This was kind of a banger. I really enjoyed my time here more than I was expecting. Kind of a tale of two games though, the original persona 4 arena story was a little messy, and a chore to play through, but the overall story was good and I enjoyed it.

The new "ultimax" content though, was really great, and was tied together in a much better way, and a better flow to it. It was great getting to see the persona 4 cast again, but even more so, it was SO great seeing the Persona 3 cast again, and getting an update on them being older, and what they've been up to since the events of Persona 3. I really wish some of the persona 5 spin offs would have given us this, but they didn't go in that direction for whatever the reason.

The actual fighting game itself? It's fun. I'm not a GIANT fighting game fan, so I won't pretend to know if this is peak quality or not, but it was fun, the graphics were really gorgeous, and a lot of unique characters and way to play in it.

Overall, a fine send off to persona for me. I've played almost everything I've wanted too now (besides Persona 2 and the Q games, hoping they get ported/remastered). But that'll be it for now, with a 5 Royal replay likely in my future.

Bless Persona. The second greatest video game franchise of all time!!!

So after finishing Inscyprtion, and not really wanting to start anything major until Final Fantasy Rebirth comes out, I figured this would be a nice little follow up game. Something I've had on my backlog forever, and with the freshness of how fantastic Inscrpytion was in my mind, this seemed like the perfect opportunity to play this.

What followed a pretty uneven experience, but definitely something that would lay the ground work for the brilliance that would be ahead.

First of all, lets start at the top. I finished this game on Steam Deck, and this was NOT an ideal place to play it. The game controls really poorly on that, which really isn't on the game, and it even warns you to not be stupid and attempt to do that. Some better control options would have been appreciated though.

The game itself is interesting. The puzzle segments were okay, though overused, and the arcade bits were fun. I wish there was a bit more playing around on the desktop, and using creative stuff like that in the game to do cool stuff t here.

The ending is pretty great, which I won't go into detail, suffice to say, I think Daniel's strength might be ending his games on a high point after two now.

Overall this was fun in spurts, frustrating in others, but the ending makes me overall positive on it. Cool to experience, once is good enough though.

Incredible game, that ends up delivering a wonderful ending. Top tier cast (Expect for Ken :P) , amazing combat, with a great message.

Main things that hold it back from a 5/5 like other two Persona's I've played.

1. Slowest starting Persona game. You don't get a lot of main party member links till very late and story is a bit slow for me until you get fuuka.

2.Tartarus is less interesting and weaker to 4/5. I liked tv world of 4 and how it had a more story focus to the characters.

3. It's the first game in this style and I feel a lot of things are deeper/improved in 4 and 5.

Playing through FES in 2022 was one of my favorite gaming experiences I've had in quite some time. I guess I didn't realize quite how much until hearing about this remake. No hesitation in wanting to replay a long game like this, and in fact, genuine excitement for what was to come. If this version in 2009 was already one of my favorite games of all time, what would this end up being?

The answer is a truly unforgettable experience, that cements itself as one of my favorite games of all time, and Persona as one of my favorite series of all time.

Everything here is improved, from the improved music, to the combat, to the visuals, to the links, to the voice acting. Almost nothing feels off here. The story remains excellent and in my humble opinion, the best of the big three persona games, with some of the best side links in the series, and some of the best female characters. Makoto is the best protagonist in the series, and, while this game can't quite hit the monumental high and achievement of Persona 5 Royal (including the best OST soundtrack in any game) this game comes damn close to me.

The final boss fight is one of my favorite in all of gaming, and is done total justice here, the game is accessibile and easy if you want it to be (a huge improvement from FES in that way without modding it).

Overall, this game is a dream come true, is probably going to be my GOTY, and quite frankly, one of the crowning achievements for video games in general.

Can't wait to see what Atlus does dipping its toes into the Old Timey Mystical genre next!!!

In an era where my gaming attention span is notoriously short, often jumping from one game to another without pause, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth achieved something remarkable—it captured my full attention, making it nearly impossible for me to consider playing anything else. This achievement alone speaks volumes of its quality, and that's just the beginning. Infinite Wealth ascends to platinum status in entertainment with its exceptional execution, setting new standards for what a video game can offer. The game is a powerhouse, boasting a meticulously crafted combat system, richly developed characters, and a compelling soundtrack that collectively raise the bar for the industry.

The game's combat system is a standout achievement, masterfully balancing the strategic depth of turn-based mechanics with the exhilarating pace of action games. The introduction of tag team features and follow-up moves creates a fluid and dynamic combat experience that keeps every encounter fresh and engaging. Kiryu's combat is honestly a surreal combination of both the turn-based and action-based combat that still boggles me to this day. I seriously am in awe of how well they made it transition into this style. This deep combat system, accompanied by an electrifying dubstep revival soundtrack, propels Infinite Wealth into a league of its own, rivaling even Persona 5 Royal in terms of energy and innovation.

The narrative arc of Infinite Wealth is another of its crowning achievements. While the game's ending may seem rushed, with several plot threads left dangling, this choice appears intentional, paving the way for a concluding entry in what is possibly going to be a trilogy. The ending redemption beats of Eiji's story, alongside the unresolved fates of characters like Bryce, Akane, Sawashiro, and others possibly hints at a larger narrative yet to be unveiled for the future, as these character suddenly disappear. This does not detract from the game; instead, it adds a layer of intrigue and promise for the future.

New characters like Chitose and Eric add significant depth to the game's world, with their development and interactions with protagonist Ichiban showcasing some of the most emotionally resonant storytelling in the series. The game navigates themes of loyalty, redemption, and growth with a deft hand, particularly in the relationship between Ichiban and Chitose. Their journey from deceit to mutual support and atonement is a highlight, underscoring the narrative's focus on character and connection.

And speaking of Ichiban, I have to give credit. RGG Studios created an amazing character in Like a Dragon 7, and he continues to shine in Infinite Wealth. Ichiban's infectious positivity and unwavering determination continue to make him a standout protagonist, his ability to see and nurture the good in others is nothing short of inspirational. This game further cements his status as a beacon of hope, with his actions and relationships demonstrating a profound impact on those around him. I am happy that he has become the new leading protagonist of the series.

Equally compelling is the treatment of Kiryu in this installment. Infinite Wealth not only positions Kiryu as a central figure but continues to elevate him to legendary status. There are key moments revolving him that are treated with the gravity they deserve, capturing the awe and reverence his character commands. The storyline delves deep into the emotional core of his legacy, from the collective distress over his cancer diagnosis to the poignant exploration of his bucket list and memoirs. This nuanced portrayal pays homage to Kiryu's enduring influence, showcasing RGG's deep respect for both the character and his fans. Together, Ichiban and Kiryu's stories are woven into a rich tapestry that honors their past, explores their present challenges, and sets the stage for their future.

Infinite Wealth is a shining example of how a game can transcend the boundaries of its genre, blending exhilarating combat, a compelling narrative, and a vibrant soundtrack into an unforgettable experience. While its conclusion may leave some questions unanswered, this choice feels like a deliberate setup for a grander finale. The game's deep character connections, particularly between Ichiban and the new cast, are its heart and soul, offering a rich tapestry of emotional depth and growth. As a pivotal entry in the Like a Dragon series, Infinite Wealth not only pays homage to its roots but also boldly strides into new territory. It's a testament to the power of storytelling in video games and a solid foundation for the future of the series.