What Persona Game to Start With?
The Persona series has taken the world by storm, captivating millions of gamers with its unique blend of social simulation, dungeon crawling, and psychological drama. With so many games to choose from, it can be overwhelming for new fans to decide where to start. In this article, we’ll guide you through the series’ history, highlighting the key games, features, and storylines to help you determine which Persona game is right for you.
Understanding the Series’ Structure
Before diving into the games, it’s essential to understand the general structure of the Persona series. Each game follows a similar format:
- A social simulation element, where you interact with characters, build relationships, and explore the game’s world.
- Dungeon crawling, where you enter the "metaverse" and battle monsters as a group of personas.
- A storyline that explores themes of psychology, philosophy, and human nature.
With this structure in mind, let’s break down the main games in the series.
The Original Games (1996-2008)
Persona (1996) – This is where it all started. The first Persona game, released for the PlayStation, laid the foundation for the series.
Persona 2: Innocent Sin (1999) – The sequel to the original, set two years after the events of the first game. Persona 2 introduced new features, including the ability to manipulate the environment to your advantage.
Persona 2: Eternal Punishment (2000) – A spin-off of Innocent Sin, with a new storyline, new characters, and a unique battle system.
Revelations: Persona (1999) – An English-language localized version of the first Persona game, released for the PlayStation.
The Modern Era (2011-2020)
Persona 4 (2008) – A game that redefined the series, introducing new characters, a unique battle system, and a more serious tone.
Persona 3 FES (2009) – An expanded version of Persona 3, adding new storylines, characters, and game modes.
Persona 4 Arena (2012) – A spin-off fighting game set in the Persona universe, featuring characters from both Persona 3 and Persona 4.
Persona 4 Arena Ultimax (2013) – An updated version of Persona 4 Arena, featuring new characters and game modes.
Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth (2014) – A spin-off game set in a school, featuring characters from both Persona 3 and Persona 4.
Persona 5 (2016) – A game that brought the series to new heights, introducing new characters, a new battle system, and a darker tone.
Persona 5 Royal (2020) – An updated version of Persona 5, adding new storylines, characters, and game modes.
So, Which Game Should You Start With?
Here are some factors to consider:
Storyline: If you’re new to the series, starting with Persona 4 or Persona 5 might be a good idea, as they have more standalone storylines. Persona 3 and its FES expansion are also good choices, but they’re more connected to the events of Persona 2.
Gameplay: If you prefer a more traditional turn-based battle system, Persona 3 FES or Persona 5 might be a better fit. For a more action-oriented battle system, Persona 4 could be the way to go.
Accessibility: Persona 5 is the most accessible game in the series, with a more modern interface and story. Persona 4 is also relatively easy to get into.
Conclusion:
The Persona series is a rich and complex world, filled with engaging characters, intricate storylines, and addictive gameplay. With so many games to choose from, it can be overwhelming, but by considering the factors mentioned above, you can find the perfect starting point. Persona 5 is a great introduction to the series, but Persona 4 and Persona 3 are also excellent choices. Whichever game you choose, you’ll be embarking on a journey that will leave you feeling emotionally invested and eager for more.