The RPG “Persona” series depicts the growth of boys and girls, set in modern Japan. Recently, it has become increasingly popular overseas, with cumulative shipments exceeding 11 million units worldwide. It is a popular title that is actively being developed in media such as TV animation, movies, music live performances, and stage plays.
Therefore, this time we will introduce recommended titles of the “Persona” series. We cover not only the main titles but also spin-off works, so if you are interested, please check them out.
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table of contents
- What is the Persona series?
- Recommended Persona series | Main titles
- Recommendations for the Persona series｜Spin-off
What is the Persona series?
By: playstation.com
“Persona” series released by Atlus. This is a series of RPG works set in modern Japan that depict the growth of boys and girls who have awakened to a special ability called Persona. It was originally a title that was created as an offshoot of the “Megami Tensei” series, but while Megami Tensei was more difficult, Persona is characterized by its ability to be played casually. Currently, it is one of Japan's leading domestic RPGs and is loved by gamers both domestically and internationally.
The “Persona” series basically has a complete story in each title, so you can enjoy it no matter where you start. However, many of the early titles are unfriendly compared to today's standards, so those who are not familiar with the game should be careful. If you are new to games or are not good at RPGs, we recommend “Persona 3” or later.
Recommended Persona series | Main titles
Goddess Ibunroku Persona[PS, PSP]
The beginning of the Persona series. Highly difficult RPG that is quite difficult even for gamers
The RPG “Megami Ibunroku Persona” was released in 1996 as a game software for the first PlayStation. As you can see from the title, this is the first work in the Persona series, which follows the flow of Megami Tensei, but incorporates new challenges.
Its unique worldview and game system have been highly praised, and it still has a strong fan base. However, unlike the casual image from P3 onwards, it is characterized by an extremely high level of difficulty. It's not a game I can recommend to everyone, as the enemies are too strong and there aren't many save points.
In 2009, a remake version of Persona was released on the PSP. While the difficulty level has been adjusted to make it easier to play, there are pros and cons regarding the production aspects such as music and sound effects. If you value ease of play, we recommend the PSP version, and if you value performance, we recommend the PS version.
・Goddess Ibunroku Persona (PS version)
・Persona (PSP version)
Persona 2 Crime/Punishment[PS,PSP]
A two-part epic RPG. Attractive serious story for adults
The second installment of the Persona series consists of two parts: RPG “Persona 2: Sin”, which was released on the original PlayStation in 1999, and “Persona 2: Punishment”, which was released the following year. Although each story is complete, it is possible to know the whole story by clearing both. Characters from the previous work will also appear, so it's a work that I'd like to play as a set including “P1” if possible.
This work is set in “Sumaru City” where rumors become reality. “Sin'' has many high school students as its main characters, while “Punishment'' is characterized by its main characters being members of society. The story has a dark atmosphere, so even adults can enjoy it.
A remade PSP version was released in 2011. There are some parts that are difficult to play compared to the original version, but if you are playing it for the first time, it is not a big deal. Although it is an old game, it is also available as a downloadable version, so its appeal is that it is relatively easy to play. Recommended for those looking for an interesting full-length RPG.
・Persona 2 Sin (PSP version)
・Persona 2 Punishment (PSP version)
Persona 3[PS2, PSP]
Renovate the system. The title that laid the foundation for later Persona
“Persona 3” was released as a game software for PS2 in 2006. The story has a slightly brighter atmosphere compared to the previous series, but it is not as friendly as “P4'' and “P5.'' The main story depicts a realistic human drama in which friends often clash with each other, and while they hurt each other, they gradually open up to each other.
A feature of Persona 3 is its “community.” It is a so-called romance game-like system where you increase your intimacy by interacting with characters, and your persona becomes stronger depending on your rank. It is also possible to have a romantic relationship with a character of the opposite sex. If you're good at it, you can even date multiple people. However, be careful as it can be a big deal if you get caught.
If you want to start playing now, you have two options: the PS2 remake version “Persona 3 Fest,'' which includes a later story, or the PSP version “Persona 3 Portable,'' which adds a female protagonist. However, there are pros and cons to the latter part. In terms of playability, we recommend the PSP version.
・Persona 3 Portable (PSP version)
・Persona 3 Festival (PS2 remake version)
Persona 4[PS2, PS Vita]
From core games to popular works. Popular titles for everyone
“Persona 4” was released as a game software for PS2 in 2008. This is a complete change from the previous work, which had a dark atmosphere, and features many bright events overall. This title is popular not only in Japan but also overseas because it allows you to relive the fulfilling life of a high school student through the protagonist.
Due to family circumstances, the main character is left in the care of a relative. The story is about a group of friends he met at the high school he transferred to, and he takes on a mysterious series of murders. The characters are alluring, from the main character to the secondary characters. The game system is also sophisticated and you can play without stress.
“Persona 4'' has elevated a series that was previously aimed at core gamers into a hugely popular title for everyone. In 2012, a remake version of Persona 4 The Golden was released on PS Vita. It is much easier to play than the original version, and a large number of new events have been added. For those who are about to play the game, we recommend the remake version.
・Persona 4 The Golden (PS Vita version)
Persona 5[PS3,PS4]
The culmination of a series that makes use of its strengths and compensates for its weaknesses.
“Persona 5” was released simultaneously on PS3 and PS4 in 2016. This is a numbered title that was released eight years after the previous work, and is also a work commemorating the series' 20th anniversary. It received a high score of 93 out of 100 on the overseas review collection site Metacritic. This is an extremely popular title that has received high praise from all over the world.
The main character is a high school boy who moves to Shibuya. This is a picaresque romance that uses the power of the mind (persona) to reform adults with distorted desires. The point is that it takes the best parts of the series, such as developing the game system of “P3'' and “P4,'' while also reviving the negotiation with the shadow that was popular in “P2.'' It is no exaggeration to say that it is truly a culmination.
In 2019, “Persona 5 The Royal” was released on PS4. Contains new characters, new events, additional elements, etc. If you're looking to start playing, I recommend Persona 5 Royal.
・Persona 5 The Royal (PS4 version)
Recommendations for the Persona series｜Spin-off
Persona 5 Scramble the Phantom Strikers[PS4, Switch]
The official sequel to Persona 5. The first action RPG in the series!
“Persona 5 Scramble the Phantom Strikers” was released on PS4 and Nintendo Switch in February 2020. This work was jointly developed with Koei Tecmo Games, famous for the Musou series, and is the first action RPG in the series.
This work is a sequel to “P5”. The story begins half a year after the protagonist leaves Tokyo, when the members of the Phantom Thieves gather again at the cafe Leblanc. The appeal is that you can see new sides of the main characters that were not fully depicted in the main story.
・Persona 5 Scramble The Phantom Strikers (PS4 version)
・Persona 5 Scramble The Phantom Strikers (Nintendo Switch version)
Persona 5 Dancing Star Night[PS4, PS Vita]
P5's first spin-off. Dancing to famous songs!
“Persona 5 Dancing Star Night” was released on PS4 and Vita in 2018. This is a music game where popular characters including the P5 protagonist perform stylish dances to music.
Contains a variety of songs, including the opening song “Wake Up, Get Up, Get Out There'' and the standard battle song “Last Surprise.'' Also, just like in the main story, mini-events will occur when you develop bonds with your friends, which will please fans. Since the difficulty level can be adjusted, this game software is also recommended for those who are not good at music games.
・Persona 5 Dancing Star Night (PS4 version)
・Persona 5 Dancing Star Night (PS Vita version)
Persona 3 Dancing Moon Night[PS4, PS Vita]
P3's first HD work. That masterpiece is revived as a music game
“Persona 3 Dancing Moon Night” is a rhythm action game released in 2018. This software was released at the same time as Persona 5 Dancing Star Night, and characters from P3 appear in this game.
Contains 25 songs in total, including the standard battle song “Mass Destruction'', affectionately known as “Babebabe'', and “Kimi no Memories'', one of the best songs in the series. You can also play even more songs by installing DLC. If you are a P3 fan, this is a recommended game that will make you feel happy just by looking at it.
・Persona 3 Dancing Moon Knight (PS4 version)
・Persona 3 Dancing Moon Knight (PS Vita version)
Persona Q Shadow of the Labyrinth[3DS]
A crossover work between P3 and P4. Challenge the dungeon with your favorite character
“Persona Q Shadow of the Labyrinth” was released on Nintendo 3DS in 2014. This work is a dungeon exploration RPG that utilizes the worldview of Persona and incorporates the game system of Atlus' popular title “Etrian Odyssey'' series.
This is a crossover work that features characters from “P3” and “P4,” and the point is that you can enjoy interactions that go beyond the boundaries of the titles. The Etrian Odyssey series is famous for its high difficulty level, but this game is not that difficult, so it is recommended even for those who have never played a dungeon exploration type RPG.
・Persona Q Shadow of the Labyrinth (3DS version)
Persona 4 The Ultimax Ultra Suplex Hold[PS3]
The steel controller is back!
“Persona 4 The Ultimax Ultra Suplex Hold” was released for PS3 in 2014. This is the second 2D fighting game developed by Atlus in collaboration with Arc System Works. Chronologically, it is a sequel to “P4,'' and there are elements of a festival game in which some characters from “P3'' also participate.
The limited edition “Premium Newcomer Package” includes the story mode of the previous work “Persona 4 The Ultimate in Mayonaka Arena”. If you install DLC even in the regular version, you can follow only the story of the previous game. Since you can adjust the difficulty level, it is also recommended for those who are not good at fighting games.
・P4U2 Premium Newcomer Package (PS3 version)
A message from a writer
An RPG “Persona” series set in modern Japan. Recently, media mix has been actively carried out, and it is being developed in various media such as animation, movies, and stage plays. It is also recommended that you watch the anime first to get a feel for the world and then play the game.