Persona 3 Reload Reviews
Not all remasters are negative, especially if they deliver better accessibility and availability. Persona 3 Reload is a good example of this.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Persona 3 Reload does much to bring it up to modern sensibilities with a well optimized PC port in most cases, but more could have be done to shake off more of the baggage from the original release. The new menu systems and battle features carried over from more recent titles elevates the game the most and the new voice cast does an admirable job with largely the same script. The pacing still feels held back by the original story design and the main concept of Tartarus, but as a remake of what many consider a PlayStation 2 classic, it is a recommendation for JRPG fans.
The original Persona 3 was a game that solidified the overall formula the franchise is renowned for today. Reload is a JRPG that stays true to its essence and is a great and approachable choice for fans of the genre.
Review in Russian | Read full review
Persona 3 Reload is a cynically made cash grab that has no wow factor. It’s peak remake culture where a lot of the edge gets sanded off to be in line with “modern audience expectations”. It may look great (in parts), but it lacks the vision to realize the full potential of what a modern Persona 3 could be. Even if it didn’t cut content, it is still a grossly overpriced remake that still feels like a PlayStation 2 game. Go play Persona 3 FES instead.
While many may miss the inclusion of the female protagonist available in Portable, Persona 3 Reload is undoubtedly the definitive edition of the game and a phenomenal chance for veterans to relive its fascinating story and reconnect with its characters or for newcomers to get into the series.
As a remake of one of my favorite games of all time, Persona 3 Reload had a lot more to live up to than it was reasonably expected to accomplish. Despite the lackluster PC port and not including all the desired content in the original package, P3R marks a significant improvement from the original across the board, providing the best way to experience this timeless tragedy for the first or fifth time.
Persona 3 is held to the highest of regard within its fanbase as one of the heaviest, most hard hitting in its narrative alone, but the action is on an entirely different tone from its sequels, and now players from future stories can wind back the clock, but experience this absolute gem in a brand new light, as the masterpiece it is. Persona 3 Reload is the quintessential JRPG experience in 2024.
Persona 3 Reload has taken the excellent experience that the original title introduced and reworked it to meet the latest parameters of the video game industry. Not only did he refine what was well done, he also rectified the vast majority of its problems. It is a notable loss of an opportunity for improvement by not implementing sufficient mechanics that avoid the problem of repetitive exploration of Tartarus. However, it is a negative point, in a sea of excellence. If you liked Persona 5, then this is certainly a title for you. Additionally, it's a great way for newer players to get access to this experience.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Persona 3 Reload is surprisingly addictive and the story itself very intriguing. Sadly, it is not possible to play as the female protagonist or enjoy the expanded story from F.E.S, but updated graphics, battle mechanics and sound all help to still bring this title to greatness. Anyone who enjoyed the original will enjoy this remake, and new players picking it up will surely be drawn in quickly, as well.
There is a lot to like, and even love about Persona 3, but it’s all buried underneath an incredible amount of tediousness.
Persona 3 Reload risked feeling like a Persona 5 mod with some of the proposed changes in its promotional material, however, ATLUS rose to the occasion and succeeded in bringing the series' seminal moment into the modern light.
Overall I have to say Persona 3 Reload is the type of remake I look for. It’s pretty faithful to the original, but adds enough new features to make it feel fresh. I enjoyed my run here just as much as I did when I played this for the first time on the PlayStation 2 years ago. The $69.99 price tag may seem a little steep, but I got 100 hours of great gameplay here, so I feel like it’s worth your coin. If you’ve never played Persona 3 you should pick this up ASAP, don’t put off playing this classic any longer. For veteran players, this one is still well worth your time and you will have a great time here.
Persona 3 Reload is a remarkable remake, one that improves the majority of the original game while remaining entirely faithful to the source material.
Like Akihiko Sanada, fans who have been waiting for this remake will be happy to know that Persona 3 Reload definitely does the original game justice while also adding improvements for a new generation of JRPG fans. P3 Reload rebuilds the game completely from the ground up, emulating the modern look of the last two franchise entries while also improving the turn-based combat. Admittedly, the repetitive Tartarus dungeons don’t quite stack up to Persona 5’s palaces and the game is also missing some content like the epilogue from P3 FES and the female protagonist from P3 Portable. Overall, however, Persona 3 Reload is another worthy addition to the franchise.
Persona 3 Reload is a bridge between the old and the new. It is perfect both to newcomers who want to approach the Persona franchise and delve into a historical title in the series, and to those who already know the impact this videogame had in the past and want to relive those same feelings.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Persona 3 Reload is a complete reimagining of the original. It feels just as modern as Persona 5, although it is less complex it does not feel rushed or less engaging. The developers managed to combine the best elements of the third and fifth episode into a remake that feels completely fresh. Beyond the grindy nature of Tartarus there are no real negative aspects to mention. Persona 3 Reload looks better, works better and plays better than the original, making it a must play for the fans of the series.
If you're a fan of Persona or RPGs in general, you'll definitely have some fun with Persona 3 Reload but don't expect it to reach the heights of the latest game in the series. 🏫
Persona 3 Reload is a beautiful-looking game with a great story and interesting characters. There is so much going on here, but it all works together in an immensely satisfying way.
But, even if the knowledge from the past is slightly helpful, that can only take me so far. Getting to experience Persona 3 Reload practically through a clean slate felt great. It almost felt as if I was in high school on my PSP enjoying every single minute. Having the waves of nostalgia really reminds me of my first intro to the Persona series. Even with the auto function turning itself off even new cutscene does seem a bit weird. I’ll still love my experience through Tartarus and Gekkoukan High School in a new way. Though, I still wished they’d give the protag his ability to use all weapon types again. Another small note, the difference in OST when entering battle. The music changed from a sneak attack, a normal attack or getting caught off-guard.
Persona 3 Reload is a title that deserves to be in every library, regardless of whether you were familiar with the older Persona 3 or another game in the series.
Review in Greek | Read full review