Looking for games like Persona, visual novels, or dating sims—preferably on retro consoles (NES, SNES, Game Boy, DS, PS1)

[unnamable]

I'm a big fan of the Persona series and enjoy games with a mix of social interaction, life simulation, and turn-based or story-driven gameplay. I'm also really into visual novels and dating sims.

I'm looking for recommendations of similar games, but specifically from older consoles—like the NES, SNES, Game Boy, Nintendo DS, or PlayStation 1. I’d love to discover some hidden gems or early versions of these genres.

Any suggestions for games with relationship systems, time management, or deep character interactions from that era?

 

[Mirai1412]

The closest you can get on NDS is Shin Megami Tensei Devil Survivor 1 & 2, which is clearly cash on Persona popularity

 

[Rhent]

Tokimeki Memorial, the OG is great. Its SNES version has fan translation. I would also recommend Tokimeki Girl's Side 1 and 3. Belongs to the same franchise.

PS1 the one I know is imadoki no vampire and thousand arms.

 

[Cris_Agev]

I have in mind Rune Factory 4 but that's for 3DS, RF 3 is for DS but haven't play it. I'm not sure if it shares the same simulation and romancing elements.

 

[Crashbandi]

PS1 the one I know is imadoki no vampire and thousand arms.

Came here to recommend these. I love Imadoki no Vampire

 

[Rhent]

Came here to recommend these. I love Imadoki no Vampire

Right? it is such an underappreciated game.

 

[Cris_Agev]

You also have Sakura Wars for saturn

Sakura Wars (English Patched) Saturn ISO – RGT Repository

Sakura Wars (English Patched) Saturn ISO for SEGA Saturn. Genre: Dating Sim, Tactical RPG, Visual Novel. Published and developed by SEGA

retrogametalk.com

I'll add Growlanser 1 for PS1 too, since it has visual novel elements, relationship system, some time management and is turn based. Its in japanese tho, there is a translation but it's only in paper on GameFAQ website.

Growlanser (Japan) PSX ISO – RGT Repository

Growlanser (Japan) PSX ISO Game ID: SLPS-02380, SLPS-02381. Languages: Japanese. For Sony PlayStation.

retrogametalk.com

 

[Segadude113]

Sakura Wars on Sega Saturn and Sakura Wars 2 on Sega Saturn. There's also Sakura Wars GB for Game Boy Color. There's a sequel on Game Boy Color as well, but it hasn't been translated yet.

 

[freebie#47]

The closest you can get on NDS is Shin Megami Tensei Devil Survivor 1 & 2, which is clearly cash on Persona popularity

Actually, Persona is a spinoff of the Megaten series.

As for the games you requested OP, Play the Super Robot Wars/Taisen series. They are mostly Visual Novel with Strategy RPG games. For starting point for english translations, Start With OG for PS2 or official USA release on the gameboy(ps2 has voice acting so go with that one). Then if you want easy ones, go with J and then W or if you prefer difficult go with Snes 3/4 ex and then ps1 gaiden and Gamecube GC. They aren't super difficult, just you can't plow thru easily, requires planning out.

Cool thing about this series is how they merge all the animes into a single universe and are really good. Even the animated battles give more awesomeness. Be warned though, these games can take a long time complete, and some even have secret characters unlocks and hidden maps. J and W even have split maps so you can replay to see what happens in the other route not taken.

 

[gekiganwing]

Azure Dreams for Playstation 1 had a relationship system. This roguelike game was translated when it was current. I have tried this game, but my reaction at the time wasn't positive. One of these days, I'll give it another chance.

Riviera: The Promised Land for Gameboy Advance and PSP also had a relationship system. The best way I can describe this game is "console RPG in a box." There's battles and choices, but few opportunities to explore or backtrack. About a year ago, this game was finally reissued on Steam.

Want to try a 1987 adventure game? If so, there's a fan translation for the Famicom Disk System title Idol Hotline: Miho Nakayama's Heartbeat High School. This was a first party Nintendo title, developed by Square Co. Several famous people worked on it, including Yoshio Sakamoto and Nobuo Uematsu.

Pia Carrot for the PC-FX console received an unofficial translation. I've tried this one, though I haven't given it much time. If you enjoy slice of life storytelling, a decent amount of stats management, and 1990s seinen demographic anime art, then you might like it.