Windows Central Verdict
Persona 3 Reload has done a fantastic job reimagining Persona 3 for modern consoles.
If youre a Persona fan or JRPGs, this game is a must-have for your collection.
Balancing dungeon crawling and attending school is as engrossing as ever.
The graphics of the original Persona 3 have been reforged for next-gen standards in Persona 3 Reload.
Story is more intriguing thanks to improved writing and new scenes.
Characters are more likable than ever due to new sidequests and cutscenes.
Packed with many new mechanics and quality-of-life improvements.
Graphical improvements are a sight to behold.
Setting up the premise and characters is long and exhausting.
Not as challenging as the original game due to new combat mechanics.
A tedious rule of game over if the protagonist is KOd is still in effect.
The playable female protagonist of Persona 3 Portable is missing.
In 2006, Atlus released a small JRPG on the PlayStation 2 called Persona 3.
This game would also lay the foundation for Personas journey into becoming the popular franchise it is today.
Disclaimer: This review was made possible thanks to a review code provided by Atlus.
The company did not see the contents of this review before it was published.
The game ran smoothly during my playthrough at a 1080p resolution and 60 FPS with no framerate drops.
The audio improvements in this remake are just as impressive as the graphical ones.
Of course, I cant talk about Persona 3 Reloads presentation without giving a shout-out to the soundtrack.
The soundtrack has even managed to make me feel emotional during the sad and poignant parts of the story.
However, these are not your average ordinary teenagers.
They are part of the Specialized Extracurricular Execution Squad (or S.E.E.S.
The graphics of the original Persona 3 have been reforged for next-gen standards in Persona 3 Reload.
This is where S.E.E.S.
My investment in the plot is further enhanced thanks to its characters, especially your party members.
For the most part, the story of Persona 3 Reload is very faithful to the original game.
Some treasure chests even contain cosmetic items that can change your appearance.
As you explore Tartarus, you occasionally encounter roadblocks that impede your progress.
These roadblocks can only be removed by defeating special boss Shadows, appearing only when the moon is full.
For the first time in Persona’s history, the NPCs in every major Social Link event now have fully-voiced dialogue.
This is where building Social Links becomes a crucial part of the gameplay loop.
The new Linked Episodes allow you to interact with party members similarly to Social Links.
The biggest change to Tartarus in Persona 3 Reload is the introduction of Monad Doors and Monad Passages.
Work together with S.E.E.S. to protect humanity from Shadows and uncover the mysterious ‘Dark Hour’.
Also, the Fatigue system from the original game is now completely gone in Persona 3 Reload.
I was so glad the Fatigue system had been removed for Persona 3 Reload.
Finally, we have the inclusion of the brand-new Theurgy mechanic.
Shadows are terrifying monsters that feast upon the minds of hapless humans who are drawn into the ‘Dark Hour’.
Is it possible to have too much quality-of-life improvements?
Overall, I really enjoyed all the gameplay improvements and additions Persona 3 Reload has brought.
Dungeon crawling through Tartarus is now more rewarding.
The iconic characters of Persona 3 have been given more depth and backstory thanks to Persona 3 Reload’s new Linked Episodes feature.
However, there are some minor caveats that fans may take issue with.
It goes against the power of friendship message the Persona series is based on.
Alas, it was not meant to be.
Unleash the power of Personas to purge the world of Shadows.
Persona 3 Reload: Should you buy it?
The graphics have been upgraded to next-gen standards and it features many of Persona 5 Royals quality-of-life improvements.
The story was more captivating thanks to the improved writing and new scenes and the characters were more endearing.
Visit the Velvet Room to obtain more powerful Personas through the art of Fusion.
Also, the combat system and dungeon crawling were faster-paced and more fun to play.
Persona 3 Reload
A textbook example of how a remake should be done.
It has an in-depth storyline and complex characters.
Persona 3 Reload features new “Linked Episode” side quests where you can get to know your party members more and potentially unlock new passive abilities for them.
Its unique gameplay blend of turn-based combat, dungeon crawling, and high school simulator is addictive.
And it is packed with tons of improvements and new content which old and new fans alike will enjoy.
Buy at:Amazon|Xbox|Best Buy|Walmart|GreenManGaming
The dungeons of Tartarus have received major renovations in Persona 3 Reload.
Form strong bonds through Social Links in order to obtain more power for your Personas.
Junpei Iori getting ready to unleash his Theurgy attack.
Exploit your enemy’s weaknesses to quickly dispatch them.
Delve into the new Monad Doors and Passages to uncover rare and powerful treasure.
While Persona 3 Reload is much easier than the original Persona 3, the bosses can ruin your day if you underestimate them or fight them unprepared.
Finish off your foes with a devastating All-Out Attack.
Are you prepared to venture into the heart of Tartarus and discover the horrifying truth behind the Dark Hour and the Shadows?
