Persona 4 Golden: The Waifu Review

Persona is one of the most popular game series in the JRPG community, so when Persona 4 Golden got released for PC over the weekend, it threw my mind right back into the sleepy town of Inaba. Like many people, Persona 4 was my first introduction to the series and Persona 4 Golden gave us so much more of what I wanted.

And what I wanted was, of course, the top tier waifus the game gave fans. Yes, romance is an optional part of the story and, like every other entry in the series, Persona 4 Golden’s plot isn’t hugely impacted by who you choose to pursue, but it does so much to flesh out the young idealist feel that the plot presents. After all, what is more idealistic than young love?

But who to choose? Who is the definitive Best Girl of Persona 4 Golden? If you’ve just picked the game up for the first time and you find yourself spoiled for choice, you’ve come to the right place because here is the official Rice Digital Persona 4 Golden Waifu Review.

Just like before, this is all just our opinion, so if you disagree, feel free to shout at us on the usual socials!

The Girls of Persona 4 Golden

Ai Ebihara

Ai’s social link unlocks through the Sports Club social link. She’s introduced as selfish and lazy and only interested in what people can do for her. As you cut classes to learn more about her and her past, she starts to open up a bit, but Ai has a lot of work to do on herself as well before she’s ready for a relationship. She’s a good story but it’s about finding her independence and self-worth, not getting others tangled up in her drama.

Yumi Ozawa

Yumi is half of the Sun Arcana in Persona 4 Golden and she’s definitely the better of the two options. She’s confident in her talent and her place within the drama club, but this is a front for the chaos that her home life finds itself in. She’s angry at her father for leaving her mother and angry with her mother for forgiving him, which makes her just a bundle of insecurities. Helping her navigate this mess could be really satisfying, but you don’t get the option to ask her out until extremely late in the social link which doesn’t make her a great option for those looking for a fulfilling romance.

Naoto Shirogane

Okay, so here is where I am going to get controversial but hear me out. Naoto is a fantastic character. The Detective Prince, she presents as male for the first section of the game until you discover that this is simply to help them to be accepted in the male-dominated police force. The only downside to Naoto’s plot is that she joins the Investigation Team so late in the game that it is difficult reach the higher levels of the social link and unlock the romance path.

Plus, Kanji has a definite crush on her and I am not the kind of guy who is going to break a brother’s heart like that.

Marie

Maria is the character introduced expressly for Persona 4 Golden and she’s a fun one to get to know. Much of her story is about uncovering her lost memories and trying to discover who she really is. It’s not the most original plot, but her interactions with the rest of the Investigation Team and the mystery of this new resident of the Velvet Room, plus her unique style compared to the rest of the girls in the game, make her a fun relationship to explore. Romance with Marie also adds some extra poignancy to the new ending, but that’s all I’ll say about that one.

Chie Satonaka

With her love of kung fu movies and endless enthusiasm, Chie has a personality big enough to match her appetite. So much of Chie’s story centres on her dream of becoming a police officer and protecting people from evil doers. Of all the other party members, Chie is most likely to put on mask and fight crime as a vigilant of justice, which is always something I’m looking for in a romantic partner. Chie is a fan-favourite for a reason and its only because the other options are so good that she’s not top of this list.

Yukiko Amagi

Yukiko is one of the most organic and natural feeling romances in the Persona 4 Golden. She’s top of her class and one of the most beautiful girls in school, while also having a silly and infectious sense of humour. Yukiko is on a quest for independence, seeking to get out of the shadow of her family inn and strike out on her own with the support of her friends, which is a great story. Her romance makes sense as you grow closer and closer, but much of her story is undone by reversal toward the end of her social link which is the reason she doesn’t get the top spot on this list.

So that just leaves one waifu to claim the top spot…

Rise Kujikawa

That’s right. Rise Kujikawa. The teenage idol who has taken a leave of absence from her work to go back home. She’s sweet. She’s funny. She’s obviously beautiful. But she’s also vulnerable and plagued by the kind of insecurities that come from being so famous at such a young age. Through her relationship with the main character, she’ll realise the good she can do as an idol and role model for young girls everywhere.

Rise is certainly insistent in her pursuit of a romantic relationship with the MC, but its also tough to say no to her when she is so darn adorable and sweet.

What do you think – did we get the order right?

^{Disclosure: Some links in this article may be affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase after clicking on them. This is at no additional cost to you and helps support Rice Digital!}

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Trent Cannon

Trent is a fan of anything that doesn't take itself too seriously. He is frequently hilarious and adorable. If 240 character takes on gaming, anime, or rat pictures are your thing, follow him on Twitter.

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