Persona is a popular Japanese role-playing game series developed by Atlus. The Persona fan game has amassed a dedicated fanbase over the years due to its unique blend of dungeon-crawling gameplay, social simulation elements, and a rich story with memorable characters. Besides the official games, many fan-made games are based on the Persona series. Fans for fans create these fan games and offer a unique take on the series. This article will look at the top 15 Persona fan games.
What is the Persona Game series?
Persona is a popular series of Japanese role-playing games developed and published by Atlus. We know the series for its unique blend of RPG gameplay, dungeon crawling, social simulation, and dating sim elements. The first game in the series, Revelations: Persona, was released in 1996 for the PlayStation console, and the latest mainline entry, Persona 5, was released in 2016 for the PlayStation 4 and later ported to other platforms.
The Persona series is set in modern-day Japan and follows a group of high school students who awaken to their “Persona,” a manifestation of their inner psyche that grants them supernatural powers. The series explores themes of identity, self-discovery, and human relationships and often deals with mature and controversial topics such as mental health, sexuality, and societal pressures.
The creators split the gameplay of the Persona series into two main parts: dungeon crawling and social simulation. In dungeon crawling, the player explores various themed dungeons known as “Palaces” or “Mementos,” battling monsters and bosses and collecting loot. In the social simulation, the player interacts with various non-player characters (NPCs) in the game’s world, building relationships and improving their skills and abilities.
One of the unique features of the Persona series is the “Social Link” system, which allows players to build relationships with NPCs and gain various benefits in gameplay, such as improved stats and new Persona abilities. The series also features a day-night cycle and a calendar system, where players must balance their time between school, socializing, and dungeon crawling.
Overall, the Persona series has gained a dedicated fanbase for its unique blend of gameplay and mature themes and has received critical acclaim for its storytelling, characters, and music. The series has also spawned various spinoffs, adaptations, and merchandise, including anime, manga, and live-action stage plays.
15 Persona Fan Games Made by Fans for Fans
The Persona series has a dedicated fanbase that has created many fan games inspired by the series. Here are 15 must-play Persona fan games for fans of the series.
1. Persona 4 Golden: The Animation – Abridged
This fan-made game is based on the anime adaptation of Persona 4 Golden. It features an abridged version of the anime’s story and includes voice acting and custom sprites. The game is a parody of the original anime, with humorous dialogue and exaggerated character personalities. Despite its comedic tone, it still captures the heart of the Persona series and provides an entertaining experience for fans.
2. Persona 5 Strikers: Save Our Hearts
This fan game combines the gameplay of Persona 5 with the style of action games like Dynasty Warriors. It features custom graphics, new enemies, and a new story that takes place after the events of Persona 5. The game’s combat system is fast-paced and satisfying, and the new story provides an exciting continuation of the original game’s events. Fans of Persona 5’s gameplay will enjoy this unique twist on the formula.
3. Persona 4 Arena Ultimax: Life Goes On
This fan game continues the story of Persona 4 Arena Ultimax, a fighting game spinoff of Persona 4. It features new characters, new storylines, and custom graphics. The game’s story is engaging, with memorable characters and a satisfying conclusion to the original game’s events. The fighting mechanics are also well-implemented, with a good balance of depth and accessibility.
4. Persona 5: The Royal – Before the Storm
The custom graphics also add to the game’s unique style, giving it a distinct look from the original game.
5. Persona 4: The Card Game
This fan-made game is a digital version of the Persona 4 card game featured in the original game. It includes all the original game cards, new cards, and custom graphics. The game’s mechanics are faithful to the original card game, with strategic gameplay that requires careful planning and management. Fans of the card game from Persona 4 will enjoy this faithful adaptation.
6. Persona 5: Crimson Screens
This fan game is set in an alternate reality where the Phantom Thieves of Persona 5 are trying to take down an evil corporation. It features new characters, new enemies, and custom graphics. The game’s story is well-written, with exciting plot twists and engaging characters. The custom graphics also add to the game’s unique atmosphere, giving it a distinct visual style from the original game.
7. Persona 4: Golden Edition
This fan-made game is an enhanced version of Persona 4 Golden, with new events, characters, and storylines. It includes custom graphics, voice acting, and new dungeons and bosses. The game’s additions are well-implemented, seamlessly integrating with the original game’s mechanics and story. Fans of Persona 4 Golden will enjoy this enhanced version of the game that adds new content while maintaining the original’s heart and soul.
8. Persona 3: The Strange Journey Redux
This fan game, “Persona 3: The Strange Journey Redux”, offers a fresh take on the classic game by reimagining Persona 3 with new characters, storylines, and custom graphics. Its engaging story features exciting plot twists and memorable characters. At the same time, the custom graphics contribute to its unique atmosphere, setting it apart from the original game with its distinct visual style. Fans of Persona 3 are sure to enjoy this refreshing interpretation of the beloved game.
9. Persona 5: Royal Edition
This fan-made game is an enhanced version of Persona 5: The Royal, with new events, characters, and storylines. It includes custom graphics, voice acting, and new dungeons and bosses. The game’s additions are well-implemented, seamlessly integrating with the original game’s mechanics and story. Fans of Persona 5 will enjoy this enhanced version of the game, which adds new content while still maintaining the heart and soul of the original.
10. Persona 5: The Dark Hour
This fan game reimagines the events of Persona 5 during the Dark Hour from Persona 3 in an alternate reality. The game features new characters, enemies, storylines, and custom graphics. Its engaging story contains exciting plot twists and memorable characters. At the same time, its unique atmosphere is enhanced by the distinct visual style of the custom graphics, setting it apart from the original game.
11. Persona 4: Dancing All Night – Encore Edition
This fan-made game is an enhanced version of Persona 4: Dancing All Night, with new songs, costumes, and storylines. It includes custom graphics, voice acting, and new dance routines and challenges. The game has well-implemented additions that seamlessly integrate with the mechanics and story of the original game. Fans of Persona 4: Dancing All Night will enjoy this enhanced version of the game, which adds new content while maintaining the original’s heart and soul.
12. Persona 3: FES – Portable Edition
This fan game is an enhanced version of Persona 3: FES, with new events, characters, and storylines. It includes custom graphics, voice acting, new social links, and challenges. The game’s additions are well-implemented, seamlessly integrating with the original game’s mechanics and story. Fans of Persona 3: FES will enjoy this enhanced version of the game, which adds new content while still maintaining the heart and soul of the original.
13. Persona 5: The Movie – Game Edition
This fan-made game is a visual novel based on the Persona 5 anime adaptation. It includes custom graphics, voice acting, and branching storylines based on player choices. The game’s story is engaging, with exciting plot twists and memorable characters. The custom graphics also add to the game’s unique atmosphere, giving it a distinct visual style from the original anime.
14. Persona 4: Ultimate in Mayonaka Arena – Reloaded
This fan game reimagines Persona 4: Ultimate in Mayonaka Arena with new characters, storylines, and custom graphics. The game’s engaging story features exciting plot twists and memorable characters. Additionally, the custom graphics contribute to its unique atmosphere, setting it apart from the original anime with its distinct visual style.
15. Persona 5: The Phantom Thief Chronicles
This fan-made game is a text-based adventure game based on the events of Persona 5. It includes custom graphics and branching storylines based on player choices. The game’s story is engaging, with exciting plot twists and memorable characters. The custom graphics also add to the game’s unique atmosphere, giving it a distinct visual style from the original game.
Persona-Inspired Indie Games
| Game Title | Setting and Theme | Gameplay Mechanics | Key Features |
| SoulSync Academy | It is a mystical school setting where students explore their subconscious minds. | Social simulation, turn-based combat, forming deep connections, unlocking powerful Personas. | The balance between school life, friendships, and battles. Shape the destiny of the academy and the real world. |
| Urban Shadows | Urban fantasy metropolis inhabited by humans and supernatural beings. | Social interactions with vampires, werewolves, and witches. Turn-based battles against interdimensional intruders. | Day-night decisions impact story direction. The melding of human and supernatural realms. |
| Dreamscapes | Delving into dreams to alter their course and battle Nightmares. | Dream exploration, emotional connections, turn-based combat against surreal enemies. | Focus on the emotional depth of the human psyche. Choices influence both dreams and reality. |
| Echoed Destinies | Cosmic connections and battles against celestial forces. | Forming bonds with celestial deities, turn-based combat with Zodiac Personas. | Day-night cycle affecting interactions and combat. Cosmic consequences of choices. |
| Crossroads Chronicles | Parallel dimensions merge, forming bonds to fight interdimensional anomalies. | Traveling between dimensions, forming connections, turn-based combat against anomalies. | Choices in one world affect others—exploration of parallel dimensions. |
| Harmony High | High school, where music and emotions have mystical importance. | Rhythmic turn-based battles, forming friendships, unlocking Harmonic Personas. | Themes of unity emotional expression. Music-infused gameplay. |
Shin Megami Tensei Fan Creations
| Fan Creations | Description | Expression |
| DemonForge Art | Reimagined demon designs, showcasing fusion creativity and unique abilities. | Visual art and creativity. |
| Digital Deva Stories | Fan-written narratives exploring the Deva System world, expanding lore and characters. | Creative writing and storytelling. |
| SMT Remix Beats | Fan-produced remixes of SMT tracks, infusing fresh interpretations while capturing the series atmosphere. | Musical creativity and remixing. |
| Persona Fusion Fanatics | An online forum for brainstorming dream Persona fusions and discussing abilities and strengths. | Collaborative discussions and imagination. |
| SMT Tabletop Tales | Fan-crafted tabletop RPG campaigns set in the SMT universe, exploring moral dilemmas and alliances. | Storytelling and role-playing. |
| Demonic Cosplay Showcase | Creative costumes inspired by SMT demons, personas, and characters. | Craftsmanship and cosplay artistry. |
| SMT Ink Masters | Tattoo art competition with SMT-themed designs, exhibiting dedication and inked fan appreciation. | Permanent fan art through tattoos. |
FAQs
Q: Are fan games legal?
A: Fan games are not officially licensed or endorsed by the creators of the original games and, therefore, may not be legal. Many fans create fan games to pay tribute to the original series without seeking commercial gain.
Q: How can I download and play fan games?
A: Fan games are usually unavailable through official channels and may have risks, such as malware or legal repercussions. Using caution and research thoroughly before downloading or playing any fan-made games is essential.
Q: Are fan games as good as the official games?
A: Fan games vary in quality and may have a different level of polish than the official games. However, they can offer a unique take on the series and be a fun way for fans to engage with the franchise.
Q: Can I sell or distribute my own Persona fan game?
A: Technically, selling or distributing a Persona fan game without permission from Atlus is illegal and can cause legal consequences. Many fans create fan games out of love for the series, and developers often overlook them since they are not intended for profit. It’s important to note that using copyrighted material without permission is still a legal grey area, so it’s best to consult with a lawyer or seek permission from Atlus before attempting to distribute or sell a fan game.
Q: How do fan games compare to the official Persona games?
A: Fan games vary significantly in quality and scope, and some may need to be more polished and well-developed than the official Persona games. However, many fan games offer unique and creative takes on the series, with new storylines, characters, and gameplay mechanics. Some fan games rival or surpass the official games regarding quality and fan reception. Ultimately, it depends on the individual fan game and the player’s preferences.
Q: Can I create my Persona fan game?
A: Anyone can create their own Persona fan game using game development tools like RPG Maker or Unity. However, creating a fan game requires time, effort, and skill in programming, game design, writing, and art. It’s also important to be aware of copyright laws and potential legal consequences and respect the original game and its creators.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Persona fan community has created diverse games offering new and creative takes on the beloved series. From visual novels to rhythm games, the fan games showcase the dedication and passion of the fans and provide opportunities to experience the Persona universe in unique ways.
While Atlus does not officially endorse fan games, they remain a favorite and essential part of the Persona fan culture. They allow fans to express their creativity and connect with others who share their love for the series. Whether you’re a fan of the official games or just discovering the series, there’s sure to be a fan game out there that appeals to you.
Overall, the Persona fan game community is a testament to the power of fandom and the impact that video games can have on people’s lives. Through their hard work and dedication, fan game developers have created a thriving community that celebrates and expands on the Persona universe and will continue inspiring and entertaining fans for years.