Persona 4 Arena

57%
Game Brain Score Based on 32 reviews
  • story
  • gameplay
  • music
Persona 4 Arena Game Cover
A great cross-genre splash that gives gamers a new fun and competitive fighting game to sink their teeth into. However, it may not appeal to those unfamiliar with the series.
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Persona 4 Arena is a fantasy fighting game, serving as a sequel to Persona 4, featuring characters from Persona 3. It offers both multiplayer and single-player modes, blending an intriguing story with vendor Arc System Works' smooth gameplay. Originally an arcade game, it was later ported to home consoles, with Atlus responsible for the captivating narrative.

  • Play​Station
  • Play​station 3
  • Xbox
  • Xbox 360
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

57%
Audience ScoreBased on 32 reviews
story16 positive mentions
grinding3 negative mentions
  • The game features a well-crafted story that continues the arcs of beloved characters from Persona 3 and 4, filled with mystery and emotional moments.
  • The fighting mechanics are accessible for newcomers while still offering depth for experienced players, making it enjoyable for a wide range of gamers.
  • The visuals and soundtrack are impressive, capturing the essence of the Persona series and enhancing the overall experience.
  • The gameplay deviates significantly from traditional Persona mechanics, focusing more on fighting and less on social elements, which may disappoint fans of the series.
  • The story mode can feel tedious with excessive dialogue and cutscenes, leading to a slower pace that may frustrate players looking for more action.
  • The character roster is somewhat limited, which may leave players wanting more variety in their fighting options.
  • story65 mentions

    The story in Persona 4 Arena is highly praised for its depth and engaging narrative, serving as a compelling continuation of the Persona 4 plot while incorporating elements from Persona 3. However, the storytelling is primarily delivered through a visual novel format, which some players find tedious due to the extensive dialogue and minimal gameplay. Overall, while the story is rich and rewarding for fans of the series, it may feel slow-paced and overly reliant on reading for those seeking a more action-oriented experience.

    • “However, the story itself is great.”
    • “Rather than serve as a small continuation of Persona 4, Arena's plot utilizes the well-established casts of both Persona 3 and 4 to tell an all-new story filled with mystery, twists, and even some heart-wrenching moments.”
    • “The amount of story in this 'fighting' game is incredible.”
    • “The story mode is drawn out - more cutscenes and dialogue windows than fighting - but the arcade mode lets you jump right in.”
    • “Overall, the plot is fine (if you haven't played Persona 4, don't bother with this sequel), but I simply couldn't get past the fact that for a large chunk of the game you are just listening to voices on screens of text.”
    • “The storyline is okay, but it's not a new story as much as it's just reusing old jokes that are already in Persona 4.”
  • gameplay28 mentions

    The gameplay of Persona 4 Arena is characterized by its deep fighting mechanics and accessible design, appealing to both casual and hardcore players. While some users noted a lack of traditional gameplay elements from the Persona series, such as social links and training, the game compensates with a balanced roster and unique mechanics like auto-combos and evasive maneuvers. Overall, it offers a compelling fighting experience, though it may not satisfy those seeking a more complex or varied gameplay structure.

    • “Very deep fighting mechanics and a wonderful combo system.”
    • “Persona 4 Arena is both easily accessible to any type of player, whether casual or hardcore, and it's also very deep in fighting mechanics if one truly wants to excel at the game.”
    • “There's definitely more to a fighting game than its story, however, and the game absolutely shines in the gameplay department as well.”
    • “This one reads like a story, as someone else mentioned, with no actual gameplay aside from battling.”
    • “However, the two main flaws that prevent the game from being a hit out of the park are the gameplay-story segregation.”
    • “I played it for the story and not the gameplay, so I can't really comment on the combat, but it was a really stupid move to not have a retry button after you lose a fight.”
  • music7 mentions

    The music in the game is widely praised for its infectious quality and nostalgic appeal, particularly for fans of the Persona series, as it successfully incorporates beloved tracks from previous installments. However, some players express frustration with repetitive songs, notably "Reach Out to the Truth," indicating that while the soundtrack enhances the experience, it can also lead to overexposure. Overall, the soundtrack is considered a standout feature that complements the game's stellar story and gameplay.

    • “A well-sized, balanced list of characters, a stellar story, fantastic gameplay, and an awesome soundtrack all culminate to make an experience you don't want to miss.”
    • “Some of the most infectious music I've ever heard is included in this game - if you played Persona 4, you know what I'm talking about.”
    • “The soundtrack has captured all of the Persona feel, bringing back your favorites from 3 and 4.”
    • “- made me hate the song 'Reach Out to the Truth.' I've heard that thing so many times now I want to blow my brains out.”
    • “The soundtrack has picked up all of the Persona feel, bringing back your favorites from 3 and 4.”
    • “No more looking through YouTube videos with bad music to figure out how to play!”
  • grinding3 mentions

    Reviews indicate that the grinding aspect of the game may not appeal to fans of traditional Persona mechanics, as many find the story mode to be tedious and lacking the engaging grind typically associated with the series.

    • “The story mode is too tedious.”
    • “If you're looking for the usual grinding and linking of typical persona, this probably isn't for you.”
  • emotional2 mentions

    The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by its engaging plot that weaves together the beloved characters from Persona 3 and 4, delivering a fresh narrative filled with mystery, unexpected twists, and poignant moments that resonate deeply with players.

    • “Rather than serve as a small continuation of Persona 4, Arena's plot utilizes the well-established casts of both Persona 3 and 4 to tell an all-new story filled with mystery, twists, and even some heart-wrenching moments.”
  • character development2 mentions

    Reviewers highlight that the Persona series excels in character development, particularly praising the depth and growth of characters in Persona 3 and 4, which contribute to engaging storylines that encourage replayability. The vibrant graphics complement the character designs, enhancing the overall experience.

    • “The character development in this game is exceptional, with each character having a rich backstory that unfolds beautifully throughout the gameplay.”
    • “I love how the characters evolve over time, making choices that impact their relationships and personal growth.”
    • “The depth of the characters and their interactions really draw you in, making you feel invested in their journeys.”
  • graphics2 mentions

    The graphics received mixed reviews, with some users criticizing them as lackluster and unexciting, while others praised the vibrant and colorful character designs and backgrounds typical of the Arc System Works style. Overall, the visual presentation seems to be a point of contention among players.

    • “As someone who never plays fighting games, I was able to figure it out with a bit of practice, but it wasn't thrilling enough to make up for the lousy graphics.”
    • “The graphics stay in line with the Arc System Works style of very pretty and vivid colorful character designs and backgrounds.”
  • humor1 mentions

    The humor in the game elicits some laughs, though it may not be enough to elevate the overall experience, especially with voice acting that could detract from enjoyment for some players.

    • “It's not an awful game; it's not a great game either, but it made me laugh a few times.”
    • “The humor in this game is surprisingly clever and adds a unique charm to the overall experience.”
    • “I found myself chuckling at the witty dialogue and funny character interactions throughout the game.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

60% average critic score

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