I’ve felt a bit hesitant about writing this review. To say that Persona discussion on this site, especially regarding 4 and 5 is toxic would be a massive understatement, it’s almost absurd. But at the same time, I wanted to write a few things about this long journey I’ve gone through.
Inaba is one of my favorite settings in a video game, the small town vibes with the fog and the friendly nature around you gives Persona 4 a distinct feel from all the other games which usually take place in bigger city areas. There’s a certain mood about the culture of Inaba that’s been imposed by the older folk there, while it's slowly being taken over by commercialization and such. The once peaceful town has now become flowed with a sense of unease because of the murders, but that laid back feel is still ever so present.
Of course the inhabitants of the town add to what makes Inaba so homely, and Persona 4’s main cast is a major contribution. While Persona 3 had a group of people teamed together who always felt at odds with each other for different reasons, 4 puts more focus on a tightly knit group of friends. A major complaint about this is that it makes the relationships between our characters feel rather shallow if there’s no real conflict, and while I understand that criticism, there’s something so nice about all these goobers just.. being friends, y’know? There’s also the protagonist’s found family, the Dojimas. Nanako is a pretty well written child character all things considered, and I think her strained relationship with her father is one of the best pieces of the game narratively. I found it the most interesting part of the story, mostly.
But on the topic of writing, Persona 4 is… pretty rough. I think when 4 hits its high points, it soars, but those lows… are really damn low. There’s a lot of “anime”isms with 4’s content, not helped by the many added scenes in Golden that pile up the anime factor. As someone who has an unnatural tolerance for shitty anime writing, I was able to push through some of it, but scenarios like the school festival (aside from teddie wearing you know what) is just flat out hot fucking garbage. Like actually abhorrent. Some handling of 4’s themes are lame or poorly done, and the excessive homophobia in the first 1/3rd of the game is extremely awkward even for 2008 standards… I’m really conflicted here, I dunno. On a more positive note, there’s a lot of character arcs and interactions that really touched my sensitive ND brain, and I’m sure most people wouldn’t care for those great moments, but it meant a lot to me at least.
I’m not really good at talking about JRPG gameplay, but what I will say is the combat is pretty solid, dungeons not as much. I think both 3 and 4 made me realize I’m just not a fan of the whole RNG floors gimmick.
That’s mostly what I wanted to say about Persona 4 Golden. I plan on revisiting this game through the (much better) original version on PS2, but it’ll be a while, especially when I still have Persona 2, 5, and 3 FES/Reload to cover. I’m really glad I played this game. Persona 4, flaws and all, is still a great experience. It might not be your thing, but it mostly was mine. And I’m happy for that.
Great Vegetables/10
Inaba is one of my favorite settings in a video game, the small town vibes with the fog and the friendly nature around you gives Persona 4 a distinct feel from all the other games which usually take place in bigger city areas. There’s a certain mood about the culture of Inaba that’s been imposed by the older folk there, while it's slowly being taken over by commercialization and such. The once peaceful town has now become flowed with a sense of unease because of the murders, but that laid back feel is still ever so present.
Of course the inhabitants of the town add to what makes Inaba so homely, and Persona 4’s main cast is a major contribution. While Persona 3 had a group of people teamed together who always felt at odds with each other for different reasons, 4 puts more focus on a tightly knit group of friends. A major complaint about this is that it makes the relationships between our characters feel rather shallow if there’s no real conflict, and while I understand that criticism, there’s something so nice about all these goobers just.. being friends, y’know? There’s also the protagonist’s found family, the Dojimas. Nanako is a pretty well written child character all things considered, and I think her strained relationship with her father is one of the best pieces of the game narratively. I found it the most interesting part of the story, mostly.
But on the topic of writing, Persona 4 is… pretty rough. I think when 4 hits its high points, it soars, but those lows… are really damn low. There’s a lot of “anime”isms with 4’s content, not helped by the many added scenes in Golden that pile up the anime factor. As someone who has an unnatural tolerance for shitty anime writing, I was able to push through some of it, but scenarios like the school festival (aside from teddie wearing you know what) is just flat out hot fucking garbage. Like actually abhorrent. Some handling of 4’s themes are lame or poorly done, and the excessive homophobia in the first 1/3rd of the game is extremely awkward even for 2008 standards… I’m really conflicted here, I dunno. On a more positive note, there’s a lot of character arcs and interactions that really touched my sensitive ND brain, and I’m sure most people wouldn’t care for those great moments, but it meant a lot to me at least.
I’m not really good at talking about JRPG gameplay, but what I will say is the combat is pretty solid, dungeons not as much. I think both 3 and 4 made me realize I’m just not a fan of the whole RNG floors gimmick.
That’s mostly what I wanted to say about Persona 4 Golden. I plan on revisiting this game through the (much better) original version on PS2, but it’ll be a while, especially when I still have Persona 2, 5, and 3 FES/Reload to cover. I’m really glad I played this game. Persona 4, flaws and all, is still a great experience. It might not be your thing, but it mostly was mine. And I’m happy for that.
Great Vegetables/10
I had a playthrough while using the P4G Community Enhancement Pack - which, while I recommend as a great way to play be it for the first time or returning, I should point to its new FAQ regarding the recent Steam update to 64Bit for added information - but it's been a few years and my drive to continue the replay has swelled up, so I don't see it happening for a while. I have been racking my brain about it this morning though, so I at least wanted to get my thoughts out once it clouded my mind during work. Consider this an off the cuff ramble instead of a structured review, especially since I think most people have uh, already said what I want to illuminate which I'll highlight when I get to them.
Persona 4 is game I've had a turbulent relationship with. First I thought it - as in, the OG PS2 release - was a major step down than Persona 3 FES, then followed up by thinking it was the weakest of the nu-trilogy once I finished Persona 5 vanilla. Then I tried replaying it via Golden after my honeymoon with P5 and I realized it was a big mess that didn't know what it wanted to be, and I ended up really liking it more. Bit of time passed and now my passion for it is waning to the point it's good but I kinda don't want to think about it much. This has resulted in very different scores, where this now stands as to where it is now instead of the 8/10 I once had it on. Some of you are probably thinking this has to do with THE DISCOURSE, and while I don't shy away from saying that I fucking hate it and consider it to be a major annoyance that I avoid as much as possible like the Xeno series, that's not a part of it, especially since to reiterate, I think people within it have said some good points I agree with. Still, lemme talk about what I still like first. I find the dungeon design to be alright, definitely could've been more to it and I'm not a fan of every dungeon such as Void Quest and Secret Laboratory, but applying the randomization element Tartarus had onto more linear dungeon crawling is cool, and they make each one distinct in vibe and aesthetics similar to how that sprawling tower did it with each 10-story flooring. I still like some of the characters, Nanako's one of the more enjoyable child characters, and her dad Ryotaro Dojima is a big favorite in terms of Dads Doing Their Best archetypes, and even characters I didn't like before, such as Teddie, Rise, and Kanji, grew on me after ruminating and delving more into what they are and how they work within the context of the game.
As for the Golden side of the equation, while I do agree some of its additions harm the game more than help it - again, we'll get to those.... - I also think it's silly to act like the changes are akin to the ones found in Ninja Gaiden Sigma or even in its own series, Persona 3 Portable. Those are versions that strip or erroneously adjust the base game's content into something that's now different from it entirely, despite them by itself still being adequate. This is still the same P4 ethos, regardless on its added content, which is why I'm comfortable giving both versions the same score. With that out of the way, I find its rebalancing (why Chie's attacks and Bufu spells were never implemented as they were in the original's first dungeon despite their thematical and mechanical importance is something I'll always question), new elements such as hanging out at night, gardening, expanded months, an added bad ending to tie into one of the new SLs that I also very much enjoy, and some of the events like the School Concert are all welcome additions to the story that spice it up. Also, all cards on the table, I find Marie to be the single best addition in this rerelease. The fact that a character who's completely and utterly optional yet also reinforces the game's themes of facing and coming to terms with yourself has become the scapegoat to all the baffling and bad choices Golden makes is genuinely insane, and makes it seem like these detractors don't want to have an active discussion about WHY this version harms the original's vision. I'd rather see the stuff about this having less fog due to using a new engine instead of RenderWare, or having one of the literal worst title screen downgrades than see the regurgitation on what are honestly memepoint critiques.
However, Golden very much does shit I do not like. Operation Babe Hunt Redux? A new beach being added in, alongside Okina City being explorable? The pointless Scooters and Halloween event? Some ""jokes"" that crop up because of all that? Yea, those are all Golden originals. Far from the first to say it, but this really does harm P4's distinct, rural atmosphere of chilling in a small, pocketed town where going outside of it feel like major events instead of a quick hop and a skip over on the road. Also, since I never really found P4 to be that funny of a game for reasons I'm sure you're already aware of, the double down on this aspect not only worsens the milquetoast comedy, and it not only makes the already awful Camping Trip and School Festival sequences stand out much more from this heightened appearance, it also makes the already troubling pacing even more of a slog. Adding another deck onto the table, I find myself agreeing with those that say Persona 4 does not, in a majority of the time, benefit from adopting P3's calendar system. That game utilizes its mechanics for maximum story and character-driven moments, and while we can sit here and argue all day about whether or not those in themselves are good, it's safe to say it was built with those in mind. P4 (and P5, but since most of my ire originates here...) doesn't really add or make tweaks to the formula that justifies it. Yea, I like the final third as much as the next guy, but it doesn't justify the first third (April->Early June) dragging its heels teaching you things and ideas in a way that feels jittery and unnatural by comparison, and a chunk of the second third (July and August) contributing so little of value to the overall story despite its tangent and twist being sound. Now, P3's pacing wasn't perfect either and it also has moments of dead air, but P4 accentuates the flaws of the calendar that makes the stop-and-go feel of the pacing worse to experience.
As for the rest of the cast, they're aggressively adequate. Yosuke has the most obnoxious bits in the game, but I find his arc and stake within the serious moments to be pretty good. Chie's fine, I think she's rather enjoyable but she's also flanderized too much for me which again, Golden unfortunately doesn't try to remedy. Yukiko... man, if there's a character that showcases the disconnect of the Party SLink to the main story, she's the one. The problem with her is that her arc of realizing that there's ways she can contribute to her role as the successor to her family that isn't strictly within the rigid lifestyle felt like it skipped several rungs of the "she want to break free from the tight shackles and try to make do with her own sense of being and free will" point it started as. Like, I get it's supposed to be the endpoint, but it feels unnatural as to how she got there, if that makes sense. Naoto? Well, I dunno how to state my opinion of her without SOMEONE being set off, so I'll just leave it as "I like her but I also understand the way she gets presented should've been handled much better". The rest of the SLinks follow a similar philosophy here, in that while P3 had higher highs yet low lows and P5 I actually remember so little confidants over, P4 has some consistently mundane yet overall decent ones. I like the Death, Moon, Sun (the Drama side, Band side is... a thing) and Temperance people, plus Strength (either/or) is kinda neat, but the Tower, Hanged Man, and Devil people leave a lot to be desired. Skipped out on Hermit or Empress due to their unique structure, but they're pretty alright as well.
You're probably wondering why I still have this at a 7/10 when it reads a smidge lower than that, and that's cause alongside some more personal reasons, HiTheHello and straylight more than point out that when this game does a good job, it really knocks it out. I love Inaba as a setting, the core dungeon loop despite having some wonkiness to it is still a lot of fun to try and do as little time as possible, and the bubblegum J-Pop OST is still something that lingers in my mind. Not that it was any real competition, but this also far and away has the best human antagonist of the nu-trilogy (I'LL GET TO PERSONA 1 AND THE 2 DUOLOGY SOMEDAY), that I'll refrain from gushing about on the off chance someone reading this is unspoiled on the plot. I seriously have to stress that I do like the good elements in here a lot, and things that I already praised before are still true. It's just, damn! I don't like how messy this one is!! It makes me very conflicted. I get why this of all Persona games was the one to invigorate people though. Even outside of super-personal mantras - which, hey, I very much get - the core aspect of this is something I can very much see meaning a lot to someone. Now, I have this shelved, so it means I'll return to it at some point... but I'm not really sure when. Also unsure if I'll do a proper review, cause I think I said all I wanted with this journal entry.
Persona 4 is game I've had a turbulent relationship with. First I thought it - as in, the OG PS2 release - was a major step down than Persona 3 FES, then followed up by thinking it was the weakest of the nu-trilogy once I finished Persona 5 vanilla. Then I tried replaying it via Golden after my honeymoon with P5 and I realized it was a big mess that didn't know what it wanted to be, and I ended up really liking it more. Bit of time passed and now my passion for it is waning to the point it's good but I kinda don't want to think about it much. This has resulted in very different scores, where this now stands as to where it is now instead of the 8/10 I once had it on. Some of you are probably thinking this has to do with THE DISCOURSE, and while I don't shy away from saying that I fucking hate it and consider it to be a major annoyance that I avoid as much as possible like the Xeno series, that's not a part of it, especially since to reiterate, I think people within it have said some good points I agree with. Still, lemme talk about what I still like first. I find the dungeon design to be alright, definitely could've been more to it and I'm not a fan of every dungeon such as Void Quest and Secret Laboratory, but applying the randomization element Tartarus had onto more linear dungeon crawling is cool, and they make each one distinct in vibe and aesthetics similar to how that sprawling tower did it with each 10-story flooring. I still like some of the characters, Nanako's one of the more enjoyable child characters, and her dad Ryotaro Dojima is a big favorite in terms of Dads Doing Their Best archetypes, and even characters I didn't like before, such as Teddie, Rise, and Kanji, grew on me after ruminating and delving more into what they are and how they work within the context of the game.
As for the Golden side of the equation, while I do agree some of its additions harm the game more than help it - again, we'll get to those.... - I also think it's silly to act like the changes are akin to the ones found in Ninja Gaiden Sigma or even in its own series, Persona 3 Portable. Those are versions that strip or erroneously adjust the base game's content into something that's now different from it entirely, despite them by itself still being adequate. This is still the same P4 ethos, regardless on its added content, which is why I'm comfortable giving both versions the same score. With that out of the way, I find its rebalancing (why Chie's attacks and Bufu spells were never implemented as they were in the original's first dungeon despite their thematical and mechanical importance is something I'll always question), new elements such as hanging out at night, gardening, expanded months, an added bad ending to tie into one of the new SLs that I also very much enjoy, and some of the events like the School Concert are all welcome additions to the story that spice it up. Also, all cards on the table, I find Marie to be the single best addition in this rerelease. The fact that a character who's completely and utterly optional yet also reinforces the game's themes of facing and coming to terms with yourself has become the scapegoat to all the baffling and bad choices Golden makes is genuinely insane, and makes it seem like these detractors don't want to have an active discussion about WHY this version harms the original's vision. I'd rather see the stuff about this having less fog due to using a new engine instead of RenderWare, or having one of the literal worst title screen downgrades than see the regurgitation on what are honestly memepoint critiques.
However, Golden very much does shit I do not like. Operation Babe Hunt Redux? A new beach being added in, alongside Okina City being explorable? The pointless Scooters and Halloween event? Some ""jokes"" that crop up because of all that? Yea, those are all Golden originals. Far from the first to say it, but this really does harm P4's distinct, rural atmosphere of chilling in a small, pocketed town where going outside of it feel like major events instead of a quick hop and a skip over on the road. Also, since I never really found P4 to be that funny of a game for reasons I'm sure you're already aware of, the double down on this aspect not only worsens the milquetoast comedy, and it not only makes the already awful Camping Trip and School Festival sequences stand out much more from this heightened appearance, it also makes the already troubling pacing even more of a slog. Adding another deck onto the table, I find myself agreeing with those that say Persona 4 does not, in a majority of the time, benefit from adopting P3's calendar system. That game utilizes its mechanics for maximum story and character-driven moments, and while we can sit here and argue all day about whether or not those in themselves are good, it's safe to say it was built with those in mind. P4 (and P5, but since most of my ire originates here...) doesn't really add or make tweaks to the formula that justifies it. Yea, I like the final third as much as the next guy, but it doesn't justify the first third (April->Early June) dragging its heels teaching you things and ideas in a way that feels jittery and unnatural by comparison, and a chunk of the second third (July and August) contributing so little of value to the overall story despite its tangent and twist being sound. Now, P3's pacing wasn't perfect either and it also has moments of dead air, but P4 accentuates the flaws of the calendar that makes the stop-and-go feel of the pacing worse to experience.
As for the rest of the cast, they're aggressively adequate. Yosuke has the most obnoxious bits in the game, but I find his arc and stake within the serious moments to be pretty good. Chie's fine, I think she's rather enjoyable but she's also flanderized too much for me which again, Golden unfortunately doesn't try to remedy. Yukiko... man, if there's a character that showcases the disconnect of the Party SLink to the main story, she's the one. The problem with her is that her arc of realizing that there's ways she can contribute to her role as the successor to her family that isn't strictly within the rigid lifestyle felt like it skipped several rungs of the "she want to break free from the tight shackles and try to make do with her own sense of being and free will" point it started as. Like, I get it's supposed to be the endpoint, but it feels unnatural as to how she got there, if that makes sense. Naoto? Well, I dunno how to state my opinion of her without SOMEONE being set off, so I'll just leave it as "I like her but I also understand the way she gets presented should've been handled much better". The rest of the SLinks follow a similar philosophy here, in that while P3 had higher highs yet low lows and P5 I actually remember so little confidants over, P4 has some consistently mundane yet overall decent ones. I like the Death, Moon, Sun (the Drama side, Band side is... a thing) and Temperance people, plus Strength (either/or) is kinda neat, but the Tower, Hanged Man, and Devil people leave a lot to be desired. Skipped out on Hermit or Empress due to their unique structure, but they're pretty alright as well.
You're probably wondering why I still have this at a 7/10 when it reads a smidge lower than that, and that's cause alongside some more personal reasons, HiTheHello and straylight more than point out that when this game does a good job, it really knocks it out. I love Inaba as a setting, the core dungeon loop despite having some wonkiness to it is still a lot of fun to try and do as little time as possible, and the bubblegum J-Pop OST is still something that lingers in my mind. Not that it was any real competition, but this also far and away has the best human antagonist of the nu-trilogy (I'LL GET TO PERSONA 1 AND THE 2 DUOLOGY SOMEDAY), that I'll refrain from gushing about on the off chance someone reading this is unspoiled on the plot. I seriously have to stress that I do like the good elements in here a lot, and things that I already praised before are still true. It's just, damn! I don't like how messy this one is!! It makes me very conflicted. I get why this of all Persona games was the one to invigorate people though. Even outside of super-personal mantras - which, hey, I very much get - the core aspect of this is something I can very much see meaning a lot to someone. Now, I have this shelved, so it means I'll return to it at some point... but I'm not really sure when. Also unsure if I'll do a proper review, cause I think I said all I wanted with this journal entry.
Persona 4 Golden: A Maze of Complicated Feelings
If there's a single game I go back and forth on more than any game I love, it's Persona 4 Golden. At times, it's one of my favorite pieces of media ever. Other times, it falls off in my favorite games and I think, there must be other games I like better than this. If you asked me years ago, it was a lock in my top five favorite games. Now, it sits just under Portal 2 at number six.
Don't get me wrong, I still love Persona 4 Golden. It just took me awhile to figure out it's not a game I love based off gameplay, or the things in its story it does right, but more of what it means to me personally.
This Small World
Persona 4 Golden focuses your time on the small town of Inaba. For me, atmosphere is one of the key elements of any video game. While I love games where the atmosphere is so well realized they are unnerving, such as Bloodborne, Silent Hill 2, or Bioshock, Persona 4 Golden stands out because it makes such a small town not only feel so special but makes it one the player grows to love.
After spending something close to sixty to eighty hours in Inaba, you will know the entire town like the back of your hand. The local town shops that remain are pleasant to walk by, or something as dumb as visiting the local shrine to see the Fox is charming each time.
The big city is something to be curious about, what is out there in such a large space for you to get lost in. Some games have these massive places you marvel at because of scale. But I never feel truly connected to them. Inaba is so condensed it feels lived in, like you are part of the game's town. Even in it's empty, abandoned shops, it's believable when you realize that modernization is slowly turning the town into something completely different. It's a transformation that is realistic but sad to see. I don't usually get that kind of feeling from a game.
This strong world building is also highlighted by the cast of characters Persona 4 Golden hosts.
Friendships Built to Last
The cast of Persona 4 Golden is built off that small town feeling. The Investigation Team is well woven into feeling like a legitimate group of friends. The stakes are low in comparison to 3 and 5, so there's more time for the main cast to simply do dumb shit.
Each character is diverse, and while not every character is a hit, you really do get to know them well and their struggles. Being a friend is more obvious than ever in a game like Persona 4 Golden than the other modern Persona titles.
I love the characters that feel the most real:
Ai struggles with self-image.
Eri battles her own self-defeating attitude and problems with being a stepmother.
Kou is adopted and wants to find his own person against the choices forced upon him, while Daisuke is a character that builds up to be himself.
Naoki deals with the death of his sister from the events of the main storyline.
Hisano faces survivor's guilt and depression, who can't forgive herself about the death of her husband.
And how could anyone forget your guardian, Dojima, and the adorable Nanako? Both struggle to be around each other and bond and face their own demons in differing ways.
Each of these characters develop over the course of their time with the player character, and you are the person to bring out the "truth" that they should follow. It makes their character development real and gives you a reason to care about the tightly knit community of Inaba.
Then, there is the main cast in the Investigation Team. The ones that stand out to me the most are Yosuke, Kanji, and Naoto, who just so happen to be the most controversial characters in the game.
Yosuke is your standard 2000's teenager who cannot seem to appreciate the people around him or the place he is in. Yes, the things he says can be perverted and homophobic. But there is small hints of visible character growth in dungeon dialogue and change in attitude towards Kanji that show that throughout the story, he can change. And in his social link, he does change. He finds value and comfort in Inaba because the player brings a reason and perspective he has not encountered before.
Kanji is a character that fights conventional norms set by society. He hides behind a tough exterior to shelter his softer, kinder interior. This dynamic is always fun, and I think Kanji is one of the best examples of this. His own character doesn't suffer from any faults that usually comes from Persona writing. While the game tries to make him the butt of the joke, he has tough enough skin to brush it off, but also sticks to what he loves, no matter what other people think of him.
Naoto is pressured from a career field that looks down upon women. Naoto goes to the lengths to conceal her own gender, just to find footing and recognition. But after fighting her shadow, Naoto realizes she does not need to change to pursue her own passions, that isn't who she is. It's an empowering story for women, but it's also the one that from a modern perspective, can be controversial for people in the trans community. I think the way she is written; it does not exactly make sense for her to be trans, but interpretation of media differs for everyone, and I'm not one to stop others in seeing the character that way.
Withered Writing
Of course, this comes with some annoying writing caveats, and one of my bigger gripes with this game. The writing has not aged well. By standards of 2008, and specifically Japan, this game fits well. Hell, the things "said" in this game aren't even that far off from what specific friend groups say to each other in person. However, when playing Persona 4 Golden, on more recent playthroughs, that Hashino direction just comes off badly. I think the obvious homophobia is where the issue lies, but one comes from just how social links work. Social Links are optional, so that growth will never actually show in the main story for the most part. It just feels stiff sometimes to see incredible growth in party members, only for them to walk three steps backwards.
Signs of Growth
But I think the most important thing out of all of this is not that the themes are believable, but they feel realistic to me. As someone who grew up in a small town, Persona 4 Golden was a comfort. It's the kind of thing that I do not exactly see so often, but the feelings these characters go through I have been there and seen. Yosuke's disposition of the place and people around him, Ai's self-image, Kou's self-worth, Kanji's struggle with enjoying himself. These kinds of themes hit home super hard, where in my first playthrough, I had shed some tears from how impactful it felt. I have seen other people go through the exact same thing, but that growth is what makes us people. And that kind of realism is something I cannot see myself forgetting for a long time.
I feel as if I’ve somewhat rushed this reflection of the game, but these are my thoughts summarized. While I may look down upon the gameplay of Persona 4 Golden with its randomly generated hallways and see how something like Persona 5 Royal's Third Semester blows anything this game done out of the water, I cannot say there is a game that hits home quite like this game. It's a special experience with enough relatability that it will forever hold a special place in my heart.
Let's just hope they never do a Persona 4 Rerun and recast my beloved Adachi.
If there's a single game I go back and forth on more than any game I love, it's Persona 4 Golden. At times, it's one of my favorite pieces of media ever. Other times, it falls off in my favorite games and I think, there must be other games I like better than this. If you asked me years ago, it was a lock in my top five favorite games. Now, it sits just under Portal 2 at number six.
Don't get me wrong, I still love Persona 4 Golden. It just took me awhile to figure out it's not a game I love based off gameplay, or the things in its story it does right, but more of what it means to me personally.
This Small World
Persona 4 Golden focuses your time on the small town of Inaba. For me, atmosphere is one of the key elements of any video game. While I love games where the atmosphere is so well realized they are unnerving, such as Bloodborne, Silent Hill 2, or Bioshock, Persona 4 Golden stands out because it makes such a small town not only feel so special but makes it one the player grows to love.
After spending something close to sixty to eighty hours in Inaba, you will know the entire town like the back of your hand. The local town shops that remain are pleasant to walk by, or something as dumb as visiting the local shrine to see the Fox is charming each time.
The big city is something to be curious about, what is out there in such a large space for you to get lost in. Some games have these massive places you marvel at because of scale. But I never feel truly connected to them. Inaba is so condensed it feels lived in, like you are part of the game's town. Even in it's empty, abandoned shops, it's believable when you realize that modernization is slowly turning the town into something completely different. It's a transformation that is realistic but sad to see. I don't usually get that kind of feeling from a game.
This strong world building is also highlighted by the cast of characters Persona 4 Golden hosts.
Friendships Built to Last
The cast of Persona 4 Golden is built off that small town feeling. The Investigation Team is well woven into feeling like a legitimate group of friends. The stakes are low in comparison to 3 and 5, so there's more time for the main cast to simply do dumb shit.
Each character is diverse, and while not every character is a hit, you really do get to know them well and their struggles. Being a friend is more obvious than ever in a game like Persona 4 Golden than the other modern Persona titles.
I love the characters that feel the most real:
Ai struggles with self-image.
Eri battles her own self-defeating attitude and problems with being a stepmother.
Kou is adopted and wants to find his own person against the choices forced upon him, while Daisuke is a character that builds up to be himself.
Naoki deals with the death of his sister from the events of the main storyline.
Hisano faces survivor's guilt and depression, who can't forgive herself about the death of her husband.
And how could anyone forget your guardian, Dojima, and the adorable Nanako? Both struggle to be around each other and bond and face their own demons in differing ways.
Each of these characters develop over the course of their time with the player character, and you are the person to bring out the "truth" that they should follow. It makes their character development real and gives you a reason to care about the tightly knit community of Inaba.
Then, there is the main cast in the Investigation Team. The ones that stand out to me the most are Yosuke, Kanji, and Naoto, who just so happen to be the most controversial characters in the game.
Yosuke is your standard 2000's teenager who cannot seem to appreciate the people around him or the place he is in. Yes, the things he says can be perverted and homophobic. But there is small hints of visible character growth in dungeon dialogue and change in attitude towards Kanji that show that throughout the story, he can change. And in his social link, he does change. He finds value and comfort in Inaba because the player brings a reason and perspective he has not encountered before.
Kanji is a character that fights conventional norms set by society. He hides behind a tough exterior to shelter his softer, kinder interior. This dynamic is always fun, and I think Kanji is one of the best examples of this. His own character doesn't suffer from any faults that usually comes from Persona writing. While the game tries to make him the butt of the joke, he has tough enough skin to brush it off, but also sticks to what he loves, no matter what other people think of him.
Naoto is pressured from a career field that looks down upon women. Naoto goes to the lengths to conceal her own gender, just to find footing and recognition. But after fighting her shadow, Naoto realizes she does not need to change to pursue her own passions, that isn't who she is. It's an empowering story for women, but it's also the one that from a modern perspective, can be controversial for people in the trans community. I think the way she is written; it does not exactly make sense for her to be trans, but interpretation of media differs for everyone, and I'm not one to stop others in seeing the character that way.
Withered Writing
Of course, this comes with some annoying writing caveats, and one of my bigger gripes with this game. The writing has not aged well. By standards of 2008, and specifically Japan, this game fits well. Hell, the things "said" in this game aren't even that far off from what specific friend groups say to each other in person. However, when playing Persona 4 Golden, on more recent playthroughs, that Hashino direction just comes off badly. I think the obvious homophobia is where the issue lies, but one comes from just how social links work. Social Links are optional, so that growth will never actually show in the main story for the most part. It just feels stiff sometimes to see incredible growth in party members, only for them to walk three steps backwards.
Signs of Growth
But I think the most important thing out of all of this is not that the themes are believable, but they feel realistic to me. As someone who grew up in a small town, Persona 4 Golden was a comfort. It's the kind of thing that I do not exactly see so often, but the feelings these characters go through I have been there and seen. Yosuke's disposition of the place and people around him, Ai's self-image, Kou's self-worth, Kanji's struggle with enjoying himself. These kinds of themes hit home super hard, where in my first playthrough, I had shed some tears from how impactful it felt. I have seen other people go through the exact same thing, but that growth is what makes us people. And that kind of realism is something I cannot see myself forgetting for a long time.
I feel as if I’ve somewhat rushed this reflection of the game, but these are my thoughts summarized. While I may look down upon the gameplay of Persona 4 Golden with its randomly generated hallways and see how something like Persona 5 Royal's Third Semester blows anything this game done out of the water, I cannot say there is a game that hits home quite like this game. It's a special experience with enough relatability that it will forever hold a special place in my heart.
Let's just hope they never do a Persona 4 Rerun and recast my beloved Adachi.
How Persona mfs feel after saying "persona 3 best story, persona 4 best characters, persona 5 best gameplay"
https://i.imgflip.com/zvxoq.jpg?a471312
https://i.imgflip.com/zvxoq.jpg?a471312
I came in a Persona hater and I left renouncing my miscreant ways. Many people must have had the same experience but even though Yu can't escape the usual flaws of silent protagonists, he hits the spot. He's laissez-faire and proactive, nonchalant and a real homie. Cherry on the cake is the drip mod where he has the Goku drip jackets while doing an all-out attack with a smirk that just feels right. Narukamicore.
When something bad happened and my sibling was not in the right-place long-story short this was the game we were playing around that time and i took a laptop to the hospital as well so I guess it helped get things back to normal? Massive dub. The hospital was nicer than the one in-game... or the one in the first Persona, these hospitals are cooked ong.
Speaking of long-story short this game do be long-story short except remove the "short" part. Never gets boring. I prefer this game over Persona 5 and I don't know how Persona 3 compares yet (i will not buy the remake if no femc!!)
Hey I can't pick PC platform lmao thx for telling me i picked the wrong entry in the comments. We need an IGDB overhaul fr this is a port with the same content!! I think!! Slightly off-topic I got.
When something bad happened and my sibling was not in the right-place long-story short this was the game we were playing around that time and i took a laptop to the hospital as well so I guess it helped get things back to normal? Massive dub. The hospital was nicer than the one in-game... or the one in the first Persona, these hospitals are cooked ong.
Speaking of long-story short this game do be long-story short except remove the "short" part. Never gets boring. I prefer this game over Persona 5 and I don't know how Persona 3 compares yet (i will not buy the remake if no femc!!)
Hey I can't pick PC platform lmao thx for telling me i picked the wrong entry in the comments. We need an IGDB overhaul fr this is a port with the same content!! I think!! Slightly off-topic I got.
Moral of the story: Everyone got that dawg in them
This review contains spoilers
Persona 4 Golden is a bit of a hot topic on Backloggd. Despite its impressive 4.2 average score, it's been blasted by the community for a variety of reasons. People call it dull, simplistic, derivative, homophobic, and a disrespect to Persona 3 and SMT as a whole. And they're not entirely wrong.
For about 75% of its runtime, the story of P4G goes absolutely nowhere. It spreads a murder mystery over the span of 60 hours, slowing the deduction process to an almost painful crawl and relying on a series of red herrings that almost feel like filler. This isn't bad by itself; one of my favorite games of all time, NieR: Replicant, is an RPG with a slow story that still manages to consistently engage the player by filling the space in between with meaningful character interactions. Persona 4 does this, too...sometimes. I'll talk about the actual characters a bit more later on, because for now I want to focus on how Persona 4, and especially Golden, chooses to spend its downtime.
Now, I said the story is really slow for about 75% of its runtime, but what about the other 25%? Well, I actually really like it. Once the sixth dungeon gets going, the stakes are higher, the mystery moves faster, and there are some genuinely good twists. Nanako's "death", even if it's technically a fake-out, hits really hard and leads to some good character moments. Adachi is a great antagonist, and manages to be pretty menacing and entertaining for his small amount of screentime. He's a little less effective due to the final final twist, which is so stupid I don't even feel the need to discuss it here, but he gets the job done.
So, the story is pretty slow and uneven, but has some good moments. But what about the characters? Well, it's somewhat complicated. I said before that the characters feel very close together, and I stand by that. As a unit, the Investigation Team is probably my favorite cast out of the three modern Persona games. However, due to certain aspects of how some of the characters are handled, I think the individual characters are a lot weaker than 3 or 5.
Let's get this out of the way: No, I don't think Kanji is gay or Naoto is trans. Kanji seeks acceptance as a man despite his traditionally feminine hobbies and Naoto wants to succeed as a woman in a society that makes life difficult for women in the workplace. That said, while I think a lot of people fail to see these arcs through the lens of Japanese culture, I don't blame them for thinking that way. From how the game presents Naoto and Kanji's shadows, it seems like they follow the common fan interpretation. In particular, the imagery surrounding Shadow Naoto heavily supports the idea of changing one's gender. Shadows are supposed to represent people's exaggerated feelings, yes, but I don't think the game makes that very clear. It's not properly explained what they are until after Naoto joins, very late into the story and after the shadow's imagery has been burned into the player's mind. Furthermore, I find a lot of the phrases surrounding the shadows rather misleading: "the true self", "you're not me", "face yourself". Considering that, it's not surprising how many people come to the wrong conclusions.
Even with the knowledge of what shadows represent, many character arcs aren't the best they could be. I've seen people describe how Naoto and Kanji still get mistreated by the cast (especially Yosuke), even after their respective arcs, and I definitely think the game could've done better there. More broadly, I've heard people complain the characters never change: by the end of the game, Yukiko still runs the inn, Rise is still an idol, and Yosuke remains in Inaba, making their entire story arcs and social links feel a bit counterproductive. The main counterargument I've heard is, "Persona 4 is less about discovering your true self and more about accepting who you are as a person. Everyone in the game learns to be happy with themselves except for the villain." I think that's a reasonable statement, and for a lot of people it is a good message to send.
My main issue is that a lot of people aren't really happy with their place in life, and they won't become happier without some major changes to their situation. Especially for someone who is gay, or trans, or feels trapped in their choice of career, to simply be told "You just need a new mindset!" would definitely rub them the wrong way. As much as I respect Persona 4 and appreciate the message it tries to send, I think there's a bit more to it than that. Being happy with yourself isn't a simple black-and-white question. Maybe someone likes some aspects of their life, but needs other aspects to change before becoming truly content. Maybe they need to give up certain things to be better overall. Sometimes changing hurts, sometimes it can be scary, but sometimes it's for the better.
If I could change one thing about Persona 4, it would be to let the player date Yosuke. If I could change another thing after that, it would be to show more of this nuance in the characters. Maybe have some characters remain on their old paths, but still improve their situations (Rise's social link always felt like a missed opportunity in this regard). Maybe show more characters who aren't fully content with their places in life and aren't the main villain. Maybe have Yosuke treat Naoto and Kanji with more respect instead of constantly ruining his character with terrible "jokes" (again, why did you cut his romance option, Atlus?). Just give a little more hope to the people who can't make it out of their own dungeons.
With all that said, there are some things Persona 4 does very well. The atmosphere is uniquely cozy and stands out against the other Megaten games. It provides a unique combination of nostalgia, sadness, and hope through every aspect of its presentation. The gameplay is also really fun, with the fusion and time management mechanics being fun as always shuffle time mechanic making battles incredibly rewarding (even if 5 outdoes it in just about every way). The music is phenomenal, mixing upbeat, relaxing, and intense themes perfectly throughout the game's runtime. Despite how much I've criticized it, I love Persona 4. I also get why so many people hate it, especially coming from Persona 3. It makes a lot of mistakes, and maybe isn't quite as good as it could or should have been. But despite all that, it still manages to be great. Like vegetables.
For about 75% of its runtime, the story of P4G goes absolutely nowhere. It spreads a murder mystery over the span of 60 hours, slowing the deduction process to an almost painful crawl and relying on a series of red herrings that almost feel like filler. This isn't bad by itself; one of my favorite games of all time, NieR: Replicant, is an RPG with a slow story that still manages to consistently engage the player by filling the space in between with meaningful character interactions. Persona 4 does this, too...sometimes. I'll talk about the actual characters a bit more later on, because for now I want to focus on how Persona 4, and especially Golden, chooses to spend its downtime.
Now, I said the story is really slow for about 75% of its runtime, but what about the other 25%? Well, I actually really like it. Once the sixth dungeon gets going, the stakes are higher, the mystery moves faster, and there are some genuinely good twists. Nanako's "death", even if it's technically a fake-out, hits really hard and leads to some good character moments. Adachi is a great antagonist, and manages to be pretty menacing and entertaining for his small amount of screentime. He's a little less effective due to the final final twist, which is so stupid I don't even feel the need to discuss it here, but he gets the job done.
So, the story is pretty slow and uneven, but has some good moments. But what about the characters? Well, it's somewhat complicated. I said before that the characters feel very close together, and I stand by that. As a unit, the Investigation Team is probably my favorite cast out of the three modern Persona games. However, due to certain aspects of how some of the characters are handled, I think the individual characters are a lot weaker than 3 or 5.
Let's get this out of the way: No, I don't think Kanji is gay or Naoto is trans. Kanji seeks acceptance as a man despite his traditionally feminine hobbies and Naoto wants to succeed as a woman in a society that makes life difficult for women in the workplace. That said, while I think a lot of people fail to see these arcs through the lens of Japanese culture, I don't blame them for thinking that way. From how the game presents Naoto and Kanji's shadows, it seems like they follow the common fan interpretation. In particular, the imagery surrounding Shadow Naoto heavily supports the idea of changing one's gender. Shadows are supposed to represent people's exaggerated feelings, yes, but I don't think the game makes that very clear. It's not properly explained what they are until after Naoto joins, very late into the story and after the shadow's imagery has been burned into the player's mind. Furthermore, I find a lot of the phrases surrounding the shadows rather misleading: "the true self", "you're not me", "face yourself". Considering that, it's not surprising how many people come to the wrong conclusions.
Even with the knowledge of what shadows represent, many character arcs aren't the best they could be. I've seen people describe how Naoto and Kanji still get mistreated by the cast (especially Yosuke), even after their respective arcs, and I definitely think the game could've done better there. More broadly, I've heard people complain the characters never change: by the end of the game, Yukiko still runs the inn, Rise is still an idol, and Yosuke remains in Inaba, making their entire story arcs and social links feel a bit counterproductive. The main counterargument I've heard is, "Persona 4 is less about discovering your true self and more about accepting who you are as a person. Everyone in the game learns to be happy with themselves except for the villain." I think that's a reasonable statement, and for a lot of people it is a good message to send.
My main issue is that a lot of people aren't really happy with their place in life, and they won't become happier without some major changes to their situation. Especially for someone who is gay, or trans, or feels trapped in their choice of career, to simply be told "You just need a new mindset!" would definitely rub them the wrong way. As much as I respect Persona 4 and appreciate the message it tries to send, I think there's a bit more to it than that. Being happy with yourself isn't a simple black-and-white question. Maybe someone likes some aspects of their life, but needs other aspects to change before becoming truly content. Maybe they need to give up certain things to be better overall. Sometimes changing hurts, sometimes it can be scary, but sometimes it's for the better.
If I could change one thing about Persona 4, it would be to let the player date Yosuke. If I could change another thing after that, it would be to show more of this nuance in the characters. Maybe have some characters remain on their old paths, but still improve their situations (Rise's social link always felt like a missed opportunity in this regard). Maybe show more characters who aren't fully content with their places in life and aren't the main villain. Maybe have Yosuke treat Naoto and Kanji with more respect instead of constantly ruining his character with terrible "jokes" (again, why did you cut his romance option, Atlus?). Just give a little more hope to the people who can't make it out of their own dungeons.
With all that said, there are some things Persona 4 does very well. The atmosphere is uniquely cozy and stands out against the other Megaten games. It provides a unique combination of nostalgia, sadness, and hope through every aspect of its presentation. The gameplay is also really fun, with the fusion and time management mechanics being fun as always shuffle time mechanic making battles incredibly rewarding (even if 5 outdoes it in just about every way). The music is phenomenal, mixing upbeat, relaxing, and intense themes perfectly throughout the game's runtime. Despite how much I've criticized it, I love Persona 4. I also get why so many people hate it, especially coming from Persona 3. It makes a lot of mistakes, and maybe isn't quite as good as it could or should have been. But despite all that, it still manages to be great. Like vegetables.
if this game sucked dick, at least it'd be doing something for someone. instead, it sucks the life out of everyone and everything around it, and blows the most fetid hot air out of its putrid lungs, killing everyone else on the planet over the next dour, irritating, wasteful days of your life spent playing this game
This review contains spoilers
personagens incríveis, trilha sonora compete com a do P5, gosto muito do jeito que os temas aqui são retratados e da ambientação da cidadezinha, só não é um 5 porque me decepcionei um pouco com o desenvolvimento da história e as dungeons são chatas e repetitivas
Yosuke has a long ass neck what the hell
Persona 4 Golden is the definitive edition of Persona 4, and the preluding game in the Persona franchise before Persona 5. As someone who played and absolutely adored everything about Persona 5 Royal, I was eager to jump into the also highly acclaimed Persona 3 and Persona 4 games. However I couldn't, until they released ports to all consoles and so I got my hands on Persona 4 Golden for the Nintendo Switch!
I started this game a while ago, it was at probably a bad time, I was busy. But I got back into this game a couple months later and really fell back into the Persona Experience. That ever-so-addictive balance of real life and dungeon crawling.
Persona 4 Golden's setting, characters and general premise for its story are all top tier. Putting our main character out into a small town called Inaba for the school year, the main character stays with his uncle and little cousin for the year. However, not long after his arrival a series of murders take place, which suddenly correlate with a weird TV channel that plays at midnight when it rains. Along with his new friend Yosuke, the main character and Yosuke enter the TV.
Inaba has immaculate small town vibes. Loved the bustling city of Tokyo from Persona 5 but the small scale homely vibes are simply unmatched here, gorgeous locations always.
As for characters, these were truly a group of friends. Like Christ, this group was so tight it's much better as a dynamic than Persona 5. That's helped by this game having a much lighter and funnier tone compared to at least Persona 5. So we get countless hilarious moments. Oh but don't worry, this game will also absolutely break you too, in the late game especially. It finds the perfect balance as you'll enjoy spending time and just vibing before the game moves into the next dungeon.
Of the cast, I'd say Yukiko, Kanji, Nanako, Dojima and Naoto were highlights. I was dating Yukiko, but I found her arc and personality to both work extremely well. Kanji and Naoto both bring so much flavour to the cast as well as having really interesting and unique arcs, also being staples in my party (along with Yukiko).
Nanako and Dojima are absolutely the emotional core of the story and man do they sell you on it. There's never been a cuter character than Nanako.
As for characters I wasn't too fond of. I like Yosuke but I also don't like Yosuke. He's great when he's not actively being homophobic or a pervert but unfortunately the writers don't really allow him to be neither many times and so it leaves me feeling like I can't really truly like him, but I guess the headcannon being that he's closeted helps. Teddie also suffers from being too much of a pervert and being kinda annoying but I actually liked his arc in the end, he has good moments. No problems with Chie but she doesn't do anything really.
As for the mystery, what a thrilling one. Unfortunately I did know who the killer was since before I played -- the memes are unavoidable -- but the impact of it was still absolutely felt. And while to get the true ending is sorta annoying since you need to do very specific and not obvious things to get it, it fits so well into the themes of the game that I loved the way the game explored its themes.
The themes of this game being accepting who you are and not accepting a false perception of life. Using TV and fog to represent this was actually so smart and just a perfect metaphor, I loved it. And the added Golden content with Marie fits so naturally I can't imagine playing Persona 4 and that arc or character not even being in it.
Persona 4 Golden strives in its slice of life and its incredible cast, and genuinely incredible story, but how about gameplay? Well the dungeons aren't really the best of the series. But I actually really enjoyed them in the end. They're not really designed they're just hallways with chests and enemies until you reach the top and fight a boss, but I will say I did find that dungeon crawling element almost more addictive than designed dungeons so it balances out (but designed dungeons are better don't get me wrong). The combat is also not as good as Persona 5 but it's still very fun regardless.
But it feels unfair to compare an older game to a newer game. They improved lots of P4G's issues with P5, but it aged so very well in my opinion it doesn't affect my enjoyment at all. I didn't want my journey to end. I just wish it wasn't so damn perverted and homophobic lmao.
I started this game a while ago, it was at probably a bad time, I was busy. But I got back into this game a couple months later and really fell back into the Persona Experience. That ever-so-addictive balance of real life and dungeon crawling.
Persona 4 Golden's setting, characters and general premise for its story are all top tier. Putting our main character out into a small town called Inaba for the school year, the main character stays with his uncle and little cousin for the year. However, not long after his arrival a series of murders take place, which suddenly correlate with a weird TV channel that plays at midnight when it rains. Along with his new friend Yosuke, the main character and Yosuke enter the TV.
Inaba has immaculate small town vibes. Loved the bustling city of Tokyo from Persona 5 but the small scale homely vibes are simply unmatched here, gorgeous locations always.
As for characters, these were truly a group of friends. Like Christ, this group was so tight it's much better as a dynamic than Persona 5. That's helped by this game having a much lighter and funnier tone compared to at least Persona 5. So we get countless hilarious moments. Oh but don't worry, this game will also absolutely break you too, in the late game especially. It finds the perfect balance as you'll enjoy spending time and just vibing before the game moves into the next dungeon.
Of the cast, I'd say Yukiko, Kanji, Nanako, Dojima and Naoto were highlights. I was dating Yukiko, but I found her arc and personality to both work extremely well. Kanji and Naoto both bring so much flavour to the cast as well as having really interesting and unique arcs, also being staples in my party (along with Yukiko).
Nanako and Dojima are absolutely the emotional core of the story and man do they sell you on it. There's never been a cuter character than Nanako.
As for characters I wasn't too fond of. I like Yosuke but I also don't like Yosuke. He's great when he's not actively being homophobic or a pervert but unfortunately the writers don't really allow him to be neither many times and so it leaves me feeling like I can't really truly like him, but I guess the headcannon being that he's closeted helps. Teddie also suffers from being too much of a pervert and being kinda annoying but I actually liked his arc in the end, he has good moments. No problems with Chie but she doesn't do anything really.
As for the mystery, what a thrilling one. Unfortunately I did know who the killer was since before I played -- the memes are unavoidable -- but the impact of it was still absolutely felt. And while to get the true ending is sorta annoying since you need to do very specific and not obvious things to get it, it fits so well into the themes of the game that I loved the way the game explored its themes.
The themes of this game being accepting who you are and not accepting a false perception of life. Using TV and fog to represent this was actually so smart and just a perfect metaphor, I loved it. And the added Golden content with Marie fits so naturally I can't imagine playing Persona 4 and that arc or character not even being in it.
Persona 4 Golden strives in its slice of life and its incredible cast, and genuinely incredible story, but how about gameplay? Well the dungeons aren't really the best of the series. But I actually really enjoyed them in the end. They're not really designed they're just hallways with chests and enemies until you reach the top and fight a boss, but I will say I did find that dungeon crawling element almost more addictive than designed dungeons so it balances out (but designed dungeons are better don't get me wrong). The combat is also not as good as Persona 5 but it's still very fun regardless.
But it feels unfair to compare an older game to a newer game. They improved lots of P4G's issues with P5, but it aged so very well in my opinion it doesn't affect my enjoyment at all. I didn't want my journey to end. I just wish it wasn't so damn perverted and homophobic lmao.
This review contains spoilers
Heavy bias disclaimer
Persona 4 Golden is, without a doubt, one of my all-time favorite games, and for good reason. This enthralling RPG captivates players with its rich storytelling, relatable characters, and an unforgettable aesthetic. It's a game that goes beyond the realm of entertainment, offering an experience that lingers long after the final credits roll.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Persona 4 Golden lies in its portrayal of bonds between characters. While other entries in the series have explored the theme of friendship and connection, Persona 4 Golden takes it to a whole new level. The bonds forged in this game feel incredibly real and genuine, leaving a profound impact on the player. Witnessing the characters' growth, both individually and as a group, is a rewarding experience that few games can replicate.
The main cast in Persona 4 Golden feels like a group of close-knit friends, each with their own distinct personalities, strengths, and vulnerabilities. You'll find yourself emotionally invested in their lives, celebrating their triumphs and sharing their sorrows. The game brilliantly captures the essence of friendship, making the characters' struggles and triumphs hit home in a way that feels remarkably personal. It really makes you feel like Yu Narukami.
Beyond the characters, the game's overall aesthetic is a work of art. The vibrant and charming visuals, combined with a memorable soundtrack, create an atmosphere that is both nostalgic and inviting. Whether you're exploring the atmospheric town of Inaba, delving into mysterious dungeons with level design that could definitely benefit from a remake, or engaging in heartfelt conversations, every aspect of the game's presentation is crafted with care and attention to detail.
What sets Persona 4 Golden apart from many other RPGs is its ability to seamlessly blend genres. You'll find yourself balancing school life, friendships, and extracurricular activities alongside battling shadowy creatures in a parallel dimension. This balance between the supernatural and the mundane adds depth and complexity to the gameplay, providing a sense of immersion that few games achieve.
Furthermore, Persona 4 Golden's story tackles deep and thought-provoking themes such as identity, truth, and the bonds we forge with others. It encourages introspection and prompts players to question their own beliefs and values. The game's narrative unfolds in a captivating manner, filled with unexpected twists and turns that keep you engaged from start to finish. There are some questionable outdated writing choices but none to ruin the experience overall.
In conclusion, Persona 4 Golden stands as a shining gem among RPGs. Its ability to create believable bonds between characters, coupled with its captivating aesthetic and compelling narrative, sets it apart as a truly remarkable gaming experience. It's a game that resonates with players on a personal level, leaving an indelible mark long after the adventure concludes.
Persona 4 Golden is, without a doubt, one of my all-time favorite games, and for good reason. This enthralling RPG captivates players with its rich storytelling, relatable characters, and an unforgettable aesthetic. It's a game that goes beyond the realm of entertainment, offering an experience that lingers long after the final credits roll.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Persona 4 Golden lies in its portrayal of bonds between characters. While other entries in the series have explored the theme of friendship and connection, Persona 4 Golden takes it to a whole new level. The bonds forged in this game feel incredibly real and genuine, leaving a profound impact on the player. Witnessing the characters' growth, both individually and as a group, is a rewarding experience that few games can replicate.
The main cast in Persona 4 Golden feels like a group of close-knit friends, each with their own distinct personalities, strengths, and vulnerabilities. You'll find yourself emotionally invested in their lives, celebrating their triumphs and sharing their sorrows. The game brilliantly captures the essence of friendship, making the characters' struggles and triumphs hit home in a way that feels remarkably personal. It really makes you feel like Yu Narukami.
Beyond the characters, the game's overall aesthetic is a work of art. The vibrant and charming visuals, combined with a memorable soundtrack, create an atmosphere that is both nostalgic and inviting. Whether you're exploring the atmospheric town of Inaba, delving into mysterious dungeons with level design that could definitely benefit from a remake, or engaging in heartfelt conversations, every aspect of the game's presentation is crafted with care and attention to detail.
What sets Persona 4 Golden apart from many other RPGs is its ability to seamlessly blend genres. You'll find yourself balancing school life, friendships, and extracurricular activities alongside battling shadowy creatures in a parallel dimension. This balance between the supernatural and the mundane adds depth and complexity to the gameplay, providing a sense of immersion that few games achieve.
Furthermore, Persona 4 Golden's story tackles deep and thought-provoking themes such as identity, truth, and the bonds we forge with others. It encourages introspection and prompts players to question their own beliefs and values. The game's narrative unfolds in a captivating manner, filled with unexpected twists and turns that keep you engaged from start to finish. There are some questionable outdated writing choices but none to ruin the experience overall.
In conclusion, Persona 4 Golden stands as a shining gem among RPGs. Its ability to create believable bonds between characters, coupled with its captivating aesthetic and compelling narrative, sets it apart as a truly remarkable gaming experience. It's a game that resonates with players on a personal level, leaving an indelible mark long after the adventure concludes.
"be your true self!!" except if ur LGBTQ
This review contains spoilers
Persona 4 has been one of my favorite games of all time ever since I beat the PlayStation 2 original in just two weeks back in 2017. I've been a fan of the characters, world, and social links for years but it didn't dawn on me til my playthrough of Golden this year how beautiful this game is. It's even better than I remember and with hindsight as an adult (And my media literacy no longer being that of a 15 year old's), this game may very well be the best JRPG I have ever played.
Each character in Inaba feels real. Their suffering, motivations, past mistakes and future triumphs are all very human. Whether it is Chie and Yukiko's dynamic of being heavily codependent on one another with one viewing themselves as being better than their friend and another believing their life is meaningless because they live in their friends shadow or Kanji accepting that enjoying feminine things does not make him "strange" and that he doesn't have to dress like a punk and act like a stereotypical manly man to be a "man," each character is wholly unique.
I like the story a lot as well. I love stuff like the dungeon Heaven where Namatame's screaming "I'm saving Nanako" because he's a broken man being manipulated by a person who only wants to see chaos because it's entertaining. I also like Marie as I feel she helps flesh out the narrative of Persona 4 and helps push along the message that you must look past your trauma and faults (The fog) and learn to love and accept yourself rather than worry what people may think of you (Reach out to the truth).
Persona 4: Golden is just such an amazing game. Yes, it's dungeon design is lackluster and characters like Mitsuo aren't detailed enough, but that doesn't phase me. I can put myself in each one of the Investigation Team members shoes as I once struggled with what they struggled with back when I was a teenager. I know it's cliched to say I "relate to these characters," but I do and seeing them grow and learn throughout the story makes me realize just how lucky I was to learn and grow from my insecurities, issues, and overall life problems.
Fuck the Hollowed Forest, though.
Rating: S
Genre(s): JRPG, visual novel
Each character in Inaba feels real. Their suffering, motivations, past mistakes and future triumphs are all very human. Whether it is Chie and Yukiko's dynamic of being heavily codependent on one another with one viewing themselves as being better than their friend and another believing their life is meaningless because they live in their friends shadow or Kanji accepting that enjoying feminine things does not make him "strange" and that he doesn't have to dress like a punk and act like a stereotypical manly man to be a "man," each character is wholly unique.
I like the story a lot as well. I love stuff like the dungeon Heaven where Namatame's screaming "I'm saving Nanako" because he's a broken man being manipulated by a person who only wants to see chaos because it's entertaining. I also like Marie as I feel she helps flesh out the narrative of Persona 4 and helps push along the message that you must look past your trauma and faults (The fog) and learn to love and accept yourself rather than worry what people may think of you (Reach out to the truth).
Persona 4: Golden is just such an amazing game. Yes, it's dungeon design is lackluster and characters like Mitsuo aren't detailed enough, but that doesn't phase me. I can put myself in each one of the Investigation Team members shoes as I once struggled with what they struggled with back when I was a teenager. I know it's cliched to say I "relate to these characters," but I do and seeing them grow and learn throughout the story makes me realize just how lucky I was to learn and grow from my insecurities, issues, and overall life problems.
Fuck the Hollowed Forest, though.
Rating: S
Genre(s): JRPG, visual novel
my favorite game ever, and best persona game, an amazing cast, booming soundtrack, and chie. i love chie.
This is a game I've had a lot of conflicted feelings on, ever since my playthrough of it over two years ago. Not helping matters is how its become basically inseparable from the heated debate over how it handled LGBT issues, which has resulted in the speaking over and harassment of trans people. But you know, I get it. Not the speaking over and harassing trans people part, please go fuck yourself if you do that, but I get Persona 4's appeal. It's a game about coming terms with truths about yourself that you don't feel like accepting and if you play it as the teenage demographic it's aimed towards, that's a powerful message. So I'm going to be extremely charitable and separate Persona 4 from its politics to see it for what it is: a mechanically dull/pathetically easy RPG with boring procedurally generated dungeon design and a poorly paced story that's as repetitive as those dungeons
For a while now, Persona 4 Golden has been in the back of my mind as one of the most special pieces of fiction for me. So this review is a poor attempt to verbalize what this game means to me.
In the middle of 2022, I was at one of the lowest points of my life. Through my own admission, I had lost the people around me. My days felt empty, my future looked bleak and I struggled to get out of bed, let alone take care of myself. In an attempt to make my life a bit better, I purchased a new PC, to delve into new games that I previously wouldn't be able to play. To at least get out of bed.
Luckily, my best friend stuck with me through these tough times. He introduced me to Persona 4 Golden, a series I had previously been aware of and been mildly interested in through Persona 5, but never got the push to quite get into it. Ironically, I could've easily played Persona 4 Golden on my older PC, but nonetheless it felt like the mark of a new beginning.
I would love to say that starting the game and playing it was a magical experience, but it was a struggle at first. But it was a reason to talk to my best friend, it was a way for me to keep going so I managed to keep going. Through the daily struggle to keep up, I got to know the characters slowly, but surely. I started to pick a favorite, get invested in their character arcs, try to figure out the mystery of the town and most importantly, feel a bit better every time I saw that friend group that had started to mean so much to me.
Of course, the characters of a video game cannot replace any real friends or any real interaction, but the bonds that were being forged in front of my eyes were enough to fill that temporary emptiness in my heart. The perseverance of these kids, to have the courage to keep moving forward when it all seems so bleak, gave me hope in my darker hours. To be able to share that with the only person close to me at the time was a special time and allowed me to keep the hope that life would get better.
And it did. Because of Persona 4 Golden and my best friend Goh, I was able to persevere myself and keep faith in the future. To me, they saved me.
I usually like to close off a review with a quote that meant something to me in the story that I experienced, but here I would just like to thank Persona 4 Golden and Goh to be there for me and I'm grateful to anyone who took the time out of their day to read what this game means to me.
In the middle of 2022, I was at one of the lowest points of my life. Through my own admission, I had lost the people around me. My days felt empty, my future looked bleak and I struggled to get out of bed, let alone take care of myself. In an attempt to make my life a bit better, I purchased a new PC, to delve into new games that I previously wouldn't be able to play. To at least get out of bed.
Luckily, my best friend stuck with me through these tough times. He introduced me to Persona 4 Golden, a series I had previously been aware of and been mildly interested in through Persona 5, but never got the push to quite get into it. Ironically, I could've easily played Persona 4 Golden on my older PC, but nonetheless it felt like the mark of a new beginning.
I would love to say that starting the game and playing it was a magical experience, but it was a struggle at first. But it was a reason to talk to my best friend, it was a way for me to keep going so I managed to keep going. Through the daily struggle to keep up, I got to know the characters slowly, but surely. I started to pick a favorite, get invested in their character arcs, try to figure out the mystery of the town and most importantly, feel a bit better every time I saw that friend group that had started to mean so much to me.
Of course, the characters of a video game cannot replace any real friends or any real interaction, but the bonds that were being forged in front of my eyes were enough to fill that temporary emptiness in my heart. The perseverance of these kids, to have the courage to keep moving forward when it all seems so bleak, gave me hope in my darker hours. To be able to share that with the only person close to me at the time was a special time and allowed me to keep the hope that life would get better.
And it did. Because of Persona 4 Golden and my best friend Goh, I was able to persevere myself and keep faith in the future. To me, they saved me.
I usually like to close off a review with a quote that meant something to me in the story that I experienced, but here I would just like to thank Persona 4 Golden and Goh to be there for me and I'm grateful to anyone who took the time out of their day to read what this game means to me.
A wonderful rpg with one of the most strangely captivating settings in a videogame. The great characters and overall lighter tone help to make Inaba feel like a second home. The ost is amazing and for some reason brings feelings of nostalgia. The UI and graphics are pretty good, though the character models look goofy. I also really like the story, and gameplay is solid if fairly easy. Persona 4 Golden is a fantastic game I highly recommend.
There are little to no things that resonate with me as much as Persona 4 does, when i first played it back in 2021, in the middle of the pandemic, attending only to online classes, and my only social circle being online friends, there was no better game than Persona to play.
My experience with the franchise up to that point was only having finished Persona 3 and 5, so coming of off those games to this one was a bit weird, i wasn't used to Persona taking place in small cities, where everyone has at least a small connection to each other, to me, Persona was about living a student life on big japanese metropolises and getting to know people and make friends there, but P4 is different, the setting has a completely different vibe, and one that i vastly prefer, Inaba is a cozy, run of the mill japanese countryside town, and 30 minutes after you arrive you're already making friends and getting the gist of the place, because as i said, it isn't a big touristic town, so a person from somewhere else going there is a rare thing, and one that the inhabitants appreciate, and this feeling of being welcome permeates throughout the whole game, this allows the game to make you feel connected to those characters like no other game can, you truly see that the characters really appreciate each other's company, and simply watching them and being there with them is extraordinarily heartwarming and comforting.
Not too long after, you're introduced to the main mystery of Persona 4, the murders, and i must say, it's one of the best things Atlus every wrote, you're at the edge of your seat everytime it comes up, and the resolution is very well done and satisfying.
When i was thrown in on the first dungeon, it was a bit weird, and it's still not an aspect i'm very fan of, the randomized nature made sense in P3, but here, it just feels bland, and it's not like Atlus didn't know how to make good dungeons, heck they had made Nocturne 5 years ago and that game's dungeons are great, but for some reason they decided to go with procedurally generated corridors, don't get me wrong, they're not annoying or boring, just kinda dissapointing, if a P4 Remake ever comes, i'd really like to see them do actual humanly crafted dungeons.
The combat here is a major evolution from P3 FES, now you have control of all party members again, and while the game remains much easier than mainline SMT, it's not braindead and some bosses took me some thought to beat, i feel like the combat could have a bit more spice, but it's fine as it is.
Now we get to a point which is at the same time of the greatest qualities and perhaps the greatest flaw of P4, the message, it can be summarized as "accept your true self", which means acknowledge that both your flaws and qualities are part of who you are, and that you shouldn't ostracize your weaknesses, but accept them and become a better person each day, and while i think that the theme is well executed for the most part, some character's conclusions seem to work against it? I don't want to get into spoilers, but those who played it know what i'm talking about.
Overall, Persona 4 is a game that came to me at the right place, right time, and probably, it's the game i enjoyed playing the most, that's why i have it listed at number one, i could write much more, but for now, i think i managed to get across what i felt.
My experience with the franchise up to that point was only having finished Persona 3 and 5, so coming of off those games to this one was a bit weird, i wasn't used to Persona taking place in small cities, where everyone has at least a small connection to each other, to me, Persona was about living a student life on big japanese metropolises and getting to know people and make friends there, but P4 is different, the setting has a completely different vibe, and one that i vastly prefer, Inaba is a cozy, run of the mill japanese countryside town, and 30 minutes after you arrive you're already making friends and getting the gist of the place, because as i said, it isn't a big touristic town, so a person from somewhere else going there is a rare thing, and one that the inhabitants appreciate, and this feeling of being welcome permeates throughout the whole game, this allows the game to make you feel connected to those characters like no other game can, you truly see that the characters really appreciate each other's company, and simply watching them and being there with them is extraordinarily heartwarming and comforting.
Not too long after, you're introduced to the main mystery of Persona 4, the murders, and i must say, it's one of the best things Atlus every wrote, you're at the edge of your seat everytime it comes up, and the resolution is very well done and satisfying.
When i was thrown in on the first dungeon, it was a bit weird, and it's still not an aspect i'm very fan of, the randomized nature made sense in P3, but here, it just feels bland, and it's not like Atlus didn't know how to make good dungeons, heck they had made Nocturne 5 years ago and that game's dungeons are great, but for some reason they decided to go with procedurally generated corridors, don't get me wrong, they're not annoying or boring, just kinda dissapointing, if a P4 Remake ever comes, i'd really like to see them do actual humanly crafted dungeons.
The combat here is a major evolution from P3 FES, now you have control of all party members again, and while the game remains much easier than mainline SMT, it's not braindead and some bosses took me some thought to beat, i feel like the combat could have a bit more spice, but it's fine as it is.
Now we get to a point which is at the same time of the greatest qualities and perhaps the greatest flaw of P4, the message, it can be summarized as "accept your true self", which means acknowledge that both your flaws and qualities are part of who you are, and that you shouldn't ostracize your weaknesses, but accept them and become a better person each day, and while i think that the theme is well executed for the most part, some character's conclusions seem to work against it? I don't want to get into spoilers, but those who played it know what i'm talking about.
Overall, Persona 4 is a game that came to me at the right place, right time, and probably, it's the game i enjoyed playing the most, that's why i have it listed at number one, i could write much more, but for now, i think i managed to get across what i felt.
this game is many things
you will witness the worst dialogue youi've ever read in your entire life and be like why the hell am i playing this game oh my god oH MY GOD SPLEASE MAKE THEM STOP TALKING OH GOOOOODO
but then
then
you will witness, beautiful. you will witness, goodness. you will witness the seekers of truth, and truth they shall seek. you will somehow maybe love them, somehow (for they have many probelms). yosuke is a veYYG OROD BNOY ANDF IO WILL RDEEFND HIM !!!!! (atlus put him down. give him to me)
truly actualyl frfr, this game is good, and the end climax sections are actually genuinely peak gaming. like not joking. i was crying so hard i thought i was goihng to throw up lol THIS IS A GOOD THING !
adachi. well. where to begin. best character of all time. maybe.
debatable.
great vegetab;les.
you will witness the worst dialogue youi've ever read in your entire life and be like why the hell am i playing this game oh my god oH MY GOD SPLEASE MAKE THEM STOP TALKING OH GOOOOODO
but then
then
you will witness, beautiful. you will witness, goodness. you will witness the seekers of truth, and truth they shall seek. you will somehow maybe love them, somehow (for they have many probelms). yosuke is a veYYG OROD BNOY ANDF IO WILL RDEEFND HIM !!!!! (atlus put him down. give him to me)
truly actualyl frfr, this game is good, and the end climax sections are actually genuinely peak gaming. like not joking. i was crying so hard i thought i was goihng to throw up lol THIS IS A GOOD THING !
adachi. well. where to begin. best character of all time. maybe.
debatable.
great vegetab;les.
The entire middle part of the story until the 8th Investigation Team member joins (and even a bit past that) is frequently decried as filler.
...I mean, I like that these guys get to goof off, but like, would it have killed these guys to goof off for less than sixty hours?
Either way, it's still a Persona game. When P4 hits, it's above P3 and P5 in many ways. Like Kanji existing.
...I mean, I like that these guys get to goof off, but like, would it have killed these guys to goof off for less than sixty hours?
Either way, it's still a Persona game. When P4 hits, it's above P3 and P5 in many ways. Like Kanji existing.
The standout part of this game is the party, this is one of the best parties I've ever seen in an RPG. Every character is likeable, even Teddy. The tonal shift from the older personas helps in this regard, seeing as the slice-of-life foundation makes character dynamics much more natural and present throughout the game.
Plays very close to Persona 3, so if you've ever played that game you know how it is, and fusing personas also needs no introduction. I didn't like the structure of the TV World compared to Tartarus, though. Like it or not, Tartarus actually had a big feeling of progression, while the TV World feels finnicky and disjointed. I would say that I enjoy the fact that there are more artstyles now that we have 10 mini-dungeons, but only a few of them were standouts, like Heaven. Some of them were just really boring, and I never liked the gimmick stages.
The plot takes a backseat for most of the game, but that's one of the sacrifices you have to make when your game has to be 110 hours long and take place over each day in a whole year. Another sacrifice that they had to make, an even bigger one at that, is a lot of plot and setting flexibility had to be given up due to the fact that your characters have to go to school every day. You could never write a story like Persona 2 with these restrictions, and this bothers me quite a bit, though obviously they did a phenomenal job with these restrictions in mind.
All in all, Persona 2 is still my favorite, but this comes in second place because of the fantastic cast of party members and the Dojima + Nanako combo. I'm writing this review months after having completed the game and I still remember their names, so that means something!
Plays very close to Persona 3, so if you've ever played that game you know how it is, and fusing personas also needs no introduction. I didn't like the structure of the TV World compared to Tartarus, though. Like it or not, Tartarus actually had a big feeling of progression, while the TV World feels finnicky and disjointed. I would say that I enjoy the fact that there are more artstyles now that we have 10 mini-dungeons, but only a few of them were standouts, like Heaven. Some of them were just really boring, and I never liked the gimmick stages.
The plot takes a backseat for most of the game, but that's one of the sacrifices you have to make when your game has to be 110 hours long and take place over each day in a whole year. Another sacrifice that they had to make, an even bigger one at that, is a lot of plot and setting flexibility had to be given up due to the fact that your characters have to go to school every day. You could never write a story like Persona 2 with these restrictions, and this bothers me quite a bit, though obviously they did a phenomenal job with these restrictions in mind.
All in all, Persona 2 is still my favorite, but this comes in second place because of the fantastic cast of party members and the Dojima + Nanako combo. I'm writing this review months after having completed the game and I still remember their names, so that means something!
P4G is a great game when you don’t have a bozo in your ear misinterpreting the story and themes of Kanji and Naoto
With that being said tho fuck Yosuke
With that being said tho fuck Yosuke
The game that saved me during lockdown.
The characters are lovable and the story is fun and interesting.
The dungeons are fun but can be repetitive at times.
However the mixing of a life sim with the normal JRPG dungeon crawling keeps things fresh.
The characters are lovable and the story is fun and interesting.
The dungeons are fun but can be repetitive at times.
However the mixing of a life sim with the normal JRPG dungeon crawling keeps things fresh.
This review contains spoilers
I have a complicated history with Persona 4. On one hand, it singlehandedly changed the course of my life and set me down a path in my own life that I do not think I regret in the least. On the other hand, I have had to contend quite a bit with my nostalgia goggles for this game fading a little and with really beginning to understand that this game isn't the masterpiece I thought it was. Is it for you? That's up to you to decide.
Persona 4 Golden's biggest strength is its atmosphere - the backwater town of Yaso-Inaba, for how little there is to do in it, captures a very particular sort of feeling that can't really be done justice. It's the sort of hazy joy that comes with thinking of good times in your high school years, the lazy, halcyon "summer years" of yours that slowly begin to taper off into the realization of what you have to do and the responsibilities one has to take on as an adult.
My favorite part of this game really does have to be the Dojima family (Adachi included). Ryotaro and Nanako Dojima's Social Links hit more than a little harder than I expected it to as a AFAB person with a father mainly absent for work reasons. Tohru Adachi's Social Link is one of the best additions Golden makes, giving fun amounts of foreshadowing and context to a character who historically didn't receive much in the original Persona 4. He is, as always, a fantastic fucking villain with a lot of complexity - even more so, the older you get and the more you experience the world. The Accomplice Ending still remains one of my favorite Bad Endings in any RPG to date. Everything surrounding these three remains as good as it ever was in my mind's eye, even despite everything that's happened surrounding them in my life.
However...
that doesn't fix the fact that this game has a lot, and I do mean a lot, of issues. The rest of the Social Links (aside from those like Marie) aren't really too great. I can see what they were going for with the main party, but it was infamously bungled by the way the developers just did not think about how they were deploying their themes in their plot. The queerphobia in this game just ages worse and worse with every year, the gameplay is clunky and doesn't really grow on me, some of the impacts don't hit as hard as they used to.
But then again, why would they? I'm a very different person than the weird teenager who picked up Persona 4 Golden in 2019-2020. This was a game for that me, who needed it the most. I'm 21 now, I have an apartment, I'm entering my senior year in college.
The Persona 4 Golden in my head was never the Persona 4 Golden that actually existed. It lies, instead, in the past - in my past self's hands, a past forever stuck in that hazy summer year. It lies, somewhat still, with me in the quiet present, in an autumn year of my life that paradoxically seems both colder and warmer.
Persona 4 Golden's biggest strength is its atmosphere - the backwater town of Yaso-Inaba, for how little there is to do in it, captures a very particular sort of feeling that can't really be done justice. It's the sort of hazy joy that comes with thinking of good times in your high school years, the lazy, halcyon "summer years" of yours that slowly begin to taper off into the realization of what you have to do and the responsibilities one has to take on as an adult.
My favorite part of this game really does have to be the Dojima family (Adachi included). Ryotaro and Nanako Dojima's Social Links hit more than a little harder than I expected it to as a AFAB person with a father mainly absent for work reasons. Tohru Adachi's Social Link is one of the best additions Golden makes, giving fun amounts of foreshadowing and context to a character who historically didn't receive much in the original Persona 4. He is, as always, a fantastic fucking villain with a lot of complexity - even more so, the older you get and the more you experience the world. The Accomplice Ending still remains one of my favorite Bad Endings in any RPG to date. Everything surrounding these three remains as good as it ever was in my mind's eye, even despite everything that's happened surrounding them in my life.
However...
that doesn't fix the fact that this game has a lot, and I do mean a lot, of issues. The rest of the Social Links (aside from those like Marie) aren't really too great. I can see what they were going for with the main party, but it was infamously bungled by the way the developers just did not think about how they were deploying their themes in their plot. The queerphobia in this game just ages worse and worse with every year, the gameplay is clunky and doesn't really grow on me, some of the impacts don't hit as hard as they used to.
But then again, why would they? I'm a very different person than the weird teenager who picked up Persona 4 Golden in 2019-2020. This was a game for that me, who needed it the most. I'm 21 now, I have an apartment, I'm entering my senior year in college.
The Persona 4 Golden in my head was never the Persona 4 Golden that actually existed. It lies, instead, in the past - in my past self's hands, a past forever stuck in that hazy summer year. It lies, somewhat still, with me in the quiet present, in an autumn year of my life that paradoxically seems both colder and warmer.
this game has been one of my favourites for years and i would definitely hate the game entirely if i replayed it
Vanilla P4 is better and I'll die on that hill. This has the video game equivalent of filler episodes and is stupidly easy. Still, a great story with the most consistent lovable main cast. I just wish I could delete Teddie from existence
Persona 4 will always be special to me. The game isn't perfect, but I still love what it does so well. Can't even fully express how special this game is to me. I will always live true to myself, even if it's sometimes painful. That's what this game has taught me.
its aight
Hervorragende Charaktere, welche sich durch den Spielverlauf wirklich wie gute Freunde anfühlen. Eine spannende, interessante Story, ein spaßiges Kampfsystem, verdammt gute Musik und Teddie. Was will man denn mehr in einem Videospiel? Mein erstes Persona Spiel, welches ich erst Anfang 2023 gespielt habe und ich liebe es! Zwar gefällt mir Persona 3 noch etwas mehr, dieses Spiel ist aber sicherlich direkt dahinter.