Atlus' long-running Persona franchise returns to its RPG roots and adds elements from the Etrian Odyssey series in its 3DS debut Shadow of the Labyrinth. The game takes place after a strange bell rings at Yasogami High School, trapping the Investigation Team from Persona 4 inside and simultaneously transporting the Specialized Extracurricular Execution Squad from Persona 3 to the school. Gamers can take control of either group as they head into a labyrinth under the school, in an attempt to uncover the memories of new characters Rei and Zen and gain freedom. The majority of the action takes place in labyrinths, where players lead a party of up to five characters on quests to battle enemies and collect treasure. When battles take place, characters summon aspects of their personality known as Personas, and they can also employ sub-Personas to take advantage of more skills. A map of their current dungeon is slowly revealed on the bottom screen. Gamers can make special notes on their maps and they are rewarded with a special treasure whenever a labyrinth has been fully explored. When not in battle, players can explore the halls of the school, talk to other characters, heal their party members, purchase new weapons and acquire new Personas.