One of the biggest questions Shin Megami Tensei fans have had about the upcoming PS2 role-playing game Persona 4 is whether or not the game would have a social link system similar to the one implemented in Persona 3. The social aspect was one of the most unique parts of the game, as the relationships the protagonist forged at school and around town had a distinctive effect on both the story and the way personas could be fused. Well, I have good news, guys: Atlus has sent out a press release detailing the social link system in Persona 4, and it appears to be just as intriguing.

Here are some of the details, straight from Atlus:

The Social Link system in P4 allows players to build relationships with ALL of their teammates, not just the girls. The stronger your relationships are, the more events you’ll experience. And depending on their ranks, teammates might jump in front of a critical hit for you when you’re about to die in battle or perform a support attack to finish off an enemy you weren’t able to kill. Also, certain conversations will occur in the dungeons according to the events that took place the last time you hung out with that character, providing a much stronger incentive for developing closer bonds with your party members.

Another improvement involves the Protagonist’s relationships with the fairer sex. Simply maxing out your Social Link with the ladies won’t automatically make you their “special someone” this time around. As you increase the ranks of your relationships, P4 gives you the option to be either “friends” or “lovers” with each character, triggering different events and conversations later in the game.

There are also changes to how you level your Social Links, as well as new factors that affect how quickly your ranks are increased. For example, going to sleep early enables you to have dreams about the characters you have a relationship with, making you closer to them. Also, there are certain days in the game when you can make your lunch to take to school the following day. You can then choose a character to share your food with. Both of these features allow you to strengthen your Social Links faster. However, these actions will come at the expense of another activity, which of course makes time management all the more important.


It sounds to me like they took the social link system from Persona 3 and expanded it, while still giving Persona 4 its own distinct feel. I am getting more and more excited for this game with every passing day. I never thought that Atlus and Megami Tensei would be able to surpass the masterpiece that is Persona 3, but the next game in the series is looking mighty promising.

Related Articles:

Meet the Heroes of Persona 4 

Persona 4 Gets New Trailer and Release Date 

Two New Persona 4 Trailers