DoubleJump unveils the P4 guide.

[Flußkönig]

I am sort of surprised no one has made a thread about this yet. Maybe no one is surprised.

http://www.doublejumpbooks.com/p4/P4_400.jpg

The guide should be shipping around 12/2/08. You can use the code p4pre to get $6.30 off any shipping method for the P4 guide at the DoubleJump online store. (http://djbooks.easystorecreator.com/items/strategy-guides/list.htm?1=1)

If you order by media mail the price for the guide ends up being around $17.00. Just as a warning I have had a DJ guide get damaged using media mail so choose that option at your own risk.

Here is the thread over at the DJ forums. Lol at all the P4 hate.

http://www.doublejumpbooks.com/yabbse/index.php?topic=5667.0

[Sei]

I don't usually get strategy guides, I think the only one I have is the Disgaea 2 one that came with the game from Rozenqueen. And Earthbounds. Lol at that forum, though.

[jeffx]

if this is < 20$ with free shipping, I'll get one.

[Flußkönig]

I don't usually get strategy guides, I think the only one I have is the Disgaea 2 one that came with the game from Rozenqueen. And Earthbounds. Lol at that forum, though.


I don't either. I have bought a few from DJ and that is it. The Nocturne and P3 guides were the only ones that got much use though.

I don't use the walkthrough section, but having access to all those charts comes in handy.

[Olethros]

I don't usually get strategy guides, I think the only one I have is the Disgaea 2 one that came with the game from Rozenqueen. And Earthbounds. Lol at that forum, though.

Same here on all accounts. :agree:

[sora4126]

Meh, to me, strategy guide's take the fun out of the game. Much more fun and accomplishing doing everything on your own.

[unknown]

I'm not getting one this time around.

[Tecca]

I always get suckered into buying the guides, even though I don't even use them (I literally just look through the parts I've already done, and that's about it. Sometimes I will look at the current boss I'm fighting for help). I'm gonna try to stay away from this, because I know I won't use it and I'm also not really a collector of anything.

[TheMagicHat]

Hell, I'll pick it up if only because it's from DJ. I've always loved their books.

Now if only they didnt fall apart so easily.

[RayFoxSith]

I'll get this definitely.

[Skyrocket]

I'll get it. The one fpr P3 saved me a lot of hassle.

[Zeta_Nova]

Yeah, I'll get this one.

[Sseklebeast]

I love the DJ guides I have. I didnt use the P3 guide till I beat it and will probably do the same with this one. :)

[kufufu]

Eh, I'll get it even though I know there will be many errors in it.

[Skyrocket]

Eh, I'll get it even though I know there will be many errors in it.

Considering that they're doing the guide in less than two months that shouldn't be a surprise. :p

[Fuyukaze]

I'll get it if only because I've gotten practicly every other strat guide they've done for Atlus. Still one of the better publishers of strat guides though I'm not sure that's realy saying much.

[Gen Eric Gui]

Eh, I'll get it even though I know there will be many errors in it.

Considering that they're doing the guide in less than two months that shouldn't be a surprise. :p

You do realize that two months is way more time than most companies spend writing their guides, right? Two months in guide writer time is like, a million years.

[unknown]

I did not know that >_>

[jeffx]

Eh, I'll get it even though I know there will be many errors in it.

Considering that they're doing the guide in less than two months that shouldn't be a surprise. :p

well if you read carefully they say they've been playing the Japanese version, which really gives them more like 5 months (also reminds me of how fast we're getting this!!!)

[punkrocker_271]

this guide looks like a waste

[Skyrocket]

Eh, I'll get it even though I know there will be many errors in it.

Considering that they're doing the guide in less than two months that shouldn't be a surprise. :p

well if you read carefully they say they've been playing the Japanese version, which really gives them more like 5 months (also reminds me of how fast we're getting this!!!)

From what they said it doesn't sound like they've figured out a lot in that time. I mean, I could get more info off Gamefaqs. That's not meant as a slam. Just a statement of facts.

[SickleCellAnemia]

I'll get this definitely.
:agree:

[jeffx]

Book is up for preorder (https://djbooks.storesecured.com/items/strategy-guides/persona-4-the-official-strategy-guide-detail.htm), use coupon code p4pre for 6.30$ off ANY shipping method.

(but their shipping kills the deal anywhere outside of the US... 12$ to Canada! FOR A GUIDE!)

[bullman422]

I'm getting the guide since Double Jump does a pretty good job in making them. Usually I won't look through the walkthru section until I beat the game once or twice but it is always helpful in seeing what I missed or what possibly better strategy I could have used on a particular boss. I also like looking at stats, creator interviews, and other extras Double Jump often add in the guide.

[Skyrocket]

The shipping deal is nice. But I live less than a mile from a GameStop so the 10% I save getting it there makes it so pre-ordering from Double Jump the lesser deal. Though I'm sure people who live in the boonies will be very happy.

[dragonlife29]

I'm not much of a guide person...but if it's compact like P3's (Which I didn't buy, anyway), I may consider it. Maybe.

[mitsururocksu]

I am a strategy guide ho. LOVE THEM! Cuz there's SO many games I want to play, I have so little time to play, and I don't want to miss anything. I'm all over this one!

[jeffx]

REMINDER!! you have until next week to preorder the guide w/ free shipping!!!

[cj iwakura]

P3's guide was really unnecessary. DJ are best at games that require huge amounts of reference material, like Disgaea's and Nocturne's(epic). For boss strategies, not so much.

The intro on the Japanese school system was a good read, though. Also looking forward to the fan interview(I hear they answered the question about why the Velvet Room singer and the pianist aren't in P3/4).

[Azure_Tai]

I'll play the game without the guide, cuz it make me feel like I'm cheating, i only used the strategy guide for Final Fantasy 12 though. LOL

[jeffx]

Well, good for you!

It's not like I plan to use the guide for play-by-play details. I like my armor/weapon charts, complete item lists, clarification of quest requirements outside of the velvet room, etc.............. furthermore, it looks as though DJ has added exclusive content such as an interview with the creators and probably more.

I'll admit I'm mostly getting it for the same reason I'm getting the SLEP and that I'm considering the new PLAY magazine: I'm being swept by the Persona 4 wave!

[Azure_Tai]

Yeah i guess most gamers are getting swept by the P4 wave

And i really want to get the new Play magazine issue

[onlylunch2]

im already surfing it. just beware of sharks.

and by that, i mean loan sharks with all the spending you'll do :P

[Azure_Tai]

LOL I guess i really have to be careful then :D

[Soushi_Grapple]

Im just thankful we're getting a guide at all! Atlus is sparse with their game guidebooks.. I really wish DDS had had guides. My friend has a difficult time navigating the dungeons (pretty easy for me.. I have trouble with bosses and like to know ahead of time what skills I need).

[Azure_Tai]

I also have trouble with the bosses that why i level up a lot before fighting a boss

[onlylunch2]

thats the one thing about persona that drove me up a wall; trial and error to find boss weaknesses. It often ends up getting you killed. so bring on the guide!

i wont use it for anything other than non plot related help

[bullman422]

Im just thankful we're getting a guide at all! Atlus is sparse with their game guidebooks.. I really wish DDS had had guides. My friend has a difficult time navigating the dungeons (pretty easy for me.. I have trouble with bosses and like to know ahead of time what skills I need).

Gamefaqs.com is your next best bet. There are a few maps for areas in DDS1 but more importantly there are some decent boss strategies for both parts.

[onlylunch2]

yeah, but i want to beat the game without plot related help. the guide book has some nice extras. i'll only use it for fusion tables and the sort. plus since i cant get social link expansion pack, this makes up for it.

[Azure_Tai]

Wait, whats a social link expansion pack?

[onlylunch2]

theres a whole thread on it man, its a pack you buy on amazon.com (ships only within US, so hope your living there) it has a P4 calendar, teddie plushie toy, t-shirt, and a jewel case with the other half of the P4 soundtrack. out of stock, availability none.

[jeffx]

My main problem with gamefaqs... faqs... (other than the generally terrible grammar, confusing instructions and abundance of typos) is the lack of visual aids such as charts, images and pictures, especially when it comes to solving puzzles and such. There are a couple of sites such as IGN that are offering full HTML/PDF guides, now we're talking.

For the record though I only have about 5 game guides total. My complaint with GameFAQs isn't really applicable, because it's free.

Oh and I'll admit to using the superb Etrian Odyssey maps they have on there, especially for some of the later fetch quests.

[onlylunch2]

haha i agree man, im exactly like you! i own only 5 guides on the dot, and i despise gamefaqs walkthroughs. although they usually have good side faqs, like quest guide and stuff. but the worst is when you get an faq that like "go west south then north" when the camera angle can be anywhere :P

[Sseklebeast]

I did not want to make a separate thread so I'll post here. I preordered my DJ Persona 4 Strategy Guide sometime last month and just receieved it in the mail today! Grahh! I want to look through it so bad but I really do not want to accidently spoil anything about the game.

Anyone else preorder through DJ?

[Inzaghi]

I did not want to make a separate thread so I'll post here. I preordered my DJ Persona 4 Strategy Guide sometime last month and just receieved it in the mail today! Grahh! I want to look through it so bad but I really do not want to accidently spoil anything about the game.

Don't do it! Stay strong! Murder mystery stories are the most easily spoiled, so you're sure to regret it...

[dragonlife29]

I did not want to make a separate thread so I'll post here. I preordered my DJ Persona 4 Strategy Guide sometime last month and just receieved it in the mail today! Grahh! I want to look through it so bad but I really do not want to accidently spoil anything about the game.

Anyone else preorder through DJ?Gah! Don't do it! Just put it away somewhere where you can leave it until you get the game! Don't spoil anything for yourself XD!

While we're at it, don't look at the art book if you get it until after you beat the game.

[Sseklebeast]

Okay I made sure to not look at anything story related and did not read the character profiles just to be on the safe side. Well I did check out the interview questions at the very back of the guide ( very nice btw ) and the guide itself makes me yearn for P4 even more! It's definitely #1 on my list of anticipated games for the year.

[StrikeRaider]

Who ships a guide a week before the game comes out? It's madness I tell ya!

[Sseklebeast]

While we're at it, don't look at the art book if you get it until after you beat the game.

Some big spoilers there huh?

[Skyrocket]

My main problem with gamefaqs... faqs... (other than the generally terrible grammar, confusing instructions and abundance of typos) is the lack of visual aids such as charts, images and pictures, especially when it comes to solving puzzles and such. There are a couple of sites such as IGN that are offering full HTML/PDF guides, now we're talking.

For the record though I only have about 5 game guides total. My complaint with GameFAQs isn't really applicable, because it's free.

Oh and I'll admit to using the superb Etrian Odyssey maps they have on there, especially for some of the later fetch quests.

They do have visual aids on some games. Of course, it's usually only the really popular ones.

[persona3rocks]

yea im a get it but the p3 one fell apart like in two day i had to tape it all up:bs:

[Eternal Sin]

I did not want to make a separate thread so I'll post here. I preordered my DJ Persona 4 Strategy Guide sometime last month and just receieved it in the mail today! Grahh! I want to look through it so bad but I really do not want to accidently spoil anything about the game.

Anyone else preorder through DJ?

Yup, i preordered it too, I'm still waiting for mine to arrive (sometime this week). Where did you order your's from? And dont give in to the temptation! You waited months for P4 so what's a few days?

[Sseklebeast]

I ordered straight off of DJ's website. Don't worry I would not actually spoil the game for myself . . still cannot believe that we're all so close to playing the NA version. :)

[Eternal Sin]

i know eh?! Its almost like a dream, i dont think ive ever waited for a game this impatiently. I ordered mine from amazon, that was a fail move on my part. :P

[persona3rocks]

i know eh?! Its almost like a dream, i dont think ive ever waited for a game this impatiently.

i couldnt agree more this is a game i just cant get out of my head im so ready for it hopefully im disipointed:agree:

[jeffx]

Mine also is on its way and I'm definitely NOT fully reading it until my second playthrough or something.

[dragonlife29]

While we're at it, don't look at the art book if you get it until after you beat the game.

Some big spoilers there huh?Don't know the scope of the spoilers, but Siliconera gave us a heads-up that there would be spoilers.

[Eternal Sin]

dont use it until your 3rd playthrough jeffx, there are some things that can only be done on second playthrough so it would technically still spoil no?

[jeffx]

i know eh?! Its almost like a dream, i dont think ive ever waited for a game this impatiently.

i couldnt agree more this is a game i just cant get out of my head im so ready for it hopefully im disipointed:agree:

Wait what? :confused:

[Eternal Sin]

im sure its a typo, they probably meant "i hope im not* disappointed"

[jeffx]

just bustin some balls

[Eternal Sin]

haha :P

[Gregarious]

While we're at it, don't look at the art book if you get it until after you beat the game.

Some big spoilers there huh?

The Persona 3 artbook was the same way. Something along the lines of costumes people wore, the staggering amount some had, the lack other certain people had, etc. There were a couple other things, but those aren't worth mentioning :P

[TheMagicHat]

Got my DJBooks guide earlier this week. Such a nice-looking book. I just hope it stays sturdy this time. Both my P3 and Mana Khemia guides kept falling apart. :frown:

[Eternal Sin]

true, i read the P3 art book right before i started new game. I found it wasn't much of a spoiler until you beat the game and realize WHY it was a spoiler.

[Futago_101]

I'll play the game without the guide, cuz it make me feel like I'm cheating, i only used the strategy guide for Final Fantasy 12 though. LOL

Kinda off topic, but the FF12 strategy guide wasn't very helpful for me, because mainly for there was no map at all for the Big Crystal where the esper was. I was lost for a very very long time. XD

Another reason is (if i remember) for an incomplete guide for the enemies.

[Eternal Sin]

yeah that guide had a few blind spots. I dont know if you still need it, but theres a map of the Crystal on gamefaqs

[Yukichin]

I can't seem to find the guide ANYWHERE near where I am. GameStop insists they'll get it when they get the game (despite the fact the guide's already out..)

[persona3rocks]

i heard the guide comes out at gamestop when the gamecomes out

[Eternal Sin]

order it from doublejump books

[persona3rocks]

true, i read the P3 art book right before i started new game. I found it wasn't much of a spoiler until you beat the game and realize WHY it was a spoiler.

i couldnt agree more i think the p4 artbook doesnt have onlyh but maybe 5 spoliers and they arent that big of one that i know about yet cuz i havent palyed the game yet so there might be bigones buti dont think anyone will know yet

[Eternal Sin]

is there a naoto spoiler?

[StrikeRaider]

Yes? I don't know what you mean though >.>

[Eternal Sin]

of course not >_>, geez what am i talking about? :P

[Fayt Takashi]

yea, i would get this if not for the fact that within 48 hours of the game coming out, there is going to be a manual on gamefaqs telling me the same thing without all the awesome pictures

[Eternal Sin]

fail, dont go to gamefaqs man. Master P4 without aid ^^

[Fayt Takashi]

fail, dont go to gamefaqs man. Master P4 without aid ^^

well, i usually dont use it until i beat it and i want to get all the items

[Eternal Sin]

oh thats true, second playthrough new stuff for the win!!

[Boss_Tuff]

Sadly, it looks like I won't be getting the strategy guide on the 10th when I get everything else. Oh well, I don't have a whole lot of time anyway with christmas shopping and in-laws and whatnot.

Items shipping soon:
Delivery estimate: December 24, 2008 - January 7, 2009

* 1 of: Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 4 The Official Strategy Guide

It does make me sort of annoyed though that they're releasing it after the release date of the game. I even ordered when it was announced via email too. :(

*Edit: Said artbook instead of strategy guide...doh!

[Eternal Sin]

my supposed to ship 10th-15th, and USPS still hasnt received it yet for shipping to Canada, so if i get it before xmas that will be a miracle.

[Azure_Tai]

I'll play the game without the guide, cuz it make me feel like I'm cheating, i only used the strategy guide for Final Fantasy 12 though. LOL

Kinda off topic, but the FF12 strategy guide wasn't very helpful for me, because mainly for there was no map at all for the Big Crystal where the esper was. I was lost for a very very long time. XD

Another reason is (if i remember) for an incomplete guide for the enemies.

Well i understood the guide pretty well LOL

[ragnar14]

my supposed to ship 10th-15th, and USPS still hasnt received it yet for shipping to Canada, so if i get it before xmas that will be a miracle.

You ordered it off Amazon.com? It was cheaper to get it direct from DJ with their pre-order shipping discount. I already have mine. Who knows when I'll get the game though, Amazon.ca still hasn't even shipped out my Luminous Arc 2 :bs:

[Yukichin]

It seems to be well-made, though I'm used to the glossy magazine-looking ones. XD Unfortunately, I've found some typoes and misprints...

[persona3rocks]

of course its doublejump i mean in the p3 guide they coudnt spell october or get wat king of drink i need it said blue bull or something thaat was wrong lots of misprint things and typos

[jeffx]

^ you're just begging to be quoted under "irony" on ED (http://encyclopediadramatica.com/Irony)...

[Zambatoh]

I saw the guide at gamestop. I was surprised at how tiny it is:o
I thought it was another game case until it was offered to me.

[persona3rocks]

oh so they do have them at the store well i ll go get one cuz i got a half day tomorrow

[TheMagicHat]

I think the only magazine-sized DoubleJump guide I've seen (or at least own) is the one for Rouge Galaxy.

I prefer their smaller-sized guides like the P4 one. Makes it easy to carry aound. :)

[mlisette23]

and it fits nicely next to the game on your shelf.

[ragnar14]

I think the only magazine-sized DoubleJump guide I've seen (or at least own) is the one for Rouge Galaxy.

I prefer their smaller-sized guides like the P4 one. Makes it easy to carry aound. :)
The large Rogue Galaxy and Devil Summoner ones are actually Prima published books, they're just written by DJ. I think they were just trying out some sort of partnership or something. Those are harder to get now than normal DJ books, as Prima took them out of print, and DJ seems to be uninterested in printing more like they do. Damn, I procrastinated in grabbing the Rogue Galaxy guide myself, it seemed to be everywhere when the game came out. Then they all disappeared ;_;

[slayn]

I think the only magazine-sized DoubleJump guide I've seen (or at least own) is the one for Rouge Galaxy.

The guide for Disgaea is standard size.


I'm pretty disappointed in the Persona 4 guide. I'm pretty sure that if they aren't working on a Disgaea guide, the DJ folks just phone it in. I mean, aside from the numerous spelling and formatting errors, there's quite a bit of information that's just plain wrong. For example, in the section for the boss of the first dungeon, they recommend a triangle fusion and get the persona you're fusing wrong - they say you get Archangel; you actually get Oberon.

It's also blatantly obvious they played on easy (again; they did this for P3) because the boss sections fail to mention some devastatingly powerful attacks that will wreck your party if you don't know they're coming. I know this is part of the fun of SMT games, and I love it. However, when I look at the guide after a boss battle and see that it lacks very basic information about that boss, I can only conclude that DJ is not doing their job.

I don't know why I keep buying these things; it's pretty obvious they peaked with Nocturne and have been on a steady decline since then.

[persona3rocks]

ok i calledgamestop like 5 seconds ago they said they dont have anyclue about the guide i thought u could buy it from the store am i wrong

[slayn]

no u r not wrong they jsut dont have ne yet

[persona3rocks]

ok cool somee around me do but mines doesntqandi dont fell liek driving 24miles for a book when they ship it i n24hours:seesaw:

[DarKaoZ]

Do you guys know if with this guide it's possible to get all the SL max? Or I have to rely in a GameFAQs FAQ?

[slayn]

Do you guys know if with this guide it's possible to get all the SL max? Or I have to rely in a GameFAQs FAQ?

That depends. All the information you need to max out all your S. Links is in the guide, but DJ did not explicitly write out how to do it, so you'll need to work that out on your own. There's a lot more leeway in this game compared to Persona 3; the guide on GameFAQs does it with something like 27 extra days, compared to the two you'd get in P3.

[persona3rocks]

i wouldnt see y its anny different than the p3 one

[persona3rocks]

so one the fusion thing which one do u need

[Zambatoh]

ok i calledgamestop like 5 seconds ago they said they dont have anyclue about the guide i thought u could buy it from the store am i wrong

hmm maybe it was just my gamestop that had it. Then again I got the game pretty early just as it came out of the delivery box. Most gamestops wait like a day. But anyway the gamestop I saw it at was the Baywalk stop at St. Pete's Downtown.

[persona3rocks]

no idea where that is but thanks i just orderone offline

[FES]

I'm also very disappointed in this guide. So many errors. I mean they even have duplicate paragraphs in the guide. Not to mention the misinformation and typos. It seems almost impossible that there was any proofreading done due to the large number of errors just in the first few sections of the book. Due to the fact that it's a strat. guide I highly doubt I'll be able to return it. I seriously hope DJ doesn't get upset when people basically copy and paste their guide sans errors into their Strategy Wiki to make up for this failure. I really did respect DJ and the quality guides they released but this just blows my mind. No wonder the guides are shrink-wrapped on the shelves at stores.

[Yukichin]

Hm. I totally just noticed the interviews in the back of the guide; my question made it in!!

[Azure_Tai]

Nice, and what was your question?

[Yukichin]

Um.... XD *grabs guide*

"In previous Persona games, there's only been one case where the main character cuold date a character of the same gender. Is there any specific reason why this is? Also, will there ever be the option to have the main character date another of the same gender?"

It looks like it got the longest answer, too. XP

[Soushi_Grapple]

Way to go Yukichin; I would've asked that too. ;)

I didnt notice the errors in the guide (and Nocturne's wasn't that great either, btw.. errors everywhere, albiet minor ones).

What Im upset about is the Social Link Guide. I miss having the actual words/questions written, not just "decision one/two". Its very confusing when I forget to check what rank Im at before talking...

[mlisette23]

I think the only magazine-sized DoubleJump guide I've seen (or at least own) is the one for Rouge Galaxy.

The guide for Disgaea is standard size.


I'm pretty disappointed in the Persona 4 guide. I'm pretty sure that if they aren't working on a Disgaea guide, the DJ folks just phone it in. I mean, aside from the numerous spelling and formatting errors, there's quite a bit of information that's just plain wrong. For example, in the section for the boss of the first dungeon, they recommend a triangle fusion and get the persona you're fusing wrong - they say you get Archangel; you actually get Oberon.



That's weird, when I fused it I got the persona they stated. What really annoyed me was the duplicate paragraph for pages 88 and 89.

[Calamari]

I'd get one as a collectors item, It is bound to have some interesting pictures in it.

[Soushi_Grapple]

Hmm.. Mine has the double paragraph too X.X lolz

[slayn]

There are several instances of the double paragraph.

DJ is really, really slipping.

[Futago_101]

There are several instances of the double paragraph.

DJ is really, really slipping.

I wonder if Atlus told Double Jump about the problem(s) yet, so that they can re-publish it better.... What do you guys think? I think they should correct the problems

[slayn]

I don't think it works like that. I really doubt we'll see another version of the strategy guide. Normally I'd say that I hope they learn from these mistakes, but hell, it's like they took all the mistakes in the Persona 3 guide and just made them worse.

[Lord-Ginji]

well picked up my copy of P4 Guide had to wait 2 days after it was released and looks like i got the only copy in the store seemed odd but i got mine so im glad

then while taking it to work today and started to read it so i could get a heads up on Boss battles and info then i ran into my first misprint.

On Page 20 i was reading the character descriptions and on
V. the hierophant
Ryotaro Dojima
his description was repeated on page 23 for

xviii. the moon
Ai Ebihara

"Your uncle,a harried police detective who's having difficulty trying to manage the serial murder case,raise his daughter,and cope with the death of his wife.Unfortunately,when something has to give,its often his daughter who is left alone"

kinda find it hard to have 2 of the same uncles and 1 be female and both have the same daughter ... >.>

not complaining but hopefully when future prints come out that might be fixed and ill probably buy 1 more

so far havent found any other things since im only read up to page 62

[Soushi_Grapple]

That is full of lolz^