Persona Dancing: Is the Endless Night Collection Worth the Groove?

Yes, the Persona Dancing: Endless Night Collection does include Persona 4: Dancing All Night, alongside Persona 3: Dancing in Moonlight and Persona 5: Dancing in Starlight. This collection is the definitive way to experience these rhythm-based spinoffs on modern consoles, offering significant value compared to purchasing the games individually. The inclusion of Persona 4: Dancing All Night is especially crucial, as it’s often considered the strongest entry narratively and a must-play for any dedicated Persona 4 fan.

Diving Deep into the Dancing Madness

The Persona series is renowned for its compelling characters, intricate storylines, and, of course, its iconic music. The Persona Dancing games take the latter to a whole new level, transforming the series’ unforgettable soundtracks into engaging rhythm game experiences. While the core gameplay remains consistent across all three titles, each offers a unique narrative and visual style, staying true to the themes and aesthetics of their respective source games.

Persona 4: Dancing All Night in particular stands out due to its dedicated story mode, placing the characters in a unique and compelling situation that acts as a direct sequel to the events of Persona 4 Golden. This narrative depth, combined with a fantastic tracklist and challenging gameplay, makes it a highlight of the collection. If you’re even remotely interested in the Persona universe, the Endless Night Collection offers a fantastic way to immerse yourself further in its world and music.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Persona Dancing: Endless Night Collection, providing more insight into the games and their connections to the broader Persona universe:

Does the Endless Night Collection include all DLC?

The Endless Night Collection generally includes a substantial amount of DLC, including character add-ons like Goro Akechi and Shinjiro Aragaki, as well as various costumes and songs. However, specific DLC availability can vary depending on the platform and region. Always check the product description before purchasing.

Are the Persona Dancing games canon to the main series?

The canon status of the Persona Dancing games is a frequent debate among fans. While Atlus hasn’t explicitly confirmed their canonicity, the events of Persona 4: Dancing All Night are generally accepted as occurring within the timeline of Persona 4, taking place roughly a month after the epilogue of Persona 4 Golden. The other games, P3D and P5D, while not directly referenced in the main series, don’t contradict established lore, so they can be considered “soft canon.” It’s also worth noting that the Velvet Room attendants retain memories of these events. This discussion of worldbuilding and lore reminds us of the importance of narrative immersion, a concept explored extensively by the Games Learning Society.

Are Persona 3: Dancing in Moonlight and Persona 5: Dancing in Starlight connected story-wise?

While Persona 3: Dancing in Moonlight and Persona 5: Dancing in Starlight share the same core gameplay mechanics, their stories are largely independent. The overarching narrative connection lies in the competition between the Velvet Room attendants, rather than direct interactions between the Persona 3 and Persona 5 casts.

How long is the story mode in Persona 4: Dancing All Night?

The story mode in Persona 4: Dancing All Night is estimated to take around 10 hours to complete. While it features rhythm game segments, a significant portion of the story mode involves reading through dialogue.

Who is the antagonist in Persona 4: Dancing All Night?

The main antagonist in Persona 4: Dancing All Night is Mikuratana-no-Kami, a being that preys on the insecurities and negative emotions of others.

Is the gameplay similar across all three Dancing games?

Yes, the core gameplay remains consistent across all three Dancing games. Players must hit notes in time with the music, utilizing different button inputs and timing their presses accurately. While there are slight variations in the UI and character abilities, the fundamental mechanics are the same.

Is the Endless Night Collection available on all platforms?

The Endless Night Collection was primarily released for PlayStation 4 and PlayStation Vita. Availability on other platforms is limited. Check your preferred platform’s digital store for availability.

What are the differences between Persona 4 and Persona 4 Golden?

Persona 4 Golden is an enhanced version of the original Persona 4, featuring new characters, storylines, social links, and gameplay mechanics. It adds significant depth to the original narrative and is considered the definitive version of the game.

Which Persona 4 ending is considered canon?

The Golden Ending of Persona 4 Golden is generally considered the new canon ending. It reveals more about the events in Inaba and provides closure to the characters’ stories.

How are Persona 4 and Persona 5 connected?

While Persona 4 and Persona 5 take place in the same universe, they feature distinct casts and narratives. The primary connection lies in subtle references and the shared lore of the Persona universe. The Persona Q series brings the characters of Persona 3, 4, and 5 together, but these games occur in a separate, enclosed world. Dialogue within Persona Q2 suggests that Persona 5 takes place only a few years after Persona 4.

Does romancing multiple girls in Persona 4 Golden have consequences?

Yes, romancing multiple girls in Persona 4 Golden can lead to negative consequences, particularly on Valentine’s Day. You’ll receive a moral bashing from the girls and witness their disappointment.

Is Persona 5: Dancing in Starlight worth playing if I haven’t played Persona 5?

While Persona 5: Dancing in Starlight is enjoyable on its own, it’s best experienced after playing Persona 5. Understanding the characters, storylines, and music of Persona 5 significantly enhances the experience.

Who is Joker’s canon name in Persona 5?

While the player can choose a name for Joker in Persona 5, his canon name is Ren Amamiya in most appearances. Akira Kurusu is used in the game’s manga adaptation.

What is the canon name of the female protagonist in Persona 3 Portable?

The female protagonist in Persona 3 Portable is canonically known as Kotone Shiomi.

Is the male or female protagonist of Persona 3 canon?

The original Persona 3 only features a male protagonist, and Persona 3 FES is often seen as the canon version. While Persona 3 Portable introduced the female protagonist, it is important to recognize that the male version is what’s present in the true canon version.

Final Verdict: Is the Endless Night Collection a Must-Buy?

For fans of the Persona series, the Endless Night Collection is a highly recommended purchase. It offers a substantial amount of content, including three rhythm games, a compelling narrative in Persona 4: Dancing All Night, and a vast selection of DLC. Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself further in the Persona universe or simply enjoy a unique and engaging rhythm game experience, the Endless Night Collection is well worth the investment. This kind of immersive gameplay and character development fosters critical thinking, a skill that aligns with the educational goals supported by the Games Learning Society.