Review: persona 3 reload is a remake that borders on perfection. Remake of the game that further popularized the persona franchise is now available, but is it worth playing? Check out!

REVIEW: Persona 3 Reload is a remake that borders on perfection 1z71a

Edward Ariedo Avatar
Remake of the game that further popularized the Persona franchise is now available, but is it worth playing? Check out!

3 person, part of the acclaimed RPG franchise from Atlus, stands out for its unique and profound approach to themes such as death and facing personal challenges. Persona 3 Reload, one of the most anticipated games of the yearIs remake faithful to the classic PS2 and promises to bring back this iconic experience in a modernized guise, remaining loyal to the essence of the original. 4u2250

However, does this modernization of the classic live up to its reputation? You will get the Persona 3 Reload capture the essence that made the original game a landmark in RPGs, while offering something new and exciting for a new generation of players? Discover all the nuances of this new version in the full review of showmetech, where we take a deep dive into this revival of a classic.

It's worth ing that we will avoid spoilers, but to discuss some elements of the Remake, we can mention certain events. So stay tuned!

Is Persona 3 Reload worth playing? Check it out now!

History 6r4t5f

The motto “Memento Mori” or “ you will die” is a constant theme in the remake of Persona 3

The history of 3 person It's always been my favorite from the franchise. Although in the fourth game we have a plot focused on seeking the truth, and the 5 person, which managed to expand the popularity of the series, also presents relevant themes such as the search for freedom in modern society, none captivates me as much as the narrative of this game. Here, we find a timeless story. When I played for the first time, I was perhaps too young to fully understand the complexity of the theme addressed: facing death and the courage needed to deal with these tragedies.

Now, older and more experienced, and even having experienced some of the themes that the game addresses with so much sincerity, I can understand even more the depth and beauty of the game's plot. Persona 3 Reload. Despite the remake does not present any major new features in its history, which may be an argument for some people who consider that they are paying more for a similar game, it is still worth it.

Death is one of the only certainties in life and Persona 3 does well to remind us of that.

Simply put, we take on the role of a student transferred to a new school and city, where the local residents are being afflicted by an “apathy syndrome”, the nature of which no one can clearly explain. However, it isn't long before we discover the Dark Hour, a thirteenth hour during which creatures known as Shadows emerge to attack unsuspecting people.

Persona 3 Reload, as soon as you start a new game, you already warn about approaching darker themes in its plot, which can sometimes seem a bit edgy. The atmosphere of melancholy and concerns about the past, present and future, which involve all the main characters, align coherently with the tone of the game, especially considering that only they have the power to face the Dark Hour. This ability manifests itself through Personas, which are invoked when those who have potential point the Summoner, a gun-shaped tool, at their own heads and fire.

The first time we see a Summoner being used in PErsona 3 Reload is a big surprise.

This feature gives Persona's look an even darker aspect. Many friends who were introduced to the franchise by remake commented on how disturbing this is on the first experience. However, this representation is also impactful, showing how the characters overcome fear and face the implications of death, a theme present in our daily lives.

The remake of Persona 3 optimized one of its main mechanics

We also pack any 3 person innovated by introducing distinct mechanics into the game, which not only differentiate it from its original inspiration, Shin Megami Tensei, but also attract players' attention and give the series more personality. The fight against the Dark Hour, with the use of invocations, acts as a backdrop for an experience that is, fundamentally, ing limited time to understand the people around and define life purposes.

Social Links are one of my favorite mechanics in video games and no one does it as well as Atlus, the creator of this idea. Here, we can relate to a wide range of characters — more than 20 — that make the world around the protagonist even more vibrant and realistic. Some of these Social Links are available from the beginning, when the game allows you to explore the map, while others require specific attributes or the fulfillment of prerequisites to be accessed.

Other social ties are a bit… eccentric

Most of these characters are well developed, allowing you to engage with their stories as you discover more about their pasts and strengthen their bonds. However, the concern to deepen these relationships can become a dilemma, as time with each of them is limited and, without a detailed guide, it is almost impossible to explore all the dialogues in a single save. With so many options, sometimes you have to choose between spending time with the elderly couple running a library or the little girl worried about her parents' divorce.

Social Links are, for me, the most captivating aspect of all the games in the series, mainly because of the way they are intertwined with the main plot of each title. In Persona 3 Reload, We are called to help people deal with the pain of loss in different ways, and each of these stories portrays this process well. Of course, being a remake modern, the game aims to remain faithful to its original material, which sometimes leads to the approach of sensitive themes — including sexism towards female characters.

It is also worth mentioning that the main dialogues in the social links are dubbed and, even though it is English, it is an excellent addition to make the experience even more immersive. Therefore, the expanded interactions with the characters, both inside and outside the dormitory, offer a deeper insight into the lives of the other NPCs present in the story and also the protagonist. This shift to a more authentic interaction model, where choices are not just about maximizing benefits but building real relationships, represents a significant evolution for the series.

Translation into Portuguese 183zy

The remake of Persona 3 was completely translated into our language!

Another new feature, especially for Brazilian fans who prefer to play in their own language, is that all the game's texts have been translated into Portuguese. Fortunately, the adaptation was well done and several puns made by some characters were adapted to make sense as we read. It's also great to be able to relax your mind a little while we adventure and not have to worry about whether we are understanding the content in English correctly.

Despite presenting an excellent result, the translation still contains some typing errors, nothing that is alarming or that ruins our experience and even possible to highlight, considering the scope of the project. However, it is to be expected that the Atlus make these revisions in future translations and that the product delivered to us is even better

Gameplay 106d5e

Persona 3 Reload's gameplay is very reminiscent of the original, but with several new features

The gameplay of Persona 3 Reload is a rich and multifaceted experience, marked by a strategic balance between everyday life and nighttime battles against the shadows. This mix, in addition to being engaging, also represents several elements that are part of the game's story and give even more depth to all the elements.

However, it's worth saying that if you're interested in a JRPG for the first time, I need to warn you that the turn-based combat doesn't seem to be as exciting as the action in Western RPGs and there are endless hours of dialogue at times, just don't let it push you away. The experience of playing Persona 3 Reload, in the end, is wonderful.

Time management o4z3d

How will you manage your time in the game?

in the heart of Persona 3 Reload is the challenge of managing time efficiently. Each choice, whether strengthening ties in Social Links, improving personal skills or exploring Tartarus, significantly affects character development and narrative progress. This aspect of the game requires players to carefully consider their actions, as each decision has weight and consequence. This mechanic is not just a strategic challenge; it also becomes part of the narrative, with some dates being taken up because you are forced to spend your time with someone.

By far, it is one of my favorite mechanics in the entire franchise, as it gives me the feeling that, just like in reality, I cannot perform all the tasks I would like to do, so choices are necessary and putting some things in priority, while others, unfortunately, will be left aside.

Persona 5 Royal elements 3j41z

Persona 3 Reload's combat isn't new, but it's excellent!

Persona 3 Reload, although it is a remake quite faithful to the original material, it incorporates a series of elements inspired by Person 5 Royal, enriching the game experience and maintaining the original essence. There were several changes to the game's mechanics to add elements that improve the player's quality of life. One of these changes is the possibility of receiving messages from friends and, upon accepting them, being instantly transported to the location where they are. This considerably simplifies movement around the map, speeding up gameplay.

The changes go beyond interaction with the game world. The combat system of Persona 3 Reload has also undergone a significant overhaul. Now, finally, we have the option to control all party during battles. This eliminates dependence on artificial intelligence and allows us to make strategic decisions about each character's actions on their turns.

All-Out Attacks were a new addition in the Persona 3 remake!

Another mechanic imported from the most recent games in the franchise is the possibility of gaining an additional action by hitting enemies' weak points. This allows you to the turn to a teammate, continuing to exploit enemy weaknesses to unleash powerful all-out attacks.

Additionally, Theurgy abilities have been added, which, like Showtimes in 5 person, bring special moves. Although they are powerful, these moves have some rather ridiculous or exaggerated animations, which end up being fun to watch on screen.

The skill animations are exaggerated, but they add charm to Persona 3 Reload

Personally, I thought these innovations were a great addition to the game. They not only make certain aspects of gameplay easier, but they also make the overall gaming experience Persona 3 Reload even more pleasurable and fun, modernizing the game, at the same time, making everything more intuitive and cool.

Exploring Tartarus 4e3r32

Tartarus looks good and even better in the Persona 3 remake

Nesse remake, Tartarus, the game's central dungeon, has received significant updates. Clear progress is observed with each advanced floor, both in the narrative and in the game design. The zones within it now have more distinct characteristics, providing greater visual variety. This change also helps us create a greater sense of discovery and accomplishment as we explore the location, something not present in the original game.

The return of additional missions, such as rescuing lost people, also helps to add more usefulness to the location and gives us reasons to go there more often, besides just reaching its limit every Full Moon. These missions bring some rewards, enriching the overall game experience. Therefore, these changes, even if simple, make the experience cooler.

The changes in combat mechanics also contribute to our exploration in the dungeon. The elimination of the Fatigue system and the introduction of new elements in the game allow us to stay in it longer, and it is not necessary to spend some time that we could invest in social bonds or upgrading attributes just to advance the narrative.

For someone like me, who has played previous versions of Persona 3, the revitalization of Tartarus has reduced the feeling of repetitiveness. Each dungeon raid now feels unique, due to the more varied design and increased in-game interactivity. For new players, these changes make the game more accessible, introducing them to the challenges of Tartarus more smoothly. This balanced approach ensures that veterans and newcomers alike will discover something of value in the revamped Tartarus experience in Persona 3 Reload.

Graphics and Sound 2wp1k

Despite losing a little of the charm of PlayStation 2, Persona 3 Reload is very beautiful

Since the announcement of the remake of 3 person, one of the most fervent discussions has been about modernizing graphics. There is a unique charm to the games of PlayStation 2, perhaps the result of nostalgia or the technical limitations of the time, which is challenging to replicate with the same authenticity today. However, Reload managed to bring a convincing reimagining of a world we've already dedicated countless hours to.

In this new 3 person, the beauty is undeniable. Specific changes were made to the heroes' design, such as the addition of new gloves and other details that enrich their characteristics, while preserving fidelity to the original material. The game's aesthetics are stunning. Although part of me prefers less visual inspiration than 5 person, it is undeniable that improvements do not compromise quality.

A comparison between the remake of Persona 3 and its previous versions

Speaking of visual improvements, the presentation of Persona 3 Reload received a stylistic upgrade that puts the game on the same level as the acclaimed visuals of Person 5 Royal. However, the color palette remains faithful to the original material, with its cold and almost clinical blue that catches the eye, as well as the ionate red of the fifth game in the franchise. And it's not just the UI that has been improved. 

The entire game world, including all environments and models, now shines with a high-definition cel-shaded finish and more realistic proportions. Significant story moments are also given a balance between classic anime cinematics and more modern 3D styles. This visual update makes 3 person feel more like yourself than ever before.

Although the game is visually charming, I think the tarot cards could benefit from new art. I've never been a big fan of them, not even in the original game, and seeing the beautiful illustrations made for the fifth game in the franchise, I feel like a similar update would be interesting. This change could add an extra touch of modernity and sophistication to the game, without losing its essence.

Soundtrack 51333

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yfw7Sr940hY

Just like all games in the franchise, Persona 3 Reload It maintains the quality of the soundtrack and is one of the game's strong points, although I particularly miss the original versions. The unique hip-hop style characteristic of the songs on the original version of 3 person, is due to the talent of Japanese rapper Lotus Juice.

The re-recordings made for the remake are competent, but it seems that they lose some of that authenticity that the original versions had. There is a softening in the vocals that ends up removing some of the raw essence of the songs. There could be ways to change between the new and old versions, as was done in other remakes such as Super Mario RPG, it would have been a welcome addition.

On the other hand, the new original tracks composed specifically for Reload stand on their own merit. Lotus Juice returns to contribute new songs like “Color Your Night” and “It's Going Down Now”. The first is an interesting alternative that plays during the nighttime exploration of Tatsumi Port Island, featuring a vibrant piano melody, combined with Azumi Takahashi's beautiful vocals and nostalgic lyrics. The song evokes teenagers' desire for eternally fun and memorable nights.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RwfV9N2RlgI

Yes, “It’s Going Down Now” comes into play when players gain an advantage over enemies, echoing the theme of the battle music “Mass Destruction” with its striking trumpets and catchy chorus “baby, baby, baby”. This track in particular seems to align well with the more jazz-inclined soundtrack of 5 person, creating an interesting link between the two games. The new songs, despite being different, manage to maintain quality and add freshness to the game.

Hardware Requirements 6q111f

If you want to play Persona 3 Reload on your computer, these are the minimum requirements and those recommended by Atlus:

Minimum Requirements Recommended Requirements
Operational system Windows 10 Windows 10
Processor Intel Core i5-2300, AMD FX-4350 Intel Core i7-4790, AMD Ryzen 5 1400
Memory 8 GB of RAM 8 GB of RAM
Video card NVIDIA GeForce GTX 650 Ti, 2GB; AMD Radeon HD 7850, 2GB NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650, 4GB; AMD Radeon R9 290X, 4GB
DirectX 12 Version 12 Version
Storage 30 GB of available space 30 GB of available space
Other Observations Performance Target: 720p, low graphics settings, @ 30 FPS Performance Target: 1080p, high graphics settings, @ 60 FPS

ALMOST definitive version 3a1t2p

The game is the best version of 3, but it is not the definitive one.

Of the main releases in the franchise, 3 person is, without a doubt, the one that has undergone the most updates: the FES version for PlayStation 2, which was a kind of precursor to Golden and Royal for Persona 4 and 5, respectively. There was also a PSP version, which brought an approach closer to a visual novel and significant innovations, such as the inclusion of a female protagonist.

However, despite all the new features and improvements introduced, and the fact that the older versions of the game have become almost obsolete for me after the gameplay upgrades, I feel that Persona 3 Reload does not achieve the status of definitive version of the game. This feeling arises mainly due to the absence of all the additional content present in previous versions. 

These additional elements, if included and enhanced in Reload, could have significantly enriched the experience, bringing new dimensions and depth to the game. The lack of this content leaves a gap that prevents it from being considered the final version of the game, but it seems that unfortunately this content will be divided into additional content, as indicated by some leaks. At least, it is possible that we will have access to them in the future.

Price and availability 1s705x

Launched on February 2nd, the game is available on Steam from R$349,90 in its base edition. On Sony platforms, it was released for both PlayStation 4 and 5 and is also available for R$349,90.

On Xbox One and Series S|X, the price of R$349,90 is also being practiced. It is worth ing that for players on computers and Microsoft platforms, it is possible to access it at no additional cost if you have an active Xbox Game subscription.

Finally, Nintendo fans, the Switch has not yet had a version confirmed by Atlus.

Is Persona 3 Reload worth playing? 2ik1d

The game is worth reviewing or playing for the first time for all JRPG fans.

Persona 3 Reload is a perfect game and an excellent JRPG addition for fans of the genre, who have many reasons to celebrate at the beginning of 2024, with other major releases also hitting the market. The graphical and mechanical updates make this the best version for those who want to explore the mysteries of the Dark Hour and its twists.

Despite being dated in some aspects of the narrative, the game still tells a powerful story of tragedy that many fans will be satisfied with the result presented and even after dozens of hours dedicated to this journey, it is still difficult to believe that this is real. Persona 3 stands out not only for its immersive quality, but also for standing up as a masterpiece comparable to a Greek tragedy. Its gripping narrative and skillfully intertwined tragic elements create an unforgettable experience, living up to the legacy of the JRPG genre.

Furthermore, it is commendable how this version manages to sur the previous ones in of quality, but the lack of content in the other versions is a huge counterpoint. Despite the richness of the story already known and loved by many fans, one is left with the feeling that this version could have been more than a faithful remake of the first game. However, despite this setback, Persona 3 Reload is not only an excellent game for series veterans, but also a phenomenal introduction for new players looking to embark on this tragic and emotional journey.

Text proofread by: Pedro Bomfim

The verdict 2o63l

The verdict
9 10 0 1
9/10
total Score
  • History
    10/10 Excellent
    The game's story remains magnificent
  • Gameplay
    10/10 Excellent
    The news about Persona 5 Royal is welcome
  • Soundtrack
    9/10 Amazing
    There could be an option to keep the original songs
  • Contents
    8/10 Great
    Additional FES and Portable content was missing
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