review |title=Persona Q:Shadow of the Labyrinth Review |author=Sullivan, Meghan |website=IGN |publisher=Ziff Davis |date=November 20, 2014 |access-date=November 6, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160701165906/http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/11/20/persona-q-shadow-of-the-labyrinth-review |archive-date=July 1, 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref>
| Poly = 9/10<ref name="Polygon">{{cite web |url=http://www.polygon.com/2014/11/20/7243337/persona-q-review-3ds-shin-megami-tensei |title=Persona Q: Shadow of Labyrinth review: High school reunion |author=Farokhmanesh, Megan |website=Polygon  |date=November 20, 2014 |access-date=November 7, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160504054321/http://www.polygon.com/2014/11/20/7243337/persona-q-review-3ds-shin-megami-tensei |archive-date=May 4, 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref>
|EuroG=80%<ref name="EuroG">{{cite web |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-12-05-persona-q-review |title=Persona Q review |date=9 February 2015 |first=Simon |last=Parkin |website=Eurogamer |access-date=November 21, 2020 |archive-date=October 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201015164140/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-12-05-persona-q-review |url-status=live }}</ref>
|GSpot=80%<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/persona-q-shadow-of-the-labyrinth-review/1900-6416001/|website=GameSpot|date=January 6, 2015|first=Heidi|last=Kemps|title=Archived copy|access-date=November 21, 2020|archive-date=December 3, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191203112419/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/persona-q-shadow-of-the-labyrinth-review/1900-6416001/|url-status=live}}</ref>
}}

''Persona Q'' received positive feedback from critics with review aggregator website ''Metacritic'' indicating "generally favorable reviews" based on 56 critical opinions.<ref name="MetaCritic"/> Several critics liked how the game blended the gameplay styles of ''Persona'' and ''Etrian Odyssey''.<!-- needs WP:BUNDLING -->{{efn|Destructoid:,<ref name="Destructoid"/> Game Informer,<ref name="GameInform"/> IGN,<ref name="IGN"/> and Polygon.<ref name="Polygon"/>}} Meghan Sullivan writing for ''IGN'' praised the battle system from Odyssey, noting the strategy around party arrangement, the characters' additional Personas, and the leader skills.<ref name="IGN"/> Megan Farokhmanesh at ''Polygon'' liked the map drawing system, calling it "fun, personal and rewarding".<ref name="Polygon"/> Kyle MacGregor of Destructoid also enjoyed drawing maps and making notes, but was critical of the labyrinths for the amount of time wasted when backtracking<ref name="Destructoid"/> Sullivan also found this tedious at times, but overall enjoyed the exploration and puzzles.<ref name="IGN"/> ''Game Informer''{{'s}} Kimberly Wallace said that some might find it tedious to draw maps, but still enjoyed finding the correct path through the labyrinths.<ref name="GameInform"/>

MacGregor praised the game's writing as more playful than past Persona titles.<ref name="Destructoid"/> Wallace, Farokhmanesh and Sullivan also liked these interactions,<ref name="GameInform"/><ref name="IGN"/><ref name="Polygon"/> but Sullivan criticized the game's focus on new characters Rei and Zen, as the game takes too long to explain their role.<ref name="IGN"/> Farokhmanesh said that the characters were not as strong as those in the past Persona titles, but still liked them.<ref name="Polygon"/>

The presentation of the game was given praise by critics. ''Famitsu'' liked both the visuals and the sound.<ref name="famitsu review"/> MacGregor called the music "stellar", and said that some of the new tracks were among his favorites in the series.<ref name="Destructoid"/> Sullivan was impressed with the music, calling the mix of old and new songs "fantastic".<ref name="IGN"/> Wallace enjoyed the sound, and thought that the updated character designs worked well in making the game stand out from previous ''Persona'' titles. She also liked how the labyrinths were given distinct themes, calling it an improvement over ''Etrian Odyssey''.<ref name="GameInform"/>

The game won ''Slant Magazine''{{'s}} Game of the Year award,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.slantmagazine.com/features/article/the-25-best-video-games-of-2014/P5 |title=The 25 Best Video Games of 2014 |work=Slant Magazine |date=December 8, 2014 |access-date=November 6, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160412135706/http://www.slantmagazine.com/features/article/the-25-best-video-games-of-2014/P5 |archive-date=April 12, 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> and Samantha Nelson of The A.V. Club listed it as one of her favorite games of 2014.<ref>{{cite web |title=Our favorite games of 2014, part two |url=http://www.avclub.com/article/our-favorite-games-2014-part-two-212758 |website=The A.V. Club |author1=Nelson, Samantha |author2=Sanskrit, Derrick |author3=Smith, Ryan |author4=Teti, John |author5=Toal, Drew |author6=Wanserski, Nick |date=December 23, 2014 |access-date=January 23, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160404170047/http://www.avclub.com/article/our-favorite-games-2014-part-two-212758 |archive-date=April 4, 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> Prior to the Japanese launch, Atlus noted that they expected shortages of units in stores.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.siliconera.com/2014/03/26/atlus-expect-persona-q-shortages-launch-japan/ |author=Ishaan |title=Atlus Expect Persona Q Shortages At Launch In Japan |publisher=Siliconera |date=March 26, 2014 |access-date=November 6, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140830112703/http://www.siliconera.com/2014/03/26/atlus-expect-persona-q-shortages-launch-japan/ |archive-date=August 30, 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref> The game topped Japanese game charts following its release, selling 186,856 units.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2014-06-12/japan-video-game-rankings-june-2-8/.75448 |title=Japan's Video Game Rankings, June 2–8 |date=June 12, 2014 |access-date=November 6, 2016 |work=Anime News Network |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160330010940/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2014-06-12/japan-video-game-rankings-june-2-8/.75448 |archive-date=March 3, 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> By August 2014, the game had sold 255,597 units, becoming the fortieth best-selling game in that period.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://dengekionline.com/elem/000/000/904/904299/ |title=電撃 - 【週間ソフト販売ランキング TOP50】3DS『妖怪ウォッチ2 元祖/本家』の勢い続く！ 4週連続で1位と2位を獲得（7月28日～8月3日） |language=ja |website=Dengeki Online |publisher=Kadokawa Corporation |date=August 7, 2014 |access-date=August 17, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160729224308/http://dengekionline.com/elem/000/000/904/904299/ |archive-date=July 29, 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> Upon its release in North America, the game sold 40,000 units, which was noted as a high sales figure given the competition that month.<ref name="MCV1">{{cite web |last=Jarvis |first=Matthew |url=http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/nis-america-interview-we-want-to-be-the-big-fish-in-the-small-pond/0141819 |title=NIS America: 'We want to be the big fish in the small pond' |website=MCV  |date=November 25, 2014 |access-date=August 17, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151206193519/http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/nis-america-interview-we-want-to-be-the-big-fish-in-the-small-pond/0141819 |archive-date=December 6, 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref>  A sequel to the game ''[[Software:Persona Q2: New Cinema Labyrinth|Persona Q2]]'', was released for the 3DS in Japan in November 2018 and worldwide in June 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/3ds/persona-q2-new-cinema-labyrinth|title = Persona Q2: New Cinema Labyrinth}}</ref>

==Notes==
{{Notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==

{{Etrian Odyssey series}}

[[Category:Role-playing video games]]
[[Category:Crossover video games]]

{{Sourceattribution|Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth|1}}