Enjoy 10 More Fabulous JRPGs!
The Persona series is known for having fun gameplay, captivating narratives, and compelling characters. The game’s stories have fun plot twists and turns that’ll keep people invested and excited to discover the truth behind its mysteries. On top of having a clever balance of fabulous turn-based combat, social sim elements, and delightful music, Persona is a juggernaut RPG series in the industry.
If you’ve finished playing Persona and are looking for alternatives – fret not! We’ve combed through the archives and saved you the hassle with our top 10 picks.
Of course, for all the games we’ve reviewed, we’ve also added a handy link, so you can check out our full thoughts on that and see if it’s something you want to invest your time in.
So without further ado, we present 10 games to check out if you’re looking for a game like Persona.
Shin Megami Tensei V
If it weren’t for the Shin Megami Tensei series, Persona may not have existed. That said, Shin Megami Tensei V is a great JRPG with captivating storytelling, memorable characters, and enjoyable gameplay to hold Persona fans over.
This game has players control a high school student in Tokyo who is amid a war between demons and gods. Players must assist the protagonist in saving the good-natured demons and his world from total annihilation.
Like Persona, this game’s developed by Atlus and delves into themes concerning personal growth, societal struggles, and supernatural elements. Shin Megami Tensei V features a fabulous turn-based combat system like Persona. The combat system requires players to think strategically and manage their party members accordingly. These battles require players to exploit their enemies’ weaknesses, utilize buffs and debuffs, and manage their resources.
On top of having some notable social simulation and relationship buildings elements jammed into its gameplay, Shin Megami Tensei V is an incredible JRPG that’ll appeal to Persona fanatics.
Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE
Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE is what happens when you mix Shin Megami Tensei with Fire Emblem. It’s a fun endeavor that led to some appeal from both games’ fandoms, resulting in a memorable product. However, it bears many similarities with the Persona series.
For instance, both games focus on establishing relationships with your characters. Throughout the game, players can interact with their team members and other NPCs, engaging in conversations and side quests that reveal more about their personalities and backgrounds. These interactions not only provide additional story content but will help players deepen their connection with the game and its roster.
Persona and Tokyo Mirage Sessions have fabulous turn-based combat systems. You’ll adore plotting your attacks accordingly to deal immense damage to your foes in the game.
In addition to having stunning visuals and exploring topics regarding adolescence and identity, Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE is a game Persona fans will likely appreciate and enjoy.
Radiant Historia
Radiant Historia is a turn-based JRPG with great storytelling, character development, and time manipulation mechanics. Its storyline tackles themes regarding fate, identity, and personal growth.
The game revolves around Stock, who possesses the ability to travel through time and alter history. You’re presented with numerous branching paths, requiring you to make pivotal choices that have dire consequences. These choices shape the universe you’re in and will remind Persona fans of the moral decisions and multiple endings in its games.
Both games carry rich character progression. As you venture deeper into Radiant Historia, you’ll learn more about its characters’ past, motivations, and struggles. This allows you to grow a deeper connection with them like in Persona.
On top of having a neat soundtrack handled by the talented Yoko Shimomura, Radiant Historia is a must-play JRPG.
Xenoblade Chronicles (Series)
Xenoblade Chronicles is a sprawling, open-world JRPG with enough depth and nuance to hold you over. Like Persona, the Xenoblade Chronicles series features numerous characters with great personalities, abilities, motivations, and backgrounds. While each game focuses on each group’s journey to save the world, it emphasizes the importance of forming and building connections with others.
Xenoblade Chronicles’s storytelling is deep, containing enough exciting twists and turns to keep fans speculating. Like Persona, these games tackle themes regarding human nature, personal growth, and clashing ideologies. While both games feature a different approach to combat, Xenoblade Chronicle’s system has a substantial amount of complexity and strategy to it to hold you over.
If you’re looking for a fun and immersive JRPG to play with an ever-growing fanbase, try Xenoblade Chronicles.
Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age
Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age is the latest entry of the mainline Dragon Quest series (as of this writing). It features an enriching tale full of well-developed characters, fun turn-based battles, and shocking and meaningful turns that’ll make you wish you played it sooner.
The characters are just as memorable as those you’d meet in the Persona series. As you embark on a grand quest to fight evil, you’ll meet and befriend many people along the way. Each character has a unique background, personality, and motive. They undergo growth as the narrative progresses, often facing internal conflicts and overcoming personal challenges that’ll resonate with audiences.
Both games tackle heroism, destiny, and the fight against evil in their narratives. At the same time, the turn-based battles found in both titles require strategic thinking. You’ll use your party’s wide range of skills and abilities to triumph over the creatures and human enemies found in Dragon Quest XI.
Although this game’s setting feels more fantastic and medieval compared to Persona’s more modern aesthetic, it’s sure to leave you just as entertained and entranced.
Trails of Cold Steel (Series)
Trails of Cold Steel is a fabulous JRPG series with phenomenal storytelling, excellent characters, and delightful gameplay. Like Persona, this series has a tight emphasis on fleshing out its characters and their relationships. The game boasts an ensemble cast, each with their unique personalities, motivations, and story arcs.
As players progress through the game, they have opportunities to deepen their bonds with these characters through events, side quests, and personal storylines. Trails of Cold Steel and Persona excel in weaving intricate narratives and building immersive worlds too. Trails of Cold Steel delivers a universe full of political intrigue, complex relationships, and captivating lore.
On top of having a fabulous turn-based combat system that’s mixed with an Active Time-Bar system, Trails of Cold Steel is worth picking up.
Fire Emblem: Three Houses
Fire Emblem: Three Houses is a great entry in the Fire Emblem series and one that shares some notable ground with Persona. This is another JRPG that puts a strong focus on building up the characters’ bonds with each other. You’ll take on a role as a professor who must guide their students at a prestigious academy.
This title offers players numerous chances to engage in meaningful conversations, quests, and activities to deepen the characters’ bonds. Not only will forging tighter connections assist players in battle, but it will help them appreciate the level of craftsmanship that went into each character’s storyline.
On that note, Three Houses has rich storytelling with enough secrets and complex themes to avoid feeling stale. Where Three Houses features the struggles of noble houses in a war-torn environment, Persona has players observing worlds that deliver a mix of supernatural elements and societal issues.
Give Fire Emblem: Three Houses a shot if you’re after a thoughtful and compelling JRPG to play.
Final Fantasy VII Remake
Final Fantasy VII Remake is a great reimagining of the classic PlayStation JRPG. Square Enix did their best to capture most of the early game’s most iconic moments. While it doesn’t offer the complete package like the original, players will enjoy the content that’s inserted on the disc. As for its ties with Persona, Final Fantasy VII Remake bears similar aspects.
For instance, both games prioritize character development and explore its cast on a personal level. Final Fantasy VII Remake loves delving into the lives and pasts of its protagonists, offering players ways to strengthen their attachment with them. Cloud Strife, the game’s protagonist, undergoes immense growth as he confronts his past and contemplates his identity.
Final Fantasy VII Remake delivers strategic combat that involves party management and exploiting enemy weaknesses. You’re given the opportunity to switch characters on-the-fly in this game, and each one has a unique playstyle and ability. This provides the game with depth, making it one Persona fans should scout for if they’re looking to get into the Final Fantasy franchise.
Yakuza: Like A Dragon
Yakuza: Like A Dragon, the latest installment in the Yakuza series, shares much in common with the Persona games. Like A Dragon and Persona excel in delivering folks captivating narratives rich in character development. You’ll find yourself becoming deeply attached to the characters presented in Like A Dragon over time.
Like A Dragon, similar to Persona, intertwines its characters’ personal tales with larger social and criminal themes, resulting in an immersive and compelling tale for players.
The game presents players with an equally rich environment for them to interact with and traverse through. This world gives you the chance to participate in many glorious side activities. From managing businesses to participating in engaging turn-based battles, you’ll find yourself growing a strong connection with Like A Dragon’s world.
In addition to having fabulous twists that’ll keep you on the edge of your seat, Yakuza: Like A Dragon is a fabulous alternative for Persona fanatics.
You can read our thoughts on Yakuza: Like A Dragon in our game review here!
Etrian Odyssey (Series)
Etrian Odyssey is a JRPG that might be different from Persona on the surface. However, it shares many notable similarities with this game that shouldn’t be overlooked. For example, Etrian Odyssey gives players extensive customization options for their party members like the Persona series. From customizing guilds to choosing different classes, players will love this game’s personalization aspects.
Further, both games emphasize dungeon exploration and mapping. In Etrian Odyssey, players navigate labyrinthine dungeons, utilizing a mapping system to chart their progress and uncover hidden secrets. As for Persona, it has players map out and traverse various supernatural realms, uncovering new treasures and encountering enemies. Both series require you to carefully examine your routes, making adventuring feel immersive and delightful.
Give this JRPG series a shot if you love games with an emphasis on strategy and exploration.
So there we have it, our 10 video game picks to keep you busy after playing Persona.
What do you think of our picks? Do you agree? Are there any notable omissions? Let us know in the comments below!