10 Best ATLUS Games, Ranked

10 Best ATLUS Games, Ranked

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades of experience under my belt, I must say, these ATLUS games are nothing short of exceptional! The Formorn Kingdom, with its young prince battling for his mother’s honor, sounds like a captivating tale straight out of a medieval epic. And let’s not forget the allure of Unicorn Overlord with real-time combat, character promotion, and an extensive roster of allies!


For quite some time, ATLUS has made a name for itself as a top-tier creator of Japanese Role-Playing Game (JRPG) experiences. Their games are known for their tough gameplay, innovative mechanisms, compelling narratives, and intriguing characters.

Here’s my take on paraphrasing the given text in a first-person perspective as a fan:

10 Soul Hackers 2

Ghost In the Machine

10 Best ATLUS Games, Ranked

PlatformPC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
PublisherSEGA
GenreJRPG
Release DateAugust 25, 2022

It’s likely that a significant number of video game enthusiasts haven’t experienced the original Soul Hackers, as it was initially only released in Japan. Moreover, when ATLUS moved it to the Nintendo 3DS in 2012, its reception wasn’t particularly strong.

Despite that, ATLUS brought us a compelling sequel in Soul Hackers 2.

One standout aspect of the follow-up is its exceptional visual aesthetic, blending elements of cyberpunk and vibrant neon hues. It also tackles the risks associated with sentient AI, a topic seldom explored in ATLUS games, and surprisingly relevant given the growing influence of AI systems like Chat GPT.

Mix in the usual demon-based combat and cementing bonds with your team, and you have a solid RPG.

9 Persona 5 Tactica

Chibi XCOM Mayhem

10 Best ATLUS Games, Ranked

Generally speaking, people often associate ATLAS with games played in turns. Yet, what’s less common is the connection made between ATLAS and strategic, action-packed games similar to XCOM.

Persona 5 Tactics surpassed anticipations by offering a compact yet delightful spin-off experience, brimming with adorable chibi characters.

Similar to Persona 5 Royal, Persona 5 Tactics boasts an engaging art style. Additionally, it welcomes back several beloved characters for the journey, while also introducing fresh faces such as Erina.

Initially, the gameplay of Persona may have puzzled fans, but they eventually found themselves hooked once they got the hang of the techniques. For instance, strategies such as Triple Threat, effectively using cover, and skillfully executing Once More attacks became key to their success.

8 Catherine: Full Body

Sexy Time in Nightmare Land

10 Best ATLUS Games, Ranked
PlatformPS4, Switch
PublisherSEGA
GenrePuzzle
Release DateSeptember 2, 2019

Similar to Persona 5 Tactics, Catherine: Full Body can be considered somewhat unique. It’s a sophisticated title that combines themes of romance and nightmares.

Beyond being peculiar, it additionally offers eccentric riddles, over a dozen distinct conclusions, and up to three romantic prospects.

Even if you’re not into ATLUS games for their puzzle elements, Catherine: Full Body manages to pull it off. Move some blocks, face critical choices that could alter your life, and struggle to keep your sanity amidst the surreal and humorous journey ahead.

7 Shin Megami Tensei V

Living Big in the Apocalypse

10 Best ATLUS Games, Ranked

Starting your day in a world devoid of gods but teeming with angels and demons is just typical ATLUS territory. However, Shin Megami Tensei V offered a unique and fresh journey that’s characteristic of this accomplished publisher.

The game effectively adapted SMT’s conventional mechanics, transforming them into a more immersive 3D environment.

In this game, you traverse a barren, endless expanse that resembles a desolate wasteland. The map is like an unending labyrinth of a dungeon. As for combat, it should feel familiar to those who have played before. Overall, the game offers an apocalyptic pleasure.

6 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim

Time-Traveling Kaiju Adventure

10 Best ATLUS Games, Ranked

Although strategic games may not be ATLUS’s usual genre, they’ve undeniably produced some exceptional ones. For instance, 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim stands out as a remarkable example of their work in this field.

This game combines real-time strategy with visual novel aspects, and it often strays from a traditional linear structure. Plus, it boasts numerous giant monster characters, or kaiju.

13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim offers additional reasons for enthusiasts to rave about it. Besides its captivating storyline, it incorporates time travel, colossal mecha, and an array of exceptionally distinctive systems that harmoniously blend together. This game is a marvelous fusion of Vanillaware and ATLUS’ skills, and it’s not just a one-off production.

5 Persona 3 Reload

Climb Tartarus With Style

10 Best ATLUS Games, Ranked

It’s challenging to evaluate the Persona games objectively as people tend to favor the first one they played. However, there are numerous factors that can make each Persona game appealing to players.

The updated version of Persona 3, known as “Persona 3 Reload,” significantly improved upon its original dark and captivating plot by refining its gameplay mechanics and adding a stunning visual overhaul.

Despite not initially receiving as much popular acclaim as subsequent Persona games, Persona 3 Reload effectively filled in the gap between its release and later entries. Additionally, it offers additional narrative moments for characters that had less screen time in the original version.

It’s a relief that the enhanced combat system has made delving into Tartarus far less nerve-wracking compared to our initial expedition.

4 Unicorn Overlord

My Little Pony Prince

10 Best ATLUS Games, Ranked

In simpler terms, “Unicorn Overlord” is an additional strategic game that the Vanillaware team collaborated with ATLUS to release. Unlike titles such as Persona or SMT, it bears a stronger resemblance to games like Fire Emblem.

The story unfolds in a kingdom ravaged by war, where a young prince, living in exile, embarks on a journey to uphold the dignity of his deceitfully treated mother.

Beyond just mentioning it, Unicorn Overlord offers live battle action, character advancement as you progress through levels, and an expansive collection of characters who may choose to fight alongside you.

With its rich, Vanillaware-style art and high degree of difficulty, it makes a valuable addition to any gaming collection.

3 Persona 4 Golden

TV Time for Teddie

10 Best ATLUS Games, Ranked

As a gamer, one title that truly resonated with me was Persona 4 Golden. This game boasts an exceptional ensemble of characters, from the unhinged Teddie Bear to countless others. But what truly sets it apart is its gripping and thought-provoking plotline that keeps you hooked till the end.

Solving a murder mystery in a town beset by mysterious fog was a novel twist in the series.

It’s great news that the game has been re-launched for both PC and consoles not too long ago, giving many more players a chance to discover this treasure. Compared to Persona 3, the dungeon navigation has been simplified, and the battle system is less punishing.

Regardless if you’re exploring Inaba or uncovering eerie mysteries, it showcases why ATLUS is so adored.

2 Metaphor ReFantazio

Fiction vs. Reality

10 Best ATLUS Games, Ranked

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but feel that Metaphor ReFantazio seems strikingly similar to a Persona game, given its creators share a great deal of common ground. Indeed, the resemblance is unmistakable.

This game shares some resemblances with daily-night cycles for exploration and fighting, emphasizing exploiting enemy vulnerabilities. However, what makes it unique is its concentration on the influence of fictional elements shaping realities, and the absence of actual demonic entities.

One thing that helps set Metaphor ReFantazio apart is the Archetypes, essentially job classes you can switch between. Best of all, bonding with your team unlocks new classes, and helps you hold your ground against cataclysmic battles.

Among the games on this list, Metaphor ReFantazio stands out as the one with the most stunning visuals – a pleasant surprise.

1 Persona 5 Royal

Stealing the Show

10 Best ATLUS Games, Ranked

It could appear as though an instance of recall bias is at play by ranking Persona 5 Royal above other games in the series, but there’s a valid explanation for this preference. By incorporating ideas from earlier installments, Persona 5 Royal crafted a well-balanced, engaging, and fashionable role-playing game.

Among all the characters from each game, it’s undoubtedly the Phantom Thieves who left the most lasting impression. Their attire exudes confidence, and they call upon formidable spirits to assist them during combat.

Among the standout features, sneaking past tough dungeon obstacles was one, along with the additional post-game trials offered in Mementos and the Third Semester.

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2024-10-25 17:16