Persona 4 Golden

If the Persona series were all about the friends you've made along the way, Persona 4 truly shows this. The story may not be as strong in comparison to the other games but what it lacks makes up for the characters you hang out with. The gameplay is outdated with the dungeons and combat, but it's easy to get used to when you spent hours trying to grind in any dungeon. It's really easy to do that in this game. The music like in any Persona game slaps hard too. Hearing Heartbeat, Heartbreak as well as I'll Face Myself (Battle) and Reach Out To The Truth amplifies how fun and upbeat this game is. The voice acting in this game is really amazing in the English voice. Each of the Investigation Team sounds really unique and it reflects through their personalities. Unlike Persona 5 and Persona 3, Persona 4 clearly has the best dynamic within the main group and it shows. My favorite voices in the game are Yosuke, Chie, Yukiko, Kanji, Rise, Naoto, and Teddie. Outside of the main group, I also love Nanako and Ryotaro Dojima. Also ADACHI. He's an interesting character in my opinion. Whether or not this game deserves a remake is very subjective to anyone, but playing this game made me realize why people love this game, especially it's main protagonist, Yu Narukami. Although he's silent in this game, outside of it, he definitely has a character on his own and has his own personality, which makes him stand out more as opposed to the other protagonists. I really love this game and I'm glad I managed to beat it before the announcement. It also doesn't take more than 100 hours to bet the story as opposed to Persona 5 Royale and Persona 3 Reload, and I honestly recommend this game to anyone who played either Persona 3 or Persona 5, but since this game was my third entry into the Persona series, I also recommend this to anyone who is starting to get into the Persona franchise.

It may lack some gameplay depth compared to newer Persona games, but it definitely makes up for it with its story and characters. The game is set in the small town of Inaba, and you have to figure out who’s behind the murders that start happening shortly after the MC arrives. The soundtrack is a 10/10, super catchy and it fits the vibe of the game perfectly. There’s so much to love about Persona 4, and honestly, I can’t recommend it enough. That said, if you’re mainly interested in gameplay, you might want to check out Persona 5 Royal since it improves a lot on Persona 4’s mechanics. But in my opinion, the characters, soundtrack, story, and setting in Persona 4 are just way better.

Tiene uno de los mejores elencos de toda la serie, personajes que sin duda amaras y una historia bastante imersiva (como lo suele ser con los persona) Algunas bossfights realmente pondran a puebra tu habilidad y eso lo hace super entretenido, al igual que rejugable 10/10 pd. Yukiko perdoname mi amor no te vuelvo a ser infiel

I LOVE this game! This is the only Persona game I've played, and it's made me interested in maybe trying out the others.

Fun game with a very rich story and multiple endings

Reviewing (mostly) every game (or DLC) in my library, part 31: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/10 [i] Persona 4 Golden [/i] is the enhanced version of [i] Persona 4, [/i] originally released for the PlayStation 2. Though it came before [i] Persona 5, [/i] P4G has found renewed life thanks to its PC and console re-releases. And while it lacks the slick, high-gloss style of its successor, it more than makes up for it with emotional depth, intimate storytelling, and a strong sense of small-town nostalgia. The game places you in the role of a transfer student spending a year in the rural town of Inaba. Soon, you’re swept into a supernatural murder mystery tied to a strange world inside the TV. Alongside a cast of eccentric classmates, you work to solve the case and prevent more deaths—while juggling school, friendships, and everyday life. [i] Persona 4 Golden [/i] may be a step down in polish and maturity compared to [i] Persona 5 Royal, [/i] but it’s still an emotionally resonant, thoroughly engaging RPG. Its strengths lie in its characters, cozy atmosphere, and earnestness. Despite an over reliance on fan service and dated dungeon design, it delivers an experience full of heart. Just don’t let Teddie near your friends. 🌄 [b] Pros: [/b] [list] [*] Tone and setting. Unlike the urban flash of P5R, P4G leans into a slower, more introspective atmosphere. Its rural setting emphasizes quiet homesickness, isolation, and the discovery of community. The tone is more “slice-of-life mystery” than high-stakes rebellion. It’s a murder mystery, yes—but also a coming-of-age story wrapped in rain, fog, and found family. [*] Found family and emotional core. One of P4G’s strongest elements is its emphasis on bonds—not just with friends, but with your uncle Dojima and his daughter Nanako, who quickly become central to the emotional weight of the story. The game's core group feels like a true group of misfit friends, figuring out who they are and what they mean to each other in a time of grief and uncertainty. [*] Solid JRPG mechanics. The turn-based combat is familiar and accessible, with a lighter learning curve than P5R. Persona fusion is again the backbone of progression, with familiar skill inheritance and fusion mechanics. Dungeons are randomly generated, but each one is themed around a character's inner struggles—a clever way of integrating story into gameplay. [*] Social sim simplicity. The game’s time management*mechanics are easier to juggle than P5. Stat increases are more forgiving, and social links feel shorter and easier to max. The school-life/dungeon-life loop is still highly satisfying, with just enough to do without overwhelming you. [*] Strong music and voice acting. The soundtrack is quirky, upbeat, and unmistakably catchy. Voice acting is solid, with standout performances from key cast members that add a lot of warmth and personality to the experience. [/list] 😬 [b] Cons: [/b] [list] [*] Fan service and tone issues. P4G has a [i] notably [/i] higher amount of fan service compared to its sequel. Several scenes focus uncomfortably on the female characters’ bodies, and humor often leans into the juvenile. The infamous "swimsuit beauty pageant" sequence, among others, crosses the line from playful to uncomfortable and gross. [*] Teddie, the game’s mascot character, is the biggest offender. His constant sexual jokes and over-the-top horniness often derail otherwise heartfelt scenes. [*] Procedural dungeons and repetition. Unlike P5R's handcrafted Palaces, dungeons in P4G are procedurally generated floors with simple layouts. Though they’re thematic and symbolic, they can become repetitive quickly. [*] Mixed writing quality. Like other [i] Persona [/i] entries, P4G has strong high points: thoughtful character studies, reflections on identity, and nuanced dialogue. But also like the rest of the series, it suffers from tonal inconsistency, where serious character moments are followed by awkward jokes or fan service. [*] Some Social Links are extremely well-written (Kanji, Naoto, Dojima), while others feel more tropey or underdeveloped. [*] Aged presentation. Coming from P5R, the drop in visual fidelity is noticeable. The UI is serviceable but lacks flair; animations are stiffer, and the models are dated. [/list]

literally the best game ever made (but achievements might be glitched because i didnt get the Welcome Back achievement)

Peak Persona but fuck Denuvo. I bought it to support the franchise but won't touch it until the Cancer is removed.

this game is so cool, i haven't beaten it because i am a baby, but its so cool

This is a great addition to the Persona series, and I love the tension of this story! All the elements play together well, and it's just an all-around enjoyable game.

To be blunt, this game is my favorite game of all time. Is it the best game or perfect? No. But this game's story and characters are so endearing and impactful, at least to me personally, that I have played this twice between PC and Switch. The combat too ages incredibly well, and when I first played it, it made me learn to love turn-based combat, coming from someone who didn't enjoy it previously. As much as I could talk about everything I love about this game, I think the best thing I can tell you is to simply play it and see it for yourself.

Я обожаю эту игру. Начинал играть в неё ещё на пиратке, когда она только вышла в стиме, второй раз - на свитче, оба раза доходил почти до конца и бросал на неопределённое время. Третий забег прошёл уже на лицензии стима, и вот наконец-то я прошёл её. Эта игра была моим первым знакомством с серией персона и смт, для меня она стала не только одной из любимейших игр (даже не смотря на то, что на окончательное прохождение мне понадобилось более 4-х лет), но и главной мотивацией в изучении английского языка - я был настолько заворожён стилистикой, атмосферой и музыкой в игре, что первые часов 20 сидел в обнимку с переводчиком, потом слова и выражения начали запоминаться, и так я научился одному из важнейших навыков в современном мире - английскому языку, благодаря ремастеру переиздания жрпг 15-ти летней давности :P А если серьёзно, то это очень приятная и греющая душу история, полная позитива и надежды. Люблю эту игру

no exaggeration, this is my favorite game of all time. I originally had this for the VITA where i had hundreds of hours. though not perfect (some of the writing did not age well), this game means everything to me. persona 5 may have looks and updated gameplay going for it, no other game has made me feel as strongly as persona 4

Even though I don't agree with some of the changes made to the golden version, It's still an extraordinary game and deserves your time. It's and easy recommendation from me.

Ive played persona 3 reload on playstation 5 and it was really good. Even though i was spoiled a little. Ive been wanting to play persona 4 golden for a while and now that time has come. I must say, i find it fun to play and the story is interesting. I hope p4r is going to be even better. Give p4g a try when you have to time. Unless youre reading this after p4r released and its far better than this. I dont expect to change anything with this review right now.

Coming from Persona 5 Royal, it was hard to adjust to P4G. But honestly? While there's some issues, the game is good. Just make sure you do the social links for all the playable characters, they're a lot more shallow and sometimes worse unless you do. Definitely an issue, but regardless having seen their SLs to completion, I definitely recommend this game to those who are fans of RPGs. It's an around 60-80hr experience

This game really made me feel like I wasn't an autistic loser with no friends. Of course reality is not so kind, but I applaud Atlus for allowing me to experience a simulation of something I will never have.

Pretty good, not as good as some other SMT and atlas titles.

Amazing game, would absolutely recommend too others.

Persona 4 Golden isn't just a game, it's an experience, an experience that will have you laugh, cry, and fight as you and your motley crew do everything you can to find the truth. From the captivating story to the incredibly enthralling characters, Persona 4 Golden will reward every minute you put into it with great memories and great times, and is truly the GOLD standard.

It's really fun, but I keep losing my progress. You can't save in the dungeons so whenever I die, which happens way too often btw, I have to restart from the floor. Also, you can't leave the dungeon unless you have a Goho-M or you manage to go down like 20 floors and find the entrance. Overall amazing game, but you're stressing me!

Nah, this game is peak. Honestly, life changing experience... If you read this review and start playing the game, it was me that put you on peak. If you don't like the game, you chose to play by your own free will.

Persona 4 Golden has given me quite a memorable experience. From its social-sim elements to its turn-based combat system, the execution of its mechanics is simple yet deeply satisfying to witness and engage with. Sure, the game has a fair amount of padding, but I didn’t mind—it worked for me since I wasn’t in a rush. That might be an issue for some players, depending on their playstyle, but I’ve seen people finish this game in half—or even a quarter—of the time it took me to complete one playthrough. As for the story, while Persona 4’s themes may not be considered the best by most fans of the series compared to Persona 3 or Persona 5, they resonated with me the most. The game explores the idea that there's a part of ourselves we might not like—and that the truth is often elusive. Our beliefs, choices, and sense of identity can be flawed or, at the very least, imperfect. That’s why the support of close companions is so essential: they help us discover both the truths and falsehoods that shape who we are. At least, that’s what I personally took from the game’s message. If you’ve enjoyed even a few anime series or have tried turn-based games in the past, I highly recommend giving Persona 4 Golden a shot. In my opinion, it’s the best entry point into the series. While the original Persona 3 has certain aspects that may be better than P4G, this game benefits from some streamlining and quality-of-life improvements. Those changes make the transition to Persona 3 smoother than if you started with Persona 5, which has more drastic mechanical differences.

Some poorly aged dungeons, but the story, and the slice-of-life atmosphere are unparalleled. A well executed remake (wink wink) could take this 8/10 game to an 11/10.

Slice of life anime version of Stephen King's IT Tedious dungeons and dated mechanics, but love is real

One common phrase i hear from people about this game is as if they could re-experience it again. Back then i did not understand, but now, that i have experienced, i understand it and i yearn for same.

the great thing about the persona series is that there is always an aspect on each game that it does perfectly and is worth checking out (✅#teddiegyatt ✅nanako exists ❌ CANNOT ROMANCE BOYS 0/10 ❌NAOTO TRANS KANJI GAY DISCOURSE) 10/10

Really enjoyed it. Sure, it can feel a little dated when compared to the newer releases, but this never stood out to me as a bad thing. The game is relatively hard which I wasn't expecting, especially in comparison to P5R and P3R. The setting and the characters especially stand out, I liked the story too. Would recommend.

Persona 4 Golden is more than just a game—it's an experience that sticks with you long after the credits roll. As my first Persona title, it holds a special place in my heart, and it's easy to see why it has such a passionate fanbase. The story is engaging from the start, blending mystery, supernatural elements, and slice-of-life moments in a way that feels both unique and immersive. But what truly sets it apart are the characters. The bonds you form with your team feel real, and watching them grow—not just in battle, but as people—is incredibly rewarding. It's one of those rare games where you miss the cast once it's over. The gameplay loop of dungeon crawling mixed with daily life sim mechanics is addicting and surprisingly deep. It’s fun, heartfelt, and at times emotionally powerful. I can’t wait to see how the remake improves on what’s already a near-perfect experience. For newcomers or returning fans, Persona 4 Golden is an unforgettable journey that’s absolutely worth taking.

This is hands down one of my favourite games of 2025 and tbh this is just my opinion this is the best persona game i'm planning on playing persona 5 and 3. I am with playing persona 3 portable on my vita but this is meant to be a review on this game, i love the characters full of life and you cant really hate them and teddie gets so much hate i love him so much and also i know there is some changes that some people didn't like but i think some of them were needed. Like the shuffle time i love that you can pick what cards you want without having to guess, also the combat is not that bad sometimes it was bullshit but its a jrpg there is some stuff that will be bs but for the most part it was fine. I will say one thing that the story and the game play and social links were great i just don't really like dungeons i won't give spoilers here but for people who have played the game will know what i'm talking about. I dated Chie which is best girl lol but anyway this game is amazing worth plaything it will tug you by the heart strings and i hope you will have fun with the game. 10/10

Simplemente uno de los mejores juegos de Atlus y de la saga. Persona es genial! Ojala el remake sea igual de bueno! El ost 10/10

This game is amazing so far! I highly suggest playing if your getting ready for the remake coming out. Or don't play it I don't care.

first time playing a Persona game and this made me a fan of the series. immediately bough p5 after completion

Honestly, even for the graphics bein a lil old, it's still one of the best persona games made ! Good story line, even if its a lil hard to grind at times. If you have the lil 'tism to grind, this def is a game to play

So, step on up to the plate Meet your fate Walkin' straight on into the lion's lair Step on up, up to the plate 'Cause this ain't no game It's time to make history, yeah

For a game that originally came out a decade ago, its a banger for sure!

My favorite persona game, the story is great and the social links feel meaningful unlike some others in the franchise. this games combat shows how dated it is when compared to persona 5 though and i hope they took that into consideration and updated it like with reload and royal when the new reboot comes out. overall though the game is brilliant and i cannot wait for the reboot when it drops

Maybe the best Persona game? All of the mainline Persona games (3,4,5) are very unique but they each have one thing better than the other- In this case Persona 4 Golden has by far the best characters and a cast that anyone is guaranteed to like, although the dungeons feel dated now it still has a fairly strong combat system that is still comparible to other entries in the series. The murder mystery plot is well written and has a fair few twists that keep it consistently entertaining- all of the social links and events are good because like I said the characters are excellent and although small, the map and exploration doesnt get very stale. I have finished the entire plot and extended ending by this point and there is still tons of content I missed on my playthrough- However, If you are interested in playing Persona 4 then I would recommend waiting a little bit as there is a recently announced remake in the works that would likely be a better and improved version of the original and probably will fix all of my gripes with the game as little as there are

Played 5 first then played and FINISHED this game with the secret ending and it is an amazing showcase of a story and characters. It's an a little older game (released in 2012) but don't let it lower your standards. The only thing that holds this game back is the combat IMO but that doesn't really matter that much. A must play for sure.

Well i got it done in time for the revival. This game was very odd for me. Overall my experience was enjoyable and i would recommend it but the gameplay has so many old qualities i would recommend research before you just jump in. This was my second mainline persona game after 5R and my 3rd game in the franchise after strikers as well. That has colored my opinion somewhat and is why outside of people who want to experience the story for what it was id recommend waiting for revival. The yasoinaba investigation squad did leave me with wonderful memories and i will be solving this case again, just probably in proper 3d

okay this is probably one of the best games ive ever play. if you loved rpgs, story, anime, jokes, etc. this game is great! the story is great, the time management is great! this game is just great! this is one of the best games ive ever played and i might replay it again someday to get the different endings! PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE CONSIDER GETTING THIS GAME OR THE REVIVAL VERSION COMING OUT SOON!!!!!!!!!

My favourite persona game, the only bad thing is the dungeons to the bosses, the layout is kind of plain and usually straight lines toward the next door and most of the puzzles are backtracking or just seem boring and or simple. But the story's good, battles are good, characters are very well written and although getting to bosses is meh, the acual boss fights are creative and overall the soundtrack is pretty good too. Strongly recommend.

Y'know it's Persona 4. It's a pretty good game overall, but I prefer Vanilla still. I'm a bit of a Vanilla Elitist. I don't like all the extra filler Golden adds. Only real good thing about Golden is the Adachi Social Link and the small quality of life changes. Go play Vanilla if you can. It has better lighting, fog and pacing. But if Golden is your only option that's fine. It's a good game overall no matter what version.

A great entry point into the Persona series, or Atlus RPG games

Peak Persona game, hopefully the remake will basically be this but in better model quality.

Persona 4 Golden! The cheeriest game about serial murderers ever.

An amazing experience! One of the best persona installments hands-down. Although this game to me holds up pretty good aesthetically, I'm still excited for the remake! Hopefully, they also cut the Hardcore Risette Fan achievement lol

I think the main party of this game is completely un-fucking-bearable (minus Kanji) but if you can get over that, it's honestly one of the better modern Persona games.

Great Game tried to 100% made so many mistakes that I ended up restarting 4 times. But loved it, saved Naoto on my most recent run. Unfortunately the remake was announced as I am posting this... soooo guess I'm restarting it again. 10/10 would play again.

Very good story from the persona series. Good battery life while playing on the steam deck (6+ hours on full charge).