Many longtime fans of the Shin Megami Tensei: Persona series may remember the original 2006 version of Persona 3 and its subversions Persona 3 FES and Persona 3 Portable, but the newest installment, Persona 3 Reload, brings a nostalgic yet different experience to the table.
Persona 3 Reload follows a protagonist (with a name of your choosing) alongside his classmates fighting otherworldly enemies during the mysterious “Dark Hour”. The name “Persona” is derived from how characters fight these enemies with what is called a persona — a reflection of oneself. These personas have powers that can deal damage to enemies and heal teammates.
The 2000’s versions of the turn-based Japanese roleplaying game are known for their early graphics and tough gameplay, especially for those who played the original Persona 3 and its extension Persona 3 FES. Though a beloved game in the franchise, the game was very time-consuming and proved to be challenging.
Not only was the gameplay tough, but due to the available technology of the time, the visuals of the game itself were certainly aged by the time of Persona 5’s release in 2016.
Now, fast forward to 2024 — Persona 3 Reload, an up-to-date version of the beloved Persona 3, is now available on most platforms, and brings newer graphics and updated gameplay.
The game itself looks incredible. There was something truly special about seeing old cutscenes being reanimated with a contemporary feel. The battle visuals are stunning and flow incredibly smoothly.
Old fans may remember the towering dungeon Tartarus and its monotone blocks in the original Persona 3. In Reload, each block is an entirely different environment that players can interact with.
The best part — Persona 3 Reload does everything well while staying loyal to the original game. For instance, the new graphics are reminiscent of the original installment, keeping that blue hue. The enemies, or “shadows”, if you would, were recreated to look more like those of the original Persona 3, instead of the enemies of Persona 5.
Social links have remained vastly the same, apart from being fully voiced. You are still able to undertake quests from Velvet Room attendant Elizabeth but will now have the additional responsibility of rescuing people from Tartarus.
You can still increase your social stats — which are still courage, academics and charm — by working at Chagall Cafe or singing your heart out at Mandragora, or by undertaking social link “episodes” with other characters, including those that did not have a social link option in the original game.
In battle, you now have the option to “shift” mid-turn — a mechanic like Persona 5’s baton pass — after hitting an enemy’s weakness. This mechanic is very useful for ending a fight in a timely manner.
There is also a new ability called a “Theurgy,” which is similar to that of Persona 5 Royal’s “Showtime” mechanic and deals heavy damage in battle.
Persona 3 Reload is also great for newer fans of the series as it gives them a chance to experience the old game with that up-to-date gameplay seen in Persona 5, without the strenuous hassle that was experienced in the original game.
Persona 3 Reload is a fantastic game, and the developers really outdid themselves with how it was executed.