In Persona 3 Reload, players assume the role of a student transferring to Gekkoukan High School and residing in a city dormitory. On their third day, they experience the Dark Hour, a hidden 25th hour, and are subsequently attacked by creatures known as Shadows. Discovering the power of Persona, they learn to combat these entities. Shortly thereafter, the protagonist is recruited by the Specialized Extracurricular Execution Squad (SEES), a group of Gekkoukan students dedicated to eliminating Shadows and exploring Tartarus, a colossal tower that manifests from the school during the Dark Hour. The player, alongside the other SEES members, is tasked with protecting the world from the perils of the Dark Hour.
Persona 3 Reload represents an updated and enhanced version of the original Persona 3, released nearly two decades prior (with Persona 5 being the latest mainline entry). While the core narrative and structure remain largely intact, this iteration introduces numerous enhancements. These include increased freedom for extracurricular activities and direct control over SEES members during Shadow encounters. The visuals have been significantly upgraded, presenting cutscenes with a high-quality anime aesthetic. The soundtrack is compelling, complemented by strong voice acting performances in both English and Japanese. For players seeking a more authentic JRPG (Japanese Role-Playing Game) experience, the Japanese voice track with English subtitles is an option. While initially appealing, the reliance on constant reading may prove distracting for some, necessitating a switch to the English dub. Note that while not all dialogue is fully voiced, the frequent use of text necessitates a degree of reading regardless of the chosen audio track.
Persona 3 Reload requires a degree of familiarity with the JRPG genre to fully appreciate. Players should be prepared for a substantial amount of dialogue; the initial combat encounter is preceded by nearly an hour of exposition. The pacing exhibits significant variance, fluctuating between intense action and periods of relative inactivity. While the game can feel uneven at times, this is characteristic of the JRPG genre.
The narrative, initially complex, gradually becomes more engaging as the player progresses, rewarding exploration of its various facets. The stylish anime cutscenes enhance the experience, creating a sense of interactive cinematic storytelling. The in-game visuals maintain a similar level of quality and artistic direction.
As is typical of JRPGs, combat employs a turn-based system. This style of gameplay can become repetitive for some players. The battles lack strategic movement elements, with characters engaging stationary opponents in direct attacks until one is defeated. The game maintains a largely linear structure, although it incorporates some expanded freedom compared to the original release.
The extensive dialogue, some of which may seem tangential to the main plot, can be a drawback for some. The inclusion of a fast-forward button offers a means to accelerate the pace, although it carries the risk of missing important information.
In conclusion, Persona 3 Reload is a polished title featuring a unique and compelling narrative that, while initially perplexing, becomes increasingly captivating. The visuals, audio design, and voice acting are well-executed. However, the lengthy and sometimes superfluous dialogue, combined with the turn-based combat, may not appeal to all players. Consequently, while a solid offering, its genre-specific elements prevent a universal recommendation.
Atlus provided a review code for this evaluation. Provision of materials does not influence editorial objectivity.
