Summary

Release Year: 2013
Genres: Fighting
Platforms: Arcade, Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360
Developers: Arc System Works, Atlus
Publishers: Atlus, Sega

Persona 4 Arena Ultimax: An In-Depth Review

Introduction

Persona 4 Arena Ultimax is a 2D fighting game developed by Arc System Works and Atlus. It is the direct sequel to Persona 4 Arena, which is itself a follow-up to the role-playing game Persona 4. The game was originally released in Japanese arcades on November 28, 2013, and later ported to home consoles. Unlike the previous game, it is not region locked.

Persona 4 Arena Ultimax features a roster of 29 playable characters, including all of the characters from the previous game as well as several new additions. The game also introduces a number of new gameplay mechanics, such as the Burst system, which allows players to cancel moves into special cancels, and the Shadow Frenzy system, which allows players to enter a powered-up state.

Gameplay

Persona 4 Arena Ultimax is a traditional 2D fighting game with a focus on combos and special moves. Players control one of the 29 playable characters and fight against an opponent in a best-of-three match. The game features a variety of different modes, including a story mode, an arcade mode, and an online multiplayer mode.

The story mode follows the events of Persona 4 Arena, and sees the Investigation Team from Persona 4 teaming up with the Shadow Operatives from Persona 3 to investigate a mysterious tournament known as the P-1 Grand Prix. The story mode is fully voiced and features cutscenes animated by Studio 4C.

The arcade mode is a single-player mode in which players fight against a series of computer-controlled opponents. The arcade mode features multiple difficulty levels, and players can earn rewards for completing certain challenges.

The online multiplayer mode allows players to fight against each other online. The online multiplayer mode features ranked matches, player lobbies, and spectator mode.

Characters

Persona 4 Arena Ultimax features a roster of 29 playable characters, including all of the characters from the previous game as well as several new additions. The new characters include:

Adachi Tohru – A former police detective who was the main antagonist of Persona 4.
Margaret – The mysterious attendant of the Velvet Room.
Marie – A mysterious girl who appears in Persona 4 Golden.
Sho Minazuki – A new character who is the leader of the Shadow Operatives.
Labrys – A new character who is a robot created by the Kirijo Group.

Each character has their own unique playstyle and abilities. Some characters are better at zoning and keeping their opponents at a distance, while others are better at close-range combat. Players can choose the character that best suits their playstyle and learn their unique combos and special moves.

Gameplay Mechanics

Persona 4 Arena Ultimax introduces a number of new gameplay mechanics, such as the Burst system and the Shadow Frenzy system.

The Burst system allows players to cancel moves into special cancels. This allows players to create longer and more damaging combos. The Burst system also allows players to cancel special moves into other special moves, which can lead to even more damaging combos.

The Shadow Frenzy system allows players to enter a powered-up state. In Shadow Frenzy, players deal more damage and have access to new special moves. Players can enter Shadow Frenzy by using a special move called a Shadow Burst. Shadow Bursts can be used at any time, but they require a full Burst gauge.

Presentation

Persona 4 Arena Ultimax is a visually stunning game. The game’s character models are detailed and expressive, and the backgrounds are vibrant and colorful. The game also features a number of impressive special effects, such as the Persona summons and the Shadow Frenzy transformations.

The game’s soundtrack is also excellent. The soundtrack features a mix of rock, pop, and electronic music, and it perfectly captures the game’s atmosphere.

Conclusion

Persona 4 Arena Ultimax is an excellent fighting game that combines engaging storytelling, stunning visuals, and innovative gameplay mechanics. The game is a must-play for fans of the Persona series and fighting games alike.