Is Persona 4 shorter than Persona 5?

Persona 4 is indeed shorter than Persona 5, with the base game of Persona 4 requiring around 72½ hours to complete when focusing on the main objectives, and Persona 4 Golden adding about 20 hours of additional content, while Persona 5 can take approximately 100 hours to complete. The significant difference in playtime and game length can be attributed to the more extensive storyline, gameplay mechanics, and features introduced in Persona 5 compared to its predecessor, Persona 4.

Frequently Asked Questions

General Information

1. What is the playtime difference between Persona 4 and Persona 5? Persona 5 is significantly longer, with a completion time of approximately 100 hours, while Persona 4 takes around 72½ hours to complete, and Persona 4 Golden adds about 20 hours of extra content.

2. Is Persona 4 Golden worth playing? Yes, Persona 4 Golden is considered by many to be the best version of the game, offering a rich and engaging storyline, enjoyable characters, and a well-refined gameplay experience.

3. How does Persona 4 compare to Persona 5 in terms of narrative? Both games have their strengths and weaknesses, but Persona 5’s narrative reaches higher highs, particularly with the Kamoshida and Sae arcs, although it also has lower lows, such as the Okumura arc.

Gameplay and Mechanics

4. Is Persona 4 easier than Persona 5? Persona 4 Golden made certain aspects, like boss battles and grinding, easier compared to the original Persona 4, but Persona 5 has its own set of challenges, and without exploiting the money trick, it might feel harder than Persona 4 Golden.

5. What are the key differences between Persona 4 and Persona 5’s gameplay mechanics? Persona 5 introduces several new mechanics and improvements over Persona 4, including a more intricate social system, new combat features, and enhanced character development options.

Series and Continuity

6. Are Persona 4 and Persona 5 connected? All Persona games are part of the same canon, although each game’s story is relatively standalone, with Persona 4 and Persona 5 sharing some references and cameos but not direct narrative connections.

7. Can I play Persona 5 without playing Persona 4? Yes, each Persona game is designed to be playable as a standalone experience, so you can enjoy Persona 5 without prior knowledge of Persona 4’s story.

Age and Content

8. Is Persona 4 suitable for a 14-year-old? No, Persona 4, like other games in the series, deals with mature themes, including murder, suicide, occult elements, and some sexual content, making it more appropriate for older teenagers and adults.

9. Can a 13-year-old play Persona 5? Persona 5, with its M (17+) rating, is not suitable for 13-year-olds due to its mature themes, language, and content, although the game’s overall tone might be closer to a Teen rating in some aspects.

Specific Features and Characters

10. Can you date AI in Persona 4? In Persona 4 Golden, you have the option to be friends with Ai, date her, or even pretend to be in a relationship, offering a range of social interactions.

11. Should I finish Persona 4 before playing Persona 5? While it’s possible to play Persona 5 without completing Persona 4, playing Persona 4 can provide a richer understanding of the series’ mechanics and some background knowledge, although it’s not necessary for enjoying Persona 5.

12. Is Persona 4 worth playing after Persona 5? Absolutely, Persona 4 offers a unique setting, characters, and storyline that are distinct from Persona 5, making it worth playing even after completing Persona 5.

Series and Game Length

13. Which Persona game is the shortest? The original Persona game is the shortest in the series, with a playtime of around 30+ hours, significantly less than the more recent titles like Persona 4 and Persona 5.

14. What is the longest game in the Persona series? Persona 5, particularly Persona 5 Royal, is considered one of the longest games in the series, with a completion time that can exceed 100 hours, offering a deep and engaging experience.

15. How long was the gap between Persona 4 and Persona 5’s release? There was an eight-year gap between the release of Persona 4 and Persona 5, indicating a significant development period that allowed for the incorporation of new features and improvements in Persona 5.