Having just finished up Resident Evil 5 I was looking for a new game to sink my teeth into. I was asking around and had countless people recommend Persona 4 to me. I have to admit that I'm not a big fan of games infused heavily with Japanese culture, nor am I fan of anime so I was hesitant to cave in and try out the game. After doing some research and lurking various forums I found that the games unique look and an interesting premise was enough, along with the recommendations, to encourage me to pick up the game.

After firing up the game last night and playing for about 2-3 hours I'm left thoroughly impressed. I wasn't expecting the story and characters to be that interesting. I went in to this game knowing well that it was text heavy, but at this point I don't even care thanks to an incredibly engaging plot. I can't wait to see what happens next! The presentation is top notch and I think that it is  handled so well that it helps keep you engaged if only on a subconscious level. The changing days and constant changing settings give a small sense of constant progression. The brief anime cutscenes are a nice touch and come up at the perfect times. I also find that the music is very well done and it fits each scene perfectly.

I haven't experienced too much as far as actual gameplay is concerned as of yet. I've fought a couple of battles here and there, but complete control isn't in my hands at this point. The battle system seems competent thus far and using the different Personas is a neat idea. I like the fact that certain Personas give you different moves. At this point it seems like the battle system is typical turn-based stuff, so I'm not too worried about it letting me down. Still, I can't really pass judgment until I play around with it more. Hopefully the story can stay interesting and more control is put into my hands later on. If it does, this will probably go down as one of my favorite games of all time. I'm really digging it.

"I can't wait to see what happens next!"

Funky student
Mysterious fox
Popularity leads to intimicy

oh man, our not even close to the good part, after the first 3 to 4 hours the game get better and better, Also Teddie is a GOD!!!
you know what I taking about later on.

Wait until you actually start playing the game. Then you'll be in for some real fun.

Once you are done with Persona 4, Gamelfy a couple titles to get you into the Shin Megami Tensei culture. Devil Summoner 2 comes out this May 2009, I suggest you look into the previous games all on the PS2. Persona 3 FES is another great Shin Megami Temsei title you also may enjoy.

It's nice to see more people having fun with Persona 4 and from where you are in the game, it's only going to get better and better. If there's one thing about GB recently that has really made me happy, it's the Persona 4 ERs and the constant flow of traffic and discussion those videos have brought for a game that would most likely be forgotten otherwise. Persona 4 = best game of 2008 for moi.

I am actually thinking of buying Persona 4 after watching all the Endurance Run videos so far. And because I want to hook up with Yukiko. She seems like a freak.

"Once you are done with Persona 4, Gamelfy a couple titles to get you into the Shin Megami Tensei culture. Devil Summoner 2 comes out this May 2009, I suggest you look into the previous games all on the PS2. Persona 3 FES is another great Shin Megami Temsei title you also may enjoy."

Persona 4 is truly a gem - great decision giving it a chance. I'm not really an anime fan myself (though I'm fascinated by Japanese culture), but P4 is constructed beautifully. To be honest, I really dug the battles when I first began playing, but found myself being more and more drawn to the story and characters. The voice acting, writing and overall presentation are infused with so much personality it becomes hard to put down.

Stick with it, it becomes more rewarding as you go! Honestly near the very top of my 2008 games also.

LordAndrew said:

Persona 3 might be a bit difficult to get into due to Persona 4's changes, but it's at least worth a shot. :)"

"And would have preferred some closer placed save points around the full moons.  I had to replay 2 days once when I died and had to go back to the last time I was able to save (I save at every opportunity).  Either way, Iove FES and am sure I will love P4 as well.  "

"PenguinDust said:

"And would have preferred some closer placed save points around the full moons.  I had to replay 2 days once when I died and had to go back to the last time I was able to save (I save at every opportunity).  Either way, Iove FES and am sure I will love P4 as well.  "

If they had done that, you could end up screwing yourself by saving at a spot where you're not ready for the boss and can't go back to Tartarus to prepare."

I never keep more than one save file unless I want to go back to that point some other time. Very few games actually manage to screw me over to the point where I'd need more than one.

"LordAndrew said:

"PenguinDust said:

"And would have preferred some closer placed save points around the full moons.  I had to replay 2 days once when I died and had to go back to the last time I was able to save (I save at every opportunity).  Either way, Iove FES and am sure I will love P4 as well.  "

If they had done that, you could end up screwing yourself by saving at a spot where you're not ready for the boss and can't go back to Tartarus to prepare."

Not really, for years now with any RPG where it is possible, I keep a rotation of 4 or 5 save points. One might be the most recent, another a day before, and so on, so if I wasn't ready then I could revert to an earlier save point.  KOTOR had a glitch back in the day that taught me not to rely on just one save point (autosave).  "

It gives you the option to go back. Because depending on when you last saved, you may not need to.