Persona 3 Reload modernizes the classic JRPG with visuals and features inspired by Persona 5. Quality-of-life improvements streamline the experience, though the slower combat pace and $70 price point remain notable drawbacks on Xbox Series X.
With The Answer locked behind a $35 DLC, the P3F Community Enhancement Pack for Persona 3: FES is still a solid alternative.
| Title | Persona 3 Reload |
| Released | Feb 2, 2024 |
| Developer | ATLUS |
| Publisher | SEGA |
| Platform |         |
| Genre | JRPG, Turn-Based |
| Rating | M |
| Pricing | $69.99 $59.99 (Switch 2) |
| Proton | 9.0-4 |
Completed on Xbox Series X. Normal difficulty.
HowLongToBeat Time: 95hrs (100%) | My Clear Time: 75hrs 19min (100%)
Persona 3: Reload Background
Persona 3: Reload is a modern remake of the classic Persona 3, originally released for the PlayStation 2 in 2006. This remake was officially announced on June 11, 2023, exciting both longtime fans and newcomers with the promise of updated graphics and enhanced gameplay while preserving the original’s beloved elements.
The remake is available on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC, broadening its reach to a wider audience. It aims to modernize the experience with refined visuals, improved mechanics, and quality-of-life enhancements, all while retaining the core aspects that made the original a noteworthy title in the JRPG genre.
In this review, we’ll explore how Persona 3: Reload compares to its predecessors, highlighting the changes and improvements made to bring this classic into the present day.
The development team for Persona 3: Reload includes:
- Daizaburo Nonoue (Writer) – Known for Persona 3: Reload
- Takuya Yamaguchi (Director) – Known for Persona 5. Persona 5: Royal, Persona 4 Golden, Persona 3: Dancing In Moonlight
- Azusa Shimada, Tomohiro Kumagai, Shigenori Soejima (Character Designer, Art Director, Supervisor) – Known for Persona 5: Royal, Persona 5: Dancing in Starlight, Persona 3: Dancing in Moonlight.
- Tomohiro known for Appleseed EX, Persona 5, Persona 4: Ultimax.
- Soejima is known for Persona 3, Persona 4, Persona 5, Catherine.
- Atsushi Kitajoh (Composer) – Known for Catherine, Trauma Center: New Blood, Trauma Team, Persona 2: Innocent Sin (2011).
- Ryota Niitsuma, Kazuhisa Wada (Producers) – Known for Marvel vs. Capcom 3, Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3, Tatsunoko vs Capcom: Ultimate All-Stars.
- Kazuhisa known for Persona 4: Arena, Persona 4: Arena Ultimax, Persona 5: Royal
Persona 3: Reload Experience
My journey with the Persona series began with Persona 4: Golden, which I first played on the PlayStation Vita on May 30, 2013. Since then, I’ve immersed myself in various entries, including Persona 5, Persona 2: Innocent Sin, Persona 3, and the upcoming Persona 5 Tactica. Beyond the games, I’ve also explored the Persona universe through its anime adaptations, watching all of the Persona 4 anime and the four Persona 3 movies by A1 Pictures. Additionally, I’ve completed 11 titles from the mainline Shin Megami Tensei series, cementing my love for turn-based JRPGs.
To ensure a thorough comparison, I recently completed 100% of the content in Persona 3: FES’s The Journey mode, just a week before the release of Persona 3: Reload, giving me a fresh perspective on the evolution of this beloved classic.
Proof of a completed journey through Persona 3: Reload, clocking in at 75 hours.
Persona 3: Reload Impressions
Introduction
Persona 3: Reload offers a modern update to a classic with enhanced visuals and new features. However, it comes with a $70 price tag, which may feel steep given that the game does not include The Answer, unlike the previous Persona 3: FES. For those familiar with the original releases, this omission might be a significant downside.
Persona 3: Reload’s surreal pause menu reflects its psychological depth and style.
Gameplay & Mechanics
Persona 3: Reload brings several significant updates and improvements:
- Baton Pass Mechanic: Now includes the Baton Pass from Persona 5. This feature lets players pass their turn to an ally, boosting damage and adding strategic depth to battles.
- Modern Combat Mechanics: Adopts refined combat systems and fusion options from Persona 5, enhancing the combat experience.
- Autonomous Party Members: Players can still choose to have party members act on their own, retaining the classic gameplay style while benefiting from modern improvements.
- Updated Dark and Light Damage Moves: Mudo and Hama skills now feature new moves that are no longer chance-based, offering more reliability in combat.
- Enhanced Skill Inheritance: Greater control over skill inheritance through Fusion enables more customized Persona builds.
- Part-Time Jobs: New part-time jobs allow players to boost multiple social stats simultaneously, reducing the grind involved in character development.
- New Quality-of-Life Features: Enhancements include map warping, easy access to social link information, and new URLs and Software features that streamline gameplay.
However, there are some drawbacks:
- Slow Attack Animations: Attack animations can feel sluggish, which may make the game’s pacing feel slower compared to more fast-paced titles like Shin Megami Tensei V.
- Pacing Issues: While the quality-of-life features are appreciated, they can feel at odds with the slower combat pace, impacting the overall gameplay experience.
- New or Nothing: No option to choose the original soundtrack, so players will have to get accustomed to the new one, which fortunately they brought back Lotus Juice for some of it.
Yukari lands a critical hit as Fuuka calls out the enemy’s weakness.
Character and Art Design
Persona 3: Reload presents a fresh visual experience thanks to its use of Unreal Engine 4 and new art direction by Tomohiro Kumaagi, alongside updated character designs by Azusa Shimada, supervised by Shigenori Soejima. The game looks impressive by modern standards, with vibrant colors and updated designs enhancing its visual appeal. However, this new direction softens the original’s subdued and atmospheric art style, potentially altering the emotional impact for those who valued the original’s melancholic tone.
Yukari, Shinki, Minato, and Mitsuru unleash an all-out attack, with Yukari and Mitsuru sporting their bold battlegear.
Unique Features and Moments
The game expands on the backstory with new main story content and events, enriching the narrative. WIT Studio’s anime cutscenes add a new layer of visual storytelling, though some fans might miss the previous style.
Players can now complete all of Liz’s requests in one go, and social link management has been streamlined to avoid issues like needing to max out a female character’s social link on a platonic route. These improvements, along with better tracking and management of social links, enhance the overall experience.
Ken and Minato share a meaningful conversation in the SEES dorm.
Seiyuu Performances
The English voice cast has been entirely recast, which may be a shock for long-time fans. For those who value consistency, the Japanese voice track features the original seiyuus and preserves the familiar vocal performances. The remastered voice acting, combined with updated music tracks, adds emotional depth to key moments in the game.
- Akira Ishida (known for Zeref from Fairy Tail, Gaara from Naruto, Makoto Yuki from Persona 3, Kotaro Katsura from Gintama)
- Megumi Toyoguchi (known for Revy from Black Lagoon, Yukari Takeba from Persona 3, Aqua from Kingdom Hearts, Junko Enoshima from Danganronpa)
- Rie Tanaka (known for Mitsuru Kirijo from Persona 3, Morrigan Aensland from Darkstalkers, Neptune/Purple Heart from Hyperdimension Neptunia, Himeko from Honkai: Star Rail)
- Kosuke Toriumi (known for Junpei Iori from Persona 3, Guido Mista from JoJos, Gordeau from Under Night In-Birth, Kaeya from Genshin Impact)
- Hikaru Midorikawa (known for Akihiko Sanada from Persona 3, Marth from Fire Emblem, Tien Shinhan from Dragon Ball)
- Mamiko Noto (known for Scathach, Attilla, Fujino from Fate, Jun Kazama from Tekken, Catherine from Catherine, Alcina from Unicorn Overlord, Yukako Yamagishi from JoJos, Fuuka Yamagishi from Persona 3)
- Maaya Sakamoto (known for Ryougi Shiki, Jeanne d’ Arc in Fate, Lightning Farron from Final Fantasy, Alisa Ilinichina Amiella from God Eater, Aigis from Persona 3)
Yukari celebrates a triumphant Mass Destruction victory.
Additional Notes
While Persona 3: Reload introduces many enhancements, it doesn’t include The Answer. Considering the $70 price tag and the long gap since FES and Persona 3 Portable releases, this might disappoint some players. Additionally, the inability to skip end credits is a minor inconvenience that could affect the experience for those looking to streamline their playthrough.
Minato officially begins his path by signing the contract.
Persona 3: Reload Verdict
Persona 3: Reload breathes new life into the classic JRPG with modern upgrades and improvements. The integration of Persona 5 mechanics, such as the Baton Pass system, enhances combat strategy. Quality-of-life updates, including streamlined social link management and improved map features, reduce frustration and simplify gameplay. The game’s updated visuals and WIT Studio cutscenes, along with some excellent new music, contribute to a polished experience.
However, the slower battle animations may feel outdated, especially for fans of faster-paced games like Shin Megami Tensei V. The $70 price tag might deter some players, given the lack of additional content compared to FES and the absence of features like skipping end credits. Additionally, the recast English voice cast might affect continuity for some, though the Japanese voice track remains consistent.
For purists seeking the definitive Persona 3 experience, the P3F Community Enhancement Pack mod for Persona 3: FES offers an alternative with modern enhancements while preserving the original’s charm.
Overall, Persona 3: Reload modernizes a classic while retaining its core appeal, though its pacing and content omissions might influence its reception.
Persona 3: Reload TLDR
Persona 3 Reload (Xbox Series X)
Persona 3 Reload modernizes the classic JRPG with features inspired by Persona 5 and updated visuals. Quality-of-life improvements streamline the experience, though the slower combat and $70 price are notable drawbacks.
Since The Answer is only available through a $35 DLC, the P3F Community Enhancement Pack for Persona 3: FES is still a solid alternative.
References
- Atlus West, O. (2023, June 11). Persona 3 Reload — Announcement Trailer | Xbox Game Pass, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Zi-XzAYj4I
