The Ultimate Persona 3 Reload Upgrade: Embracing the Epic P5 Design Decision
Persona 3 Reload takes inspiration from Persona 5's unique visual style, but there's one design choice that can truly elevate it: incorporating Persona 5's exhilarating All-Out Attacks
Each installment of the Persona series is known for its unique style and gameplay mechanics, easily recognizable by fans. In the case of Persona 3, the game embraced a darker theme, immersing players in the challenging Tartarus and introducing thought-provoking Social Links. While the overall design of Persona 3 was well-received during its time, it was not without flaws. As anticipation builds for Persona 3 Reload, fans are hopeful that Atlus will address any lingering issues.
During this year's Xbox Games Showcase, the unveiling of Persona 3 Reload showcased a game that looked completely different. The graphics appear to be a significant improvement over the original versions, with many fans noting the adoption of Persona 5's distinct art style in the remake. Although certain details have yet to be revealed, if Atlus has indeed undertaken a full revamp for Persona 3 Reload, there is one specific element from Persona 5 that could greatly enhance its appeal to players.
Persona 3 Reload Could Adopt Persona 5's All-Out Attacks
The art style and aesthetic of Persona 5 have become iconic. Players couldn't help but be captivated by the Phantom Thieves' unique outfits and the accurately depicted Shibuya. Even battles with Shadows were thrilling, thanks to the impressive attack animations and overall UI design. Adding to the battles' personality were the All-Out Attack finisher screens, showcasing the Phantom Thieves launching themselves at downed enemies with a flurry of blows. This was a significant improvement from the previous games' generic All-Out Attack animations.
In Persona 3 and Persona 4, the All-Out Attack animation involved characters running up to vulnerable enemies and engaging in a fight surrounded by a cloud of smoke. This animation, reminiscent of cartoon brawls from childhood TV shows, was entertaining to see. However, with the release of Persona 3 Portable on current-gen consoles and the subsequent discovery of the same generic All-Out Attack animation in higher graphic settings, it now feels somewhat outdated.
Persona 3 Reload has embraced a similar art style to Persona 5, incorporating its signature blue-heavy aesthetic with a watery twist. This presents an opportunity for Atlus to revamp the All-Out Attacks in the remake, infusing the mechanic with more personality compared to its previous iteration. While the Protagonist and the rest of SEES may not possess flashy appearances like the Phantom Thieves, this could potentially justify a more daring and impactful All-Out Attack animation. However, fans will have to exercise patience as more details about Persona 3 Reload may not be revealed until next year. Despite this, it is evident that Atlus is making changes to certain aspects of the game's aesthetic. For example, they have replaced the revolver-inspired command UI in battles with the standard four-option UI from Persona 5. While some diehard fans feel that this change missed the mark due to the significance of guns in Persona 3's story, others appreciate the cleaner and less confusing look of the new UI.
The Persona 3 remake is bound to captivate fans with its daring and divisive alterations, such as the absence of a female protagonist and the exclusion of other FES content. While there have been some reservations expressed by certain Persona enthusiasts, it is evident that a significant number of people eagerly anticipate the Persona 3 remake. Ultimately, only time will reveal whether the inclusion of All-Out Attacks will emerge as one of the remake's most compelling features.
Scheduled for release in early 2024, Persona 3 Reload will be available on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S platforms.
