Good question, if I may say so myself. Before shelling out the full price for Persona 3 Reload, I wondered if it was worth paying $70 for a remake of a game I had already played through several times. Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3 was released in 2006. I personally discovered it a bit later and played the game about 15 years ago. Besides the most memorable moments, I had forgotten large parts of it, which ultimately convinced me to go ahead and pull the trigger (get it?). Was it worth it?
I had some reservations about whether the hefty price tag of the remake could lead to regret, but I can now confidently affirm that Persona 3 Reload is worth every penny. Not only if you haven’t played the original, but perhaps even more so if you did.
The nostalgia in Persona 3 Reload is HUGE. Within the first 5 minutes, I felt like I had been transported back 15 years. The oh-so-familiar and amazing music, for which the Persona franchise is so well-known, and the swift greeting from old friends Yukari and Mitsuru immediately pulled me back into that magical Persona universe. This time with a few more pounds on me than 15 years ago, a slightly less full head of hair, but with just as much, if not more, enjoyment than before.
When the changes of Persona 3 Reload came to light, I was a little bit concerned, especially when it was revealed that the music would be revamped. I held so many fond memories of the smooth lounge tunes and the exiting battle music. These concerns quickly disappeared though. As mentioned, the music remains recognizable but now carries a touch of modernity. The balance between the classic and familiar and the new and modern is perfectly maintained. The charm of the past is not only preserved but even enhanced by incorporating a slightly more up-to-date playlist.
The entire visual style of the game is also delightful to behold. The sleek new art style from Persona 5 is clearly present, this time adorned in the distinctive blue of Persona 3. Menus, dialogue blocks, and character portraits play a significant role in the adventure, and it is truly enjoyable to gaze upon the flashy interface.
The fresh, in-game art style is also more than welcome. It’s evident that Persona 3 has shown its age since its release. Now, everything appears razor-sharp. Whether you’re engaging in conversation with one of your many social links, honing your courage skill by diving into the karaoke bar alone, or battling shadows; everything is vibrant, sharp, atmospheric, and, most importantly, everything exudes the essence of Persona.
Anyone hoping for the same voice cast will be disappointed, as it has been completely replaced. I must confess that I played the original so long ago that they could have easily convinced me it was in fact the same cast. The characters our protagonist encounters are once again excellently brought to life in Persona 3 Reload. They are just as likable, goofy, affectionate, inspiring, or interesting as before.
There are also new and rewritten story scenes, so those who have the story etched sharper in their minds than I do, can enjoy this. Some of these scenes include new content with characters who don’t have a social link but still play a significant role in the overall narrative.
On the battlefield, alongside the significant visual update, there’s an even finer addition: this time, you can take direct control of your party members. This makes battles against shadows much less frustrating than in the original, when party members occasionally made choices that didn’t exactly work in your favor.
And while exploring Tartarus, your SEES party members no longer get tired, allowing you to progress unhindered.
There are many more new improvements that Reload brings along, but that’s not why you’re here. You’re here to get an answer to your question, and hopefully, that is now clear; Persona 3 Reload is more than worth the full price. Not only will newcomers enjoy this remake, there is also a lot to look forward to for players who have experienced the original. This new coat fits Persona 3 perfectly, and the engaging story deserves to be revisited.
You can expect to find a comprehensive review here soon, but for that, I’ll need to finish playing the game first. Persona games always offer a wealth of content, and I intend to relive it all. There’s about 80 hours of content in the game, so stay tuned for more.
