Persona 4 Golden Reviews
Persona 4 Golden is a massive JRPG that looks better than ever on PC. Those that have already played through the PS2 or PS Vita versions of the game may not find the HD visuals to be a good enough reason to double dip, but the game is highly recommended to new players. Anyone wanting more Persona after getting their fill of Persona 5 Royal should most definitely give Persona 4 Golden on PC a try.
A bare-bones refit, but this remains a captivating JRPG, marrying slice-of-life drama with stylish demon battling.
Persona 3 Portable and Persona 4 Golden are two brilliant examples of the perfect port. Though the graphics and features might not be as shiny as newer titles, the stories they tell, gameplay they offer, and the wealth of content that can be explored ensure these games stay relevant and allow them to hold their own, even against modern contenders. Enough time has passed to merit a revisit for old fans, but the launch across all platforms makes these games even more accessible and allows a whole new generation of players to experience them for the first time.
A wealth of new content and gameplay additions make a modern role-playing classic better than ever in Persona 4 Golden.
Some people will understandably be put off by all of this. Yet, for all the flaws in its script, Persona 4 Golden manages to mine heartfelt stories from other veins. Persona 5 Royal is a veritable amusement park of side activities that can sometimes be overwhelming. In Inaba, however, having fewer distractions lets you focus on your bonds much more closely. It will take some time to adjust to being away from the city, especially without a smartphone constantly buzzing to let you know where everybody is at all times. But there is no need for one. You’re bound to stumble upon a friendly face on your way to the riverbank.
If you’re excited to play Persona 4 Golden again, or curious to dive for the first time, the game is still as excellent as it was when it was first released 8 years ago, just finally more convenient.
It's hard to believe that it has taken Persona 4 over a decade to branch outside of its PlayStation shackles.
Persona 4 Golden is slowly starting to show its age in the gameplay department, but that doesn't detract it from being one of the best RPG experiences you'll find.
Persona 4 is a twisting tale of dreams gone rogue in a town sapped of purpose. It brings personal demons to life in gaudy but plausible ways, and uses this to rejuvenate the dog-eared framework of a town-and-dungeon fantasy RPG. Unceremonious as it is, the PC port leaves all of that peculiar magic intact. It’s just a shame that the insight and empathy on show here doesn’t extend to everybody.
Over ten years later, Persona 4 Golden remains a thoroughly enjoyable and engrossing RPG that, for the most part, has stood the test of time. Although its visuals might be a bit dated, the gameplay and story presented here do more than enough to justify the purchase, while all the tweaks and additions that came with this 'Golden' edition round out most of the rougher edges from the initial PS2 release. If you're looking to give the Persona series a shot, Persona 5 Royal is a good place to start, but P4G is an excellent entry in the series and one that we would recommend you pick up when you can.
Persona 4 Golden on Switch is the best possible version of Atlus's finest blend of dungeon crawling role player action dark murder mystery.
Had I played Persona 4 back when it was first released I doubt I’d have gotten into it, and it took me a while this time (it’s a good three hours or so before it really begins), but it wasn’t until I’d started to see all of the various elements and how they gel together that I started to understand why it’s such a beloved series. Am I a convert? Not yet, and I may never be, fully. But I’m glad I finally had a chance to see what everyone else has been telling me for years.
Persona 4 Golden is a radiant experience that not only builds upon, but perfects the best elements in the series.
Persona 4 Golden has finally been ransomed from its prison on the Vita and is given new life on PC in what amounts to a fantastic port.
There are games that are classics, and no matter how much time passes, they never stop being classic. P4G is one of them, and everything from the combat system to the soundtrack is still working and connecting more than a decade after its release. Now it comes back more beautiful and fluid, but it's still exactly the same game that amazed us on PS Vita in 2012.
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Persona 4 Golden remains an iconic and hugely enjoyable JRPG, and its arrival on PC means a slew of new players can discover its delights. It's a shame that there are a few technical problems lurking in the current build, but with the inclusion of both the Japanese and English dubs and the crisp, clear visuals, this marks a fantastic way to experience the game.
Persona 4 Golden is an essential experience not only for JRPG fans, but people who appreciate a strong narrative with an endearing supporting cast of characters, along with a tight battle system that feels as modern as its iconic sequel. The poignancy of your interactions with the characters will resonate on a deep level with you, and will more than likely warm or break your heart on more than one occasion. It's exciting that modern players get to enjoy this, and if you're a Game Pass subscriber, this is a must-play.
Persona 4 Golden isn't a perfect port and it isn't coming to the system most fans were asking for. But if you never had the chance to play a Persona title before, this is definitely worth a shot. The visuals and some of the story might be dated but the characters are so charming that it's easy to lose track of time both in and out of character when hanging out with them. Get to know them all and use your friendship as a strength in the game's sprawling procedurally generated dungeons.
There is so much more I could say about both of these games. I got into the series with Golden and have been wanting it to expand to more consoles ever since. It is great to finally see it everywhere and I hope the series continues that trend going forward. It is by far one of the best RPGs available and should be played by anyone who has ever had a passing interest in the genre. Do not skip this collection, while Persona 3 is a little rough in this day and age it is still an amazing game and Persona 4 Golden is well, the gold standard. I cannot recommend this package enough.
Ultimately, both games remain fantastic additions to any JRPG fan's game library, with Persona 4 Golden by far the more refined and exciting experience. While re-releasing the same games on multiple platforms isn't necessarily the most enthralling action from a long-time Persona follower's perspective, it's nice to see classics continue to become more accessible to potential newcomers. The preservation of this series is important, and if in the process of that the best way to play them emerges - like the case of Persona 3 Portable and Persona 4 Golden on Switch - then that's just an added bonus.