Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 4 (ps2: 2008): Reviews

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Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 4


9.3

based on 47 reviews
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based on 64 votes
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GAMES:

Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3 FES

Cheat Code Central

[Metacritic's 2008 PS2 Game of the Year] Shortly after an urban youth begins a year-long stay in the countryside town of Inaba, the rural town's peace is shattered by a horrific murder that leaves no clues or suspects. As the lone incident develops into a series of bizarre crimes, he discovers that only he and his friends have the power to solve the baffling case, bring those responsible to justice, and restore harmony to his new home. Balance your double life – Beyond intense battles, Persona fusion, and new weapon creation exists a normal high school life of friends, classes, and part-time jobs. The way you manage and integrate your activities within each day will determine how you progress through the game. Unprecedented team control – With a greater emphasis on developing bonds in the fight to solve the mysterious murders, strong friendships are key to your success. Directly control teammates in battle, earn greater party support for combat, and master individual Social Links to unlock your party's true potential. Find the true ending – 60+ hours of gameplay thrusts you into a deep mystery where midnight television leads to serial killings. You must investigate murders, rescue those who can be rescued, and unmask the culprit behind it all—or risk being forever shrouded in the fog of doubt. [Atlus USA]

PUBLISHER:	Atlus USA
DEVELOPER:	Atlus USA
GENRE(S):	Role-Playing Game
PLAYERS:	1
ESRB RATING:	M (Mature)
RELEASE DATE:	December 9, 2008

All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...

100

Gamervision

An outstanding achievement in gaming. There’s no question that this is going to be one of my top games of the year, and any fan of JRPGs should be playing it when it’s released next week.

100

1UP

What really sets Persona 4 apart, though, is its endearing, relatable cast.

100

Destructoid

Atlus managed to combine the best of what already worked well with fresh new ideas and tweaks, and the end result is a fantastic role-playing game -- definitely a shoe-in for RPG of the year. Unless you dislike the genre, do not, under any circumstances, miss Persona 4.

100

Wired

The truly stunning thing about Persona 4 is that it just doesn't have any glaring flaws. Even though it doesn't stand up to the graphics of the Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3, the clever art style makes up for that. Those who despise reading large blocks of text in games will be pleasantly surprised by the solid voice-over work applied to almost every conversation.

100

GamePro

I can't recommend this innovative experience highly enough, and from first time visitors to the Velvet Room to jaded MegaTen fanatics, Persona 4 is an absolute must buy.

100

Thunderbolt

Look, folks. If you have any interest in RPGs, you need to play Persona 4. Period. It’s one of the best titles available on the PS2. In fact, it just might be the console's swan song.

100

GameShark

P4 is constantly enveloped by an aura of dire urgency.

100

Electronic Gaming Monthly

If you're a role-playing freak who hasn't given this series a shot, I'm comin' to take your nerd card. [Jan 2009, p.88]

100

GameSpy

If you only buy one more PlayStation 2 game before retiring the trusty system to that dusty closet, make sure this is it.

100

Gaming Nexus

If you enjoy RPGs even in the slightest, you must own Persona 4. It is quite possibly, the greatest PS2 title ever made.

100

DarkZero

Persona 4 is the Playstation 2’s new king of JRPGs and is awesome sending off for the system. Every single man, woman and child who has any interest in the story or has even the tiniest interest in the RPG genre has to check it out.

Gaming Target

If Persona 3 could be considered the Godfather of RPGs, then Persona 4 could be considered the Godfather II.

My Gamer

While Persona 4 manages to be the very definition of a hardcore Japanese role playing game, and possibly one of the better (if not best) role playing game that came out in 2008 as well.

Worth Playing

Everything — from the story to the combat system to the dungeon crawling and Social Links — has been improved. Considering that Persona 3 was already an excellent game, Persona 4 is a true standout.

Hardcore Gamer Magazine

Atlus has really created something special with Persona 4, because it still maintains the freshness of Persona 3, while also being different and in many ways superior.

RPG Fan

Among the cookie-cutter sequels and half-hearted remakes, Persona 4 is a near flawless example of the perfect balance between "falling back on what works" and "pushing the genre forward." That said, I wholeheartedly recommend it as one of the best RPG experiences of the year.

Cheat Code Central

With a play time between forty and fifty hours, different difficulty levels, and multiple endings, Persona 4 will keep you hanging on for quite some time.

GameTrailers

Persona 4 is a well-crafted game dense with content that achieves a compelling balance between traditional RPG dungeon crawling and, shockingly, what can actually be considered role-playing. In its 60-plus hours you’ll experience a tight, well-structured story, and the liberty to freely develop characters and progress at your own discretion.

Multiplayer.it

Persona 4 is not just as good as its prequel: it is even better. With a much more intriguing plot and a solid gameplay Persona 4 is a great RPG which lasts long and offers lots of contents and optional features along with a really enjoyable battle system. Fans of the genre must truly purchase such a brilliant masterpiece.

Vandal Online

This is undoubtedly one of the best role playing games recently made, and a must buy for PlayStation 2 users, although unfortunately it is in English.

PSX Extreme

Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 4 is, in my opinion, the pinnacle of the series. It really is one of the best RPGs I’ve played in quite a long while, and even though the competition is thin, that doesn’t stop Atlus’ latest effort from being a clear-cut winner.

Pelit (Finland)

Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 4 finally makes its wonderful EU debut after a long wait. Atlus manages to combine ordinary high school setting with the weird and enthralling shadow world, this time behind TV screen in mysterious world the heroes explore. Working on your social links is oddly addicting, and combat system with plethora of Personas to choose from and create is well made and polished. While the story overall might pale a bit compared to Persona 3, in almost every other way Persona 4 is better. [May 2009]

Game Revolution

One of those rare games that have such a nonchalant, organic, and artful message about humanity that it feels improper to dissect and analyze each of its parts without recognizing the strength of its narrative sum. It shows that a game doesn’t need nonstop, high-flyin’ action or an epic “save the world” theme for it to have lasting impact and purpose.

Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)

This is probably Atlus USA's best work yet, with a script full of lively, natural-sounding dialogue and a cast of talented actors who take that dialogue and run with it. [Feb 2009, p.72]

InsideGamer.nl

Persona is a RPG with a strong story, a decent battle system and interesting characters. It is also a lot of fun to upgrade your Persona’s and other abilities. The game starts a bit slow, but is really hard to let go when the story unfolds. Persona 4 is a game that will bring back life in the good old PlayStation 2.

Gamer.nl

Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 4 is a sublime RPG. There isn't much wrong if we look at the fundamentals or the overall feel of the game. Even the fact that the game appears on the obsolete PlayStation 2 doesn't affect the quality of the game says enough. And on top of that, the game will be in stores at a reduced price and with a free soundtrack. Nothing less than an instant buy.

RPGamer

While fans of Persona 3 can rest assured that they will find a thoroughly enjoyable experience in Persona 4, in many ways it feels like a move sideways for the series rather than a step forward.

Meristation

Atlus' latest game for PlayStation 2 is with no doubt a masterpiece for this console. It takes the genre far away from what we're used to seeing nowadays. It's not the best JRPG so far, though, but it has all it takes to become an instant classic. If you're willing to enjoy a never-ending game with a immersive story and a lot of characters to deal with, do not hesitate, this is your best choice.

GameCritics

Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 4 is a true gamer's game. Atlus has outdone themselves again and proved that they are at the leading edge of role-playing.

IGN

Everything from the battle system and the dungeons that you fight through to the social links you develop and friend interaction that you do on your "off hours" has been radically improved in this game.

GameSpot

This stylish role-playing social-simulation game packs a great story, realistic characters, and dozens of hours of enjoyment.

Games Radar (in-house)

If you don't want a heaping pile of Japanese culture, or don't like an odd or off-putting story, then maybe you should stay away. Otherwise, Persona 4 is a superb (if long) RPG, and probably the last great PS2 game.

PALGN

Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 4 offers a unique and unforgettable Japanese RPG experience that even succeeds at being significantly different from what Persona 3 offered. Persona 4 is the kind of game that will win back gamers who grew tired of the genre a long time ago.

Gamestyle

In Persona 4, Atlus have achieved the summit of what an RPG should deliver, confirming the series as one of the finest exponents of the genre on any system.

Eurogamer Spain

Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 4 is the last great JRPG we'll ever see on the PlayStation 2, and one of the best on this platform, with an almost perfect combat system and a very beautiful graphic section.

Playstation Official Magazine UK

A creative, compelling experience. [May 2009, p.100]

PSM3 Magazine UK

A triumph. [May 2009, p.77]

Gamers.at

Two utterly different genres merge to achieve something really special - for the fourth time. A must-have for any gamer passionate about J-RPGs.

GameZone

If you’ve never played Persona 3, then it’ll be overwhelmingly fresh entry to the RPG genre. If you’ve actually played Persona 3, then there have been more then enough changes to warrant a revisit through the world of Inaba.

Game Informer

The interplay of the simulation and combat elements form an addictive cycle that makes it easy to immerse yourself in the surreal world of Persona 4, but it isn’t for everyone. The game implements a deliberate and regimented structure, requiring a lot of planning, repetition, and level grinding.

G4 TV

Aside from some minor quibbles, it’s beautifully made – an addictive game, an involving story, and a gorgeous piece of artwork all at once. While not perfect, Persona 4 is one of this year’s best RPG and another example of how even old hardware can still run some of the best games.

Teletext GameCentral

The Japanese role-player grows up, with a fantastic mix of traditional gameplay and daring plot.

Eurogamer

Powerful rather than perfect, then, Persona 4's a status ailment rather than a killing blow - it's not going to bowl you over with one strike, but it will quietly gnaw away at you until you succumb.

NTSC-uk

Persona 4 has its flaws. Some carried over from Persona 3, and some of its own creation. Initially it’s hard to look past these and the game feels a shadow of its predecessor.

SpazioGames

Persona 4 has unique style and shows a great balancing between arcade and simulation. Despite some light gameplay issues, this episode will make almost every fan more than happy, mostly for the great narration... Technically outstanding and well localized, this could really be the Playstation 2 swan song.

games(TM)

We hope Atlus takes its time to deliver a more compelling and intelligent game with the next Persona, as the series has some remarkable potential. [Jan 2009, p.126]

Play UK

As a swan song to the PS2 Persona 4 isn’t the highest note and all the bizarre characters, storylines and Personas you unlock can’t change that. But if you don’t mind grinding too much then there is some enjoyment to be had.

The average user rating for this game is 9.3 (out of 10) based on 64 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

Peter A gave it a10:
Improves on the formula of Persona 3 resulting in one of the most unique and diverse JRPGs I've ever played.

Tuesday S gave it a9:
Firstly, the only part I think could have been changed was the grinding necesary and mobs available to grind on. But overall, the story, characters, combat animations, personas, fusion system, city, and whatever else you can throw out there have provided me with hours and hours of entertainment. This is my first MegaTen game, and it definitely hooked me. In fact, I bought P3 FES and Digital Devil Saga today.

Pavela S gave it a9:
The main reason I enjoyed this game was because of its characters. They were high school students with personal problems that I could relate to, and putting them in a murder mystery rpg made the game all the more enjoyable. The game taught me a valuable lesson about accepting my darker nature as opposed to suppressing it in order to be truer to myself, and this in itself makes it stand out against the novels that I have read. It's fun, addicting, and when the animated ending passed, I actually missed the characters and the story as a whole. While the story can immerse you, there are also some flaws about its setting however. The town of Inaba (where the game takes place) is pretty small and you don't travel through it in real time as in walking from one place to another. Instead there are distinct and separated places and you go to each of them via a menu-based system. This takes me out of the experience just a tad, and I only wish Atlus created a more realistic and easy-flowing game world. Another problem is that dungeon crawling can get a bit monotonous. The game can be beaten in under 80 hours and while the game has its share of different dungeons, a fair number of battle experiences are all too similar. However, the story and its characters do much to put its flaws into less consideration. Think of it as an interactive detective novel with many side stories (a number of them humorous) and relatable characters and you can just begin to appreciate what this game has to offer. This game is not like one of those fairy-tale based games where some impending doom threatens the world. Plot-wise it is much more down-to-earth, and I'm happy that I found a part of me in this great experience - something no other game has yet done.

G P gave it a10:
Believe the hype - I was skeptical about whether or not this could really be that much better than 3 (Which was my favorite game in 2008), but believe me it is. In fact, as I play 4, I constantly think back and see faults with 3 - they've renovated what wasn't a problem to new extremes of awesomeness and annhialated what was. Oh, and the menus are much, MUCH faster. If you liked Persona 3, get this. In fact, get this.

Shawn E. gave it a10:
In my opinion Atlus sort of came out of nowhere. Ever since I opened Persona 4 I've never been able to escape the clutches of its enticing story, battle system, and persona combinations. Actually when I showed all my friends the Persona 3 game they immediately joined the persona bandwagon, and purchased Persona 4. Only a few RPG's have caught my attention and kept my interest throughout the whole game. I have to admit grinding in Final Fantasy 7 and 10 got repetitive and boring at times. Persona 4 limits your grinding to how much SP items you have. I thank Atlus for making such a terrific game and eagerly await Persona 5.

Dan S gave it a10:
Hmm, Don't know where to start on this one. Obviously the guy who said the story line was childish and the translation was poor either hasn't played the game or is just not that smart. First of the story is rather deep, has many levels of interpretation, and, for a video game, isn't even that cliché. The translation is hardly sloppy, its acutally rather well done, it keeps much of the Japanese feel to the dialouge, while not sounding too litteral. I do agree however adding the -chans, and -samas, and -kuns to the end of the words is cheesy and is only for the hordes of 17 year old social outcasts who buy every JRPG created think that if you add -desu to the end of a sentence you are suddenly speaking japanese. ANYWAY back to the game. Battle system is improved from P3, the day-to-day goes much faster and is less mundane. The S.Links upgrade muuuch faster, and still contain interesting sub-stories. I feel like the S.links in P4 feel closer to the character and less random then they did in P3. The battles are still fast paced and fun. The new Dungeon layouts are less repitive and feel more "real". The only real gripes that I have, are that sometimes in the dungeons the camera gets clunky, and the battles can get a bit repetitive (as in P3). But for the most part, you will be smashing your way though, enjoying a good story, and loving one of the BEST rpgs for PS2 (and any other current consoles).

Adam S gave it a10:
If Final Fantasy 7 put RPG's on the map, than Persona 4 redefined them. Persona 4 is without any doubt, the most incredible RPG that I have played in years. Heck, it may even be the most incredible RPG that I've ever played in my life! From it's complex and engaging storyline, involving characters, flawless battle system, excellent J-pop soundtrack, and simple to use persona fusion system, P4 is not only the RPG of the year, but for some (including myself), may turn out to be game of the year as well. Persona 4 is the PS2's last great showing, and I thank Atlus for it.