Arc System Worksis known as a developer and publisher of a variety of games, but they are most known for their work in developing fighting games with an anime aesthetic. Their claim to fame lies in theGuilty Gearseries, as well as other fighting game series suchBlazBlue.
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Arc System Works has recently started a trend ofcreating fighting games from licensed franchises. The best example of these isDragon Ball FighterZandPersona 4 Arena Ultimax. While both of these games are made by the same company, they are very different games. Here are some of the many differences between the two games.
10The Games Represent Different Franchises
One of the more obvious differences between the two games is that they are based on two different franchises:Dragon Ball FighterZis based on theDragon Ballseries, whilePersona 4 Arena Ultimaxis based on thePersonagames, particularlyPersona 3and4.
What’s also notable is that the two games are based on different types of media;Dragon Ball FighterZisbased around manga and anime, whilePersona 4 Arena Ultimaxis based around RPGs, and the gameplay and aesthetics of each game change to match it.
9Dragon Ball FighterZ Is 3D, Persona 4 Arena Ultimax Is 2D
Dragon Ball FighterZcaught the world’s attention when it showed off Arc System Works’s patented style of 3D modeling, giving the game a 2D, anime-like feel while still using 3D models. This revolutionary modeling style is one of the most unique aesthetic styles in gaming, and it served the game’s popularity well.
In comparison,Persona 4 Arena Ultimaxuses 2D sprites to model its characters. SinceUltimaxis an older game, it makes sense that it would use an older style of character modeling compared toDragon Ball FighterZ. Nevertheless, both games look great for their time.
8Dragon Ball FighterZ Is A Team Game
Most fighting games are 1-on-1, including iconic series likeStreet Fighter,Mortal Kombat, andTekken.Persona 4 Arena Ultimaxis similarly also 1-on-1, although Personas technically serve as a secondary support.
However,Dragon Ball FighterZis a team-based game, and features 3-on-3 matches versus the usual 1-on-1. While it isn’t the first game to have 3-on-3 gameplay, it does boost the game’s hype, especially with such an iconic cast of characters.
7Persona 4 Arena Ultimax Has Status Effects
Since it is based on a role-playing game series,Persona 4 Arena Ultimaxdoes carry on some aspects from its parent series. One such example is the status effects system, in which characters may be able to inflict status effects on their opponents.
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Depending on the character, opponents can be poisoned, charmed, muted and much more. Status effects are pretty unusual for a fighting game, which makes them stand out inUltimax. Many of these status effects are taken directly from the games, so avidPersonafans will have a pretty good idea of what each status effect does.
6Dragon Ball FighterZ Has Tag Team Mechanics
As a 3-on-3 game,Dragon Ball FighterZhas many mechanics that allow players to have the team interplay with each other. Many ofDragon Ball FighterZ’s mechanics are inspired by the fighting gameUltimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3,which is also a 3-on-3 game.
While players can only control one character at a time inDragon Ball FighterZ, they can switch out their main active character for another on their team. They can also have their standby characters help out the active character with assists, extending combos or making openings.
5P4AU Features Alternate Versions Of Characters
Persona 4 Arena Ultimaxfeatures a considerable roster of over twenty playable characters. In addition to this,many of these characters have Shadow-Type versions, which play similarly to the normal characters but can make use of different mechanics.
Shadow-Type Characters are interesting because they add an extra dimension to character choice. Not only will a player have to choose which character to play, but also which version will be better. There is not necessarily a right answer, which can make these choices interesting to see.
4DBFZ Has Clone Characters
Dragon Ball FighterZhas a large roster of over forty playable characters from all over theDragon Ballmanga and anime series. While many of those characters are unique characters taken from all over the series, the roster also features a number of clone characters, primarily clones of Goku and Vegeta.
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These clone characters usually represent different forms of a character (i.e. Base Goku vs. Super Saiyan Blue Goku). While these characters often play quite similarly, other clone characters (such as Majin Android 21 and Lab Coat Android 21) may play completely differently.
3Their Story Modes Work Differently
While many fighting games do not spend too much effort on their story modes,Dragon Ball FighterZandPersona 4 Arena Ultimaxare quite different. This is because these games are based on series with a lot of story, andso their story modes feature a robust plotline.
However, the two games approach story mode differently.Dragon Ball FighterZhas a board game-like system where players must progress while achieving certain objectives. InPersona 4 Arena Ultimax, the story proceeds like a visual novel, with some fights placed in between.
2Online Functionality Is Very Different
Persona 4 Arena UltimaxandDragon Ball FighterZboth feature online functionality, but to different extents.Persona 4 Arena Ultimaxfeatures a basic lobby system where players can meet up in order to play games against each other. There is also a matchmaking mode where players can wait for the game to search an opponent for them to play.
In comparison,Dragon Ball FighterZhas a much more integrated online system. Players will spend most of their time online in a lobby, where they can access all of the game’s various features and interact with other players at the same time.
1Cinematic Finishers Are Implemented Differently
As games that are based on other franchises, Arc System Works has worked to implement cinematic aspects that appeal to the flashier aspects of these properties.Dragon Ball FighterZfeatures Dramatic Finishesthat emulate scenes from the manga and anime, whilePersona 4 Arena Ultimaxfeatures Instant Kills based on character abilities and moves from the games.
However, the games implement these finishers differently. Dramatic Finishers require certain characters to be in play, as well as ending the fight with the right last character. Instant Kills, meanwhile, require a lot of resources and are harder to use in gameplay.
Persona 4 Arena Ultimaxis available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, Arcade, Nintendo Switch, Microsoft Windows, and Xbox 360.
Dragon Ball FighterZis available now for PC, PS4, Switch, and Xbox One.
