ThePersonaseries has been around for a couple of decades now, but the series has only recently begun picking up steam with Western audiences. Though the series first few titles were brought over from Japan,Personahit its stride with the release ofPersona 3.Ever since then, the games have been getting more attention, adding to an ever-growing fan base and establishing the series as a modern JRPG classic.
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The success of the recent titles has led to Atlus milking some of the more popular games in the series with various spin-offs. This ranges from arena fighters to rhythm games, and while they may not be everyone’s thing, the spin-offs have actually been pretty successful ventures. But for the majority of gamers, the mainline series is where it’s at. With a good chunk of titles to choose from, here is every mainlinePersonagame, ranked.
8Revelations: Persona
The first game in the series is often regarded as the weakest, though in all fairness that might be due to itsinitial localization being an absolute mess. Released in Japan in 1996 and released in North America later that same year,Revelations: Persona,like the rest of the games in the series prior toPersona 3,was much more similar to theSMTgames.
For newer fans, this might be a bit of an adjustment; seeing as there is a notable difference in mechanics and difficulty. But once you get used to it the game is actually pretty enjoyable, showcasing what would go on to make the latter games in the series so fun. What really holds this title back though is its terrible and flawed localization. If you want to experienceRevelationscloser to what the developer had in mind, go for the PSP port.
7Persona 3 Portable
Persona 3is still one of the most popular titles in the franchise, and it was reflected in how much love the game got from Atlus over its lifespan. ThoughPersona 4usurped it in popularity fairly quickly following its release,Persona 3stands as an important entry in the series.
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Persona 3 Portableis a tough port to judge. On the one hand, offering thePersona 3experience on a handheld console, the ability to directly control party members in battle, as well as the introduction of the Fem MC were great additions to an already fantastic game. On the other, the game had to be somewhat stripped down, employing a sort of Visual Novel-cursor UI that replaced the world previously available for exploration in its predecessors. In the end, it’s a bit of a mixed bag.
6Persona 2: Innocent Sin
Of all the games in thePersonaseries, the titles that are constantly mentioned for not getting the love they deserve are thePersona 2duology, composed of bothInnocent Sin&Eternal Punishment.These are seen as some of the best games in the series, with newcomers often overlooking them due to how different they are in terms of mechanics when compared to the more popular entries in the series.
Innocent Sinhas one of the more engaging narratives in the series and serves as the first title in the duology. It starts off a little slow (whatPersonagame doesn’t though?) but once it picks up,Innocent Sinis pretty hard to put down.
5Persona 4
Persona 4served as the series poster child for a number of years beforePersona 5swooped in and stole the spotlight. Though the game is still as popular as ever, it’s overshadowed by a far superior enhanced port (more on that later).
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But there’s a reason whyPersona 4was so popular and sustained that popularity over so much time. The game fixed some issues with its battle mechanics while expanding on the social link mechanic as well. It had a loveable cast, coupled with an engaging small-town murder-mystery narrative and a fantastic score by long-time series composer Shoji Meguro. It’s aged alright over the years and stands in the shadow of its Vita port, butPersona 4is still one of the best games in the series.
4Persona 3 / FES
Persona 3really kick-started the series’ popularity with Western audiences, and while there are technically three versions of the game, you’re able to kind of lump the original title and the director’s cut,FES,together.Persona 3is vastly different when compared to its predecessors and would serve as the blueprint for how the series would look going forward. The introduction of the social links and calendar mechanics, as well as the Tartarus, completely changed the direction the previous games had borrowed from theSMTfranchise.
The game does have its faults. Later entries in the series would certainly improve and expand upon concepts introduced inPersona 3,but you have to appreciate whatP3 & FESdid for the series. You can still go back and enjoy these titles; however, we’d suggestFESover the original, if only for the slight changes and the epilogue the director’s cut adds in.
3Persona 2: Eternal Punishment
The second game in thePersona 2duology,Eternal Punishmentis probably one of the bestPersonatitles you can get your hands on, despite how different it is from newer mainline entries. If you haven’t heard of these games up until now, then do yourself a favor and add them to your library.
Eternal Punishmentmade some significant improvements fromInnocent Sin.The plot was just as engaging, if not even more so due to the cast and narrative already being somewhat established in the previous entry. Though it looks and feels more or less the same as its predecessor, it still manages to outdo it in every way.
2Persona 5
The latest mainline entry, and the one that’s generating all the buzz right now,Persona 5was certainly worth the wait for most fans of the series. After going through several delays, it finally released to universal praise from the majority of critics and fans alike. With an amazing soundtrack, stunning visuals, stylish UI, and a solid narrative, the game did not disappoint.
Persona 5made some noticeable changes when compared to the more recent titles in the series. This is most prevalent when looking at the confidant system and battle mechanics. Confidants serve as an enhanced take on social links, while some of the game’sbattle mechanicsborrowed ever so slightly from the old SMT formula employed by the first few games in the series. WithPersona 5 Royalalready out in Japan and on the horizon for Western fans, we’ll have to wait and see just how this version holds up in the near future.
1Persona 4 Golden
A Vita port ofPersona 4, Goldenstands as a favorite for many fans of the series. The game isn’t just a port, but an enhanced version of an already stellar game. Including some voice acting changes, alongside character, music, and event additions,Goldenestablished itself as a must-play – regardless of whether or not you’re a fan of the series.
Goldenreleased only four years afterPersona4, but it felt like a completely different game once you get into it. It really was a great move on Atlus’ part and looks to be something they’re looking to replicate withRoyal.Let’s hope it can match or surpass theGoldenstandard.
