Introduction

Are the Persona games part of a continuous narrative or do they stand as separate stories? This article explores the interconnectedness of the Persona franchise, examining which games share a common universe and which are standalone tales.

Are the Persona Games Linked or Separate Stories?

The Persona series is a popular Japanese role-playing game (RPG) franchise rich with interconnected themes and concepts. For the most part, the numbered installments of the Persona series are standalone stories, with only a few direct connections between them. This article will delve into both the separate and interconnected aspects of the Persona games.

Direct Sequels and Spin-offs

The Persona series includes several direct sequels and spin-offs that are interconnected. One notable example is Persona 2: Eternal Punishment, which is a direct sequel to Persona 2: Innocent Sin. Additionally, Persona 4 Arena, Persona 5 Dancing in Moonlight, and Persona 5 Strikers have storylines that intersect or are direct sequels to other games.

Persona 4 Arena Big Bang

Games like Persona 4 Arena and Persona 5 Dancing in Moonlight are part of the Persona Q series, which includes Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth and Persona Q2: New Cinema Labyrinth. These spin-offs bring together characters from Persona 3, Persona 4, and Persona 5 to create a story that stands on its own but fits within the larger Persona universe. Another example is the Persona 5 Strikers title, which is a direct sequel to Persona 5.

Recurring Concepts and Themes

Despite the standalone nature of many Persona games, they share some recurring concepts and themes that link them together. One of the most prominent recurring elements is the power of controlling shadows, a central concept in the Persona series. Another recurring theme is the Velvet Room, a mysterious place where players can gain information about their characters and make critical decisions throughout the game.

Velvet Room and Core Concepts

The Velvet Room is a recurring element in the series, managed by characters named Igor (until the passing of the Japanese voice actor) and a blue-clad assistant who is often the opposite gender of the protagonist. These assistants are often siblings, contributing to a sense of interconnectedness among the games. This recurring element adds depth to the Persona series, making games feel like part of a larger, more complex narrative.

Canonical References and Secondary Connections

While the numbered entries in the Persona series are generally standalone stories, there are several instances where canon references or secondary connections hint at the games taking place in the same universe. For example, in Persona 4, a school trip to Tatsumi Port Island, which is the setting for Persona 3, connects the two games.

Character Cross-overs

Character sightings and cameos further reinforce the interconnectedness of the series. In Persona 3 Portable, the main character's sports team visits Inaba, where they meet Yukiko, an NPC from Persona 4. Similarly, in Persona 4 Arena and Ultimax, the Investigation Team from Persona 4 meets and fights alongside the members of S.E.E.S., a group from Persona 3.

Universe Interconnectedness

The games in the Persona series often hint at being part of the same larger universe. In Persona Q and Persona Q2, the parties from Persona 3, Persona 4 (first and second games), and Persona 5 are shown to be from different time periods in the same universe. In Persona 5, various news reports mention characters from the previous games, such as Rise Kujikawa and Yukiko Amagi.

Fan-Theoretical Unification

Furthermore, in Persona 5 Strikers, the party stays at the same Kyoto inn that the Persona 3 cast stayed at, another clear indication of the series' shared universe. While the events of each installment don't directly impact the subsequent ones, fans of the franchise can often find these connections and theories that unify the games into a bigger, overarching narrative.

Conclusion

While the Persona games are mostly standalone stories, they do share common themes and recurring elements that suggest they are part of a larger, interconnected universe. Despite the lack of direct connections between many games, there are canonical references and recurring characters that hint at the series' shared universe. For fans of the Persona series, this interconnectedness is a significant aspect that adds depth and richness to the narrative.