Persona 3 Reload Reviews

In recent years, the Persona series has grown dramatically in popularity, shifting from an underappreciated gem to a globally recognised powerhouse – largely thanks to the runaway success of Persona 5. While P5 has been released on almost every modern gaming system across the vanilla release and the later Persona 5 Royal expanded edition, its predecessors have been less prolific until their recent Switch release; Persona 4 arrived in 2008 on PS2 followed by its Golden update on Vita in 2013...

Persona 3 Reload is an extensive and thoughtful remake of the original and unquestionably the best way to experience this modern RPG classic. Switching between daytime and nighttime activities is a blast, and the streamlined gameplay and slick presentation make even the smallest actions feel satisfying. Minor frustrations remain, chiefly the repetitious nature of Tartarus, while the lack of FES and Portable content prevents Reload from being the definitive version of Persona 3. If this doesn't bother you, though, consider it a must-play on the Switch 2.

Persona 3 Reload is a confident remake of a truly seminal RPG that cements itself as the definitive way to play Persona 3. It's clear that careful thought and deliberation has gone into every aspect of Reload to respect the legacy of Persona 3 while preserving its timeless charm and atmosphere. An absolute must play for any fan of the franchise, and a great point to jump in for those looking to take the plunge into Persona.

But the remake more than makes up for it with all the new changes and upgrades. While far from perfect, the game still stands out as one of the best remakes. It’s a title Persona fans will be proud of.

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.

Episode Aigis is nearly a 1:1 remake of the Answer, completing the Persona 3 experience, but one that comes at an exorbitant cost to the fans.

The story of the S.E.E.S. returns revitalized in Persona 3 Reload. Its outstanding presentation and its quality-of-life additions make it the definitive edition of an acclaimed classic.

Persona 3 Reload is a solid turn-based RPG made great by its grounded characters and the relationships you form with them. It’s a bold and ambitious remake, showcasing a level of polish that surpasses the previous entries. Despite some stumbles, Reload's worldbuilding and atmosphere immediately draw you. The repetitive nature of Tartarus may test your patience - but, in the end, Reload marks a great addition to the series.

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.

Another group of high school students are out fighting shadows in the remake Persona 3 Reload for modern consoles so let's join them.

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.

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’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.

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

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.

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.

When it was first released back on the PS2 in 2006, Persona 3 was a greatly influential JRPG codifying the formula upon which its more well-known successors have expanded. With Persona 3 Reload, Atlus has gone back to this seminal installment and attempted to bring it into the modern era via a massive graphical overhaul and integrating gameplay features introduced in later entries, despite leaving out much of the new content introduced in its PSP port. The result is a somewhat odd combination...

In the current trend of the games industry, where games barely older than things I have in my food cupboard are getting remakes, it's strange that Persona 3 is almost eighteen years old. Of course, there's been more than one version of Persona 3, with Persona 3: FES coming out in the EU barely after the original and then the PSP version a little over a decade ago. This time gap means people who went to the original Persona 3 after playing games like Persona 5 may find themselves a little put-off. Persona 3 Reload looks to smash that barrier and does a bloody good job of it.

Persona 3 Reload is a remake done right. Everything you love about the original game is improved upon, leading to a new experience that feels fresh and brand new while not forgetting its source material. Visual enhancements, inclusions of addicting combat mechanics, more enjoyable social links -- this game has it all. This is the definitive way to play the beloved JRPG, and once you get your hands on it, you won't ever want to return to the original.

The presentation of Persona 3 Reload is truly second to none. The menus and visuals are gorgeous and absolutely full of style, once again raising the bar for presentation. Though a couple of the remixed songs don’t quite match up to their originals, the vast majority are excellent new takes on the iconic tracks. The new voice actors play their parts wonderfully, making for an easy transition from the original English cast that I loved so much.

Let’s get right into it. In an industry where remakes and remasters are far from rare, Persona 3 Reload is an absolute masterclass on the idea. As the progenitor of the modern Persona game, Persona 3 was a diamond in the rough at a time when JRPGs struggled with their identity. It seems only fitting that 17 years after the initial US release, and during another similar identity struggle, Persona 3 Reload shows up with a brand new bag.

Persona 3 Reload is a fantastic update on the classic, but some design choices make it hard to declare it a definitive version. New voice acting, graphical facelift and improvements to combat make this version of Persona 3 feel contemporary and an absolute joy to play. The omission of The Answer epilogue and the choice to play a female protagonist that were included in other versions of Persona 3, however, can make this version feel incomplete. But aside from the additional content being excluded, Persona 3 Reload is a great example of how to remake a game in a way that appeals to modern sensibilities without alienating the original fan base.

It’s understandable if Persona fans are skeptical about Persona 3 Reload. The original game released way back in 2007, and since then, we’ve had Persona 3 FES (along with The Answer) and Persona 3 Portable. So the idea of playing Persona 3 again after all these years can feel like being asked to retread the same material in a similar way to Bethesda asking us to buy Skyrim one more time. That said, Persona 3 is beloved enough that P3R could have been a graphical remaster without facing too many complaints. So the fact that Atlus has actually gone through the trouble of making numerous gameplay tweaks while adding a wealth of quality-of-life enhancements here is a minor miracle.

It’s odd to say, but I felt sad playing Reload. Not for anything occurring within it. Rather, it reminded me that I had fallen out of love with Atlus. If anything, it’s fitting that Persona 3 Reload helped me realize that. Much of it is about learning to move on, and I’m going to do just that.

Persona 3 Reload is a fantastic remake of the game that set the course that the Persona franchise still follows today.

A great RPG, polished to a 2024 shine.

Persona 3 Reload is exactly what fans of the game have been asking for offering modern visuals, quality-of-life improvements and a brand-new voice cast. The game’s story may be a slow burn but it’s well-presented and will keep you engaged and guessing throughout. However, this is the most expensive Persona game to date, even though it’s a remake and not a new entry in the series.

Persona 3 Reload is a great remake of a classic, but the looming DLC makes the experience feel aa bit incomplete.

It's difficult to replay older Persona games after Persona 5. They still tell engrossing character-driven stories, but with Persona 5 — and Persona 5 Royal in particular — Atlus evolved the series' core gameplay loop to such an extent that previous titles can feel clunky and monotonous by comparison. And so we have Persona 3 Reload — a ground-up remake of the original Persona 3, which aims to introduce a whole new generation of players to what was once an inspirational PS2 RPG.

A solid, if strangely incomplete, remake which matches Persona 5 for presentation and has some of the most interesting and varied social link options of the whole series.

Persona 3 Reload is the first remake of a game in the Persona franchise since the original Persona 1 and Persona 2 duology were remade for the Playstation Portable. While elements of the original Persona 3 still hold up today, the game clearly shows its age with several outdated design elements that can make it hard for newcomers to approach. Luckily, Persona 3 Reload alleviates nearly all of these accessibility problems and delivers an incredibly approachable experience that builds upon the success of the original title and a modern entry like Persona 5 Royal.

Persona 3 Reload is everything fans of the franchise want from a remake and more. It doesn’t change the story, but it does build upon the various gameplay elements that have become staples in the games that came after. Plus, the story and characters are incredible, and you’ll love getting to know them more.

Persona 3 Reload is a treat for not only fans of the 2000s classic, but newcomers as well. ATLUS does an excellent job at preserving everything that made the original game special while modernizing it for those that may be experiencing it for the first time. It’s JRPG excellence at every turn, and one I’ll be sinking many hours into between now and the release of the next mainline Persona game.

Persona 3 Reload is a dream come true for Persona fans. With far more than just a visual uplift, this is very much the best possible edition of the game, even if it can’t quite be called ‘definitive’.

Persona 3 Reload is a stunner. This is how you do remakes, folks, keeping the heart and soul intact whilst adding all the slick graphics, cutscenes, new mechanics, dialogue and voice-acting fans can handle. Everything that's been changed has been done so with the upmost care, every new addition sings and newcomers and diehards alike should find themselves absolutely glued to this one when it hits Game Pass. Yes, we'd have loved to see the option for a female protagonist added, but beyond this one niggle, what we've got here is very hard to find fault with.

But what I think Persona 3 Reload does best is that it brings one of my favourite Persona games to a new audience and excels at it. The visuals are gorgeous, the pacing isn’t overtly stretched out, the combat is fun and fluid, and the story is still great. Anyone can get in on this game’s excellent blend of school life and role-playing genres and I can wholeheartedly recommend this game, not just because Persona 3 is a classic for me, but because Persona 3 Reload is genuinely fantastic.

Whether you’re a new player experiencing it for the first time or a veteran on your latest playthrough, Persona 3 Reload is the best way to play the classic JRPG, even if it’s missing some key content.

Persona 3 Reload is a fantastic way to experience a classic. The graphical and gameplay enhancements are meaningful, while the base story still shines, even years later. While the missing features from other iterations of the game are missed, this is the definitive way to experience Persona 3.

Atlus has produced an accomplished yet undefinitive remake of the RPG classic in Persona 3 Reload.

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.

Ultimately, the best qualities of this game are all aesthetic and, therefore, very subjective. If you’re already a Persona fan, there’ll probably be enough sheer Persona-ness for you to forgive all the shameless grinding and recycling. For curious newcomers, a lot will depend on whether or not the look and sound of the game push your buttons. If it doesn’t, steer clear, as I definitely wouldn’t recommend it as a gameplay experience. And if it does, you might enjoy it, but the more refined Persona 5 would still be a better entry point to the series.

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.

Despite a couple of nit-picking critiques, the game has completely ensnared me with its charm. I’m excited that the game which revolutionized the series gets to have the spotlight once again and gets the TLC it deserves. The developers have done a great job breathing new life into Persona 3. The mechanics are fun and the story is well preserved, making the game feel new and exciting while also like coming home after a very long time. I think it will delight any player, regardless of your hi...

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 is an absolutely brilliant remake of a 2006 classic. While the original P3 is effectively where the current behemoth of a franchise marked out its identity, Persona 3 Reload is most certainly the best iteration of that series-defining game that has ever existed.

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

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

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 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 unlocked on my first playthrough and some storylines left unfinished, I just might take the plunge and play through the new game + before I finally say goodbye to this instant classic.

In the midnight hour, you'll cry more, more, more.

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

P3R’s poignant tale of acceptance is bolstered by smart combat refinements, deeper friendships, and a soundtrack you already love.

Persona 3 Reload is an outstanding and worthy remake of a game that's proven it can withstand the test of time. Welcome back to the dorm.

One of the most esteemed and cherished RPGs of all time returns, smoother and smarter than ever. Unfortunately, Persona 3 Reload deals an incomplete hand, with disappointing omissions, stunted evolution, and a contentious price tag. Nonetheless, its indelible cast retain their infectious social spirit, set to break your heart and burn your dread all over again.

Dive into the Dark Hour and awaken the depths of your heart. Persona 3 Reload is a captivating reimagining of the genre-defining RPG, reborn for the modern era with cutting-edge graphics and gameplay. PS5 version reviewed. Review copy provided by company for testing purposes.