Persona 3 Reload, the remake of the original Persona 3 game, has the potential to be a fantastic experience for fans. However, after playing a preview, there are concerns about whether it can accurately capture the essence of the original while meeting the expectations of modern Persona titles.
One concern is that Persona 3 Reload is based on the original version of the game, before the addition of a playable female protagonist. This feature was introduced in Persona 3 Portable, but has not carried over to subsequent versions. There is speculation that a future release may include a female protagonist, but this could frustrate fans.
The preview included two sections: New Moon, which allowed exploration of the dungeon Tartarus, and Full Moon, which featured the first boss battle. The visual upgrades were impressive, with updated menus and backgrounds. However, both areas felt empty compared to modern Persona games.
Tartarus, while the precursor to Persona 4’s dungeons, lacked the complexity of later games. The repetitive nature of the dungeon and its sparse enemy encounters made it feel barren. Combat, on the other hand, offered a mix of old and new features. The ability to control party members’ actions, previously unavailable in the original game, was a welcome addition. However, some systems, such as the division of physical damage into three types, felt outdated.
It is unclear how the daytime gameplay, including school, social links, and activities, will be handled in Persona 3 Reload. One concern is that the lack of variety in these segments compared to other Persona games may persist. Balancing faithfulness to the original with the expectations of a modern RPG could be a challenge.
| Release Date | Platforms |
|---|---|
| February 2, 2024 | PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Windows PC, Xbox Series X and S |
| Additional Information | |
| Persona 3 Reload will also be available on Xbox Game Pass. | |
Source: polygon
