Why Persona 3 Reload's Loyalty to Original Game May Disappoint Fans of Social Links

Following the Summer Game Fest presentation, many fans were left disappointed by the absence of a Persona reveal. However, hours later, an unintentional reveal from Atlus on their western Instagram account unveiled two new Persona games, titled Persona 5 Tactica and Persona 3 Reload. Although the trailers were captured during the brief time the posts were available before being deleted, the announcements quickly circulated on social media, generating hype for the upcoming Xbox Showcase. Of the two games, Persona 3 Reload has gained significant traction, confirming rumors surrounding its existence. While the initial glimpse of Reload does not reveal much about its gameplay, it does provide some insight into its adaptation of the original. The video highlights Makoto Yuki, the male protagonist, and his Velvet Room attendant Elizabeth in the game's stylish menu screen and brief look at the title's Persona Fusion. Additionally, the trailer features a scene with Kenji, who played a significant role as Makoto's first social link, falling under The Magician Arcana.

Persona 3 Reload Could Miss Out On Some Party Member Social Links if Faithful to the Original

The inclusion of Kenji's social link in Persona 3 Reload hints that he may once again take on the role of The Magician Arcana, potentially leaving Junpei out of the picture. This raises concerns that the game may continue to limit social links for the male protagonist, as seen in previous versions where Makoto's social links were restricted to female party members only. However, this would be a missed opportunity for the male protagonist to form bonds with the entire main team, a feature present in Persona 4 and 5's parties. Social links have proven to be a powerful tool in shaping supporting characters' stories, adding nuance to the main cast and other NPCs. Makoto's interactions with Akinari, The Sun Arcana, are a prime example of this, highlighting themes of illness and mortality. Utilizing social links between Makoto and the other male SEES members could emphasize the friendship and understanding necessary to navigate the heavy themes of Persona 3.

Fans have long been hoping for queer representation in Persona 3, but the limited options for romantic relationships with male characters means that platonic social links may be a more viable option. These links could allow the protagonist to better understand and support the struggles of the male members of the SEES team, building upon the strong emphasis on friendship that is present throughout the series. By deepening the relationships between Makoto Yuki and his male peers, the final chapter of the game could become even more impactful and resonant. While it remains to be seen how the game will ultimately approach this, the inclusion of social links among the male characters could provide a way to further develop their backstories and relationships, particularly in the context of new features like the kitchen. Fans eagerly await the release of Persona 3 Reload next year to see how these themes are explored.

Persona 3 Reload is slated to release in early 2024 for PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.