Atlus USA has released the following statement in regards to the shipment of Shin Megami Tensei Persona 3:

"The new scheduled ship date for Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3 is August 14th, 2007.

This is the very soonest that manufacturing of the Persona 3 art book can be completed, and also takes into account the time required for assembly of the final package.

The manufacturing issue with the art book was brought to our attention mere days prior to the initial ship date, and was a scenario both unforeseen and beyond our control. Our disappointment and frustration is tempered by the knowledge that the final product will live up to our standard of quality and also the expectations of our fans.

While many are willing to sacrifice the art book in favor of the game alone, the package we have spent the last few months designing, one intended to honor the series and reward fans for an eight year wait, would be irreparably compromised if we were to revise or abandon the deluxe package. Without the art book, the outer box would lack the structural integrity to endure shipping; all extras would need to be discarded. Again, this deluxe set was created for the fans of Shin Megami Tensei and Persona, and we are determined to see the special release through to the end.

We apologize for the delay, and we ask for your understanding."

In the meantime, check out our reviews of the RPGFan Editor's Choice-winning Persona 3, visible on the main page!