Persona 5 is arguably one of the best RPGs ever made, and it can be hard to fill the gap that the game has formed over the past hundred hours of playing it. Thankfully, there are some fantastic role-playing titles you can play to satisfy that need for a deep Japanese RPG like Persona 5. Here are some of the best games like Persona 5.
Persona 3 Reload
Obviously, the one game that can replace Persona 5 is another entry in the series. Persona 3 Reload is a remake of the PS2 classic with gorgeous new visuals, a more streamlined battle experience, and additional scenes that give you more backstory on each of the beloved characters. Battles have been improved across the board with the ability to pass your turn to another character, and Tartarus now has more chests to find along each playthrough. Persona 3’s storyline is a departure from Persona 5, going for a slightly darker tale than its younger brother. It should be an interesting direction from the adventures set in Tokyo. There’s a free demo of Persona 3 Reload you can try if you’re intrigued.
Metaphor ReFantazio
Fans of Persona 5 should check out Metaphor ReFantazio in a heartbeat. It’s pretty much a fantasy take on the Persona formula and is created by the same developer, Atlus. Just like Persona 5, the visuals are absolutely stellar with well-designed characters, a magnificently thought-out world, and plenty of ferocious monsters to take down. Just like Persona 5, you’ll be building a team of characters whom you’ll hang out with in between going to dungeons, and managing your time. The story is also epic and sweeps you off your feet, similarly to the fifth Persona game. 80 or so hours will be gone in no time.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Fans of turn-based RPGs may want to check out Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. Similar to Persona 5, it has a striking UI and combat system. You can also dodge and parry attacks, and even aim weapons towards foes to incapacitate them. Developed with Unreal Engine 5, the visuals are striking as the game depicts a post-apocalyptic environment inspired by Belle Époque France artwork back in the day. This has received critical praise across the board with a 92 Metacritic score. This matches the score of Square Enix’s latest RPG adventure, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth.
Fire Emblem Engage
While Fire Emblem Engage is a strategy RPG instead of a traditional turn-based setup in Persona 5, there are still some parallels. There are engaging characters to meet and get to know as you grow their social levels with you. You have spirits with you that enhance your characters’ abilities, like Personas. Additionally, there is an epic story to follow as you try to triumph over evil. Fire Emblem Engage is a fantastic RPG that will keep you sucked in and perhaps take away the dust piling on your Switch for many hours. The strategy RPG combat is sublime in this title as almost every level adds a new mechanic to keep you on your toes. If you want a preview of the game’s amazing soundtrack, it’s now available in the Nintendo Music app.
Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King
If you have a PS2 or 3DS lying around in your house, you should check out Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King. This JRPG takes you on an epic quest to save the princess and the king from a horrible curse by Dhoulmagus. You’ll fight tough monsters, explore charming towns, and get to know the cast of characters like Jessica and Angelo along the way. This is a game very much due for a remaster or a remake, but you should check out the PS2 or 3DS versions if you get the chance. It’s a cherished open-world adventure with a fun turn-based combat system. Most would probably recommend the latest entry, Dragon Quest XI, but some of the characters in that game are dreadfully annoying.
Tokyo Xanadu eX+
A game that’s similar in tone to Persona 5 but doesn’t necessarily have the same production values as Persona 5 is Tokyo Xanadu eX+. Instead of a turn-based system, however, it is action-based. Your character takes classes in high school and eliminates monsters in his spare time throughout Morimiya City. You’ll also be building relationships with other characters and playing mini-games throughout this JRPG adventure. The game has a great 86% approval rating by Steam reviewers, who give it a Very Positive score.
Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch Remastered
Although a lot lighter in tone, Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch features a similar game loop to Persona 5 in some ways. Throughout this adventure, you’re collecting familiars that all have unique abilities to help you in battle. The game is turn-based for the most part, but you can move the main characters around and use spells. You can also expect a beautiful visual style from legendary anime creator Studio Ghibli and a wonderful storyline from Dark Cloud and White Knight Chronicles developer Level-5. You can get a remastered version of this Japanese RPG on modern platforms.
