Are Shin Megami Tensei and Persona in the same universe?
Shin Megami Tensei (SMT) and Persona are two popular RPG franchises developed by Atlus and published by Atlus Games and Sega. Over the years, fans have been wondering whether these two iconic series are connected in any way, sharing a common universe or not. While the answer may not be straightforward, we’ll dive into the connections and differences between the two series to enlighten you.
Direct answer: Are Shin Megami Tensei and Persona in the same universe?
Not exactly… but kind of
The original creator of both series, Kazuma Kaneko, has admitted that while SMT and Persona share elements and themes, they are not directly set within the same universe. In an interview, he described the relationship between the two series as an "umbrella brand" or an "intellectual property that shares spiritual connections." This ambiguous statement has left fans debating over the years, fueling both sides of the argument.
Before we dive into the connections between SMT and Persona, let’s take a closer look at each series’ background to better understand their differences and potential ties.
Shin Megami Tensei (1987-present)
Shin Megami Tensei debuted in 1987 and has since evolved into a beloved RPG franchise worldwide. The series typically revolves around demon-summoning, conflict between angels and demons, and personal growth. In SMT, players take on the role of heroes who must navigate complex moral landscapes, often making tough choices that reflect their own values and ethics.
- Demonic systems: SMT features a unique gameplay mechanic where players negotiate with demons and develop relationships with them, known as fusion. This process allows players to craft new, more powerful demons.
- Moral dilemmas: Characters in SMT are forced to confront moral gray areas and question their own beliefs. This philosophy-driven approach often leads to debates and discussions within the community.
Persona (1996-present)
Persona, initially created as a spin-off, has its own distinct identity. The first installment, Revelations: Persona (1996), was part of a SMT sub-series, but future games have strayed farther from the original connection.
- Social simulation: Persona revolves around social skills, relationships, and character development. The series prioritizes building friendships and romantic ties, which influence party abilities.
- Tactical role-playing: Combat mechanics in Persona lean more towards strategy, focusing on exploiting enemy weaknesses and utilizing support abilities.
Connections and differences: Weighing the evidence
Examining the connections and differences between SMT and Persona, we find some recurring themes and mechanics:
| ** **Commonalities |
** **Personality and theme |
** **Gameplay mechanics |
**
|
** **SMT often focuses on demons, angels, and**
** | ** **Combat systems vary: **
|
**SMT 4 and Persona: The curious case of the reboot
In 2008, both series saw a reboot in SMT Nocturne (2008) and Persona 4 (2008). This coincidence raised questions among fans about the potential connections between the games.
- Gameplay revamps: SMT: Nocturne introduced more action-oriented combat, while Persona 4 refined the social simulation.
- Visual and style changes: Both games received distinctive art styles, with Nocturne being darker and grittier.
- Lack of direct connections: While both reboots shared themes and music, there were no direct narrative linkages between the games.
A possible explanation
Atlus’ decision to reboot both series within the same year might indicate a greater connection between SMT and Persona. Kaneko hinted at a possible reboot of a larger universe, unifying disparate elements from both series.
Final thoughts: The ongoing debate and unanswered questions
As we can see, the connection between Shin Megami Tensei and Persona lies in their shared philosophical themes and mystical settings. However, the specific relationships between the series and their world remain ambiguous. Fans can continue to speculate about potential connections while enjoying the unique stories and gameplay mechanisms each series offers.
What do you believe? Are SMT and Persona just two separate but connected souls, or are they distant cousins waiting to be reunited in a larger gaming universe? The ultimate decision lies with Atlus.