The idea of a long running RPG series turning into a fighting game isn’t all that unheard of nowadays, but it was still surprising to see the Persona titles get the brawler treatment. Still, with a continuation of two beloved RPGs combined with the fighting game mastery from the developers at Arc System Works, the original Persona 4 Arena ended up being one of my favorite fighting games. When a sequel was announced that promised to fill the roster with even more of our favorite party members, I couldn’t wait to get the chance to try them, which is why I played a few rounds at E3 to get the skinny on all the new combatants.
Yukari
My P3 Waifu Is Back!
A fan favorite from Persona 3, Yukari has traded in her school uniform for a power ranger-esque getup, showing off her newfound profession as an actress since her game finished. Using wind attacks to draw opponents towards her spells while firing off her bow and arrow at lightning speed, her specialty is clearly the ability to control the field while keeping her opponents away. Even as someone who’s played fighting games for more than two decades, the quickness of her shots caught me off guard, proving that she’ll be a powerful foe once the game releases.
Junpei
It’s a home run!
The bro of Persona 3. Junpei uses one of the most creative fighting styles I’ve ever seen, integrating his baseball background into his moveset with an “at bat” status that powers him up if he successfully hits opponents with his bat. Hitting moves runners up a base, while missing counts as a strike. Connecting with a super move counts as a home run, earning a run for your hit, plus everyone on base at the time. Missing too many times will eventually result in earning three outs though, which will remove everyone on your bases, so you’ll have to make each hit count. When Junpei scores 10 runs though, he goes into rally mode, significantly increasing his speed and power until he hits three outs. It’s ridiculous to explain and even stranger in action, but it definitely affected the way I approached his fights.
Ken and Koromaru
The two fighter gimmick never gets old.
For those who have played BlazBlue, Ken and Koromaru are essentially like Carl and Ada, except Koromaru doesn’t move around like a sloth covered in honey. For those unfamiliar, this two in one character essentially plays like you’re controlling two people at once, with the buttons usually reserved for Persona attacks being mostly dedicated to Koromaru’s attacks.
The two allies fight in tandem, with Ken using his retractable spear to strike from a distance or pull enemies in while Koromaru hits hard from up close. Unlike most characters who fight in tandem with their Persona, but temporarily lose them if they’re struck a certain amount of times, Koromaru has his own small health bar. When it’s depleted, the pooch is taken out of the fight temporarily, forcing Ken to lose most of his combos and moves in the process. That’s not to say they don’t have a Persona at their disposal for additional attacks, but I found it to come into play far less than it does for the rest of the cast.
Rise
Who knew idols could be so deadly?
Rise is one of the most popular idols in the Persona version of Japan, and became a powerful supporting ally for Yu Narukami and the rest of the cast of P4. After somewhat playing a damsel in distress role in the first Arena game, she’s since upgraded her combat abilities to fight side by side with her friends for the first time.
Using her singing, dancing, microphone stand and her Persona, Himiko at her side, Rise ends up being a powerful addition to the cast. Relying mostly on traps and projectiles, she’s still dangerous up close thanks to her decent range, though it’s not suggested since her damage output seemed pretty low. Still, if played right, your opponents should have a hard time approaching her especially since her song abilities can cast a variety of status effects on her foe. All in all, it might take some time to learn the ins and outs of her play style, but she’s sure to become a favorite when mastered.
Sho
Teddie… You have nothing to smile about.
The new kid in town, Sho is an original character added to the Ultimax cast, who’s past and motivations are a complete mystery. What doesn’t take long to figure out however, is that he’s a vicious fighter who can do big damage in no time if his opponent is carelss. As the only character with no Persona, this gives him many more attack options for his aggressive rush down style, throwing out mix ups and combos with ease. Thanks to his dual swords, Sho hits hard, fast and is one of the most straightforward characters while still standing out as the only non-Persona user. His alternate shadow form however, introduces a Persona for him to use, making him even more deadly. By the looks of it, Sho has the tools to become a popular fighter real fast.
Shadow Characters
Shadow Yukiko don’t need no man!
On that subject, almost every character has an alternate form thanks to the return of their shadows. The primary difference between the shadow and standard versions is that the shadows have more HP, do more damage and build up their super meter faster by landing hits, making them much more offense oriented. In exchange, they lose their awakening, burst and other defensive options, making them more ideal for someone who likes to bring pain instead of receive it. But with these lost abilities comes a new one, because the Shadow Rampage ability gives them unlimited meter for a limited amount of time, allowing them to do whatever they damn well please. Some of them, (like Shadow Teddy), even have new moves, like his ability to summon the giant, creepy Shadow Teddy from the main game.
Exciting? I think so. Arc System Works seems to be doing a great job of creating a unique, varied cast that even breathes new life into the characters from the first game. Who are you most excited to play as? Let us know below, and check back for more information on Persona 4 Arena: Ultimax and every game in between.