8Bit/Digi

Thou Choosest to Create a Persona

Persona 5 stands as one of the most influential JRPGs in recent decades, serving as an inspiration for numerous titles. Crafting a masterpiece demands practice, and the groundwork for this was laid in 2006 with Persona 3. As the first true Persona game and a classic in its own right, it also possesses inherent flaws reflective of its era. 

Therefore, it is fitting to revisit the origins of the series with the lessons accumulated over the past 17 years. Thanks to Persona 3 Reload, a new generation of fans who have recently been introduced to the series can now experience the roots of this iconic franchise. Simultaneously, it represents an enhancement over Persona 5 in terms of gameplay mechanics. 

As with most remakes I’ve reviewed, I approached this having experienced the original Persona 3 games. To be precise, I’ve played the Persona 3 Portable remaster and Persona 3 FES for the PlayStation 2. Thus, this review will not only what lessons have been applied but also assess how effectively they’ve preserved the overall tone of the original.

Go Forth and Live

Like many remakes, certain alterations will be made to the story and characters. Nevertheless, the overarching plot remains unchanged, and I will refrain from revealing any new story elements to avoid spoilers.

Players take on the role of the protagonist who has recently transferred to Gekkoukan High School. Upon arrival, they discover their unique ability to navigate the Dark Hour—an alternate reality between midnight inhabited by beings known as Shadows. This leads to their recruitment into the Specialized Extracurricular Execution Squad (S.E.E.S.), a task force dedicated to investigating the Dark Hour. The protagonist embarks on a mission to unveil the secrets of this enigmatic phenomenon and thwart the sinister forces orchestrating it. Simultaneously, they must recruit new operatives, all while seamlessly blending into school and the surrounding town.

From a narrative standpoint, Persona 3 Reload strikes a fine balance. It delivers a compelling story while ensuring an enjoyable gaming experience. Departing from the typical themes found in other Shin Megami Tensei games, the narrative doesn’t revolve around undoing, surviving, or preventing the apocalypse. Instead, it takes a more grounded approach, blending reality with supernatural elements. Despite being dialogue-heavy, the new cast excels in immersing players in their lives and struggles.

Finally, one must admire how the remake maintains its 2000s tone and aesthetics. As someone whose teenage years were set in that era, I can’t overlook how Persona 3 Reload effectively captures the essence of the 2000s. This isn’t just achieved through the inclusion of consumer technology, but also through the music and the incorporation of slang and phrases that were prevalent during that time. The game’s meticulous attention to detail and cultural references renders the world emotionally relatable on various levels.

Persona of the Justice 

The gameplay in Persona 3 Reload is divided between the real world and the events that unfold during the Dark Hour. In the real world, the emphasis lies on personal development. This is where you cultivate your character, enhance social skills, and forge bonds with various individuals. These individuals include fellow S.E.E.S. members, classmates, and the residents of Iwatodai. However, it’s crucial not to neglect your social responsibilities, as growing these relationships will prove instrumental in overcoming the challenges of the Dark Hour.

The Dark Hour serves as the battleground for combat in Persona 3 Reload. The primary setting for the action is Tartarus, a tower that manifests during this eerie period. Here, players take charge of leading S.E.E.S. through the numerous floors of the tower. Throughout this ascent, they engage in battles against shadows, discover valuable treasures, acquire additional Personas, and confront progressively formidable adversaries. It’s only during a full moon that you will need to confront shadows outside the Tartarus.

Combat in Persona 3 Reload revolves around the use of a player’s weapon or their Persona. For those familiar with Persona 5 or any Shin Megami Tensei game, this combat system will feel quite familiar. Players establish a pact with a Persona, utilizing its power in battles. The combat adheres to the traditional turn-based system, with the opportunity to unleash an all-out attack by exploiting an enemy’s weakness. Additionally, players can enhance their Persona by having Igor fuse two Personas, creating a more formidable companion.

Established a New Bond  

The original Persona 3 found itself at a crossroads. It balanced the darker characteristics of earlier games with the artistic style that would become a staple in the series. Reload adeptly resurrects this convergence by crafting a dark and ominous setting infused with the stylish design that underpins its contemporary interpretation. The visuals are not only stylish but also evoke a sense of unease, as the player senses a sinister presence within the Dark Hour.

I cannot overlook how Reload adeptly establishes the proper setting through its brilliant use of colors and music. A signature element of the series that has been perfected. The visual designs are vibrant, playing with emotions at the right moments. Be it during an upbeat moment or the eeriness of the Dark Hour. The music, retaining the essence of the original, undergoes an improvement in audio quality. Persona has consistently boasted one of the best original soundtracks in gaming, and this holds true in Reload as well.

Finally, I must commend the new cast for successfully bringing the characters to life while navigating the expectations that come with stepping into roles previously portrayed by others. Following in the footsteps of those who took on these roles many years ago is never an easy task. Despite the pressure, the new cast has done an exceptional job of not only revitalizing these beloved characters but also imprinting their own distinctive mark on the overall series.

Time Waits for No One 

Similar to other Persona games, Reload shares the common issue of taking some time for the game to fully open up. Given my experience with Portable and FES, I could efficiently skip through much of the introduction and dive straight into the game. However, even with this approach, it still took approximately an hour before the majority of the game truly opened up. While not the most egregious example, it remains a somewhat irksome aspect that I find annoying.

To its credit, everything does open up quicker in Relaod than in Persona 5. 

Done and Dusted

Persona 3 Reload recreates one of the most iconic JRPGs with the knowledge accumulated over the last 17 years. The original paved the way for the series to evolve into what it is today. Although it was not without flaws, deviating from past entries with its ambitious vision. Reload provides a means for old school fans to revisit the iconic game, while newcomers can experience this classic on modern consoles or the PC.

Disclaimer: The publisher through a PR representative provided the game used for this review.

This review is the critique and thoughts of one writer. If you want to see how other critics felt then check it out on OpenCritic.

8Bit/Digi is an independent media outlet that provides insight into the gamer community of the San Francisco Bay Area.

Persona 3 Reload (PC)

10

Masterpiece

10.0/10

Pros

• A return to the classic game with the lessons learned from previous entries.
• Familiar story and an iconic soundtrack with improvements.
• Gameplay is easy to learn while also better polished.
• A stylish world that knows how to set the mood with its design choices.
• New cast succeeds in bringing the world to life.

Cons

• It takes some time for everything to open up.