An interesting footnote in ATLUS' history where the company attempted to design a game with the western market exclusively in mind. Judging by the results, I can understand why this was never attempted again. New Blood's attempts at a more down-to-earth and serious story don't play to the strengths of the series' writers who are more successful at over-the-top and emotionally charged narratives. Despite attempts at trying to add more variety to the mission structure, New Blood still manages to feel repetitive as it moves along at a glacial pace while operations without substance tend to be repeated often, with a degree of challenge that often feels cheaper and less rewarding than the original. All in all though, since New Blood shares so much "blood" with its predecessors, its hard not to enjoy it to some extent, especially since the addition of co-operative play transforms the experience to such a degree.