It’s been almost a decade since Persona 5 graced gamers’ screens, doing quite a bit to help popularize the series for western audiences. Indeed, even as JRPGs and other Japan-centric video games have exploded in relevance over the years, Persona 5 remains among the best of its ilk, regularly cited as the peak of the series.
Like with any landmark video game, there’s a pressing question dangling above Persona 5: when will Persona 6 come out? Of course, Atlus has pushed out its fair share of Persona and Persona-like games since P5, including Persona 5 Royal and Persona 3 Reload, which many argue are essentially brand-new gaming experiences despite being rereleases/remakes, but the actual next chapter in the Persona franchise is nowhere to be seen. While gamers wait for Persona 6 to rear its head, they ought to branch out and explore some other, similar titles that can help tide them over.
The following series of suggestions will omit extremely obvious releases, such as other Persona or Shin Megami Tensei games.
The Wait for Persona 6 Won't Feel Too Long if the Series' Previous Pattern Continues
Fans may be waiting for news on the highly anticipated Persona 6, but Atlus may already have something else in motion to ease that long wait.
Best Games To Play While Waiting for Persona 6
Metaphor: ReFantazio
If there’s any Persona spin-off that simply must be played, it’s Metaphor: ReFantazio. The high-fantasy JRPG will feel familiar to Persona fans for obvious reasons, but its innovations and bold creative leaps are what make it truly special. Indeed, the game is far from a mere fantasy spin on the Persona formula: its unique progression systems and remixed version of Persona’s Pokemon-like combat make it a breath of fresh air. That said, it still retains the strengths of Persona, like an absurdly lovable cast of characters and satisfying social sim mechanics.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Another recent must-play for Persona fans, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a one-of-a-kind RPG experience with a laundry list of influences, Persona being but one of them. Like Persona 5, Clair Obscur mixes real-time mechanics into its turn-based combat loop, and injects its moment-to-moment gameplay with an obscene level of style and flair. With a killer soundtrack, great art design, and memorable characters, Persona fans are sure to find a lot to love in Clair Obscur.
The Mass Effect Series
For anyone looking to pivot away from the JRPG formula and toward a more western-influenced RPG experience, the original Mass Effect trilogy is a no-brainer. It’s quite unlike Persona 5 when it comes to its moment-to-moment gameplay and slice-of-life aspects, but its relatable, charming cast of friendly NPCs, combined with light social simulation elements, should appeal to anyone with a fondness for Atlus games.
Bully
Getting even more American now, Bully is a satirical, biting representation of toxic youth culture in the west, and its school-focused narrative certainly shares some DNA with Persona 5. Naturally, Bully’s grounded premise and GTA-like gameplay loop keeps it a world apart from the JRPG sphere, but likable, interesting characters, small-stakes side stories, and a dash of social sim features make it worth checking out nonetheless.
The Yakuza Series
Rich, hilarious, and unforgettable, the Yakuza franchise has a little something for everyone, as the saying goes. With charming and absurd characters, small-but-deep open-worlds to explore, and a strong balance of comedy and drama, Yakuza is a strong fit for Persona fans, especially those who appreciate the glimpse into Japanese culture that the latter series provides. Yakuza 0 is perhaps the best entry point for newcomers, but those looking for turn-based combat ala Persona 5 may want to look into Like a Dragon or Infinite Wealth.
Fire Emblem: Three Houses
When it comes to non-Atlus games, the Fire Emblem series is perhaps the most often compared to Persona, and for good reason. Three Houses is a particularly suitable entry for those seeking a Persona 5 replacement, as while its gameplay is decidedly different, its focus on youth culture, relationship-building, and scheduling place it in fervent conversation with Atlus’ crown jewel, while still being distinct enough to feel fresh.
Persona 3 Reload
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 87 /100 Critics Rec: 94%
- Released
- February 2, 2024
- ESRB
- Mature 17 / Blood, Partial Nudity, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Violence
- Developer(s)
- P-Studio
WHERE TO PLAY
- Engine
- Unreal Engine 4
- Genre(s)
- JRPG, RPG, Life Simulation, Strategy
