3. Persona 4 Arena Ultimax
It’s rare that a sequel is so good that it eliminates any reason to play the original game, but that’s the case with Persona 4 Arena Ultimax. This fighting game adds in a little bit extra of everything (from characters to mechanics), and manages to build upon the original game in every way imaginable. The original game’s story (which was surprisingly good) can even be purchased for the game, thus making it the only Persona fighting game any fan needs. It’s a sequel done the right way, and it’s undeniably the best Persona spin-off to date.
2. Persona 3
Persona 3 was a revelatory release for the series, as its first PlayStation 2 entry moved the series from being a very good RPG to a groundbreaking one. With the addition of social links to the removal of random enemy encounters, this game changed a lot about the Persona formula for the better. It also features one of the best narratives in the series, as the stakes are raised and the entire world is at risk, and has an awesome aesthetic that has teenagers putting guns to their heads in order to invoke their Persona (it’s pretty metal). The one thing that really holds this game back is that there’s no one definitive version of the game, as the PSP remake added key features from Persona 4 (such as being able to control teammates), but lost the gorgeous animated cutscenes in the process. Thus, players are always missing out on some aspect when they pick a version, and that’s a sour note for such a stellar game.
1. Persona 4
Thankfully, there’s no such conundrum for Persona 4, as its excellent Vita remake —Persona 4 Golden—only adds to the 2008 classic. Persona 4 has been the most successful game in the series, which is why it spawned so many spin-offs, and a large part of that can be attributed to its smaller scale. The stakes don’t measure up to the previous game, but the issues are just as important due to how personal they are to the player. Every part of the game relies on its strong cast of characters, an area which Persona 4 excels better than any other role-playing game. Each member of the story has become a beloved character, and it’s why protagonist Yu Narukami’s story is such a memorable one. From story to gameplay, there’s not a single area where this game doesn’t shine.
Well, there you have it – all the Persona titles, ranked. How about you? What’s your take? Are you excited for the Persona 5 release? Make your voice heard below!