Persona 4 Arena

53%
Game Brain Score Based on 10 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

53%
Audience ScoreBased on 10 reviews
story9 positive mentions
grinding2 negative mentions
  • The game features a great 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 beginners while still offering depth for experienced players, making it enjoyable for a wide range of gamers.
  • The art style, music, and overall presentation are excellent, creating an engaging atmosphere that resonates with fans of the Persona series.
  • The gameplay deviates significantly from traditional Persona mechanics, focusing more on fighting and less on social elements, which may disappoint fans expecting the usual experience.
  • The story mode can be tedious, with long dialogue sequences and minimal fighting, which may frustrate players looking for more action.
  • Some characters are perceived as unbalanced, leading to issues in multiplayer where certain characters dominate due to overpowered moves.
  • story32 mentions

    The story in Persona 4 Arena is highly praised for its depth and connection to the established narratives of Persona 3 and 4, offering a compelling continuation filled with mystery and emotional moments. However, the storytelling is heavily dialogue-driven, which some players find tedious and slow, potentially detracting from the overall gameplay experience. Familiarity with the previous games enhances understanding and enjoyment of the plot, making it particularly appealing for dedicated Persona fans.

    • “The story on display here is very, very good.”
    • “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.”
    • “As someone who bought the game primarily for its story, I can say with certainty that Persona 4 Arena's plot does not disappoint.”
    • “The story mode is drawn out - more cutscenes and dialogue windows than fighting, but the arcade mode lets you jump right in.”
    • “The story is too tedious.”
    • “It takes hours and hours to complete if you have any desire to unlock all of the gallery bonuses, unlock all of the characters, and see all of the actual story.”
  • gameplay13 mentions

    The gameplay of Persona 4 Arena is a blend of deep fighting mechanics and accessible controls, making it suitable for both casual and hardcore players. While the combat system features a variety of mechanics like auto-combos, bursting, and evasive maneuvers that contribute to a balanced experience, some players may find the gameplay unintuitive and overly reliant on reading, leading to a disconnect between the story and gameplay elements. Overall, the game excels in its fighting mechanics and character balance, though it may not fully satisfy those seeking a more traditional gameplay experience.

    • “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, but 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, 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 that old gameplay-story segregation bit.”
    • “Except the actual gameplay is fairly unintuitive.”
  • music3 mentions

    The game's soundtrack is widely praised for its infectious quality, contributing significantly to the overall experience, reminiscent of the music from Persona 4. However, some players express frustration with repetitive tracks, particularly "Reach Out to the Truth," which can become grating after extensive play.

    • “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 is so captivating that it stays with you long after you've finished playing.”
    • “- 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.”
    • “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.”
  • grinding2 mentions

    Reviews indicate that the grinding aspect of the game is not well-received, with some players finding the story mode tedious and lacking the engaging elements typical of similar games. Those expecting traditional grinding mechanics may be disappointed.

    • “If you're looking for the usual grinding and linking of typical personas, this probably isn't for you.”
    • “The story mode is too tedious.”
  • emotional1 mentions

    The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by its engaging narrative that weaves together the beloved characters from Persona 3 and 4, delivering a fresh story rich 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.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

60% average critic score

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