Summary
- Persona 3 Reload is a remake of the original 2006 JRPG, with updated visuals and quality-of-life improvements.
- The developers decided to remake Persona 3 based on fan demand and feedback received after re-releasing Persona 3 Portable.
- Changes in Persona 3 Reload include the removal of the fatigue system and reworking the playable characters' skill sets, with the adjustments based on staff feedback about the original game.
Persona 3 Reload's producer, Ryota Niitsuma, recently explained why the developers at Atlus decided to remake the original game. Persona 3 Reload launched on February 2 after much anticipation, with the title being a full recreation of the original 2006 JRPG that adds a number of quality-of-life improvements to bring it closer to games like Persona 5, while also adding extra material from past re-releases.
Though remasters and other re-release collections are an easy way for newer fans to experience older games, some video game developers have pursued creating full-on remakes. The Persona community had wanted the later for years, with many fans being vocal about their support online, especially in surveys submitted to Atlus. This demand was heightened after Atlus re-released Persona 3 Portable on modern platforms in 2023. Niitsuma recently commented on how this fan support ended up influencing Reload's conception.
Persona 3 Reload Leak Supports DLC Rumors
Following Persona 3 Reload's launch, a new leak seemingly supports notable rumors about Atlus' potential plans for post-launch DLC.
In an interview with Game Informer, Niitsuma commented that the Persona developers were motivated by fans demanding a remake of Persona 3. After development on Persona 5 Royal was completed, the developers were ready to work on another title and were racking their brains about what to do next. They then realized that it was the perfect opportunity to remake the original Persona 3 and bring it to modern systems. "We had a lot of input from our fans and from players of our games and it seemed like everybody really wanted to see a remake of Persona 3," said Niitsuma. "Once we finished Persona 5 Royal, internally, we were ready for another title, and we were trying to figure out what it was, and it just seemed like the right moment. It seemed like all the stars had aligned."
What was changed in Persona 3 Reload?
The overall story and structure of Persona 3 Reload remains mostly the same when compared to the original. Niitsuma explained that the developers went for a "one-to-one" approach in recreating the original game, but made some smart changes in Persona 3 Reload to modernize it. Most of these changes were based on feedback provided by staff who played the original Persona 3, asking them what they felt was missing or had bothered them when they first played the game. This led to the removal of mechanics like the fatigue system and the playable characters' skill sets being reworked.
The announcement of a full-scale remake of Persona 3 came a few months after the aforementioned port of Persona 3 Portable, which caught many fans by surprise. If recent rumors are to be believed, there are more re-releases being worked on by the Persona developer. According to notable leaker Midori, Atlus might have a Persona 4 remake and remasters of older Persona games in the works, with the latter being another popular demand from fans. These are just rumors, so fans should take this information with a grain of salt. That said, perhaps fan demand could lead to these rumored re-releases becoming real, much like it did for Persona 3 Reload.
Persona 3 Reload
- Released
- February 2, 2024
WHERE TO PLAY
Step into the shoes of a transfer student thrust into an unexpected fate when entering the hour "hidden" between one day and the next. Awaken an incredible power and chase the mysteries of the Dark Hour, fight for your friends, and leave a mark on their memories forever.
Persona 3 Reload is a captivating reimagining of the genre-defining RPG, reborn for the modern era.
Experience the pivotal game of the Persona series faithfully remade with cutting-edge graphics, modernized quality-of-life features, and signature stylish UI.
Fully immerse yourself in an emotional, gripping journey with new scenes, character interactions, and additional voiceover.
Choose how to meaningfully spend each day through various activities from exploring the Port Island to forging genuine bonds with beloved characters.
Build and command your optimal team to take down otherworldly Shadows and climb closer to the truth.
- ESRB
- Mature 17 / Blood, Partial Nudity, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Violence
- Developer(s)
- P-Studio
- Franchise
- Persona
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch 2, PC
- Genre(s)
- JRPG, RPG, Life Simulation, Strategy
- How Long To Beat
- 65 hours
