There are some games that can change the landscape of a system, a game that can make you feel “good” about spending 200 plus dollars on a system, there are some games that can give you a sense of pride in our hobby of choice…
One of those game changing experience is Persona 4 for the Playstation Vita.
Before you have to read any further I can tell you that even if you have never played an RPG or even wanted to play that style of game, don’t let that stop you from experience all the glory that is Persona 4. This game is a hybrid of sorts, part dating sim-ish, part pokemon collecting, part turn based RPG action. That’s what makes the game so great, there are many layers to the game and it’s consistently changing gears so you are not bored of one aspect of the game.
Most RPG’s have extremely long, boring combat systems but Persona 4 keep the grinding to a minimal and the battles have just the right balance of strategy without making you want to toss your Vita against the wall. The game even has a “quick” battle mode which allows the AI to make all of the decisions for you. You might think that would take the “game” out of the game but it’s actually has the opposite effect. It’s actually makes the game feel less like a chore and more enjoyable. I’m not one for grinding just to level up my character. This is grinding but without the grind.
The story and character development is busting with charm and you actually being to feel for the characters and all of your “decisions” help create and define your relationship with each of the main characters. They also can be added to your party for battle, in turn adds to the value of the social elements of the game.
Persona 4 is a game that you can truly admire and you can get lost in the experience of the game and honestly… that what I signed up for when I purchased my Vita… and now (finally) I’m glad that I did.
