Co., Ltd. is a Japanese video game developer and publisher primarily known for its role-playing games, including the Megami Tensei and Persona series. The company was founded in 1986 and is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan.
History
was founded in 1986 under the name "Namiki", developing games for personal computers and the Famicom. In 1991, the company changed its name to and began publishing games for the Super Famicom.
In the 1990s, gained recognition for its Megami Tensei series, which combined traditional RPG elements with a dark and challenging atmosphere. The company also developed other popular games, such as Radiant Historia and the Etrian Odyssey series.
Games
Megami Tensei Series
- Shin Megami Tensei (1992)
- Shin Megami Tensei II (1994)
- Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne (2003)
- Shin Megami Tensei IV (2013)
- Shin Megami Tensei V (2021)
Persona Series
- Persona (1996)
- Persona 2: Innocent Sin (1999)
- Persona 2: Eternal Punishment (2000)
- Persona 3 (2006)
- Persona 4 (2008)
- Persona 5 (2016)
- Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth (2014)
- Persona 5 Strikers (2020)
Other Notable Games
- Radiant Historia (2010)
- Etrian Odyssey (2007)
- Catherine (2011)
- 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim (2019)
Platforms
games have been released on a wide range of platforms, including:
- Nintendo consoles (Famicom, Super Famicom, Game Boy, Nintendo DS, Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo Switch)
- Sony consoles (PlayStation, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita)
- Microsoft consoles (Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox One)
- Mobile devices
Awards and Recognition
has received numerous awards and accolades for its games, including:
- Game of the Year (Persona 5, 2017)
- Best RPG (Persona 5, 2017)
- Best Soundtrack (Persona 5, 2017)
Controversies
In 2017, was involved in a controversy over the localization of Persona 5. The game’s original Japanese release contained several references to LGBT+ themes, which were toned down or removed in the English translation. This led to criticism from fans who felt that was censoring the game.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is known for?
A: is known for its role-playing games, particularly the Megami Tensei and Persona series.
Q: When was founded?
A: was founded in 1986 under the name "Namiki".
Q: What consoles do games release on?
A: games have been released on a wide range of consoles, including Nintendo consoles, Sony consoles, Microsoft consoles, and mobile devices.
Q: Has ever been involved in any controversies?
A: Yes, in 2017, was involved in a controversy over the localization of Persona 5, which was accused of censoring LGBT+ themes.
References
Persona
Persona is a classic role-playing game developed by in 1996. The game follows a group of high school students as they discover their hidden Personas, entities that represent their true selves and grant them supernatural abilities.
The game features turn-based combat, dungeon exploration, and a compelling story that delves into themes of identity, self-discovery, and societal expectations. Players are tasked with balancing school life, social relationships, and the challenges of a supernatural world.
Persona’s unique gameplay mechanics, memorable characters, and thought-provoking narrative have made it a beloved and influential title in the JRPG genre, spawning numerous sequels and spin-offs.
Persona
The Persona series is a role-playing game franchise developed and published by . The series is a spin-off of the Megami Tensei franchise and is known for its strong character-driven stories, turn-based combat system, and use of Jungian psychology.
The Persona games typically feature a group of high school students who discover they have the ability to summon and control Personas, manifestations of their inner selves. These students use their Personas to fight against shadows, creatures that represent the darkness within people’s hearts.
The Persona series has been praised for its writing, characters, and combat system. The games have also been commercially successful, with over 15 million copies sold worldwide. The latest entry in the series, Persona 5 Royal, was released in 2020.
Persona RPG
The Persona RPG series is a spin-off of the Megami Tensei franchise developed by . The series typically features high school students who are able to summon Personas, manifestations of their inner selves, to fight against supernatural creatures. The games are known for their strong character development, social simulation elements, and challenging turn-based combat. Notable titles in the series include Persona 3, Persona 4, and Persona 5.
Persona Video Game
The Persona video game series is a role-playing game franchise developed by . The series is known for its modern setting, social simulation gameplay, and turn-based combat system.
The games primarily follow a group of high school students who form a bond with supernatural beings known as Personas. Together, they investigate paranormal events and battle malevolent forces.
The series has been praised for its compelling stories, character development, and innovative gameplay mechanics. It has also been commercially successful, with over 15 million copies sold worldwide. Notable entries in the series include Persona 3, Persona 4, and Persona 5.
Persona 5
- A role-playing game developed by for the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4.
- Follows a group of high school students who fight against corruption by summoning beings known as Personas.
- Blends elements of traditional turn-based RPG gameplay with social simulation and dungeon crawling.
- Features a detailed storyline, vibrant characters, and stylish visuals.
Persona 4
Persona 4 is a role-playing video game developed by . It was first released for the PlayStation 2 in Japan in 2008 and later ported to the PlayStation Vita, Windows, and Xbox Game Pass. The game follows the story of a group of high school students who investigate a series of murders in their small town.
As the investigation progresses, the students discover the existence of the Midnight Channel, a television channel that broadcasts only at midnight. The Midnight Channel can be used to enter the TV World, a surreal world inhabited by dangerous creatures known as Shadows. The students soon learn that the murders are being committed by a killer who is able to control Shadows.
To stop the killer, the students must form bonds with each other and awaken their Personas, powerful beings that represent their true selves. The students must then use their Personas to fight their way through the TV World and defeat the killer.
Persona 3
Persona 3 is a social simulation role-playing video game developed by for the PlayStation 2. The player takes on the role of a high school student who is able to summon creatures called Personas to fight against malevolent beings known as Shadows. Persona 3 features a turn-based combat system, a social link system that allows the player to build relationships with other characters, and a time management system that influences the game’s story and gameplay. The game was released in Japan in 2006 and in North America and Europe in 2007. Persona 3 received critical acclaim for its story, characters, and gameplay, and is considered one of the best role-playing games of all time.
Persona 2
Persona 2 is a role-playing game developed by for the PlayStation. It is the second game in the Persona series and was released in Japan in 1999. The game was later ported to the PlayStation Portable in 2011 and released in North America and Europe in 2012.
The game follows the story of Maya Amano, a high school student who transfers to the Seven Sisters High School in Sumaru City. Maya soon discovers that she has the ability to summon Personas, powerful beings that can fight for her. Maya and her friends must use their Personas to fight against the Shadows, malevolent creatures that are threatening to destroy the world.
Persona 2 is a traditional turn-based role-playing game with a focus on dungeon crawling. The game features a variety of Personas, each with their own unique abilities. Players can fuse Personas together to create new, more powerful Personas. The game also features a social simulation element, in which players can interact with other characters and build relationships.
Persona Q
Persona Q is a role-playing video game developed by and published by Sega for the Nintendo 3DS. The game is a crossover between the Persona and Etrian Odyssey series, and was released in Japan in November 2014, and worldwide in February 2015.
The game follows a group of students from St. Hermelin High School, who are transported to a mysterious labyrinth. They must navigate the labyrinth and defeat the monsters that inhabit it in order to find their way home. Along the way, they are joined by characters from the Persona 3, Persona 4, and Persona 5 universes.
Persona Q features a turn-based combat system, in which players control a party of four characters. Each character has their own unique abilities and skills, and can be equipped with different weapons and armor. The game also features a dungeon-crawling element, in which players must explore the labyrinth and solve puzzles in order to progress.
Persona 5 Royal
Persona 5 Royal is an enhanced and expanded version of the original Persona 5. It features new story content, new characters, new gameplay mechanics, and a variety of other improvements.
The game follows the story of Joker, a high school student who is falsely accused of a crime and sent to Tokyo’s Shujin Academy on probation. While there, he awakens to the power of the Persona, a manifestation of his inner self, and joins a group of fellow outcasts known as the Phantom Thieves. Together, they fight against the corrupt forces that control Tokyo and help people who have been wronged.
Persona 5 Royal introduces a number of new features and improvements, including:
- A new third semester of story content that adds over 30 hours of gameplay
- Two new characters, Kasumi Yoshizawa and Takuto Maruki
- New gameplay mechanics, such as the grappling hook and the ability to fuse Personas of the same Arcana
- A variety of other improvements, such as a revamped UI, new difficulty settings, and new balance changes
Persona 5 Royal is a must-play for fans of the original game and newcomers to the series alike. It is one of the best RPGs of all time, and it offers a deep, engaging, and unforgettable experience.
Persona 4 Golden
Persona 4 Golden is an enhanced version of the 2008 role-playing video game Persona 4. The game follows the story of Yu Narukami, a high school student who moves to the rural town of Inaba and discovers a mysterious world hidden within the television, where he and his friends must face their inner demons and save the town from a series of murders.
As an enhanced version, Golden features several new additions and improvements, including new social links, additional character routes, a new dungeon, and a revised battle system. The game also includes a number of quality-of-life improvements, such as a faster text speed and the ability to control party members directly.
Persona 4 Golden was released in 2012 for the PlayStation Vita and later ported to Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch. The game has received critical acclaim, with many reviewers praising its story, characters, and gameplay.
Persona 3 FES
Release Date: October 31, 2007
Platforms: PlayStation 2, PlayStation Network
Summary:
Persona 3 FES (Full Moon Edition) is an enhanced version of the PlayStation 2 game Persona 3, released in 2007. It includes all the content from the original game, as well as new content such as an expanded storyline, new Social Links, and an updated combat system.
The story follows a group of high school students who become members of a special team, known as SEES, tasked with investigating the supernatural phenomenon known as the Dark Hour. During the Dark Hour, the world is shrouded in darkness and Shadows, dangerous creatures from another world, roam the streets.
Persona 3 FES features a blend of social simulation and turn-based RPG gameplay. Players navigate the world, interact with characters, and build Social Links with their teammates. During battles, they summon Personas, manifestations of their inner selves, to fight against the Shadows.
The expanded storyline in FES adds new events and characters, including the introduction of the female protagonist and her unique path through the game. The combat system has been refined, making it more accessible and strategic. Other additions include a new difficulty level, a photo mode, and a movie viewer to replay cutscenes.
Persona 2: Innocent Sin
Persona 2: Innocent Sin is a role-playing game developed by for the PlayStation. It was released in Japan in 1999 and in North America in 2000. It is the second game in the Persona series and a prequel to Persona 2: Eternal Punishment.
The game follows the story of Maya Amano, a high school student who is drawn into a supernatural battle against the forces of evil. She is joined by a group of other Persona users, and together they must fight to save the world from destruction.
Persona 2: Innocent Sin is a turn-based RPG with a focus on character development and social simulation. The player must manage their characters’ schedules in order to improve their social links, which in turn grants them access to new Personas and abilities. The game also features a unique "Judgment" system, which allows the player to influence the outcome of battles by making moral choices.
Persona 2: Eternal Punishment
Persona 2: Eternal Punishment is a role-playing video game developed by for the PlayStation. It is the second installment in the Persona series and a sequel to Persona 2: Innocent Sin. The game was released in Japan in 1999 and in North America in 2000.
The game follows Maya Amano and her friends as they investigate a series of murders in Sumaru City. They soon discover that the murders are connected to a sinister organization known as the Cult of Philemon. The group must race against time to stop the cult from summoning Philemon, a powerful deity that threatens to destroy the world.
Persona 2: Eternal Punishment introduces several new features to the series, including the ability to summon personas from the Major Arcana. The game also features a branching storyline that allows players to make different choices that will affect the ending of the game.
JRPG
JRPGs are role-playing video games developed by the Japanese company . They are known for their challenging gameplay, dark and atmospheric settings, and unique and memorable characters. Some of the most popular JRPGs include the Shin Megami Tensei, Persona, and Etrian Odyssey series.
JRPGs often feature complex and branching storylines, with multiple endings depending on the player’s choices. The combat systems are typically turn-based, with a focus on strategy and character customization. The games also frequently incorporate elements of mythology, psychology, and philosophy into their stories and themes.
JRPGs have gained a cult following among gamers, and are often considered to be some of the best in the genre. They are known for their high quality and innovation, and have helped to shape the landscape of JRPGs.
Persona Spin-offs
Persona spin-offs are standalone video games that are part of the Persona series, but do not follow the same story or characters as the main series. These spin-offs typically feature different gameplay mechanics, settings, and themes from the main games, while still maintaining the series’ core elements of social simulation, turn-based combat, and character development.
Persona Anime Summary
Persona, a popular anime franchise, revolves around high school students who discover their ability to summon powerful beings known as Personas, manifestations of their inner selves.
Each series focuses on a group of students attending Gekkoukan High School (in Persona 3 and Persona 4) or Shujin Academy (in Persona 5) who confront various supernatural threats and personal challenges. By wielding their Personas, they navigate the complexities of the human psyche and fight to protect both their friends and society.
The franchise features themes of identity, acceptance, and the power of human connections. It explores the struggles of adolescence and the importance of facing one’s true self.
Persona Manga Series
The Persona manga series is an adaptation of the popular video game franchise of the same name. It follows the adventures of high school students who discover supernatural abilities and use them to fight against demons and other evil forces. The series is divided into several arcs, each focusing on a different group of characters and their struggles against a unique threat.
The most notable arcs include Persona 3, which focuses on a group of students who must fight against the Shadows, creatures that represent the negative aspects of human nature; Persona 4, which follows a group of students who investigate a series of mysterious deaths in their town; and Persona 5, which revolves around a group of students who rebel against corrupt authority figures.
The Persona manga series has received critical acclaim for its compelling characters, engaging storylines, and stunning artwork. It has been praised for its faithful adaptation of the video games while also offering its unique perspective on the franchise’s themes and characters.
Persona Soundtrack
The "Persona" series is known for its distinctive and memorable soundtracks, composed primarily by Shoji Meguro. The music is characterized by its blend of jazz, rock, and ethnic elements, creating a unique and immersive atmosphere for the games.
Each game in the series features a distinct soundtrack that complements its themes and characters. Notable tracks include "Never More", "Memories of the City", and "Burn My Dread", which have become fan favorites. The soundtracks have been praised for their emotional depth, atmospheric soundscapes, and ability to enhance the gameplay experience. In addition to the main soundtracks, the series has also released spin-off albums, remixes, and live concerts.
Persona Merchandise
Persona merchandise includes a wide range of products featuring characters and imagery from the popular video game series. These products are officially licensed and cater to the passionate fanbase. The merchandise includes:
- Figures and Collectibles: Highly detailed figurines, statues, and Nendoroids of beloved characters like Joker, Morgana, and Makoto.
- Clothing and Accessories: T-shirts, hoodies, bags, and jewelry adorned with iconic designs and quotes from the games.
- Home Decor: Posters, tapestries, and other decorative items that bring the vibrant world of Persona into homes.
- Video Games: The latest installments in the Persona series, as well as spin-offs and remasters.
- Soundtracks and Music: Official soundtracks and EPs featuring the memorable music from the games.
- Other: Keychains, plushies, stickers, and other miscellaneous items that appeal to collectors and fans alike.
Persona Cosplay
Persona cosplay involves dressing up as characters from the Persona video game series. Cosplay enthusiasts create elaborate costumes and accessories to embody their favorite characters, replicating their iconic appearances and wielding their signature weapons.
Persona cosplay encompasses a wide range of characters, from the protagonists and party members to antagonists and supporting characters. Cosplayers meticulously craft their costumes, using a variety of materials such as fabric, leather, and armor. They often pay attention to intricate details, including hairstyles, makeup, and accessories.
Persona cosplay is popular at conventions and events, where fans gather to celebrate the franchise and express their creativity. It allows cosplayers to immerse themselves in the world of Persona, bring their favorite characters to life, and connect with other fans. The community fosters a supportive atmosphere where cosplayers share their passion and appreciate each other’s craft.
Persona Fan Art
Persona fan art is a thriving community of artists who create artwork inspired by the Persona video game series. This art can range from character portraits to landscapes to full-blown scenes.
Persona fan art is often highly stylized, with artists using vibrant colors and exaggerated features to create eye-catching pieces. The art is often shared online, on websites like DeviantArt and Tumblr, where fans can interact with each other and create a sense of community.
Persona fan art is a testament to the popularity and impact of the Persona series. It is a vibrant and creative community that allows fans to express their love for the games and share their own unique interpretations of the characters and world of Persona.