Ultimax extends Persona 4 Arena with a wider roster, shadow Personas and a story mode that follows Golden. More generous, more balanced in fights, and Atsushi Kitajoh's soundtrack stands tall against the rest of Atlus's catalogue.
Your verdict
Category
Fighting2 players12+
Description
2D fighting game by Arc System Works and Atlus, November 2014. Persona 4 Arena sequel with new storyline where fighters battle the Shadow Operatives and new Persona 3 and 4 characters. New character Ken Amada, extended Arcade mode, deepened Visual Novel narrative and enriched gameplay. Second Persona Arena with even more content.
Persona 4 Arena Ultimax review
4/5
Art direction
★★★★★
"Striking"
MAX
Music
★★★★★
"Legendary"
MAX
Story
★★★★★
"Masterful"
The sequel is recognized by its doubles: every fighter gets a Shadow version, identical silhouette but tinted red and black, yellow eyes, thick aura, presented as the character's negative. The arenas' fog also turns to twilight red, and this chromatic rereading of an already familiar cast is enough to install an end-of-the-world mood.
Still signed by Shoji Meguro, the music trades the urban spleen for a sunny, funky pop, carried by Shihoko Hirata's voice. From the famous "Reach Out to the Truth" to gentler themes, each track sparkles with a cool, catchy energy. This luminous, stylish sonic identity remains one of the most beloved of the JRPG.
Bringing together the heroes of two supernatural investigations, this tale extends their bonds through a strange tournament broadcast inside the TV world. Beneath the fighting game hides a genuine novel, faithful to the warmth and themes of the series. This unexpected sequel, generous with dialogue, delighted Persona fans.
Gameplay
"Excellent"
Fun
"From the very first minutes"
Addictiveness
"Captivating"
Difficulty
"Balanced"
Lifespan
"Massive"
Its sequel pushes the narrative scope even further: two intertwined storylines unfold like a genuine novel, extended by a broadened roster and new styles to tame. Between technical learning, ranked play and the hunt for secrets, you linger a long while. The Persona 3 and 4 crossover keeps a solid aura among fighting-game enthusiasts.
Technical info
💾6,5 GB📅21/11/2014
Published by Atlus
Persona 4 Arena Ultimax (Xbox 360) price, value & rarity
A sequel to Persona 4 Arena by Arc System Works, widening the roster and plot of the versus drawn from the Atlus universe, become the most rounded form of the crossover. Distributed in measured volume in the West, its appeal lies in this most-complete-cut status and a loyal niche audience rather than scarcity. A piece valued by fans of fighting and the Persona saga.
Better with friends
A 2D fighter with a strong anime charm, where accessible auto-combos let everyone pull off stylish strings from their very first games. The competition charms beginners and connoisseurs alike, blending immediate readability with system depth that reveals itself over time. Local versus hits home among fans of the license, who relive their favorite duels in a rivalry as technical as it is playful.
Is Persona 4 Arena Ultimax still worth playing in 2026?
Released in 2014 on Xbox 360, Arc System Works and Atlus' Persona 4 Arena Ultimax is the enriched sequel to Persona 4 Arena, widening the roster, refining the combat system and continuing the story with a new colossal story mode. The auto combos welcome beginners while the technical depth rewards experts, in the studio's great tradition. The superb sprites and the upbeat soundtrack stay a treat. The shutdown of the online servers limits the competitive side. But the solo and local stay excellent. For devotees of technical versus fighting and Persona fans, this title keeps a strong appeal today.
