The Best Games Inspired by Persona

Atlus’ Persona series of JRPGs has been around for a long time, with the first game releasing on PlayStation in 1996. Its makeover with 2006’s Persona 3 for the PlayStation 2 set it on the path to its current stardom. Since then, many of the elements of Persona have found their way into plenty of other games. We’ve searched high and low, and are happy to present to you what we think are the best games inspired by Persona.

The Best Games Inspired by Persona

Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE Encore

It took a very long time for the mainline Persona series to arrive on Nintendo platforms. Persona 5 Royal was the first to make the hop, and it didn’t release until 2022. There was a bit of earlier relief in 2015 in the form of Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE, however. This game was developed by Atlus and was initially announced as a crossover of Shin Megami Tensei and Fire Emblem. The resulting game certainly has plenty of Fire Emblem references in it, but the gameplay mechanics and style draw heavily on Persona.

Metaphor: ReFantazio

Metaphor: ReFantazio comes from Persona series director Katsura Hashino, and his experience shows. It has a lot in common with the Persona games, including the Press Turn battle system and many similar social elements. While those aspects give Persona fans something to latch onto, Metaphor is very much its own beast. Its fantasy setting is striking, and the narrative touches on a lot of fascinating ideas. Metaphor offers a lengthy and challenging quest, and it’s one of the best games inspired by Persona.

Tokyo Xanadu eX+

Nihon Falcom’s modern revival of the venerable Xanadu brand takes a lot of notes from Persona. From the modern Tokyo setting to the cast of high school students out to save the world, it’s not hard to see the influence. The real-time combat helps establish Tokyo Xanadu as its own thing. There’s also a very different tone to the story, one that will have Falcom fans right at home. It’s a great choice for Persona enthusiasts looking for something with a little more action.

Fire Emblem: Three Houses

The Fire Emblem series was on the verge of being canceled until 2012’s Fire Emblem Awakening for the Nintendo 3DS. One of the secrets to its breakout success was in its emphasis on the relationships between the many characters. Since then, Fire Emblem games have always included some kind of social element. Fire Emblem: Three Houses really kicked that into gear. Its academy setting and expanded social system is like a comfy pair of slippers if you’ve played Persona. The tactical combat and exciting branching story make for one of the best games inspired by Persona, and a superb Fire Emblem entry.

The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel

This is a very dangerous rabbit hole to send you down. Trails of Cold Steel‘s story is spread across four very lengthy games, so you’ll need to set some serious time aside. On top of that, Cold Steel is but one part of the larger Trails narrative that spans several other games. The Cold Steel games in particular are good for those seeking the best games inspired by Persona thanks to their focus on a young cast. The strong storytelling and memorable cast of characters hold up the narrative end. It’s no slouch on the gameplay side, either. Trails offers a journey that is truly like no other.

Let us know what you favorite game that rings familiar or is inspired by the Persona series below!

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