Beating the Backlog is the feature we've dedicated to highlighting the games we've had lingering in our libraries for ages, and never got around to reviewing timeously or discussing at launch. It's a great opportunity to highlight an IP that's about to get sequel, discuss the origins of an upcoming remake/remaster, or simply praise a game we regret ignoring for so long

After finishing Persona 4 Golden, I really wanted to spend more time with the lovable cast of that game. A few minutes on the internet revealed Persona 4 Dancing All Night, a rhythm-based game that would give me exactly what I need, a break from my favorite genre of games - role-playing games - and more time with the Persona 4 cast; win-win. Admittedly, I was a bit skeptical of picking up the game. There I was, a hardcore RPG player, contemplating a rhythm-based game. Never have I not regretted a game purchase more - Persona 4 Dancing All Night is a fantastic game.

I managed to get a physical copy (yay!) and immediately jumped in. The last time I played a rhythm game was on my PSone back in the day. The rhythm controls felt strange on the PS Vita for the first hour but, after some practice, it all fell into place. The game was a natural fit on the Vita and I could happily play it in short bursts whenever my two-year-old daughter allowed it.



Persona 4 Dancing All Night takes place sometime after the events of Persona 4 Golden. In the game, you see Rise try to make a comeback in the Idol industry and, as all good friends should, you will be helping her out. Events in any Persona game rarely stay this simple, though. Early on, people start to disappear and it's up to the investigation team to solve the mystery. The story plays out in typical Persona 4 style - the Investigation Team goes about their daily lives, a murder takes place, people disappear, and you are left to investigate supernatural occurrences. Cheesy for some, a killer story for others.

Where Persona 4 Golden was all about facing or making peace with one's true self, Dancing All Night is all about the bonds you form with people and ways to express oneself. On the surface, the themes of the game might put potential players off but, if you are willing to see it through to the end, the overall theme of the game might teach you a thing or two.



The actual dancing mechanics are where this game truly shines. The choreography is well mapped and the character animations are great. The controls are snappy and responsive. During any given song, players will have the chance to activate a "Fever Bond". During this state, other characters will join you on stage for a nice little dance-duo. Seeing Teddy joined on stage by Yosuke is great. Risette sharing the stage with Yu during a Fever Bond is a delight after spending so much time with them in Persona 4 Golden. The relationships you form with these characters make small moments like this really shine.

Like any game with Persona title in its name, you will never be shortchanged on your purchase. Although you can play through the story in roughly 8 to 9 hours, after the credits roll you are still left with the free dance mode. Here you can change your characters clothes, accessories and dance partners. In free dance, you have the freedom to select the difficulty of each song and various items that can modify your experience. Said items can be bought with the credits you accumulate whenever you complete a song, whether it's in free dance or story mode. And what would a Persona game be without Tanaka's shops? Tanaka's Amazing Commodities store makes a return, allowing you to purchase alternative outfits, accessories, and items that will modify your game. Some outfits are fantastic, while others are a bit bland and lifeless. This is probably my only gripe with the game.



All these outfits, accessories and items will mean nothing if the actual music didn't live up to the high standard set by every other element. Dancing All Night boasts a healthy 29 songs for you to master. Fortunately, there are enough original and remixed songs that you will never really get bored with the music during several hours of play. Fan favorites like Heartbeat, Heartbreak, Snowflakes, and Time to Make History are all present. The various remixes make songs feel fresh and almost new. The design team went out of their way to ensure the songs are great to listen to and even better to play through.

Persona 4 Dancing All Night offers players a great experience. The rhythm mechanics and controls feel tight and easy to handle. The story, although typical Persona, is fun to follow and will hook you to the end. The music feels fresh and teems with energy. If you are looking for a break from your normal gaming habits, Persona 4 Dancing All Night offers an excellent package.

After beating the game, I cannot wait for Persona 3: Dancing in Moonlight and Persona 5: Dancing in Starlight. Luckily these two Persona dancing games will release in the West somewhere next year.

You can follow the link to find more games we finally got around to playing and discussing - slowly but surely "Beating the Backlog".