The Most Popular Persona Game, Ranked

Choose the game you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 2, 2024 06:45
In the eclectic world of gaming, where narratives twist and turn and characters grow almost real, the Persona series has carved out a niche of its own with its unique blend of life simulation and role-playing. Fans often debate which installment stands out as the crowning achievement, tapping into deep, thematic complexities and delivering engaging, tactical combat. Each game offers a divergent story and a varied cast, making it challenging but essential to pin down which title resonates the most with the audience. This dynamic ranking serves as a lively hub for fans to cast their votes and see how their favorite chapters in the Persona saga stack up against the rest. As votes pour in, the leaderboard shifts, reflecting new opinions and ongoing discussions among the gaming community. This continuous flow of input ensures that the rankings keep up with changing preferences and the introduction of new gamers to the series, making every vote a crucial part of the evolving consensus on the best Persona game.

What Is the Most Popular Persona Game?

  1. 1
    43
    votes
    This game is the most popular in the series, with its stylish visuals, engaging storyline, and memorable characters. It has received critical acclaim and has won numerous awards.
    Persona 5 in other rankings
  2. 2
    39
    votes
    This enhanced version of Persona 4 for the PS Vita is widely regarded as one of the best RPGs of all time, with its compelling story, lovable characters, and addictive gameplay.
    Persona 4 Golden is a role-playing video game developed by Atlus for the PlayStation Vita. It is an enhanced version of the original Persona 4 game released for the PlayStation 2. The game follows a group of high school students who enter a supernatural world known as the TV world, where they must use their special powers called Persona to investigate a series of mysterious murders.
    • Release Date: June 14, 2012 (JP), November 20, 2012 (NA)
    • Platform: PlayStation Vita
    • Genre: Role-playing
    • Mode: Single-player
    • ESRB Rating: Mature (17+)
  3. 3
    13
    votes
    This is the enhanced version of Persona 3, which introduced the popular Social Link system, and is still considered one of the best games in the series.
    Persona 3 FES is an enhanced re-release of the original Persona 3 role-playing video game. It was developed by Atlus and released in Japan in 2007. The game follows a group of high school students who harness the power of their Personas, manifestations of their inner selves, to fight supernatural creatures called Shadows in a phenomenon known as the Dark Hour. As the protagonist, players explore various locations, build relationships with other characters, and engage in turn-based battles.
    • Platform: PlayStation 2
    • Genre: Role-playing
    • Release Date: April 19, 2007 (Japan)
    • Modes: Single-player
    • Graphics: 2D sprites, 3D environments
  4. 4
    23
    votes

    Persona 4

    Katsura Hashino
    This game is the original version of Persona 4 Golden, and it was widely regarded as one of the best games of its time. It introduced the popular Social Link system, and its characters and story are still beloved by fans.
    Persona 4 is a role-playing video game developed and published by Atlus. It is the fifth installment in the Persona series, a subseries of the Megami Tensei franchise. The game follows a group of high school students who uncover a mystery surrounding a series of murders in their rural town, and must harness the power of Personas, physical manifestations of their inner psyche, to solve the case and save the potential victims.
    • Release Date: July 10, 2008
    • Platform(s): PlayStation 2, PlayStation Vita, PlayStation 3, Microsoft Windows
    • Genre(s): Role-playing
    • Game Modes: Single-player
    • Number of Players: 1
  5. 5
    16
    votes
    This game is the first in the Persona series to feature the Social Link system, and it is still considered one of the best RPGs of all time. It has a unique story and memorable characters.
    Persona 2: Innocent Sin is a role-playing video game developed and published by Atlus. It is the second installment in the Persona series and was originally released for the PlayStation in 1999. The game follows a group of high school students as they navigate through various supernatural incidents in the fictional city of Sumaru.
    • Platform: PlayStation
    • Genre: Role-playing
    • Release Date: 1999
    • Setting: Modern-day urban fantasy
    • Story: Players investigate a rumor called 'Joker Curse' causing reality-altering events
  6. 6
    8
    votes
    This game is the direct sequel to Innocent Sin and features a continuation of the story and characters. It is also highly regarded in the series.
    Persona 2: Eternal Punishment is a role-playing video game and the second installment in the Persona series. It was developed by Atlus and released for the PlayStation in 2000. The game follows the story of Maya Amano, a journalist investigating a mysterious rumor called the 'Joker Curse'. As Maya and her friends dig deeper, they uncover a dark conspiracy that threatens their reality. With its engaging story, complex characters, and strategic turn-based combat system, Persona 2: Eternal Punishment has become a beloved entry in the series.
    • Platform: PlayStation
    • Genre: Role-playing
    • Release Date: 2000
    • Developer: Atlus
    • Publisher: Atlus
  7. 7
    8
    votes
    This game is a crossover between Persona 3 and Persona 4, and features a dungeon-crawler gameplay style. It was well-received and introduced new characters to the series.
    Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth is a role-playing video game developed by Atlus and published by Atlus and Nintendo. It is a crossover game that combines characters from Persona 3 and Persona 4, set in a dungeon-crawling adventure. The game was released for the Nintendo 3DS in 2014.
    • Genre: Role-playing
    • Platform: Nintendo 3DS
    • Release Year: 2014
    • Developer: Atlus
    • Publisher: Atlus, Nintendo
  8. 8
    9
    votes
    This is an enhanced version of Persona 5 that adds new content, characters, and gameplay features. It is highly regarded by fans and critics alike.
    Persona 5 Royal is an enhanced version of the critically acclaimed Japanese role-playing game (JRPG) Persona 5. It was developed by Atlus and released in 2019.
    • Genre: JRPG
    • Platform: PlayStation 4
    • Release Date: October 31, 2019 in Japan, March 31, 2020 worldwide
    • Players: Single-player
    • Completion Time: Around 100 hours
    Persona 5 Royal in other rankings
  9. 9
    13
    votes

    Persona 4 Arena

    Arc System Works
    This is a fighting game spin-off that features characters from Persona 4 and Persona 3. It was well-received and introduced new gameplay mechanics to the series.
    Persona 4 Arena is a popular fighting game developed by Arc System Works in collaboration with Atlus. It is a spin-off of the Persona series, specifically Persona 4. The game combines the characters and story elements from Persona 4 with the gameplay mechanics of a 2D fighting game.
    • Platform: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Arcade
    • Genre: Fighting
    • Single-player: Yes
    • Multiplayer: Yes
    • Release Date: Japan: July 26, 2012, North America: August 7, 2012
  10. 10
    10
    votes
    This is the enhanced version of Persona 3 for the PSP, which added a female protagonist option and new gameplay features. It is still highly regarded by fans of the series.
    Persona 3 Portable is a role-playing video game developed and published by Atlus for the PlayStation Portable (PSP). It is a remake of the original Persona 3 game, adding new features and improvements to the gameplay and overall experience. The game follows a group of high school students who harness the power of Personas to combat supernatural creatures known as Shadows.
    • Platform: PlayStation Portable (PSP)
    • Genre: Role-playing
    • Release Date: July 6, 2010 (North America)
    • Modes: Single-player
    • Main Characters: Minato Arisato (Protagonist), Yukari Takeba, Junpei Iori, Mitsuru Kirijo, Akihiko Sanada, and more
    Persona 3 Portable in other rankings

Missing your favorite game?

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Ranking factors for popular game

  1. Critical reception and reviews
    Look at the scores and reviews given to each Persona game by both critics and players. Higher scores and positive reviews indicate a well-loved game.
  2. Impact on the gaming community
    Consider the influence and relevance of each Persona game within the gaming community and industry. This could include factors like cultural impact, references or similarities in other games, and lasting appeal.
  3. Awards and nominations
    Check if any of the Persona games have won or been nominated for awards, as these accolades can be a sign of a well-received game.
  4. Fanbase and community involvement
    Investigate the active fanbase for each game, looking at factors like ongoing discussions, fan art, cosplay, and fanfiction. A passionate and involved community is often indicative of a popular game.
  5. Innovation and originality
    Consider how innovative and original each Persona game is in terms of gameplay mechanics, storytelling, and artistic design. More groundbreaking games are likely to be more memorable and popular.
  6. Accessibility and availability
    Determine how easy it is for gamers to obtain and play each Persona game. Games that are readily available on multiple platforms and have been re-released or remastered are likely more popular due to wider accessibility.
  7. Longevity and replayability
    Look at how long each game has maintained its popularity and if players continue to replay the games years after their release. Longevity and replayability can be indicative of a popular title.
  8. Spin-offs and adaptations
    Check if the game has inspired spin-off titles, anime adaptations, or other media. This can be a sign of the game's popularity and impact on pop culture.
  9. Developer and publisher support
    Consider the level of ongoing support and updates provided by the developers and publishers for each Persona game. This can include patches, downloadable content, and added features which can enhance a game's popularity.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular Persona game. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or game is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 2054 views
  • 175 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each game once every 24 hours. The rank of each game is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most popular persona game

Background Information: Persona Games Persona games are a series of role-playing games developed by Atlus, a Japanese video game developer. The first game in the series, titled Megami Ibunroku Persona, was released in 1996 for the original PlayStation. Since then, the series has grown in popularity and has become one of the most recognizable and beloved franchises in the gaming industry. The Persona games are known for their unique blend of traditional RPG elements, such as turn-based combat and character development, with elements of social simulation, including building relationships with non-playable characters and managing time. The games also feature a distinct art style and a modern setting, often taking place in a fictionalized version of Tokyo. One of the key elements of the Persona games is the ability to summon and control powerful entities known as Personas. These Personas are manifestations of the characters' inner selves and are used in battle to defeat enemies and progress through the story. Over the years, the Persona series has evolved and expanded, with each new entry building upon the foundation of the previous games. With the release of Persona 5 in 2016, the series reached new heights of success and critical acclaim, solidifying its place as one of the most popular and influential RPG franchises of all time.

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