10 Best PSP Games like Persona to Can play on Android
Hey fellow PSP gamer! Are you looking for some great PSP games similar to the popular Persona series that you can play on your Android device? Well you’ve come to the right place!
In this post, I’ll be listing down 10 of the best PSP games like Persona that you can easily emulate and enjoy on your Android smartphone or tablet. From turn-based JRPGs to story-rich visual novels, this list has something for every Persona fan.
So without further ado, let’s dive right in!
An Introduction to the Persona Series
For those who may not be familiar, Persona is a spin-off series from the popular Shin Megami Tensei franchise. Developed by Atlus, Persona games combine elements of traditional JRPGs with life simulation and visual novel elements.
The games revolve around high school students who summon ‘Personas’ – manifestations of their psyche that they use to battle monsters and demons. Persona games feature deep characterization, relationship building, and tackling issues relevant to modern-day youth.
No wonder the unique blend of genres, stylish presentation, and engaging stories have made Persona one of the most acclaimed JRPG series today.
Now let’s look at 10 great PSP games that can give you a similar experience on mobile.
1. Trails of Cold Steel
If I would recommend PSP games like Persona to anyone, Trails of Cold Steel would be the first game to mention. Much like Persona games, this game is set in a school and focuses heavily on its ensemble cast of students.
You play as Rean Schwarzer, who joins the military academy Thors as part of the newly formed Class VII. Here you’ll bond with classmates, undertake missions across the nation, and unravel a far-reaching conspiracy that threatens the fate of the entire empire.
With a complex but well-written story, strategic turn-based combat, and social link style bonding events, Trails of Cold Steel should definitely scratch that Persona itch. The games charming anime aesthetics and excellent worldbuilding also help it stand out.
2. Danganronpa
This unique visual novel series has earned a cult following thanks to its outlandish premise, eccentric characters, and shocking plot twists. The setup is simple – you play as students trapped in a school where the only way to escape is by getting away with murder.
Much like Persona, Danganronpa games have you interacting with vibrant student characters, building relationships and unraveling mysteries as the body count keeps rising. Things often take dark turns, but the games slick visual style and oddball humor provide some great contrast.
If you want a narrative focused, character driven experience similar to Persona, do give the Danganronpa trilogy a shot. Just be prepared for some serious craziness along the way!
3. Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker
Here is another PSP games like Persona People often overlook the Metal Gear Solid PSP games when talking about the acclaimed stealth action series. But Peace Walker in particular is one of the most underrated entries with fantastic gameplay and an engaging story that builds on series lore.
Here you play as the legendary soldier Big Boss as he establishes his own private military group in 1970s Costa Rica. Along with recruiting comrades, you’ll be taking on dangerous missions involving mecha, AI and even supernatural elements at times.
People who love Persona for its emphasis on relationships and character growth will enjoy Peace Walker’s similar focus. And the tactical stealth action remains incredibly satisfying. PS Vita owners can also play the enhanced HD version of the game.
4. Final Fantasy Type-0
Final Fantasy Type-0 brings the iconic JRPG franchise to the PSP with an interesting real-time combat system, gritty war story, and ensemble cast of 14 unique characters.
Set in the nation of Rubrum, players take control of Class Zero, a group of students gifted with magic who are caught in the middle of a world war. Expect plenty of twists and turns as you uncover conspiracies and attempt to turn the tide of battle.
Fans of Persona will enjoy getting to know Class Zero’s distinct personalities during mission briefings and banter. And the tragic, mature story is a nice change from typical Final Fantasy fare. Type-0 HD on consoles is worth checking out too if you want smoother graphics.
5. Fate/Extra
At first glance, Fate/Extra appears to be your standard digital card RPG. But this cult hit hides a ton of depth with its robust combat, branching story paths, and excellent worldbuilding.
As players progress through the story, you’ll be battling different enemies ala Persona as you fight to uncover your identity and survive being deleted. The cast of distinct Servants who you can partner with also leads to great character moments that series fans will appreciate.
With plenty of mystery and thrills, Fate/Extra is easily among the best RPGs on PSP with shades of Persona in its DNA. And the recent remake Fate/Extra Record takes things up a notch with full 3D visuals and added content!
6. Tales of the World: Radiant Mythology
The Tales of series has no shortage of great games. But Radiant Mythology stands out for successfully translating the franchises’ signature real-time combat to a handheld while also incorporating Persona-esque social elements.
As a new recruit in the garrison town of Gilgulim, players are tasked with building relationships with other characters and partaking in quests that draw inspiration from past Tales games.
The job system allows you to customize your team’s skills, while the combat provides a ton of flexibility when chaining moves. Overall, Radiant Mythology is easily among the most mechanically rich games in the series and should please RPG fans.
7. Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3 Portable
I know this one is cheating a bit, but Persona 3 Portable is easily the best version of Persona 3. This PSP port lets you play as a female protagonist with new social links that offer fresh perspectives.
The addictive demon collecting/fusion remains intact along with the acclaimed urban fantasy story about students fighting supernatural threats. Persona 3 laid the groundwork for later games, so it’s great being able to experience the origins of this fantastic series on the go.
While the PSP graphics and presentation take a hit compared to the PS2 original, being able to control teammates directly makes up for this. Persona 3 Portable is certainly worth playing even if you’ve already finished Persona 3 before.
8. Ys Seven
Ys Seven takes the classic hack-and-slash gameplay of the Ys series and adds traditional party-based elements to mix up the formula. There’s a larger cast of playable characters too, each with their own unique abilities and fighting styles.
The story itself revolves around protagonist Adol investigating a mysterious seal in the nation of Altago alongside his companions. This provides plenty of room for entertaining banter and bonding moments between missions that longtime Ys fans will appreciate.
Combat remains fast-paced and fluid with some nice strategic wrinkles added by the party system. If you want addictive real-time combat with shades of Persona, Ys Seven is a great choice for action RPG enthusiasts.
9. Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together
Tactics Ogre is widely considered one of the best strategy RPGs ever made. But the PSP remake Let Us Cling Together takes the original game’s branching paths, and impactful story choices to another level entirely.
Whether it’s recruiting new allies, tackling side quests or making key decisions, the game does an amazing job accounting for everything. Every choice can influence the course of the story and determine which of the many endings you arrive at.
On top of the great storytelling and combat, building relationships with your squadmates between battles feels reminiscent of Persona’s social links. For strategy RPG fans, this game is an absolute must-play.
10. The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky
Rounding off our list, we have the first Trails in the Sky game, another stellar JRPG by Nihon Falcom famed for its world building and character writing. The game follows Estelle and Joshua, two “bracers” who perform odd jobs across the kingdom.
From undertaking quests to unraveling conspiracies, Trails in the Sky offers a deeply rewarding adventure that lays the foundation for future installments. And the turn-based combat always remains a highlight thanks to the team’s orbment customization system.
Much like Persona, Trails in the Sky excels at fleshing out its ensemble cast through both main events and optional bonding scenes called “tête-à-tête”. This is a must-play for any JRPG fan.
And that brings us to the end of our list of games like Persona on PSP!
Conclusion
There you have it folks, 10 great PSP classics that can scratch that Persona itch with their engrossing stories, relationship building mechanics, and satisfying gameplay systems. These should keep you occupied for a long time!
I highly recommend using the fantastic PPSSPP emulator to play PSP games on your Android smartphone or tablet. The convenience of mobile coupled with customizable controls/graphics takes the experience to another level.
So go ahead, download some ROMs and dive into these legendary JRPGs, visual novels and strategy titles that remain just as entertaining today. And if you have any other Persona-esque PSP recommendations, do share them in the comments! See ya!