Persona 3 Reload Reviews
Persona 3 Reload has done a fantastic job reimagining Persona 3 for modern consoles. The revamped combat system is fun, the improved graphical presentation is a sight to behold, and the story and characters have been refined with new scenes that flesh them out more than the original game. If you’re a Persona fan or JRPGs, this game is a must-have for your collection.
Persona 3 Reload is a flawless reimagining of one of the most impactful RPGs of the PS2 generation and manages to carefully preserve just about everything I loved about the original game in a stylish bombastic package. The approach to modernising the gameplay is a masterclass and should be the gold standard going forward for RPGs of this ilk. For players who have only experienced modern Persona through Persona 5 and Persona 5 Royal, you would be doing yourself a disservice by skipping this title. An equally wonderful cast and effective story lift this into one of the most impactful games that I have ever played and this new version means it can be enjoyed by a completely new generation.
While I personally prefer the more textured narrative of Persona 4, the unrelenting focus and intensity of Persona 3 means that it still stands out as one of the greatest and most intelligent video game narratives. The developers haven’t done too much to mess with that (the decision to leave out a “post-game” chapter that was both technically unnecessary but yet well-regarded notwithstanding), and have otherwise focused on modernising both the look and flow of the game to make it the most enjoyable and “clean” version of Persona 3 yet. Persona has a habit of attracting purists, and I foresee the discourse around this remake being particularly volatile. However, personally, I’ll be over there looking forward to the inevitable announcement that Persona 4 will get this treatment too.
Persona 3 Reload is one of the best remakes I’ve ever seen - a faithful but stunning reimagining of a classic JRPG that will please Persona veterans and newcomers alike. With the only small negatives coming from Atlus’ dedication to recapturing the experience of the original, fans will without a doubt debate this being the best in the series after being reminded why Persona 3 is so spectacular.
Reload feels like a new game without deviating from the original. Almost every aspect has been improved, and it might be the new best point of entry for the series.
If the goal of Persona 3 Reload is to modernize a classic JRPG from the PlayStation 2 era for a new generation of players, then it is undeniably a success. While there may be some legitimate disappointment over the lack of content from Persona 3 FES and Portable, what is here is more than enough to cement Reload’s status as a solid remake that delivers the now definitive version of Persona 3.
Reload is a phenomenal game, one of the best JRPGs I’ve ever played, and an absolute joy. Every minute I put into it I was having a blast. It is a culmination of everything ATLUS has learned over their decades of game development, and yet another excellent addition to their list of incredible games. ATLUS proves once again why they’re such a titan in the industry, and I sincerely hope as many people pick this up as possible. You will not be disappointed!
Persona 3 Reload is the definitive way to experience this spin-off series’ third entry! With an absolutely fantastic story, refined gameplay and stunning visuals, this remake will definitely keep you addicted for hours on end!
Persona 3 Reload recreates one of the most iconic JRPGs with the knowledge accumulated over the last 17 years. The original paved the way for the series to evolve into what it is today. Reload provides an opportunity for fans to revisit this iconic game, while newcomers can experience a classic on modern consoles and the PC.
Persona 3 Reload is already another contender for game of the year. It’s an almost perfect remake of an already exceptional game, and I wanted to play it nearly every moment that I wasn’t. Whether or not you’ve played Persona 3 before, Reload deserves your attention, as it’s one of the most fun, styling, and enthralling RPGs around.
Persona 3 Reload is a JRPG masterpiece. It has an incredibly moving story about the value of life, a fun gameplay loop, great graphics, dynamic characters, and a satisfying conclusion. Plus, with the short playtime, it is not as intimidating as other games in the genre, with very little filler padding the runtime. While the remake may seem simple compared to other recent examples, Reload is a reminder that Persona 3 is still relevant even after eighteen years.
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
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 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 is a near-perfect case of a videogame remake preserving, strengthening, and building upon its source.
It’s easy to see why Persona has become its own thing aside from the father series of Shin Megami Tensei when the series is full of so many high-quality games, and with the quality shining into other Atlus projects, it is absolutely worth looking at both the series future with the inevitable Persona 6 and other Atlus titles like the upcoming Metaphor: ReFantazio. Regardless, Persona 3 Reload is likely one of the best JRPGs ever to come out, and it has a strong foundation that makes future Atlus titles exciting to see.
Persona 3 Reload improves the original version of the game in so many ways, and is absolutely essential for all RPG fans.
Persona 3 Reload is the best Persona game to date. It reimagines a fan favorite to be the best it can be, even if it does stumble in some ways. There are a few Social Links that could have used overhauling, and the game is a bit too faithful to the original in these ways. However, the overall experience is transcendent and took me straight back to hanging out with my virtual friends in high school, getting to know them and slicing up Shadows. There really is nothing out there like Persona.
Persona 3 Reload is a sensational work that is not just satisfied with being a remake but is, consequently, something that reformulates the development of ATLUS video games for an even wider audience. Choosing one of the greatest and most powerful works of the JRPG genre, thus forging a title to improve and revisit a work of the genre, was by no means an easy and immediate task. Indeed, it was something extremely complex. An incredible great return that can be summed up in the term "Masterpiece".
Review in Italian | Read full review
With a variety of smart enhancements that keep the player experience firmly in mind, Persona 3 Reload reminds everyone why the original game was one of the finest of its era.