The Ultimate Persona Game Tier List: Unveiling the Ultimate Characters for Maximum Domination!

With the revelation of Persona 3 Reload at the 2023 Xbox showcase, the franchise has once again captured the attention of fans. Although it originated as a niche spin-off of Shin Megami Tensei, Persona has steadily gained popularity in the West with each new installment. Today, it stands as a worthy contender among the best JRPGs such as Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest, and Tales. What sets Persona apart is its turn-based gameplay, striking art style, well-developed characters, and supernatural storylines.

The history of this Atlus-developed series dates back to 1996, with the release of the first game. Since then, Persona has evolved into a global phenomenon, no longer limited to just a few Western fans. With the confirmation of the sixth mainline game and various side projects spanning different genres, it is clear that Persona has firmly cemented itself as a staple in the gaming industry. However, not all titles within the series have achieved the same level of excellence, as there have been some learning curves along the way.

S-Tier

Persona 4 Golden - The original PlayStation 2 release in 2008 was a solid start, but Atlus, the developer, recognized the areas for improvement. In 2012, they released Persona 4 Golden, which introduced new characters, dialogue, and various enhancements.

This game was one of the main reasons to invest in a PlayStation Vita, despite being a remaster, as it set the benchmark for RPGs on a console with a vast library of great titles. Since its release on Steam and Nintendo Switch, Persona 4 Golden has gained even more recognition, and fans are beginning to understand and appreciate its exceptional quality.

Persona 4 Golden flawlessly executes the winning formula. With its exceptional characters, the storyline strikes a perfect balance between supernatural elements and a realistic mystery, all while being set in a setting that enhances the story in a way that no other Persona game has.

In the tranquil, rural town of Inaba, heinous murders have been disturbing the peace, and it's up to the Investigation Team, comprised of Chie, Yukiko, Yosuke, Kanji, and others, to put an end to the chaos. Despite the limitations of its hardware, the PlayStation Vita's ability to be easily picked up and put down aligns perfectly with the in-game days. The visuals and overall presentation are of top-notch quality, and the music leaves a lasting impression. Even after hours of gameplay, the combat system continues to feel fresh and engaging, avoiding any hint of staleness or repetition.

A- Tier

Persona 5 Royal - Persona 5 faced immense pressure to succeed, but it surpassed expectations. The game achieved strong sales by captivating players with its genuine depiction of Tokyo and the captivating setting of Shujin Academy. It built upon its predecessors in almost every aspect, proving its ability to compete with renowned titles like Dragon Quest and Final Fantasy.

While the turn-based battle mechanics may feel repetitive at times and the story unnecessarily lengthy, the game's value for money is undeniable. Moreover, the edgy and stunning art style, as well as the unforgettable soundtrack, continue to resonate with gamers even years after its release. As a result, Persona 5 rightfully holds its place as one of the top role-playing games of the previous generation. Similar to how Golden enhanced Persona 4, the Royal version of the game further improved the already exceptional experience.

Persona 3 - While the previous installments in the Persona series successfully incorporated the life simulation aspect, it is the third game that marks a significant shift in the series. Originally released in 2006, Persona 3 has stood the test of time and remains remarkably enjoyable for players seeking to understand the origins of the core design seen in later titles. Its accessibility makes it a perfect choice for those interested in exploring the evolution of the Persona franchise.

The flaws of Tartarus are few and far between. While the dungeon itself lacks a compelling allure and the city setting isn't overly unique, the combat is also quite limited. Despite these downsides, Persona 3 exudes style and stands out with its darker tone compared to later games, making it worth revisiting.

In contrast to the masks in Persona 5 or the cards in Persona 4, the use of a handgun to summon a persona in Persona 3 adds a cool factor and significantly contributes to the game's overall tone. While this mechanic may seem simplistic by today's standards in 2023, the fact that Persona 3 is now more accessible than ever is a significant development. This means that more fans can truly appreciate the plethora of things that it excelled at.

B-Tier

Persona 2: Innocent Sin - The Persona franchise, known for its straightforward nature, encounters a twist with its spinoffs, particularly the two games titled Persona 2. Despite this, both games on the PS2 platform are commendable, considering the abundance of excellent RPGs available.

Innocent Sin, being the first in the series, presents a unique and eccentric storyline, accompanied by mechanics that deviate from its predecessor. Although it may not have aged as gracefully as its successors, Persona 2: Innocent Sin successfully embraces the innovative approach of the Pokemon philosophy, albeit with less enduring impact.

C-Tier

Persona 2: Eternal Punishment was released in 2000, just one year after its predecessor, Innocent Sin. This game serves as a direct sequel and continues the strange and captivating story set in a parallel world. While the gameplay does not undergo significant changes from its sister game, it offers fans a wealth of additional content. When considering the combined experience of both games, it becomes evident that the Persona 2 saga plays a crucial role in the series' meteoric success.

Revelations: Persona - The highest accolade that can be bestowed upon Revelations: Persona is that it laid the groundwork for significant enhancements in the future. It was a commendable initial attempt and possessed enough value to justify the creation of sequels. However, numerous fundamental mechanics have not stood the test of time. Navigating through the game remains perplexing, the storyline lacks prominence, and the first-person perspective proves more cumbersome than immersive.

The inclusion of Revelations: Persona on the PlayStation Classic proved to be a smart move, allowing new audiences to effectively experience its unique offerings. From a historical standpoint, it is undeniably fascinating, and for Persona fans, observing the elements that the franchise would later discard or refine holds significant value. While the first game certainly has its merits, it is evident that subsequent entries in the series only improved from there.