Is Persona 5 connected to Persona 3 and 4?

If you are a fan of the Persona series, you might wonder how the different games are related to each other. Persona is a spin-off of Shin Megami Tensei, a franchise that features multiple stories and universes.

Persona games usually have standalone plots, but they share some elements and references that hint at a common continuity. Persona 3, Persona 4, and Persona 5 are the most recent and popular entries in the series, and they have some connections that you might have missed. Here are some of them:

Persona 3 and Persona 4 take place in the same timeline, one year apart. Persona 3 is set in 2009-2010, while Persona 4 is set in 2011-2012. The protagonists of both games visit each other’s locations in some events. For example, in Persona 4, the Investigation Team goes to Tatsumi Port Island (the setting of Persona 3) for a school trip, and they meet some of the members of SEES (the group from Persona 3). In Persona 3 Portable, the female protagonist can encounter some characters from Persona 4 during her summer vacation.

Persona 5 is set in 2016-2017, a few years after Persona 4. The game does not have direct interactions with the previous protagonists, but it has some references and cameos that imply a connection. For example, in Persona 5, you can see posters of Rise Kujikawa (a pop idol and party member from Persona 4) in some locations. You can also watch TV shows that feature characters from Persona 3 and Persona 4, such as Tanaka’s Amazing Commodities, Featherman R and Who’s Who.

All three games share some common themes and mechanics, such as the concept of Personas, Shadows, Palaces/Dungeons, Social Links/Confidants and the Velvet Room. They also have similar gameplay styles, combining turn-based combat with life simulation elements. However, each game has its own unique twist on these aspects, such as the Dark Hour/Midnight Channel/Metaverse, the Arcana system, the fusion methods and the calendar events.

All three games are part of the larger Shin Megami Tensei universe, which includes other spin-offs such as Devil Summoner, Devil Survivor and Digital Devil Saga. These games have their own stories and settings, but they sometimes crossover with each other or reference each other. For example, in Persona 5 Royal, you can meet a character named Jose who resembles Raidou Kuzunoha (the protagonist of Devil Summoner: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. The Soulless Army). You can also find items or demons that originate from other SMT games.