Persona 3 Reload Reviews
Persona 3 Reload completely reinvigorates the original release, with excellent improvements made across the board to help the game hold up to modern standards. The combat is more enjoyable and strategic than before, the daytime activities are more substantial and easier to track, whilst the visual upgrade is top notch, with the game arguably looking better than Persona 5. And sure, there were some things that couldn’t be fixed (such as the somewhat dated dungeon design of Tartarus), but most aspects of the game have seen significant improvements that make it even better to play. There are some unusual omissions made that prevent Persona 3 Reload from being the definitive edition of the game, but it still stands out as an exceptional RPG that fans of the series are sure to love.
Initially perceived as redundant, Persona 3 Reload transcends its predecessor by integrating the artistic flair and gameplay sophistication of Persona 5, presenting a visually and mechanically enhanced version of the iconic title. This remake revitalizes the original's darker narrative and roguelike dungeons with significant aesthetic upgrades and gameplay innovations, offering both veterans and newcomers an immersive experience that arguably surpasses even Persona 5 Royal in visual and interactive depth.
Persona 3 Reload is a top-tier JRPG with gameplay to match. Whilst the story and characters may not match up to subsequent entries in the series, they're good in their own right, becoming far stronger as it gets closer to the end. In terms of gameplay and presentation, it goes beyond most other JRPGs would ever dream of. It successfully brings the original Persona 3 story into the modern era, making it feel like this was always how it was meant to be.
From its music to the new battle enhancements to even how certain characters convey more empathy in their line delivery – Reload is a labor of love that modernizes Persona 3 while still retaining the alluring charm of the original.
Persona 3 Reload is a lot more than just a remake; it’s the reimagining we all needed and got. With the game getting a lot of polish and some new features, there’s never a dull moment when you’re jumping between school life and the Dark Hour, and the nostalgia might just make you want to dust off your old consoles to binge through the Persona series again. While Persona 3 Reload can be a bit slow to get off the ground, it’s well worth the wait simply because when it eventually takes off, you might not be able to keep up with everything going on.
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 worthy remake that adds modern touches to the combat, UI, characters and storytelling, further enhancing an already unforgettable RPG experience.
This is a great example of a remake done right. Not only were there plenty of reasons to revisit this classic, the improvements were quite welcome. It's unfortunate it still occasionally shows its age, plus the lack of FES, but the overall experience really shows why later titles had so much momentum. So if you loved the original, or just want to see what the hype is about, I think you'll more than love Persona 3 Reload.
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 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!
In conclusion, Persona 3 Reload is worth playing for both old fans (who've played the original Persona 3) and newcomers because it is quite simply the most playable version of the game with modern quality-of-life improvements and new mechanics that make it near definitive. While the lack of certain content (like The Answer epilogue) stops it from being able to truly definitive; if there's one Persona game that you want to play, there's no reason to choose Persona 5 when you have Persona 3 Reload.
As with all Persona games, Persona 3 Reload takes its time, both with its 80 hour story and its slow progression throughout the ingame months. If that's your thing, then there's an amazing game here with an interesting story, fun characters and outstanding music. The combat doesn't always hold up, but it mostly does and it's fun when it works.
Review in Dutch | Read full review
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!
An extravagant remake of the 2006 masterpiece, a visually and aurally delightful experience throughout the play. The narrative buildup is substantial, and the gameplay is solid. Numbers of improvements are making it seem like a new release, providing both amazement and freshness for fans of the original.
Review in Korean | Read full review
Slick and stylish, Persona 3 Reloaded is the definitive way to experience Persona 3.
Persona 3 Reload takes a cult classic, from an era when the series didn't enjoy such global popularity, updates its visuals, applies all the improvements and refinements of Persona 5 Royal and then some, to make it a game that will taste great to all those who delight their taste buds with experiences of the genre. It may prove to be simpler and less ingenious than P4 and P5, but it's a stylish, captivating and fun turn-based JRPG.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Persona 3 Reload definitely still feels dated in some areas, which isn't always expected from a modern remake. Despite this, some of these older aspects of Reload are what I came to appreciate the more that I played.
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.
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.
Persona 3 Reload is such a splendidly reworked version that it can almost feel like a completely new Persona. Gorgeous visuals, a perfectly remixed soundtrack, an improved battle system and a finally updated, albeit still in parts boring, trip through Tartarus really leave little to be desired when embarking on a trip to the Gekkoukan school. It's just a shame that the female protagonist and the additional chapter "The Answer" are still missing.
Review in German | Read full review