Persona 3 Reload

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.

Persona 5 was my first venture into the series and really set the bar high. Although Persona 3 Reload can’t compare to the depth and detail found in Persona 5, missing some valuable puzzle and stealth elements—as well as the temple-like Mind Palaces connected to each main boss—it also never feels bloated with extra content it really didn’t need (something Persona 5 was guilty of). Persona 3 Reload is a fantastic game that every JRPG fan should experience. I was fully immersed and engaged from start to finish, and ultimately was sad when it finally ended. And with only half of the Personas unlo...

“Persona 3 Reload is a win-win of a remake for old and new Persona fans alike.”

Persona 3 Reload is a fantastic remake of one of my favorite games in the series and it runs well on the Steam Deck where it really needs to.

Persona 3 Reload succeeds in elevating an unforgettable story with smart combat changes and drastically improved visuals.

Persona 3 Reload embodies the visual and atmospheric experience I always envisioned for Persona 3, and with some minor adjustments, it unquestionably establishes itself as the definitive version of the game.

While working through the early game of Persona 5, it’s nearly impossible to not constantly be fusing new Personas to clear up space in inventory. However, in Persona 3 Reload, the opposite problem seems to occur. Rather than having an abundance of choices, it feels incredibly difficult at times to have a well-rounded inventory of Personas or even fuse something that feels powerful enough to match your respective level. This does become less of an issue as more progression is made throughout the game, but it can make the first several hours of the game unnecessarily frustrating.

A great RPG, polished to a 2024 shine.

Persona games tend to sneak up on me. Having played the original, I expected my time with Persona 3 Reload to be a bit of a chore. Instead, I’ve found myself charmed and compelled at every turn. There’s new content to explore, new visuals to take in, and new mechanics to master. Gameplay feels more modern, and the voice acting has gotten a major upgrade. Maybe it’s been too long since I played the original, but this feels like a major improvement. Actually, what’s new with this version?

Persona 3 Reload’s mechanical and graphical overhaul make this RPG and its amazing storyline wonderful to play even if some of its aged elements hold it back at times.

Reload adds welcome modernisations to the wonderfully deadly coming-of-age story that captured hearts in 2006, though visual tweaks undermine the thematic coherence.

A repetitive journey through a year of quirky yet cheesy high school relationships, interspersed with tedious turn-based combat.