Top 5 Persona Games, Ranked!

Here we have it. The top 5 Persona games, ranked. Not an easy task, I tell you!

Spinning off from Atlus’ Shin Megami Tensei franchise, Persona is not only one of the most critically acclaimed JRPG franchises of all time, it is steadily on its way to becoming one of, if not the, most beloved modern-day RPG series, period.

Bursting to the seams with compelling narratives; relatable characters; everyday teenage dramas; fantastical adventures; Jungian psychology; murder mysteries; vibrant art and music; demons; dungeon-crawling; turn-based-combat; and tarot, Persona offers an eclectic gameplay experience like no other.

Similar in reach to Shin Megami Tensei, yet with a different feel, and set in more modern times, Persona games take a refreshingly social outlook. Nowhere is this clearer than with the distinct 'Social Link' system, which facilitates players to form unique bonds with their characters.

Truly, if you're looking for an immersive blend of supernatural horror with everyday life simulation, and an emphasis on relationships and personal growth, then Persona is the series for you.

The question arises, however, which is the best Persona game?! Of course, the answer is subjective, but take a look out our top 5 Persona games, ranked, and see if you agree with what we've come up with!

READ MORE: Games You Forgot to Play: An Up-To-Date List of Recommendations

Top 5 Persona Games, Ranked!

5. Persona 5 Strikers

Reuniting players with the Phantom Thieves, Strikers is a story sequel to Persona 5 that will see you battle your way through hordes of Shadows as you embark on an action-packed anime road trip.

Adopting stealth and Persona-fusing traits from the original, this Strikers spin-off adds Musou gameplay to the mix, in what is arguably Omega Force's most ambitious use of the formula to date. The result is a somewhat surprising depth to the real-time hack-and-slash combat, that will be sure to impress.

With a P-Studio signature energy similar to the original, we love the lively real-time cartoon-inspired special attacks that come to life against bold and colorful backdrops. Not to mention the jazzy psychedelic soundtrack!

4. Persona 3 Portable 

The inclusion of the iconic female protagonist, Kotone Shiomi, and the ability to choose between two different protagonists, with your choice determining your gameplay experience, really put P3P on the map. That, alongside the opportunity to manually control party members in combat, as well as, of course, the new portable format!

Persona 3 Portable has an excellent soundtrack; a totally addictive monster system; a dark and nihilistic plot; and one of the most epic final boss encounters in the franchise.

With its quality of life improvements, and introduction of the playable Shiomi, the game represents an accessible entry-point to Persona 3, adding a whole new dimension to the gameplay. We're confident you will enjoy the end product!

3. Persona 3 Reload

Persona 3 Reload took the best of the gameplay and quality of life improvements of Persona 5 Royal, and applied it to one of the most tragic tales of the Persona series. Indeed, with 3D graphics and more cinematic voiced scenes than any other Persona game, Reload ups the ante when it comes to delivering a dark and twisted Persona 3 experience. And that's quite something.

The lack of the female protagonist in from P3 Reload is a downfall. However, the increased ability to interact with the interconnected Port Island and Tartarus locations adds chilling elements to your gameplay that make this rendition stand out.

In terms of story, Reload is probably the best of the lot, and there's plenty of opportunity for replayability once you beat the game!

2. Persona 4 Golden

If you're looking for an all out fun Persona experience, you can't get much better than Persona 4 Golden. With new activities and quests, a nostalgic soundtrack, vibrant aesthetics, and two new social links, one of which is romanceable, the social simulation side of the game is at another level. Genuinely, cast hang outs will feel like you're hanging out with your mates!

That's not to say there aren't dark, and more disturbing aspects to the game. Of course there are, the plot is based on a murder investigation, after all. But, on the whole, with a focus on friendship and a strong cast of characters, the tone of the game is more lighthearted than perturbing.

The story is compelling, the bosses are challenging (though fair), yet the game manages to maintain a sunnier vibe. It will make you smile. It will warm your heart. Best of all, it will absorb you for hours on end, leaving you feeling good at the end. What more could you ask for?

1. Persona 5 Royal

So, here we have it. Our number 1 Persona game of all time. Is it what you expected? I must admit, for us it ended up being a bit of a no-brainer. I mean, the base game Persona 5 is indisputably incredible. Persona 5 Royal exceeded all expectations to trump it. Big time. And, that's no small feat!

With a Metacritic Universal Acclaim score of 95, Persona 5 Royal is widely considered to be one of the best RPGs of all time. Not only does it include a whole new third semester worth of story content (arguably the best written in the modern series, with the ultimate closure); new characters; two new confidants, as well as a dramatic alteration to a third; but Persona 5 Royal further improves all aspects of your gameplay experience. That includes the look and feel of the game. Basically, it is more of what we loved, but better!

The story is compelling. In fact, it's probably the most emotionally invested we've felt in a Persona game. The text is a great addition. The cast feel close. The new combat mechanics are awesome. And, the visuals and jazz soundtrack are incredible.

Truly, if you're new to the Persona series and want to know where to start, the engrossing Persona 5 Royal is the game for you. Trust us, you won't look back!

CHECK OUT: If You Like Resident Evil 4 Remake, Here's What to Play Next!