Persona 4 Arena Ultimax
" Deep action fighting game with addictive mechanics and diverse roster but inactive online mode "
Persona 4 Arena Ultimax Review
Persona 4 Arena Ultimax is widely praised as a standout 2D fighting game that successfully blends the Persona universe with fast-paced, engaging combat mechanics. Players appreciate the large, diverse roster featuring characters from Persona 3 and 4, each with unique playstyles and expressive animations. The game offers a variety of modes including tutorials, challenges, and online play, although the online community is noted to be largely inactive.
The story mode acts as a sequel to Persona 3 and 4, providing additional narrative content that appeals mainly to fans familiar with the series. However, the story structure is seen as repetitive and not as compelling as the mainline Persona titles. Despite this, the game delivers a solid fighting experience with extensive content and character variety, making it enjoyable for both newcomers and veterans of the genre.
Highlights
Players praise the game's deep and addictive fighting mechanics, which provide a satisfying challenge and variety for all skill levels. The graphics and animations are highly regarded for their quality and faithful representation of the Persona characters. The storyline, while not on par with mainline Persona games, offers a decent continuation of the Persona 3 and 4 narratives, especially appreciated by fans wanting more character development and interactions.
The inclusion of multiple practice modes and a large roster enhances replayability and enjoyment, making it a memorable and fun fighting game experience overall.
Criticisms
Common criticisms include the repetitive nature of the story mode, with many segments feeling similar and lacking depth compared to the main Persona titles. The online multiplayer scene is described as mostly dead, which detracts from the game's longevity and competitive appeal. Some players also mention that certain new characters do not feel as well-balanced or enjoyable as others. Additionally, the story structure can be confusing for newcomers who haven't played Persona 3 or 4, limiting accessibility for new players.
Pros
- • Deep and addictive fighting mechanics suitable for all skill levels.
- • Large, diverse roster with unique and expressive character animations.
- • Multiple practice modes including tutorials and challenges.
- • Faithful continuation of Persona 3 and 4 storylines for fans.
- • High-quality 2D graphics that capture the Persona aesthetic.
- • Enjoyable for both newcomers and veteran fighting game players.
- • Strong character variety enhances replayability and strategy.
Cons
- • Story mode is repetitive and less engaging than mainline Persona games.
- • Online multiplayer community is mostly inactive and hard to find matches.
- • New characters sometimes feel unbalanced or less enjoyable to play.
- • Story can be confusing for players unfamiliar with Persona 3 and 4.
- • Lack of significant innovation beyond previous Persona fighting games.
- • Some players find the story structure fragmented and repetitive.
- • Online mode's inactivity limits competitive and social gameplay.
Rating Criteria
A Persona 4 Smackdown!
