Persona 3 Reload Critic Reviews

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.

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 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.

Persona 3 Reload is a fabulous remake, with some of the best graphics and presentation we’ve seen for the franchise. The gameplay is just as addictive as ever, with the improved combat system continuing to complement the various student activities. It is a shame that this game is missing content from FES and Portable, but this is still a meaty JRPG that everyone should check out.

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.

Persona 3 is a masterpiece mainly due to its amazing story. Still, Atlus has managed to improve not only the visual aspect of it, but also every other little thing in order to turn what was once a niche game into a full timeless gem. It basically features the best battle system within the entirety of the Persona series, which is supported as well by a new UI that looks simply stunning. Overall, Persona 3 is a game that will steal the players' hearts both through laughter and tears.

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. A great return that can be summed up in the term "Masterpiece".

Persona 3 Reload is the game that all fans of the series have been waiting for since Persona 5 Royal. Thanks to all its mechanics, improvements and narrative, this is the perfect entry point for the series. For those who have never experienced a game in the franchise beyond the fifth installment, this is the title you need in your lives. This experience presents us with a story focused on finding the beauty in our lives, in memories, and the meaning we give to each interaction with other people. Along with this, each of the small vignettes are very worthwhile, since they reinforce the messages of the main campaign, and offer a series of moments with a good range of emotions.

Persona 3 Reload is not a carbon-copied remaster of Persona 3 Portable or even Persona 3. It’s a refreshed perspective of Persona 3 that removes a good bunch of pain from older RPGs while retaining the charm and character of the original. It feels like many thoughtful decisions were made to better the game’s flow without compromising on its core experience or watering it down. My only concern is that owners of 2023’s Persona 3 Portable might feel like there aren’t enough changes to warrant a replay. But, if you haven’t yet experienced its source material, Persona 3 Reload is without a doubt the best version of the game to play.

Persona 3 Reload is an ideal remake for an unrepeatable game. ATLUS has managed to effectively modernize a unique story that needed to be adapted to current times.

Persona 3 Reload is by far the best game in the franchise. With plenty of new content, significant visual and performance improvements, fine-tuned adjustments in all gameplay systems, and a captivating story, it feels fresh on today's consoles. Addictive and stylish, Atlus's JRPG is more than just a well-crafted remake, it's one of the greatest games of the decade.

Persona 3 Reload hits the remake sweet spot, honoring its roots with a stunning visual upgrade and fun new content, making it a must-play for veterans and newcomers alike.

Although it is missing two key pieces to be the "definitive version", Persona 3 Reload modernizes a classic until it is at the level of today's great RPGs and includes enough new features to once again tempt those who already knew it. The best of both worlds, as they say.

Persona 3 Reload shines in new splendor over 15 years after the original: with a completely renovated look and many small adjustments that make the fantastic basic structure even better, it is an absolute must for fans of Japanese role-playing games.

Even if it’s not quite the best possible version of itself thanks to some missing content from its past versions, Reload is the definitive way to experience Persona 3. It’s a remake that will keep fans of the original happy, while bringing series’ newcomers a smoother RPG experience built on the bones of one of the genre’s best games.

Persona 3 Reload is a fantastic remake of an already great cult game. All kinds of clever gameplay innovations and an enormous amount of style make this a gripping JRPG that you shouldn't miss out on. The remake of the PlayStation 2 classic is even now a hot contender for the best role-playing game of the still quite young year.

Persona 3 Reload is an excellent remake of a classic JRPG whose social and emotional themes are more relevant today than ever. Aspects such as the battle system or the staging of the locations could have benefited from a stronger modernization, but the strong story with its excellently written characters makes it easy to overlook this. What's more, the light-footed audiovisual style manages to bring us closer to heavy topics such as bullying, depression and suicide without underplaying their weight.

Persona 3 Reload is an imperfect remake in which, although the lack of content from previous expanded versions is annoying, its new features and the necessary (and very well executed) reformulation of combat make this the best way to play the best narrative that series already had in a package with a great localization to PT-BR.

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.

Persona 3 Reload is the epitome of what developers should be striving to offer their players.