Persona 3 Reload Revamped: 7 Key Upgrades Over the Original Game

Highlights

Persona 3 Reload is a remake of the beloved Persona 3 game, and Atlus is taking great care to retain what made the original special while improving its rough areas.

Fans have voiced their requests for enhancements in various aspects, including the open environment, Tartarus dungeons, and Social Links, and it appears that Atlus is taking their feedback into account.

Notable suggestions from fans involve incorporating an album store for purchasing Persona 4 or 5 tracks, intensifying party banter to enrich character interactions, and revising or eliminating the fatigue system to enhance gameplay.

Persona 4 and 5 are often credited with bringing the series into the mainstream, but Persona 3 remains a fantastic game on its own. It's exciting that Atlus, the game developer, has decided to remake this hidden gem for both new and longtime fans to enjoy. The dark and captivating story, along with the beloved characters, made Persona 3 one of the best JRPGs of its time. However, there were a few areas that could use some improvement.

Thankfully, Atlus has shown great care in the trailers released for the game. They aim to retain the essence of the original while giving it a fresh update that will surely address many of the minor issues players encountered years ago. Fans have specifically expressed their desire for improvements in certain areas, such as the open environment, the Tartarus dungeons, and the Social Links.

7 Opening The Album Shop

Similar to the other games in the series, Persona 3 allows players to explore certain areas in the open-world. In these areas, players can engage in conversations with friends and allies, as well as purchase weapons and equipment for their next dungeon adventure. While there are various shops in Paulownia Mall that players can visit, it is puzzling that the album store can only be accessed through Social Links, especially considering the protagonist's possession of a music player.

In Persona 5 Royale, Atlus introduced a unique feature that allowed players to change the battle music based on their chosen outfit. It would be a delightful gesture to fans if this concept could be implemented in Persona 3 Reload. Players could visit the album store and potentially purchase tracks from Persona 4 or 5, adding a new dimension to their experiences while navigating Tartarus or exploring the game world.

6 Party Banter

This small addition would greatly emphasize the strong friendship within the gang and make them feel more realistic as individuals. In the original game, exploring Tartarus often involved periods of silence amidst the eerie music. By incorporating banter among the party members, these quiet moments could be filled and add depth to their relationships. Drawing inspiration from the Phantom Thieves' interactions while driving through Mementos, this banter could also provide insights into the characters' lives and backgrounds. Additionally, with the announcement of voice acting in the remake, implementing this feature would showcase the talent within the game.

5 Fatigue System

The fatigue system in Persona 3 is a major concern for fans, as it adds immersion but hinders the pacing and enjoyment of Tartarus sections. Characters become tired after spending too much time in Tartarus, resulting in reduced accuracy and vulnerability to enemy attacks.

While this becomes more manageable later in the game, it becomes a significant annoyance in the initial hours, as it prevents grinding and restricts player freedom. It would be best to completely remove the system to avoid frustrating new players, possibly leading them to abandon the game. Alternatively, if Atlus chooses to retain it, they should make it more forgiving by prolonging the time it takes for characters to become tired or by eliminating the increased likelihood of fatigue from taking damage.

4 Optional Romances

Romancing characters in Persona 3 differed from future games as players did not have the choice to reject someone after reaching the end of their Social Link. This often resulted in players unintentionally entering relationships they did not desire, causing uncomfortable situations later in the game, especially if they had multiple partners. To prevent this, it would be beneficial to have an option to confirm the relationship before making it official. This way, players can fully understand their new allies without having to make any commitments upfront.

3 Better Early-Game Pacing

The story of Persona 3 is undeniably incredible, delving into dark themes and ideas that captivate players. However, a common complaint from fans is the slow start, which takes time to build up momentum. In the beginning, the stakes and significance of the bosses may feel inadequate, making progression feel tedious. To address this issue, adding new story elements and more compelling bosses would greatly enhance the experience. Additionally, incorporating a few additional scenes to foreshadow future events and keep players intrigued throughout their playthrough would have a profound impact.

2 More Meaningful Social Links

Persona 3 had a mix of quality in its Social Links. Some effectively explored the game's central themes of death and mortality, such as the emotional stories of the sick young man and the grieving elderly couple. On the other hand, there were several non-party Social Links that lacked excitement, felt tedious, and seemed like a waste of time.

A prime example of this is Kenji, a disreputable character whose sole desire is to have a romantic relationship with his teacher. Additionally, the "Gourmet King" Social Link has been widely criticized as the weakest in the entire series by fans. These interactions don't necessarily need to be removed completely, but they would benefit greatly from some tweaking to make them more personal, meaningful, and relevant to the overarching story and its themes.

1 More Interesting Tartarus Dungeons

The concept of a randomly generated dungeon may seem appealing in theory, as it promises a unique experience with each playthrough. However, in the original Persona 3, this idea fell short in practice. Spending extensive hours in the monotonous and uninspiring depths of Tartarus became tiresome due to the lack of diversity in the design, layout, and music.

While it may be unrealistic to expect dungeons as intricate and inventive as the Palaces in Persona 5, the game's primary improvement should focus on making Tartarus feel less like a chore. Reducing its size slightly and infusing it with captivating details and embellishments would instantly enhance its appeal, addressing the main criticism of long-time fans.

Persona 3 Reload

Platform(s) PC, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PS4, PS5Released February 2, 2024Developer(s) P-StudioGenre(s) JRPG