Post by Bytor on Jun 28, 2009 13:57:36 GMT -5
-Visuals- 8.3/10
Pretty much the same as Persona 3: The graphics, as is typical in Shin Megami games is not the strong point. The backgrounds and extras are adequate though. The strongest visual aspect of game is the various demons themselves. They are not obviously anything spectacular but over all they are rendered quite nicely.
-Sound- 8.1/10
Once again pretty much the same as Persona 3, it fits the mood of the game although it can be a bit repetitive. the voice acting has caused many debates, many like them and think they fit the personalities really good, others hate them, it's a toss up. I for one liked the voice acting better overall in 4 than in 3.
-Gameplay- 9.8/10
Everything Persona 3 got wrong, and there wasn't much, has been fixed and improved. the fighting system is so much better as you control your allies actions in battle where as in 3 you did not. The persona's themselves are so much easier to control as well since you can actually view their skills before you commit to evoking them. This eliminates the possibility of having a persona which is useless against certain shadows. I also feel the persona's for the most part aren't as restrictive in their powers, a tad less specialization which is nice as now you don't have to necessarily use 5 different persona's in a given battle, although often I did simply for the fun of it! The social links are also, while demanding, nowhere near as impossible as some days were in Persona 3 (seldom do 3 or 4 people want to meet on the same day for instance. Once again the game is timed, so it does require some dungeon crawling to level up and some SIM management to develop your links which in turn influence your skills. However, I felt at times in Persona 3 to be rushed, here you are playing at a much more relaxed pace, and this, in my opinion adds more to the feel and flow of the game. It's seldom I have seen every weakness rectified in a sequel, but I have here, great job Atlus!
-Story- 9.5/10
The story here starts a tad more laid back than the shadows taking over the world which faces you in Persona 3. Here you are a , once again, typical high school student sent to the countryside to spend the summer with your uncle and cousin, While there a series of murders occur, which lead you and your friends to begin some detective work on your own. like all Shin Megami games the plot and story get a tad bizarre at times but once again Atlus got it right, a great storyline with characters you certainly will find yourself immersed in.
-Overall- 9.6/10
I found this to be one of the most enjoyable Shin Megami games. The gameplay is excellent, the acting wonderful and the graphics certainly do an adequate job. Once again it is extremely hard to max out everything so you will find your not only willing but anxious to play over again. Now, c'mon Shin Megami/Atlus, bring on Persona 5, if it has as many improvements over 4 as 4 did 3 then we are really in for a treat!