Highlights
Persona 3 Reload will allow players to pet the dog party member, Koromaru, which has thrilled fans who wanted this feature in the remake.
The remake introduces additional bonding opportunities with teammates, featuring new social events and special Link Episodes for characters who lacked them in the original version.
Moreover, players can interact with Koromaru by brushing his fur and taking him for walks, offering added benefits like social points and amusing cutscenes.
Atlus has officially announced that players will have the delightful ability to interact with Koromaru, the canine member of the party, in Persona 3 Reload. The highly anticipated remake of Persona 3 has generated significant excitement as Atlus continues to share comprehensive information leading up to its release in 2024. This includes details about exciting new features, enhancements from the original PS2 version, and quality-of-life improvements that aim to make Persona 3 reminiscent of Persona 5.
One notable aspect of the remake is its emphasis on fostering stronger relationships with the members of SEES, the player's teammates. Persona 3 Reload offers numerous opportunities to bond with them, including a range of captivating social events and unique Link Episodes for characters who previously lacked them in the original game. Notably, even the antagonistic Strega faction receives expanded character development. Additionally, players will have the heartwarming option to spend time with Koromaru, the loyal canine companion, with Atlus confirming that the irresistible ability to pet him will be included.
A brief clip of Persona 3 Reload, posted on Atlus' official Twitter account, demonstrates this feature. Within the Iwatodai Dormitory, which serves as SEES' base of operations, Koromaru can be seen in the corner near the entrance. Upon interacting with him, the player will hear a few barks before the protagonist affectionately pets him and even shakes his paw. The fan base was thrilled to have the opportunity to interact with the dog character, as petting dogs has become a popular feature in many modern games.
In addition to petting Koromaru, players can also brush his fur, as shown in a Persona 3 Reload trailer featuring the SEES members. In the FES and Portable re-releases of the original game, players have the option to take Koromaru on walks. These walks may result in the protagonist encountering characters from different social links, earning social points, finding items, or experiencing humorous cutscenes, such as attempting to sneak into a movie theater. The Portable re-release even includes a dedicated social link for Koromaru with the female protagonist, where he represents the Strength Arcana.
Despite being a rarely utilized party member in the original game, Koromaru is adored by fans whenever he makes an appearance. The desire to pet the dog in-game is a popular request among fans, whether sincere or not. Thankfully, in the remake of Persona 3 Reload, fans may have the opportunity to engage with Koromaru through dedicated Link Episodes, allowing them to explore a special sidestory that includes some of his previous interactions. Persona 3 Reload will be available on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S starting February 2, 2024.