Remakes can stir different reactions from different players which can be both positive and negative, Persona 3 is no different. While some remakes get bad reactions others can get good reactions leaving little ground for a balanced reaction. Remakes are either considered good or bad but rarely in the middle. Part of the reason for that is the fact that only the best games get a remake. It’s natural that players ask for a remake that does justice to the original.
Person 3 Reload is the highly anticipated remake of the fan-favorite game from the series, Person 3 is also judged as a remake. It brings some good upgrades and adds new flavor to the original. At the same time, it lacks some of the key elements that make it a mixed bag of candies. All this makes you wonder, Is Persona 3 Reload worth it? Let’s find out.
Premise (Spoiler Free)
In Persona 3 Reload you follow the story of the protagonist known as Makoto Yuki. He has just transferred to this new school. Things quickly take a strange turn when Makoto discovers the presence of Dark Hour. It is a strange time at midnight in which the sky turns greenish. During that time people without special powers are put in coffins. They remember nothing of it when they wake up so that’s why people have no knowledge of its existence. While Dark Hour is active, dangerous creatures called shadows roam freely.
The main setting is the tower (Tartarus) that serves as a school in the daytime and becomes the hub for this supernatural occurrence in Dark Hour. As the main protagonist gains the power to summon Personas, he joins a group known as SEES. The story is narrated as the number of characters grows as the story progresses and new narratives are formed.
Things Done Differently
Persona 3 Reload has the aim of not only retelling the original stories but also to shed more light on different plot points and characters. This is the part in which the game succeeds quite well in providing a different narrative. During the original Person 3, your male protagonist doesn’t have much interaction with other male characters.
The inclusion of Social Links changes that. There are now new scenes where characters can spend time with different characters through different activities. These activities range from watching movies to cooking and others. This inclusion gives each character more screen time with each other but also provides gameplay benefits through new abilities.
There is also a computer in the lounge that is shared by students. That computer can be used at night which addresses the problem of the original where you did not have much to do during that time. All these changes have a good impact on the main story which remains mostly unchanged. So if you are expecting major changes in the story then it might disappoint you. The game adds new scenes that provide more details about the characters and the world.
The Sound of Persona
The English voice-acting is not as same as the original which has become iconic so keep that in mind. The voice acting is good which makes it better if you are coming at it with an open mind. On the other hand, the inclusion of voice acting for Social Links adds more depth to the character and makes the overall experience better.
When it comes to audio and presentation Persona 3 Reload absolutely slays. If you are a fan of the original you might miss the animated scenes from that. New scenes offer a different take on the experience. The in-game engine scenes that feature redesigned versions of characters and environments are visually impressive. The soundtracks bring new twists to the music that fans have come to love. Hardcore fans could have a different take but it was good enough for me.
Combat and Changes
It departs from the mechanics that the original employed and adopts elements that are similar to Persona 5. Players can now use a mechanic known as Shift. It is similar to the baton pass ability of Persona 5. Every character also has special moves known as theurgy. Each of these new moves has its own gauge that is filled differently depending on the character you are using. The main character can earn multiple theurgies through persona fusion. It provides him with character-specific ability that grants him powerful combat abilities.
The gameplay changes make it comparatively easier than the original game. One of the mechanics removed is called Fatigue. It added depth to the character by managing the character’s tiredness. So players had to carefully manage their party members and select carefully. The removal of it makes Persona 3 Reload simpler and removes the need to plan a strategy beforehand.
There is also a new mechanic known as Rewind. This mechanic allows players to rewind the events before a specific time stamp. It offers convenience as it removes the consequences of your action making it easier. For me, it was a blessing and I absolutely loved this mechanic.
Additions
Twilight Fragments are a new thing added to Persona 3 Reload. These are the collectibles that players can find throughout the game. Twilight Fragments also work as currency for healing at the Base. The Fragments also work as keys for locked treasure chests. It adds a reward system to the gameplay.
Monad used to be a separate block at Tartarus but it is now included in the tower that occurs as a recurring challenge. Additionally, players can find doors at the base to level up party members. It can be a good option for players who want to avoid the grind.
The character of Elizabeth has returned for the game. She will offer quests that will fit well with her strange nature. The fusion system for creating different personas is back. It is similar to the fusion system from newer Persona games.
Verdict (Is Persona 3 Reload Worth It?)
Person 3 Reload is a remake that brings some good upgrades and character development. The changes that it brings can make it better or worse depending on the type of player you are. For me, most of these changes altered the game for the better. It stays true to the source material and does not change things that can alter the experience that made the original such a great game.
The changes that it brings make the game simpler but easier at the same time. The lack of certain features like playing as the female protagonist is evident. Despite these hiccups, the game offers an alternate interpretation of events. It is not necessarily a replacement but it can be a remake that offers a good package for newcomers. At the same time, it stays true to its core, making it good for fans as well.
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