Warning: MAJOR SPOILERS for Persona 3 ahead. Proceed at your own risk.
Persona 3 Reload simplifies the process of unlocking one of the game's more elusive scenes, providing clearer prerequisites for players. While the remake retains the same dramatic moments as the original, Persona 3 Reload offers an opportunity to enhance the story with the benefit of over a decade's worth of hindsight. Numerous players may have missed out on certain moments in the game because they were unaware of how to discover them. Fortunately, Persona 3 Reload allows players to rediscover the game anew.
Persona 3 Reload Can Make Chidori's Big Moment More Visible
Persona 3, the game that first introduced the iconic Social Link mechanic of the Persona series, marks a significant turning point for the franchise. Subsequent games would build upon its foundation, expanding the high school setting and gameplay loop with their own enhancements and adjustments. Given the considerable influence of Persona 3 on the rest of the series, it comes as no surprise that a proper remake is in the works. Persona 3 Reload aims to breathe new life into the beloved classic by incorporating fresh visuals into the game's riveting storyline. As for how these visual upgrades will impact the plot, fans can only anticipate and await with excitement.
Arguably, one of the most impactful moments in Persona 3's extensive narrative is the revival of Chidori. Chidori was a member of the villainous group known as Strega, and Junpei develops a deep affection for her throughout the game. In a surprising turn of events, she reciprocates his feelings and ultimately chooses him over her fellow allies. In an act of selflessness, she sacrifices her own life to protect Junpei when Strega attempts to harm him. However, in Persona 3 FES, if the player guides Junpei to visit Chidori in the hospital on specific dates—November 6, November 11, November 14, and November 22—they will unlock a remarkable event where Chidori survives her hospitalization, although she no longer possesses her Persona as it has merged with Junpei's.
Chidori's revival is a powerful moment, but it is often missed due to poor visibility. Persona 3 suffers from the issue of hiding important details, making it easy for players to overlook crucial elements without even realizing they exist. This can be particularly frustrating in a game that heavily relies on its narrative. There is little indication to players that conversing with Junpei on specific days is essential, nor is there a clear sign of progress being made. Some players who make an effort to talk to everyone each in-game day may have the chance of stumbling upon it, but others may only come across the scene by sheer luck.
There are several ways to address the difficulty of accessing Chidori's revival scene, although implementing them may require significant changes in Persona 3 Reload. One option could be to provide a clearer indication that the player should speak to Junpei, perhaps through a special notification. Another, more direct approach would be to have the conversation occur automatically, similar to the occasional telephone conversations that the player receives. This way, players would not run the risk of missing Junpei's conversations and triggering the event flags necessary for the scene. Implementing these changes would greatly alleviate the challenges players face in unlocking the scene in the first place.
The hiddenness of Chidori's revealed survival in Persona 3 is somewhat disappointing, considering it is one of the game's best scenes. However, there is hope that with the promised development of party members in Persona 3 Reload, this scene will be made more accessible. Chidori played a significant role in Junpei's growth, even allowing him to evolve his Persona. It would be a shame for one of their most memorable scenes to remain hidden. Hopefully, Persona 3 Reload will ensure that every player has a fair opportunity to witness this outstanding moment.
Persona 3 Reload is scheduled to be released in 2024 for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.