ATLUS is known for many amazing games. While most are typically uber-challenging RPGs, that’s not all the publisher is known for. As such, we compiled a handy little list of the top franchises ATLUS has published.
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There are some deep cuts included from series way back. There are monoliths that the industry loves and respects. And there’s some truly niche and weird stuff that will only appeal to small groups.
The only thing they have in common is that they each have multiple games, and they made an impact on gamers. Without further ado, here’s our list of the top 6 ATLUS franchises!
For the purpose of this list, franchise means a published series that includes more than one game.
6Rock of Ages
Rolling, Rolling, Gone…
Most Noteworthy Titles
Rock of Ages, Rock of Ages 2: Bigger & Boulder
Racing, Strategy
Growing up, many kids play with marbles. It’s fun using such a simplistic object and finding unique ways to manipulate its physics. That simple activity doesn’t usually translate to video games, but theRock of Agesfranchise did a great job with it.
There were elements of racing, tower defense, and strategy you wouldn’t necessarily expect. The series is also well known for its ludicrous sense of humor, with similar energy to the likes of Monty Python.
While the most recent entry, Rock of Ages 3: Make & Break, wasn’t published by ATLUS, the first two games were. In Rock of Ages II: Bigger and Boulder, you traveled through various time periods, including Medieval, Greed, and Renaissance.
They got the ball rolling, and now it’s moving all on its own courtesy of another publisher.
5Utawarerumono
Amnesia Isn’t Always a Crutch
Utawarerumono: Mask of Truth
It’s more common for ATLUS to make up their own stories than to adapt another. Which makesUtawarerumonosomething of a rarity. Though published by them, it was developed by Aquaplus and Leaf, and set in a world penned in the manga.
As for the games themselves, Utawarerumono: Mask of Deception and Mask of Truth, they’re primarily an SRPG affair set in a magical, seemingly medieval world.
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While there are strong elements of the amnesiac main character in the story, it manages to go to some wild and unexpected places if you stick with them.
If nothing else,the seriesoffers some very solid and challenging strategy gameplay for fans of the genre, along with some great storytelling.
4Etrian Odyssey
I Heard You Like Dungeons?
Etrian Odyssey Origins Collection
While the vast majority of games can be enjoyed on any system,Etrian Odysseyis tailor-made for portable gaming. This is why it made perfect sense for the bulk of them to be on the DS or 3DS, both handheld systems that focused on stylus play.
Not only did you map out the dungeon this way, but you managed a variety of menus effortlessly. However, that was about the only part of the games that was easy.
It’s not a secret that the Etrian Odyssey games are incredibly hard dungeon crawlers. Though you have a lot of individual control over the makeup of your party of adventurers, you’ll be clashing swords with some truly overpowered and horrific monsters.
But if you’re able to muster your courage and survive just a little longer each time, you’ll find yourself in love with this brutal, strategic adventure franchise.
3Trauma Center
Under the Knife
Trauma Team
The Wii era was a wild time to be a gamer. Nintendo has always brought an inventive spirit to their consoles, but they went above and beyond with the Wii, trying out all sorts of crazy ideas. Admittedly,Trauma Centerstarted on the DS, but the series spent most of its time on the Wii.
As for the setting, it’s a near future where mankind has eliminated most diseases, but not all. There are shadowy happenings, covert organizations, and surprisingly robust storytelling.
In the most recent entry,Trauma Team, there are deep visual novel elements split between 6 main characters. As for the actual gameplay, Trauma Center will have you treating burns, splinting bones, and doing everything you can to keep your patients breathing.
Combined with the Nunchuck and Wii Remote, you had a lot of ways to get into the bloody action.
2Shin Megami Tensei
Deal With the Devil
Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance
You knew we’d get toShin Megami TenseiAKA SMT eventually. It’s not only a massively popular RPG series, but it’s one with a ton of different releases. Including several that have yet to cross the pond from Japan.
Despite all that, it found a welcome home in the global community, thanks in large part to recent releases likeSMT V: Vengeance. There are also incredibly rewarding tactical, grid-based adventures, such as theDevil Survivor gameson the DS and later 3DS.
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No matter which game you play, you’ll find a harrowing, often apocalyptic situation full of monsters to fight and use as your own weapons. Choice is a huge factor in all of the SMT games, and will reward you with a variety of dystopian possible endings.
While the SMT games are incredibly difficult and often punishing, those who stick with them will find well-told, morally gray stories that are sure to make you think.
Dancing All Night
Persona 3 Reload, Persona 4 Golden, Persona 5 Royal
RPG, Fighter, Rhythm, Dungeon Crawler
Though it was a close call between SMT andPersona, it probably shouldn’t be a surprise that Persona edged out a win. While SMT does one particular thing very well, Persona is always trying something new, and often reinventing itself.
They’ve been traditional dungeon crawlers, grid-based, strategic games like Persona Q. They’ve been fighters like Persona 4 Ultimax, and even dancing games like Persona 5: Dancing in Starlight.
Whereas SMT is often dour and hard-edged, Persona games are upbeat and rebellious, despite facing steep odds and horrible monsters. More than anything, Persona games introduce us to lovable characters and villains you love to root against.
If you love RPGs or just enjoy games in general, you absolutely need to find time to fall in love with Persona.
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