Persona 4 Arena Critic Reviews

Even though it's aimed at fans of the franchise, this title is an outstanding 2D fighting game, deep and fun that fans of the genre will enjoy too.

A joy to play. A huge story mode, rock-hard trials and great online will keep players occupied for a long time.

If you're a JRPG or fighter fanatic with even a hint of interest in the other genre, P4A is an absolute must-buy. With such a wealth of story-based content laid on top of the game's steadfast 2D fighting foundations, P4A's impressive debut sets the bar high for all forthcoming fighters.

This dream collaboration between Atlus and Arc System Works brings us a game that will easily stand out even in the crowded fighting game segment. It's also sure to serve as a gateway drug for both RPG and fighting game fans to cross to the other side. Really, there's nothing else quite like this.

It weaves the majesty and imagination of one of the best role playing franchises of all-time into the snarling bravado of a one-on-one brawler so effortlessly, one wonders why it's never been done so well until now.

By appropriately mating the strengths and traits of its mixed heritage, Persona 4 Arena flourishes as a fantastically realized fighting game that stands tall even without resting on the laurels of legacy.

Not only was I treated to a fine fighting game worth playing, but I got the chance to spend more time with beloved characters who I never guessed I'd ever be revisiting. My compliments to both Atlus and Arc System Works for producing a superb game that far exceeded my expectations.

Persona 4 Arena is a solid, accessible entry point for both fighting games and the Persona series without disappointing hardcore fans of either.

Persona 4 Arena is as eccentric and Japanese as it gets. Anyone who has ever enjoyed a JPRG will love the game even if fighting games aren't their forte.

With an absolutely stellar presentation, some of the most memorable tracks picked from the last game, an arsenal of modes to play, and one of the lengthiest stories in a fighting game, Persona 4 Arena has everything a fighter should have, plus more.

Simply put, it's one of the best fighters to grace the console. It'll keep you coming back for more over and over, but I did find myself wishing there were more characters and more of the story. Still, as a fighter, it hits all of the high marks.

A superbly effective combination of the very best of Persona's storytelling and character design, with one of the best 2D fighters of the modern era.

Much like Dissidia: Final Fantasy and Super Smash Bros., Persona 4: Arena is a fighting game spin-off tailored for the fans, first and foremost. Whether or not those fans also enjoy the fighting game genre in addition to RPGs, there is enough content and callbacks that make this purchase a no-brainer.

Combine some rock-solid fighting with a strategic Persona System (think: the ability to manifest a second, ghost buddy for 2 vs 1 beat downs) and Persona 4 Arena feels like a breath of fresh air. Round all that off with faultless versus and online modes, and you’re looking at a truly unique fighter that deserves to be noticed by mainstream gamers everywhere.

Sporting satisfyingly deep, yet accessible fighting mechanics and a diverse range of gameplay modes, it’s hard to fault Arc System Works' intense entry into the Persona franchise. Persona 4 Arena is a focused and polished brawler that will appeal to both fans of the series and fighting aficionados alike, and has proven to be well worth the wait for European gamers.

Arc System Works proves once again that right now it's one of the best fighting game developers in the industry.

Persona 4 Arena is an awesome fighting game. The bizarre partnership between Arc System Works and Atlus has created an elegant, impressive, fun and worth buying game for both beginner and advanced players.

A great cross-genre splash that gives gamers a new fun and competitive fighting game to sink their teeth into. However, it may not appeal to those unfamiliar with the series.

Staggeringly beautiful and provides just enough fan service for the RPG players while ramping up the challenge for the fighting game guys.

It has a robust story, an interesting system, a magnificent roster, and wonderful music. It's a great package that suffers from a few design choices I simply don't agree with. However, they are but small nitpicks in an otherwise enjoyable game.