Where to start with the Persona series?

[Auron225]

So I hear an awful lot about how hot-damn awesome the Persona series is but I've yet to play one. I am a fan of JRPGs so I imagine I'll have a good time with them.

The question is; how do I start? I understand there are several versions of 3 and 4, but I almost never hear anything of the first 2.

So how I get into this series? Where is the best place to start, and how should I proceed?

 

[Someone Depressing]

Start with the original trilogy, of course! Then again, most Persona fans don't realise numbers come before 3 and 4.

Basically, the original trilogy was a series of dungeon crawlers taking themes from Jungian psychology with a battle system revolving around screaming and then some magic shit happening. What I like about these games is that the characters were never flat; they were all very interesting and had their own little mini arcs.

Though, one evident fault in all three of the games was the general lack of polish, especially in the first game, which had typos up the ass when it came to enemy analyses.

If you're a JRPG fan, start with Shin Megami Tensei: Persona, then Persona 2: Innocent Sin, and finally Persona 2: Eternal Punishment. (take notes for these two. Things get, like, overly complicated, and for some reason that I can't remember Hitler is the final boss) The original Persona had two 50+ hour stories that connected to each other, so you can tackle them in whichever order you like, though the plots are basically completely different, with some Schrodinger's Cat nonsense here and there.
Maybe take a look at the game's precursor, Shin Megami Tensei: if..., as it'll explain a few unexplained story elements.

If you're more of a fan of huge-eyed mutants who use the honorifics "chan" and "kun" like it's going out of style who have emotional issues like nobody's business (aka, anime), then I recommend 3 and 4.

 

[ScrabbitRabbit]

If what you've heard about Persona on the intertubes is what interested yo, either P3 or P4. Just play the newest version of whichever one you choose.

I love the Persona 2 duology but it's aged quite poorly in a number of ways and has pretty much none of the social-sim aspects that interest most people looking to get into the series. They're an excellent pair of JRPGs, though with a genuinely fascinating, if a bit crazy, storyline though so if you think you can get past the dated design then you'll have a great time.

It should be noted that Hitler is only the final boss of Innocent Sin, Eternal Punishment's last boss is quite different.

Also, maybe it's just me, but I really don't like the first game.

But yeah, Persona 3 and 4 are way more accessible, so it might be worth starting there.

 

[Savo]

The Persona series is odd in that it's almost best played backwards. Start with 3, proceed to 4 if you like it, and then go to the Persona 2 duology if you still want more. 3 and 4 destroy 2 in terms of gameplay and overall fun (and they have significantly better production values due to being newer), and you will probably get a really bad impression of the series if you start with 2, unless you're already a fan of old-school JRPGs. I've been playing Innocent Sin, and although the story has potential, the gameplay is atrocious in a lot of ways and incredibly repetitive.

If you absolutely have to play more Persona games, try the first one. I can't stand it and only lasted a couple hours before quitting out of pure boredom, but there are people who like it.

Edit: I almost forgot, you'll probably want to start with Persona 3 FES. There is a PSP version that is perfectly fine, but the story isn't presented quite as well due to the loss of the in-game and anime cutscenes. It's also missing the epilogue, which is a massive chunk of story and gameplay in itself.

With Persona 4, it doesn't matter as much. The Vita version is probably the best overall, but they wrecked the difficulty by making it much easier, and some of the extra content bordered on being excessive. Don't feel bad if you only play the PS2 version, you're not missing out on a whole lot.

 

[Leemaster777]

Definitely start with 4. Golden is fine, but if you don't have a Vita, but have a PS2 or PS3, then standard 4 is more than adequate (4 is available as a downloadable game on the PS3).

There's nothing wrong with 3, but I personally prefer 4 more. And since most people who get into Persona later on start with that, I'd say you'd be best starting there, too. The game mechanics are more refined in 4, and there are subtle tweaks here and there that make 4 are much more enjoyable experience overall than 3.

I'd also agree that it's actually best to play the series in reverse. Start with 4, and work your way backwards. Finished up Innocent Sin awhile back (which was fun, but dated), and if I see Eternal Punishment anywhere, I'll be picking that up, too.

And avoid the fighting games at all costs until you beat BOTH 3 and 4. Arena and Ultimax both contain massive plot spoilers for those two games.

 

[thanatos388]

Like everyone else here i'll say stert with either 3 or 4 available on PS3 via download or you can get 4 on the Vita if you have that.

Just do yourself a fovor and stay away from Persona 1. That game is terrible, it was considered terrible even when it came out and 2 is only saved by the story really. Anyone who actually played it all the way through basically describe it as toture thay endured just so they can say they played the whole series. There's a reason why 3 was released so many years later and was so different from the first three.

 

[coreymon77]

I started with P4 and it is my favourite RPG of all time. The problem with doing that, however, is that, when going back and playing P3, all of its errors are even more glaring because many, if not most of them were fixed in P4.

As for P3 itself, I massively prefer the PSP version of that game, if only because I absolutely can't stand when RPGs don't let you control your party members in battle, something that the PSP version (and P4) fixes. However, the PSP version does have its downsides, such as the loss of cutscenes and a more point-and-click style to the non-dungeon crawling bits that might turn some people off.

But ya, P3 is still a great game, but I personally prefer P4 over it in pretty much every aspect. I have never played the others, so I really can't comment on them.

 

[balladbird]

What about the series entices you?

If it's about the fairly challenging dungeon crawling or the creature creation, then you may as well start from the beginning. Persona 1, Persona 2 innocent sin, and Persona 2 eternal punishment can all be purchased digitally via PSN.

If it's about the social aspects, sim elements, and enormous bestiaries, then you'd have to start around 3, since it was the first game to implement them.

If you only want to play one game in the whole series, play P4G. a definite case of an incarnation that takes the strongest of what came before.

 

[Kingjackl]

I'd start with 3 (preferably the PSP version if you can), then move on to Persona 4 Golden. You can get them both on a Vita.

The reason to start with 3, is that if you do them the other way around, chances are you'll like 3 less. 4 follows after 3 quite well, and has some good improved gameplay.

 

[IllumInaTIma]

I'm gonna ignore 1 and 2, since I'm not an expert on them. As to 3 and 4...

I'd say start with Persona 3: FES. It's perfect in terms of gameplay, but it has the most complete story out of all P3 versions. You could go for Persona 3: Portable, but it misses some optional story stuff and it doesn't have animated and 3d cutscenes instead replacing them with visual novel style images. It's ok, but might get confusing. After FES you should go for Portable with its improved gameplay and female protagonist who is just awesome and offers a different perspective. And then just go for Persona 4: Golden. The only thing that original has that Golden doesn't is different voice actors for Teddie and Chie. Other than that Golden is improved in every single way.

 

[RedEyesBlackGamer]

The first and second one are entirely different games from 3 and 4. So I'm separating them into two groups.
So, I'd ignore 1 and start with Innocent Sin for the older 3. The duology is a lot better than the first game and stands alone pretty well.
I'd start with 4 over 3 in the newer games. It is kind of just...better in every way.

 

[EyeReaper]

I've played every persona game outside of the second (both of them) and honestly, the first game isn't very good.

Persona 3 FES is definitely where you want to start, I know this because it's where I didn't. Persona 4 is much better in terms of Social Links and gameplay, but it's missing out on quite a few things, like the weapon fusing system. Also, while I wouldn't say P3's story is better, I will say it's more heavy hitting. Persona 3 is a depressing tale of the morbid side of the human collective, P4 is a light blend of Scooby-Doo and Lovecraft.

But seriously, of the latter two, start with FES. That way, instead of going "Ugh, why isn't this like the one I played before" you'll go "Oh, they changed that, awesome."

 

[RedEyesBlackGamer]

I've played every persona game outside of the second (both of them) and honestly, the first game isn't very good.

Persona 3 FES is definitely where you want to start, I know this because it's where I didn't. Persona 4 is much better in terms of Social Links and gameplay, but it's missing out on quite a few things, like the weapon fusing system. Also, while I wouldn't say P3's story is better, I will say it's more heavy hitting. Persona 3 is a depressing tale of the morbid side of the human collective, P4 is a light blend of Scooby-Doo and Lovecraft.

But seriously, of the latter two, start with FES. That way, instead of going "Ugh, why isn't this like the one I played before" you'll go "Oh, they changed that, awesome."

Innocent Sin is leagues better than the first one. I recommend it. I didn't like the first game, but the duology is better than 3 for me.

 

[Slitzkin]

The games are great but expect to put a lot of work into them. Grinding, getting through the days and developing traits and relationships. There is a lot to digest.

 

[Fox12]

So I hear an awful lot about how hot-damn awesome the Persona series is but I've yet to play one. I am a fan of JRPGs so I imagine I'll have a good time with them.

The question is; how do I start? I understand there are several versions of 3 and 4, but I almost never hear anything of the first 2.

So how I get into this series? Where is the best place to start, and how should I proceed?

Alright, so there are several ways to approach this. All of the games technically take place in the same universe, but series changed significantly in the middle.

The first option is to play the whole series from the beginning. The first three games (persona 1, persona 2 original sin, persona 2 eternal punishment) are traditional JRPG's. The story is meh for 1, and pretty strong for 2. There's also some interesting background information in these titles that isn't necessary for the other games, but that makes them more interesting. For the most part the games are self contained, though there are recurring characters and shout outs between the games. While the games are good, however, they don't have the social links and game mechanics most people associate with the series. They're also somewhat dated, since their PS1 titles. Think of the first three games as a single trilogy with related concepts and ideas. If you enjoy classic style JRPG's, then you'll enjoy these games.

However, if you don't want to spend several hundred hours on these games then you can skip to Persona 3 and 4. You don't need to play the other games to understand the story, but they will provide some interesting information that may change how you view the series. If you enjoy them then you can always play the first three afterwards, like I did, or look up the stories on the wiki. plot wise, Persona 3 and 4 are companion pieces. They are technically self contained stories, but they also have shout outs to each other, and have a very few recurring characters and locations. They also explore different themes. Persona 3 is about death, whereas 4 is about life. 3 takes place during the night, whereas 4 take place during the day, ect. As a result, I find that you appreciate both of them more when you compare the two. They're VERY good stories, and I don't exaggerate when I say that they rejuvenated my faith in JRPG's. Game play wise they have all the things people associate with the series. They have social links that you can explore with the characters, they have the persona fusion system, and they have the whole game centered around a school schedule. You go to school and manage your time however you see fit, then go dungeon crawling afterward. Events occur based on dates, not events. There's also a friendship/dating sim mechanic. The combat is based on tactics, elemental attacks, and special moves, not on brute force. It's easy to learn, but hard to master. The game play is still a little dated, since their PS2 titles, but it's barely noticeable.

Now, as you have mentioned there are several versions of persona 3 and persona 4.
For Persona 3 there is the original Persona 3, Persona 3 FES (basically a directors cut), and P3P (a port to the psp). Persona 3 FES is available on PSN for about $10.00. It has additional content and a new epilogue which expands the story. P3P allows you to play as a female character, adds some additional music, and has some added content. Both of these games are good, but I will personally recommend Persona 3 FES. This is because the graphics and game play are somewhat better than the port, and because the story presentation and cut scenes are more emotional and well delivered. I also think that the ending was far more interesting on the console version, since it was allowed a little more power (or at least feels that way). Both of these are good, though, and if you have your heart set on a female avatar then you may enjoy the PSP version more.

The same is pretty much true for Persona 4. The original version of the game is absolutely fantastic, and is available on PSN for $10.00. This may be the easiest version to find. Persona 4 Golden is basically the directors cut. It adds some really great content, added story bonuses, more social links, and clarifies some of the things that happen in the plot. It's definitely an expanded version, but you may have to find it in a used game store for the PS2. I will add a personal gripe, however, as they changed several of the voice actors, and I found the new voice actors to be woefully inferior to the original cast. The game has also been ported to the PS Vita. I haven't played this version, but I believe it has some added content. You CANNOT play as a female character in this version, to my knowledge. Personally, I would recommend either the original Persona 4, or Persona 4 Golden. If you don't mind the voice actors, you may enjoy the added content enough to warrent the purchase. It's worth the price. Personally, I'm happy with the original version. I think several of the voices are better, and the handful of scenes you miss out on in Gold can be viewed online. It's also the easiest version to find for most people, since it's available online for download and most people don't own a VITA.

I know that's complicated, but I hope it helped. It's really a great series, and provides the innovation that I think JRPG's need : )

 

[L. Declis]

I played Persona 1.

It was terrible. Just... really, really bad.

So that put me off the entire thing.

Just don't play it, please.

 

[Rozalia1]

You know folks...if we're being...technical I suppose. SMT IF would be the start point of the Persona series as it kind of was the "prototype" to Persona, and is actually set in the same universe as Persona 1 and 2. More of a traditional SMT game in looks and mechanics however outside the whole proto persona mechanic.

Main villain is from the Zoroastrian religion which is somewhat rare to see, supposed to be unrelated to the major SMT villains Yahweh and Lucifer (well I suppose Lucifer was more of a hero in the early games)...however reading here on wiki it seems there was a cell phone game I was unaware of where they job the guy's credibility to Lucifer for seemingly no reason at all. I'm glad Persona 3 and 4 are as popular as they are as otherwise we'd get Persona 3 FES, and Persona 4 the golden where it turns out the main villains were actually irrelevant and Lucifer is the top dog yo (hey considering they keep doing the fighting games there is still time to have the villains be minions of Lucifer).

Say what you want about Yahweh not jobbing to anybody, but at least he doesn't get inserted into other games he has no business being in to make those game's villains look bush league.

 

[joshuaayt]

I'd start with Persona 3 FES, then Persona 4 Golden (If there's no limit on console options), then wait for Persona 5.

Honestly, Persona 2 has an interesting enough premise that I want to like it, but it just has not aged well at all. For a fresh SMT player, it might not be much fun.

 

[Auron225]

Thanks for all the responses folks! Having read through them and considered what I'd prefer & what's feasible...

I think I'm gonna start with Persona 3 FES, then move on to Persona 4 (original).