Should You Play Persona 3 Before Persona 4 in 2023? A Deep Dive for Newcomers and Veterans Alike
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Yes, you should consider playing Persona 3 before Persona 4 if you’re new to the series and have the time. While the stories are standalone and don’t require prior knowledge, playing Persona 3 first allows you to appreciate the evolution of the Persona formula. You’ll experience the games in the order of their release, witnessing the quality-of-life improvements implemented in Persona 4. This approach mitigates the risk of finding Persona 3’s older mechanics clunky after becoming accustomed to Persona 4’s refinements. Ultimately, it enriches your understanding and appreciation of the entire series.
Why Order Matters (And Why It Doesn’t)
The Persona series, while featuring recurring themes and a shared universe, is primarily composed of self-contained narratives. This means you can jump into any entry without feeling completely lost. However, there are subtle benefits to experiencing them in order, particularly for newcomers. The most significant factor is the quality of life (QoL) improvements that Atlus has consistently introduced with each installment.
Starting with Persona 4, you’ll immediately notice a smoother, more streamlined experience. The combat is more refined, the social links are more engaging, and the overall presentation is significantly more polished. Going back to Persona 3 after this can feel like a step backward. Features you took for granted in Persona 4, such as direct party control in Persona 3 Portable (P3P) (as opposed to relying on AI in Persona 3 FES), are absent.
However, Persona 3 has its own strengths. Many argue that it has a darker, more poignant story than Persona 4. The themes of mortality and acceptance resonate deeply, and the characters are compelling in their own right. Experiencing this narrative without the expectation of Persona 4’s conveniences can lead to a more impactful and immersive experience.
Ultimately, the choice is yours. If you prioritize convenience and polish, start with Persona 4. If you’re willing to overlook some dated mechanics for a potentially more profound story, begin with Persona 3.
Persona 3: Portable vs. FES
A critical decision point when considering Persona 3 is which version to play: Persona 3 Portable (P3P) or Persona 3 FES. Both offer the core Persona 3 experience, but they differ significantly.
- Persona 3 FES includes “The Answer,” an epilogue that delves into the aftermath of the main story. It also features animated cutscenes and 3D environments for exploration. However, combat requires you to indirectly control party members, relying on AI tactics.
- Persona 3 Portable (P3P) allows direct control over party members in combat and introduces a female protagonist, offering new social links and story perspectives. However, it lacks the animated cutscenes and 3D exploration of FES, opting for visual novel-style environments.
For a first-time playthrough, P3P’s direct party control is often recommended, as it provides a more strategic and less frustrating combat experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions to help you decide:
1. Is Persona 3 or 4 better?
There’s no definitive answer. Persona 3 is often praised for its darker story and themes, while Persona 4 excels in character development and gameplay refinements. It depends on your personal preferences.
2. Can I play Persona 4 without playing Persona 3?
Absolutely. The stories are standalone, and you won’t miss critical plot points by skipping Persona 3.
3. Is Persona 3 worth it in 2023?
Yes, Persona 3 remains a compelling JRPG with a unique atmosphere and story. While its mechanics may feel dated, its narrative impact is undeniable.
4. Is Persona 4 or 5 better for beginners?
Persona 5 Royal is generally considered the most beginner-friendly entry due to its streamlined mechanics and extensive tutorial. However, Persona 4 Golden is also a good starting point.
5. Do I have to play Persona 3 and 4 before 5?
No, you can play the games in any order. The stories are self-contained, though there are small cameos and references to previous entries.
6. Does Persona 4 take place after Persona 3?
Yes, Persona 4 takes place a few years after Persona 3.
7. Is Persona 3 shorter than Persona 5?
Persona 3 Portable is generally shorter than Persona 5 Royal. However, Persona 3 FES can be comparable in length or even longer.
8. Why is Persona 3 so different?
Persona 3 was the first game to introduce many now-core mechanics like social links and daily life simulation.
9. Is Persona 4 longer than Persona 3?
Persona 4 has more content and story events, making it generally longer than Persona 3.
10. Should I play male or female P3P first time?
The female protagonist in P3P offers new social links and story perspectives. Both are worth playing, but starting with the male protagonist allows you to experience the original narrative first.
11. Why P3P instead of FES?
P3P offers direct party control, which greatly improves the combat experience for many players.
12. Are Persona 3, 4, and 5 related?
Yes, they exist in the same universe, but the stories are independent. There are cameos and references connecting them.
13. Should I finish Persona 4 before 5?
Not necessary. You can jump directly to Persona 5 without playing Persona 4.
14. What are the benefits of playing Persona 3 before Persona 4?
You’ll appreciate the evolution of the series and the QoL improvements in Persona 4. You’ll also experience Persona 3’s unique narrative without being hindered by expectations set by Persona 4.
15. Where can I learn more about the educational aspects of gaming?
Explore the Games Learning Society website to discover how games can enhance learning and engagement. For more insights, visit Games Learning Society or GamesLearningSociety.org.
Making Your Decision
Ultimately, the decision of whether to play Persona 3 before Persona 4 depends on your individual preferences and priorities. Consider the following:
- Your tolerance for older game mechanics: If you are easily frustrated by clunky controls or outdated features, starting with Persona 4 may be a better option.
- Your interest in story and themes: If you are drawn to darker, more introspective narratives, Persona 3 might be more appealing.
- Your available time: Both games are lengthy, so consider how much time you have to invest in the series.
- Your desire for convenience: If you prioritize a smooth and streamlined experience, Persona 4 is the clear winner.
No matter which game you choose, you’re in for a fantastic JRPG experience. Both Persona 3 and Persona 4 are beloved for their compelling characters, engaging social links, and captivating stories. Enjoy the journey!