Summary
ThePersonaseries has come a long way sincePersona 3launched on thePS2. The modern-day setting still offers a refreshing change of pace from fantasy or science fiction settings usually featured in the JRPG genre. Even though the original has aged well, Atlus modernized and recreated the PS2 classic in the stunning remake withPersona 3 Reload.
The unique modern-day setting pushed the series into the mainstream and helped usher in a new wave of JRPGs with a modern setting. Moreover, the popular social gameplay mechanics feel more dynamic and natural to your choices. As a result, more games utilizing social,dating sim, and modern settings have become more readily available if you’re a fan of Persona 3: Reload.
6Tokyo Xanadu eX+
Action RPG With A Modern School Setting
Tokyo Xanadu eX+ is an action RPG from the developers of theYsand theLegend of Heroes series. The combat has more in common with the Ys, where you control one character at a time but can actively switch between three active members to utilize their skills and abilities in dungeons.
A Persona 3 Reload fan will appreciate the modern Tokyo school setting and the relationship mechanics that allow you to build relationships with other characters in the story via Affinity Shards. The daily life aspect supports the dungeons set within the Tartarus-like Eclipse.
Eternightsis the debut action RPG from indie developer Studio Sai, and it’s heavy on the dating sim mechanics as its opening scene sets up the protagonist’s dating app biography. The modern setting and engaging characters will make Persona 3 Reload fans feel at home, and the visuals are stylish with an eye for detail that betrays its one-person development, but more importantly, it has an engaging story with surprising twists that will keep RPG fans entertained.
It’s a shorter experience than Persona 3 Reload but offers multiple endings and outcomes thanks to its relationship-building mechanics. The protagonist develops bonds with other characters as they interact, train, and go on missions together. Like Persona 3 Reload, Eternights features a calendar system where the protagonist must manage their free time.
Fire Emblem: Three Housesis a turn-based strategy game that’s challenging and welcoming for longtime fans and newcomers alike. In addition to its excellent grid-based combat, Three Houses features character development and relationship building that fans of Persona 3 Reload will enjoy.
Furthermore, it’s a lengthy experience with lots of replay value and multiple characters to interact with, as the dating mechanics in Three Houses aren’t as strong as its predecessors. However, the importance of relationship building and what it sets up for the game’s narrative feel more impactful and meaningful.
3The Legend Of Heroes: Trails Of Cold Steel
An Epic Saga With Character Bonds And Unrivalled World Building
The Trails of Of Cold Steel series is part of the expanded Legend of Heroes series and is connected tothe Trails in the Sky trilogy,Trails from Zero,Trails to Azure, and Trails into Reverie. You can jump into the story with Trails of Cold Steel, as its near-unrivaled world-building is superb for creating a world with the foundations of history and lore to back up an excellent story with terrific characters.
Like Persona 3 Reload, Trails of Cold Steel is set in an academy where the protagonist develops friendships and relationships that impact combat and personal narratives. On free days, the protagonist can trigger bonding sequences, and these events can lead to better friendships and have romantic implications.
There’s nothing quite like13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim, but the stunning recreation of a Japanese high school, the relationships, and the drama resemble Persona 3 Reload’s compellingly good narrative. Mechanically, 13 Sentinels' Tower Defense-style combat is different, and the RPG elements are much lighter than Persona 3 Reload.
The premise of the game puts thirteen young protagonists at the center of a Kaiju invasion, and they can pilot giant mechs called Sentinels to fight back against the monsters. The plot will take you back and forth in time to tell a rather complex tale that doesn’t trip over itself with lore dumps or unnecessary confusion.
Life is Strangemay not be an RPG, but if you loved the coming-of-age high school drama of Persona 3 Reload, then it is a must-play. It centers on a young girl named Max, who has the power of time manipulation and can reshape events around her; unsurprisingly, actions have consequences, and you must make some challenging decisions that can affect her relationships, how characters respond to her, and the events that change the game’s narrative.
Much of the events in Life is Strange take place in school and sees Max interacting with her classmates, navigating friendships, and getting embroiled in a murder mystery. Everything comes together nicely, and the execution is mature with its endearing characters and beautifully told and emotional story.
