Persona 4 Golden Review
A wealth of new content and gameplay additions make a modern role-playing classic better than ever in Persona 4 Golden.
The concept of "personas"--supernatural representations of one's projected self--comes into play during combat. Personas come with a set of strengths, weaknesses, and combat skills, which can change and evolve as the personas level up. While your party members each have a set persona throughout the game, your lead character has the unique ability to transform into many different personas during combat. This allows for additional combat strategy, giving you a way to select personas ideal for exploiting enemy weaknesses while also working to protect your own party. The main character's personas also gain experience and level up independently of his base level, usually being equal to or lower than his own.
Since eventually personas learn all of the skills they possibly can and taper off in stat growth, you need to explore the system of fusing personas to form new, more-powerful personas in combat. This allows skills from the personas used in the fusion to be passed along, and some well-planned skill inheritance combinations can result in a potent new combat persona. Social links also boost created personas with additional experience bonuses, allowing you to create much higher-level personas typically beyond your reach. Skillfully creating a persona array to use in battle can often mean the difference between victory and defeat.
These various elements improve an already-fantastic RPG experience. But what makes Persona 4 Golden an even more impressive package is how much extra content has been packed into the game over its original release. For starters, creating new personas via fusion is much easier, because the game lets you pick skills to transfer (rather than randomly transferring skills). You can also give personas specific abilities through the use of rare items called "skill cards"--a callback to some of the earlier Persona games.
Your party members are also capable of performing additional abilities during combat: depending on how high your social links are with your teammates, they can randomly cure minor status ailments and perform support attacks--even if they aren't in the currently active party. Certain combinations of party members can also perform special follow-up skills after all-out attacks to deal extra damage to already weakened foes. The Shuffle Time card minigame after certain battles has been completely redone, allowing for less random chance and more worthwhile bonuses. A network feature in dungeons rounds out the combat enhancements, allowing you to request help from other P4G players connected to PSN to deliver aid in the form of health and skill point recovery.
The improvements go well beyond combat. Two new social links--including a brand-new female character named Marie--are available to foster, and additional locations and opportunities for building other links abound. You can buy seeds and tend to a garden at home, using the crops yielded as helpful items in the dungeons. You also earn a scooter during the game, which you can use to travel to the beach and a larger city for activities, shopping, and questing. More options are available to you during the evenings, including hanging out with friends and a new job opportunity working at a hostess bar. Finally, many activities from the previous game, such as reading or working at home in the evenings to improve various stats, have been streamlined to be easier to use and more beneficial.
But these aren't even the biggest additions to the game. In the original release of P4, there was a point where a significant time skip occurred, moving the game's calendar several months ahead. In Persona 4 Golden, much of this time period is made available to you to play through, allowing you to further build social links and engage with the characters and setting well beyond what you could before. Some new story events are available during this time, and a completely new dungeon also opens up (provided you've completed some prerequisites). The new story additions also allow for some vastly different endings.
On top of everything are separately accessible in-game TV channels that offer a variety of programming. Once you unlock them, you can freely access archives of the various animation sequences seen in the game, design artwork, and promotional materials and music. There's even a lesson on the Jungian psychology theories that form the basis of the game's story, along with an interactive quiz-show series that tests your knowledge of everything related to Persona 4.
As great as Persona 4 Golden is, there are a few minor issues. The game still takes a while to get going: expect to experience about two hours of plot setup and character introductions before you're turned loose to enjoy the game at your own pace. The visual upgrade also feels a little lacking: P4G's PlayStation 2 roots show in its fairly basic-looking character models and environments and sometimes-blurry textures. The game looks like an HD remaster rather than a full remake, leaving you feeling like it doesn't take advantage of the platform's graphical capabilities as well as it should.
When it comes down to it, however, any complaints that can be lobbied at Persona 4 Golden feel insignificant when weighed against the quality of the rest of the game. Persona 4 remains one of the most engaging, thoughtful, and enjoyable RPGs of recent years, having already earned its status as a genre classic upon its original release. Persona 4 Golden's well-thought-out and well-implemented augmentations serve to make an already fantastic game even better, resulting in a superlative game experience that belongs in any Vita game library.
367 comments
I have been playing games for a while now, but this was my first JRPG. I got it mostly because there was not much to play on the Vita that I had interest in, and this game got good reviews. Took a bit of time to take off, but it was a lot of fun. Absolutely amazing game. I could not put it down. Definitely a good reason to get the Vita if you are on the fence. Luckily, game allows for multiple saves, so I was able to replay from key moments to see all the 4 endings. From what I have read the additions to the Vita version are worth playing the game again. Highly recommended.
I have just purchased this game. Still on my desk in the shrink wrap. I have no played this series before. But this is supposed to be one of the PSvita's gems. I like RPG's And have become an Atlus fan. I played Baroque on the PS2. Loved it. Catherine on the PS3 which I really enjoyed. When I saw Persona 4 Golden is made by Atlus I bought it. Plus Gamestop had it for $29.99 which is 10 less then usual. I have to finish Gow J first. Then I shall play this.
this game should be definetly be on more platforms, its a very unique game, never thought I would enjoy this game so much its a shame its only on Vita
Still enjoying the hell out of this game, this game is a true gem, persona 4 was a bit overlooked in america back in the 08 but i think is getting the attention it deserves, i hope atlus can bring more persona games with high quality as always.
I knew pretty much nothing about this game (read reviews but it was still vague) before picking it up today and all I can say is I'm glad I picked it up. Still in the beginning part, but I'm liking the characters, background music, and it's nice to have an RPG not set in a fantasy world.
Never played/seen this game but since I own a Vita and everybody says this is golden (see what I did there?) I might pick this up.
Didnt quite understand this review though. All I read was when your Persona does a persona then persona fuses to get some persona skills.
I was really hyped for the Vita at start now I'm totally disappointed in the high price for the system, memory cards and games and the bad gamelibrary. But THIS one game made me want a Vita again, this has to be a systemseller.
I would so get a PSVita just for this game... That said I wish they would put work into a brand new game instead of just revamping the old titles, I don't think there's been a full console based Shin Megami Tensei game since the PS2 :(
I started playing P4 for PS2 but, before clearing it, I bought a PS3. I gor all excited about the new system and never finished it, which is a shame, cause this game is one of the RPGs I loved most playing. =[
I wish so badly (no hopes, though) they would publish a PS3 port, cause I don't see myself getting a PSVita in the near future. =[
I didn't mind the slow start. It helps you get a taste of how important social links and time management are. Though its kind of depressing the best vita games are HD remakes (MGS was great) I'm looking forward to the Final Fantasy's, Kingdom Hearts, and other great series that I could play on the go and in HD.
Does anyone else remember when Atlus said there wouldn't be a "Fez" edition of Persona 4 (http://www.1up.com/news/atlus-persona-4-fes) ? Yeah...well that wasn't exactly true. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for developers standing behind their games and continuing to publish content for existing ones; I just wish they would have just released P4 on the Vita(not that I own one) and then offered a DLC with all of the new content. I'd LOVE to sink my teeth into Persona 4's new content...but not enough to buy a Vita.
3 Like When I first read about this game and saw the screenshots, I was like: "Not for me". A few days ago I was at my local gameshop (called The Gameshop :-) in The Hague, The Netherlands) I figured "what the hell" and picked it up anyway. What a great decision. The story makes you want to keep playing, although it's tough to keep going at first, because the first few hours, you're not really playing, but more watching an interactive cartoon. Then when the game does 'start' it's impossible to put down. Best Vita game of 2012.
I'm on my 3rd play through. It's fun to try to complete all the social links you couldn't on the first 2.
I had never played this game before but since I recently got a Vita and I heard about some positive reviews I decided to give it a go having never played a Persona game before... incredible game, I am about 15 hours in so far and I just can't get enough! Truly my favorite game for the Vita yet
@Lord_Python1049 the original for the PS2 is still out there.... so we'll have to settle for that. Not a huge loss really.
1 Like @Lord_Python1049 Not sure if worth getting vita just for this game, way to expensive, and there is no alternative ie; PS3 compatible or *cough* emu...*cough*
1 Like I'm nearly done with my first playthrough. I played the PS2 version, too, and there are a lot of additional features here in P4G and it's really worth it. The first Persona game I ever played was P3P, and ever since, I got hooked on the series. Now, all that's left is to wait for the release of P5. Persona Series all the way!
Just got it a couple of days ago. The only thing I don't like is the time constraints that you must abide to. I like playing at my own pace and not being forced to do a mission. But all in all it is a good game and there is no denying that.
2 Like @Heelflipit I can see your point but I think from a storyline standpoint, It gives that sense of urgency (imagine a ticking time bomb). It's close to impossible to complete all the secondary social links within the (less than) 1 academic year. But all in all, it's what entices you to go back and make different decisions on the next play through.
Just got it a couple of days ago. The only thing I don't like is the time constraints that you must abide to. I like playing at my own pace and not being forced to do a mission. But all in all it is a good game and there is no denying that.
always heard good things about the series and now i see why.
only one thing to say
- just play it -
Man I want this game but I don't have a Vita. I remember getting into the Persona series because of P3P, and that was an impulse purchase (one of the best I ever made). I hate to admit it, but the fact that it was a JRPG that was rated M was what got me curious.
1 Like Reading this review, I really get that "but wait! There's more!" feeling. every paragraph is a new suprise.
finals are just over for me, will be getting this tomorrow. my 1st Persona game though.sorry for being off-topic a little, but do you guys recommend Zero's Escape as well? I tried the demo, disappointed by the graphics but is the story/gameplay good enough to make up for it?
@zeifel If you like puzzle games then yes. It's amazing. Plus the game forces you to make decisions that will affect the ending (26 in all). Another game that entices you to go back and play differently from your first.
@zeifel Zero's Escape: VLR is a fantastic game and really worth getting. Note the EU version doesn't have the incredible English voice acting the US version has. I imported my version because of this. Can't put this game down. It pays to play the DS game 999 before if you haven't already seeing as VLR is a direct sequel.
I'm 23 hours into VLR and still haven't reached the correct ending. Once I finish it I'm going to pick this up for sure.
3 Like Recently got a vita and picked this game up. I actually never played the series before but fell in love with it instantly, have a hard time putting it down.
Hope Persona 5 will be released here alongside the Ps3/Ps4
According to them... it's not the same style of gameplay :)
3 Like Not a game for me... felt really bored trying to keep playing... but it does have a nice presentation and lots of gameplay. Not one for me however, and no im not saying its bad Just that you should try it before you buy it.
3 Like I bought a Vita just for this game, and now I have a growing collection of Vita games. Let it be put to rest the false notion that Vita has no games! The games have cometh! GJ Sony and Atlus.
Choose specific skills to inherit? Holy god, YES! That's a fantastic addition for building powerhouses like Yoshi+sune and Helel.
I don't have a Vita but all of this new content has me very tempted.
I love the persona series...and arguably it has the best play mechanics from Shin Megami Tensei as a whole...i would HIGHLY recommend to fellow fans to pick up and play Nocturne and digital devil saga (its a two game series). the story lines in both games are BEYOND great (best storylines i have played in a JRPG)! and i believe that they are relatively cheap purchases nowadays......Cop some of the releases on the handhelds as well...strange journey, devil survivor series, and persona 1 and 2 (innocent sin) were all fun plays....although be prepared for some not as modern play mechanics from the 2 PSP persona games...i know i am hollering at the choir here...lets in general support ATLUS one of the few publishers out there that don't actively screw with their American fans...i feel like a tool for even posting something like this but....<removes shirt in passionate R&B fashion> I LOVE U ATLUS!
3 Like I got the Persona 4 Golden Solid Gold Edition. Amazing. Just amazing. They fit so much in there it's nuts! I do agree with the review that it takes some time to get moving at the beginning, like it's holding your hand. After that though, you better be ready, because you just went solo.
The thing that attracted me to Persona games are the fact that you can switch between battles and social life. Any road you take isn't right or wrong, it's a decision. But good or bad, it's a decision you'll have to deal with. Good thing there are so many saves because you'll need them. The game is awesome and the PSVita visuals and load times are unbelievable. Golden indeed!
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