There's so much to say I just know that no matter what I write here I'm gonna re-read this later and think of something I missed.
Every idea from Persona 4 Golden is enhanced and turned up to 11 in this game. This has the best turn-based combat system of any game I've played, especially when you access certain confidant abilities like the ability to swap party members on the fly during battle, encouraging you to use the entire party rather than sticking with 3 favorites. The baton pass and technical damage mechanics bring strategic depth and just make you feel like a badass -- wiping enemies off the board before they can take a turn, all the while knowing that one wrong move can turn the tables and bring a world of hurt your way.
The social and school sim elements of the game are as fun and addictive as ever. Royal blessedly gives you plenty of time to max all confidants without too much trouble if you set your mind to it.
The story. It's ambitious, and if we're being honest with ourselves, probably much longer than it needs to be. But the people who love this game won't mind because the time spent goes toward endearing you so deeply with a cast of characters.
Is the execution perfect? Absolutely not. Are there plenty of cringey moments that undercut the game's messages? Oh yes. But I can't think of another game (I probably just haven't played it yet) that is so willing to tackle difficult subjects while bursting with so much empathy for its characters.
And at the heart of the story is a message we don't get enough from our media -- the world is ours, and we fix its deficiencies, its cruelties, by working together.
Of course, it's been said a million times, but the game's style is unparalleled, in large part because of the incredible music by Lyn. Life Will Change, Last Surprise, and Rivers in the Desert are absolute bangers. Beneath the Mask is such a vibe.
Some granular criticisms:
-The game has some great UI tools that the tutorials don't really call attention to. I discovered some shortcuts way too late in the game.
-There's a certain character in the game who I gather is a fan favorite. And they just? Don't?? Do anything??? Interesting with him???? Even in the bonus third semester, like I was expecting them to. I'm just kind of confused about him. His voice actor is great though.
-Take Over should not play during 100% of ambushes. Because Last Surprise is a far superior track. But tactically you're incentivized to always be ambushing. So you hardly ever hear Last Surprise. Sad face.
-Joker should not have been a silent protagonist.
Every idea from Persona 4 Golden is enhanced and turned up to 11 in this game. This has the best turn-based combat system of any game I've played, especially when you access certain confidant abilities like the ability to swap party members on the fly during battle, encouraging you to use the entire party rather than sticking with 3 favorites. The baton pass and technical damage mechanics bring strategic depth and just make you feel like a badass -- wiping enemies off the board before they can take a turn, all the while knowing that one wrong move can turn the tables and bring a world of hurt your way.
The social and school sim elements of the game are as fun and addictive as ever. Royal blessedly gives you plenty of time to max all confidants without too much trouble if you set your mind to it.
The story. It's ambitious, and if we're being honest with ourselves, probably much longer than it needs to be. But the people who love this game won't mind because the time spent goes toward endearing you so deeply with a cast of characters.
Is the execution perfect? Absolutely not. Are there plenty of cringey moments that undercut the game's messages? Oh yes. But I can't think of another game (I probably just haven't played it yet) that is so willing to tackle difficult subjects while bursting with so much empathy for its characters.
And at the heart of the story is a message we don't get enough from our media -- the world is ours, and we fix its deficiencies, its cruelties, by working together.
Of course, it's been said a million times, but the game's style is unparalleled, in large part because of the incredible music by Lyn. Life Will Change, Last Surprise, and Rivers in the Desert are absolute bangers. Beneath the Mask is such a vibe.
Some granular criticisms:
-The game has some great UI tools that the tutorials don't really call attention to. I discovered some shortcuts way too late in the game.
-There's a certain character in the game who I gather is a fan favorite. And they just? Don't?? Do anything??? Interesting with him???? Even in the bonus third semester, like I was expecting them to. I'm just kind of confused about him. His voice actor is great though.
-Take Over should not play during 100% of ambushes. Because Last Surprise is a far superior track. But tactically you're incentivized to always be ambushing. So you hardly ever hear Last Surprise. Sad face.
-Joker should not have been a silent protagonist.
Reviewed on Jan 23, 2021