“And that’s the real hook, the strange alchemy that transforms a deep, rewarding RPG into an equally deep and rewarding fighting game. To watch or play a fight in Persona 4 Arena is to behold the impossible. 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. If you count yourself as a fighting game fan, but have always harbored an irrational aversion to “anime fighters”, now is the time to get over it. Persona 4 Arena is the genuine article. Miss it at your own peril.”
– IGN 9/10
“After a number of spinoffs and side projects including its very own anime series in Japan, it was only a matter of time until Persona 4 dabbled in something well outside its comfort zone. But unlike so many other licensed fighters before it, Persona 4 Arena does a good deal more. 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. As such, whether you’re into the series or not, Persona 4 Arena is one fighting game definitely worth tuning into.”
– GameTrailers 9/10
“Persona series fans have a highly accessible fighter that brings them back in to Persona 4’s world with a new story starring all of the main cast as well as some cameos from Persona 3 characters. Really, this game takes fan service to a new level with countless nods towards Atlus’ most loyal, in everything from the art to the storytelling. While it won’t win any awards for originality, the story content here is robust enough to rival some RPGs and long enough for series fans to feel right at home.”
– Destructoid 9/10
“Here’s the bottom line: 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.”
– GamesRadar 4.5/5 (9/10)
“Perhaps more importantly, all of these characters and more come complete with their signature personas. In combat, personas are used much like assist characters in Marvel vs. Capcom. You’ll call them in for long-distance attacks, retaliations, spacing-games, and combo-links.”
– Gamer Revolution 4/5 (8/10)
It’s obvious to me that Arc System Works, the king of Anime Fighters, and dare I say, one of the best fighting developers in the world, has claimed right to being on top, as per usual. A release just on the heels of their announcement of Blazblue 3.
It appears that if you play Marvel vs Capcom, you should have an easier time getting into Persona 4 Arena. It seems to be a general census. The content is far beyond most fighting games offer, and an accustomed amount of game modes, training and other modes that we see in Arc System Work fighting games.
If you love fighting games, you should get this game. Don’t let the visuals deter you. There is depth, a good story and tons of content with seamless online. Xbox 360 online has had some issues, but it is being patched as we speak. 