Yellow is an underrated color, nobody likes it that much, but they would absolutely love this game.
Story:
With games that give such great scripting and concept on their story's, it's hard not to spoil at all. Persona 4, is extremely story driven, everything has a story. From that Fox that wonders in the shrine to your little cousin and even things, you don't usually see. It's really amazing how you can have one huge story yet this game manages to branch out individual stories. Social Links are what these are called, they help you develop yourself while, even if they feel like they're just an extra, feel as if you can relate to them as they seemingly come to life. Not only that but they also portrait things that life itself has problems with, it's some really deep stuff. The main story revolves around the Murders. And the way to prevent these murders are your inner self, Persona or "Kokoro no chikara" Power of the heart, The glasses, which allows you too see through the bewildering fog and your companions. I better stop now before I slip up and tell you something that would give you the right to serve my head in festival.
Gameplay:
If you've played Persona 3, then you'll have an ideal as to what Persona 4's gameplay is like. Obviously there are some new changes there and here. Like being able to control your allies, so now that if they screw up, then beat yourself up. The guard which replaces the wait command, in fact if you went to play P3 after P4 then you'll wonder why the hell they put a Wait function on their. The whole Knockdown system is redone since one exploit of weakness isn't enough to skip an enemy's turn but Critical hits can knock their turn into the ground with a bit of luck. Social links, redone as well. For more depth and a deeper school life, they're are several ways to increase social links, as well as your five parameters. yes, FIVE parameters, intimidating eh? Well don't threat, it's pretty easy to bring em' up since the game has you increasing some of them with almost anything you do. The difficulty is also debatable, at first the game seems really hard but it then you has you balancing a cake, on your hands, later on. So the conversion from hard to easy sounds like Just right to me.
Sound:
The sound effects are pretty anime, if you know what I mean. The soundtrack is where the game shines, by Shoji Meguro who is quite known by his work has struck the golden string once more with the amazing use of J-pop and rock within the game universe. You'd find it funny at first to use J-Pop as a battle theme but it works well if you do it well. The voice acting is pretty top notch, the usual complaint is Chie Satonaka, while yes, she does sound to old, her voice will grow on you and there are several times where her voice acting shines and overshadows the awkward moments.
Design:
What really sets it apart is the dominant use of Yellow. yes it can really be an eyesore but the menu's are real slick and attractive, usually using different hues of yellow and some fancy backgrounds, you'll learn to like yellow and appreciate it more. The graphics are pretty good for PS2, the camera does make it look as if the textures were next generation. The character design is improved as well, Atlus is not afraid to show their character's because they look slick as they should be.
Value:
Replay value is something, there are so many things to do that you might not be able to get them the first try and would want to go for New Game+. The game also includes an Expert mode from the beginning so you have something else to do after, as well as the second playthrough NG+ unlockables like two secret bosses and a secret Persona.
Overall: The game is fantastic, if you are an anime/game fanatic then this game will suck you up as soon as you see the cover, that was the story with me and P3. An RPG fan would dare not miss this game, it's an experience of the century and also another great addition to the PS2 library that, until today, continues to prevail.
I've got four words for you, BUY THIS GAME NOW.
Got it memorized?