In this article, I will explain the differences between the Shin Megami Tensei (Megaten) series and the Persona series.
Shin Megami Tensei V will be released on November 11, 2021, and I’m sure there are many people who would like to play Persona before or after playing V.
I’ve played Megaten IV, FINAL, and Persona 4 and 5 in the past.
I think I can give a relatively clear explanation to new users on “Which is more suitable for me, Megaten or Persona?”
Let’s start with an explanation of the similarities between the Megaten series and the Persona series.
Common features: age of protagonists and monster characters.
The Megaten series and the Persona series are both popular RPG series released by ATLUS.
Personally, I like the music of both of them.
(I often play it when I’m working, etc.)
There are two other major similarities between the two, so I’ll introduce them in order.
The protagonist is often a young man in his late teens.
This is not much different from other JRPGs.
Since the player base is predominantly male, it is assumed that the protagonist is also male.
In Persona 3 Portable, which I was able to play on PSP, I was able to choose the gender of the protagonist, but in other software, the protagonist character is mostly fixed.
Demon characters and persona characters have a lot in common.
Since the Megaten series has a longer history and Persona is derived from it, the monster characters that appear in the game have a lot in common.
I like Jack Frost, so when he (?) appears during gameplay, I feel relaxed.
There are other popular demons (personas), but Jack Frost you have a sense of security, like a real home.
In the Persona series, Jack Frost items have appeared in the games, so it’s fun to decorate the protagonist’s room with them.
Difference: Megaten has a darker worldview.
If you prefer a more “dark” world view, the Megaten series is for you.
On the other hand, if you want to play an RPG with a bright school story, I recommend you start with the Persona series.
Megaten is set in an “extraordinary” world.
In the Megaten series, the world often collapses, or Tokyo collapses.
It was impressive to see abandoned buildings or collapsed buildings all over the map.
Also, the story focuses on the main characters and his or her surroundings, and rarely on sub-characters.
In Megaten, where “what choices the protagonist (you) makes” is the key to the storyline, the point of view of the protagonist is kept intact.
The Persona series revolves around “everyday school life.
On the other hand, Persona has a well-established style of “Going on an adventure to another world while living in a school”, and the map tends to be similar to the real world.
When creating the map, the developers went to the places that will be used as models, so you will be able to enjoy the game while playing.
GamerOh, I’ve been to this place before!
Also, since Persona 3, there has been a system called Commu (or Coop in Persona 5).
To explain briefly, this system allows you to strengthen your protagonist by deepening your interactions with certain characters.
The characters you interact with are not only the protagonist’s friends, but also many ordinary people in the city.
It’s great to be able to dig deeper into the world of Persona by learning about the way the world is seen by people other than the protagonist as you progress through the comics.
The best part of Persona is that while interacting with various people in everyday life, such as peers, younger people, uncles, etc., you will be conquering shadows in a different world, a symbol of the extraordinary.
“Should I play with the Persona series beforehand?”
There has been a lot of information about Megaten 5, and some of you who are reading this article may be wondering,
GamerShould I play Persona series before playing Megaten 5?
In conclusion, “It’s perfectly fine if you haven’t played it, but Persona is a masterpiece!”
That’s what I’m saying.
The story is divided into each series, so it doesn’t matter which software you start with.
The recent Persona series is Persona3, Persona 4, and Persona 5, and the easiest environments to play are Persona 4 and Persona 5.
Persona 4 Golden is a fulfilling Japanese country life!
①Overall, the story is bright.
②There is a (slight) element of mystery.
③Student life in the countryside.
If you are interested in the above points, start with Persona 4 Golden.
As a reminder, the Steam version of this game is only compatible with Windows computers.
To be able to play it on a Mac, you need to install a Windows OS, which tends to be rather slow.
One option is to buy a PS Vita, which is currently no longer supported, and play the Vita version of Persona 4 Golden.
The Vita version of Persona 4 is easy to find in stores that sell used games.
Persona 5 Royal is all about action and challenge!
I don’t mind if the story is a little dark!
I want to play the latest Persona!
I want to live in a school in Tokyo!
If you are concerned about the above points, I recommend you start with Persona 5 Royal.
Both games are very playable and you will not regret playing them.
