They are the original. Persona is a spin off of SMT. And I guess SMT is a spin off of the original Megami Tensei?
Each one has its own story, although there are some references between them. Some of the end game choices lead to or create the realities that other games exist in.
They tend to have a bit of a different tone compared to persona. But, ultimately, you’re still collecting and fighting with demons/personas/whatever.
So I don’t think I’ve played any of the SMT games, but I enjoyed Persona 2 and 3 a lot, are they unique enough from Persona to be worth exploring?
They are the original. Persona is a spin off of SMT. And I guess SMT is a spin off of the original Megami Tensei?
Each one has its own story, although there are some references between them. Some of the end game choices lead to or create the realities that other games exist in.
They tend to have a bit of a different tone compared to persona. But, ultimately, you’re still collecting and fighting with demons/personas/whatever.
I’d say they are different. Specifically, no social links. You’ll meet the same monsters though. Later SMT games have a negotiation phase.