Why the Persona 3 Remake Needs to Include 'The Answer'

Persona 3 has undergone several iterations, including FES and Portable, with the latter receiving modern-day platform ports. While P3P's accessibility has introduced the original story to newer fans, it lacks several features from FES that significantly contribute to the plot. With rumors circulating about a Persona 3 Remake, there is a possibility that 'The Answer' epilogue may return, depicting the aftermath of the SEES Team following the protagonist's untimely demise.

Persona 3 FES expanded its story beyond 'The Journey' and included 'The Answer' as a playable epilogue with Aigis as the protagonist. Although it was shorter than the base game, it was still significant, blending cutscenes with standard Persona combat while ignoring social link development to focus on the main cast's narrative. The epilogue received mixed reviews from fans, with some feeling that it was too combat-oriented. Nonetheless, The Answer boasted several outstanding moments in its narrative and presentation, and its difficulty level set a high bar for a challenging yet rewarding experience.

There is a possibility that the Persona 3 FES Epilogue could make a comeback in a modern format.

Throughout the epilogue of The Answer, the Persona 3 SEES Team struggles to come to a common understanding, resulting in a drastic turn of events. With each member dealing with the loss of their leader in their own way, Aigis and Metis end up fighting against the other SEES members in a clash of ideals. This incites intense and innovative fights that play into the Persona series' focus on friendship and bonds. The combat feels perfectly in line with the narrative and sets notable intrigue for what the player will soon experience. Additionally, the powerful music track Heartful Cry, which plays exclusively during the combat sequence, amplifies the atmosphere, making it a moment worth modernizing through a Persona 3 Remake. Despite the unforgiving enemies and bosses, the challenge posed by the combat in The Answer is worth experiencing.

The boss fights in the epilogue further emphasize the importance of Aigis's wild-card ability and contribute to the overall tone. Although some players may find The Answer's game design challenging due to its Tartarus-like traversal without the social-sim component, the epilogue is still a compelling experience that could thrive in a modern context.

Moreover, the epilogue's difficulty level serves as a bridge between die-hard SMT fans and Persona enthusiasts seeking a higher level of challenge and closure to Persona 3's story. While The Answer is not as difficult as the series' super-bosses, it provides a fitting level of adversity while testing players' combat skills.

Furthermore, a Persona 3 Remake could improve accessibility by allowing players to control their party members, a feature not available in Persona 3 FES. Modernly rendered cutscenes in the epilogue would also enhance the story and evoke more emotions. Overall, a Persona 3 Remake could build on the success of Persona 5 and Atlus' previous titles, bringing the story's epilogue to a new level.

Persona 3 Portable is available now for the Nintendo Switch, PC, PSP, PS4, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.