Persona 3 Reload

About

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. Key Features: - Exp…

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player

Skip User Reviews

96%

Audience ScoreBased on 23,361 reviews

story1.9k positive mentions

grinding397 negative mentions

The music in 'Persona 3 Reload' is widely praised for its incredible soundtrack, blending remastered classic tracks with new compositions that enhance the game's emotional depth.
The story is compelling and emotionally resonant, exploring heavy themes and featuring well-developed characters that players become invested in.
The graphics have received acclaim for their stunning visual overhaul, significantly enhancing the original game's aesthetic with modern, high-definition character models and environments.

The pacing of the story is criticized for being slow and repetitive, particularly in the early stages, which can disconnect players from the narrative.
The grinding aspect of the game, especially in the main dungeon Tartarus, is seen as tedious and overwhelming by some players, detracting from the overall experience.
The game's monetization practices, including high price points and microtransactions, have drawn significant criticism, leading many to feel frustrated about the value of the overall experience.

story
4,942 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
39%
58%
3%
The story of "Persona 3 Reload" is widely praised for its emotional depth and exploration of heavy themes such as life, death, and the bonds formed between characters. While many reviewers appreciate the game's ability to evoke strong feelings and its compelling narrative, some criticize its pacing, particularly in the early stages, where the story can feel slow and repetitive due to the grind of the main dungeon, Tartarus. Overall, the game is considered a significant improvement over its predecessors in terms of graphics and gameplay, while still delivering a powerful and memorable story that resonates with players.
- “The game perfectly blends everyday life, action, and tragedy, making the story both unique and deep.”
- “I adored the party members and their roles in the story, and was personally invested in the stakes/world that were set up.”
- “The story takes a long time to get moving, but once you’re really in the thick of it, it does a really good job of hitting you with some really good twists to make the ending with it.”
- “The problems come from the abysmal story pacing, as well as the main dungeon being a massive slog.”
- “Disappointingly, the story was nothing to take home for.”
- “The pacing of the story is horrible, I am a big fan of persona 5 and was nothing but thrilled for this game and 60 hours in, I can't even bring myself to finish the damn thing because I care so little about anything that is happening in that game because the horrible pacing disconnected me from having any attachment to anything in that game.”
music
2,998 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
45%
52%
3%
The music in "Persona 3 Reload" has received widespread acclaim, with many praising its incredible soundtrack that blends remastered classic tracks with new compositions. While some fans express nostalgia for the original songs, the remixes and new additions, such as "Color Your Night" and "It's Going Down Now," have been highlighted as standout pieces that enhance the game's emotional depth. However, there are mixed feelings regarding certain remixed tracks, with some players feeling they lack the impact of the originals, leading to calls for an option to toggle between the old and new soundtracks. Overall, the music is considered a major highlight of the game, contributing significantly to its atmosphere and storytelling.
- “The music managed to enhance the atmosphere and kind of become this inseparable part of the game to the point where it's hard to imagine the game being as amazing without it.”
- “The soundtrack is phenomenal, and the voice actors did a fantastic job.”
- “The music is great, it has some songs from the original game, other songs are remade and there's new tracks entirely.”
- “The music is a let down, but gods the other sound design is good.”
- “The music in this game is a lot better than persona 5 royal.”
- “The remixed music is also absolutely horrible in comparison to the original game.”
gameplay
2,324 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
32%
63%
5%
The gameplay of "Persona 3 Reload" has received mixed feedback, with many praising its modernization and quality-of-life improvements compared to the original. While the turn-based combat and social simulation elements remain engaging, some players find the dungeon-crawling in Tartarus repetitive and tedious, particularly due to its lengthy structure. Overall, the game successfully integrates new mechanics like theurgy and shifting, making it more accessible and enjoyable for both newcomers and returning fans, though some purists may miss the unique aspects of the original gameplay.
- “The gameplay is deeply addictive, and some shadows, especially those in the hospital and on the moonlight bridge, became my favorites.”
- “The gameplay loop remains hypnotic: balancing school life, friendships, and climbing Tartarus at night.”
- “The gameplay has been modernized, which has mostly been for the better.”
- “Gameplay loop gets repetitive very quickly.”
- “The gameplay is very repetitive with no level design.”
- “The gameplay can feel a bit repetitive at times, so you may find the need to pace yourself, but it is still fun and engaging in moderation.”
graphics
1,396 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
41%
57%
2%
The graphics of "Persona 3 Reload" have received widespread acclaim for their stunning visual overhaul, significantly enhancing the original game's aesthetic with modern, high-definition character models and environments. Many players appreciate the vibrant art style and improved animations, which bring a fresh look while maintaining the essence of the original. However, some critiques mention that the new visuals may lack the darker atmosphere of the original, and there are occasional performance issues, particularly on lower-end systems. Overall, the graphics are considered a major highlight of the remake, elevating the experience for both new players and returning fans.
- “The graphics are stunning, rendering the melancholic yet vibrant world of Persona 3 with incredible detail and a sleek aesthetic.”
- “The visuals are breathtaking, with high-definition anime-style art and fluid character animations.”
- “The graphical overhaul is nothing short of stunning, blending style with polish.”
- “The graphics are a $70 remake of a nearly 20-year-old game that desecrates the visual style of the original, trading it for visuals that range from boring and generic to straight-up incredibly ugly.”
- “The graphics are basic.”
- “The graphics are subpar, for lack of a better word.”
emotional
965 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The emotional aspect of "Persona 3 Reload" has resonated deeply with players, often leaving them in tears due to its heartfelt storytelling and character development. Many reviews highlight the game's ability to evoke a wide range of emotions, from joy to profound sadness, particularly during pivotal moments and the impactful ending. The combination of well-written characters, a poignant narrative, and a powerful soundtrack enhances the emotional experience, making it a memorable journey that players recommend for its ability to connect on a personal level.
- “This game was genuinely heartwarming and changed my perspective on life; this was the most well-written game I've ever played.”
- “The ending made me cry like a baby, and it's peak.”
- “The emotional journey is insane in this game.”
- “Boring story and gameplay loop.”
- “Boring story, boring dungeon (Tartarus), and boring daily tasks (eating burgers and studying) - how riveting.”
grinding
412 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
4%
96%
The grinding aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players noting that the extensive dungeon crawling in Tartarus can become tedious and repetitive, especially as the game progresses. While some appreciate the improvements in quality of life features that make grinding more bearable, others feel that the sheer volume of grinding required detracts from the overall experience. Players who enjoy grinding and character development may find it rewarding, but those who prefer a more streamlined experience might find it overwhelming and monotonous.
- “For me, the 'hard' difficulty was a good mix of strategy and not being grindy.”
- “Merciless should be merciless for a reason and yet I was able to beat the entire game solo using only Orpheus with no grinding.”
- “So not only is this a game that forces grinding almost constantly, but a lot of its systems feel underdeveloped and unrefined.”
- “Just be forewarned that you'll have to suffer through around 20 hours of dungeon grinding with no social sims or extracurricular activities to break up the monotony.”
- “The daily life is strict and not many activities to do; there's only one farming place to go, and it's a randomly generated tower with 200+ floors.”
optimization
190 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
36%
50%
14%
The game's optimization has received mixed feedback, with some players experiencing smooth performance and minimal issues, while others report frame drops, stuttering, and crashes, particularly on lower-end systems and the Steam Deck. Many users noted that disabling certain graphical features, like ray tracing, can significantly improve performance. Overall, while the game is generally well-optimized for various hardware, specific areas and settings may lead to performance inconsistencies.
- “The game is incredibly optimized for PC and runs as smooth as butter with little to no loading time.”
- “It's well optimized, and honestly looks pretty good for simpler, cell-shaded rendering.”
- “The game runs smoothly with minimal bugs.”
- “I wish Atlus took more care for optimization and performance, especially because of the high price tag of the game.”
- “The release itself is utterly pathetic, being riddled with performance issues, and outright preventing some individuals (myself included) from playing the game on PC.”
- “Terrible optimization (but that's nothing new for Atlus games on PC).”
atmosphere
181 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
34%
64%
2%
The atmosphere of the game has received mixed reviews, with many praising its haunting and melancholic tone, enhanced by a captivating soundtrack that complements the narrative's themes of mortality and loss. However, some players feel that the remake has lost the darker, grittier essence of the original, opting for brighter visuals that detract from the intended mood. Overall, while the game maintains a unique atmosphere that draws players in, it struggles to fully replicate the emotional weight and depth of its predecessor.
- “The atmosphere of the game is awesome (it is hard to describe because it is unique), the characters are very well written and I even enjoyed the parts outside of combat where you decide how to spend your day.”
- “The atmosphere is haunting, the characters are memorable, and the journey leaves a lasting impression.”
- “From the moment the game started, it pulled me into its world with an atmosphere that’s hard to describe — stylish, melancholic, and quietly powerful.”
- “Unfortunately, the dark, moody atmosphere of the original has been somewhat lost, being replaced with overly clean and bright visuals, probably most noticeable in areas like the dorm and back alley.”
- “The atmosphere in the final boss is completely ruined, where the original had dark clouds surrounding the arena and everything was very gloomy and dark along with a very slight unsaturated green tint, the remake splatters bright green all over the place with it looking no different than any other place in the 'dark' hour.”
- “For better or worse, reload keeps the gameplay and story beats mostly intact, but something crucial is missing: the atmosphere and vibe is severely watered down.”
humor
155 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
98%
2%
The humor in the game is a mixed bag, with many players appreciating the witty dialogue and funny character interactions that balance the darker themes of the story. While some found the humor to be charming and relatable, others felt that certain social links lacked depth and creativity, leading to moments that fell flat. Overall, the game successfully incorporates humor to enhance emotional moments, making it a memorable experience for players.
- “The game has made me laugh at some genuinely funny gags and moments, got me hyped beating certain bosses that really gave me trouble, and made me cry during some of its more emotional moments.”
- “It's a game that captivates both your heart and your mind — all while offering a healthy dose of humor and introspection.”
- “The darker tone, balanced with wholesome and funny moments, made the cast feel like real, relatable teenagers, and their growth through loss and hardship was beautifully handled.”
- “These hangouts are the most uninteresting, unfunny, plain white bread cutscenes imaginable.”
- “Not funny, cried.”
character development
127 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
41%
57%
2%
Character development in "Persona 3 Reload" is widely praised for its depth and emotional resonance, with players noting that even initially unlikable characters become relatable and well-rounded as the story progresses. The game effectively intertwines character arcs with the main narrative, allowing for significant growth and impactful moments that resonate with players, often leading to emotional responses. While some critiques mention inconsistencies in development for certain characters, the overall consensus highlights the game's strong storytelling and character design enhancements, making it a standout in the JRPG genre.
- “The story is so amazing with really good character development where no character feels static throughout the game.”
- “The character development for the main crew and even a lot of the side characters was great.”
- “The character development in this game is top-tier.”
- “The character development feels very unpolished.”
- “Overall, the story is really good, not saying there aren't flaws, and all, character development is a bit weak for some characters.”
- “The middle of Persona 3 can drag pretty hard, as they've tied most of the character development to the plot (none of the male party members are social links), you end up sitting around waiting for big events to advance the plot.”
monetization
42 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
7%
22%
71%
The monetization practices surrounding the game have drawn significant criticism, with many reviewers labeling it a "cash grab" due to the high price point, expansion passes, and microtransactions that seem to fragment the content. Despite the game's quality and the passion behind its development, players feel frustrated by the lack of transparency and the additional costs required to access the full experience, leading to a mixed reception regarding its overall value. Many recommend avoiding the more expensive editions and DLCs, suggesting that the game should have been a complete package at launch.
- “While I don't agree with the monetization model of the game, I recommend it nonetheless.”
- “Persona 3 Reload is a magnificent remake of the original PS2 classic JRPG that is only hindered by Atlus forcing microtransactions.”
- “I am also okay with the $70 price tag, but the inclusion of an expansion pass and all the microtransactions for things that really should be in the game at release (or released later for free or at least much lower price) is not appreciated.”
- “One thing I can't overlook is Sega's way of monetization to nickel and dime their fans.”
- “Good game, just don't waste your money on the 'expansion pass' cash grab.”
- “This should have been the definitive edition of Persona 3, but at this point it just looks like a massive cash grab on Sega’s and Atlus’ part to cash out on nostalgia given that to have the entire experience of Persona 3, with the expansion pass and 3 Portable for its excluded content, it's in the ballpark of $125.”
replayability
39 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
36%
56%
8%
The game's replayability is a mixed bag; while many players appreciate the expanded content, social links, and quality of life improvements that enhance the experience, others find the lengthy grind in Tartarus to be a significant deterrent for multiple playthroughs. The absence of the female protagonist option from Persona 3 Portable is noted as a missed opportunity that could have greatly increased replay value. Overall, while some players find it infinitely replayable, others express doubts about returning for a second run.
- “It's still a good game with a good amount of replayability and content.”
- “With multiple story paths, social links, and the addictive nature of the gameplay, Persona 3 Reload offers incredible replay value.”
- “One of the highlights of Persona 3 Reload is the expanded content that adds depth and replay value to the experience.”
- “The game's replayability is questionable, in my opinion.”
- “Definitely not much in the way of replayability though; Tartarus is just far too long and tedious for me to ever face it again, even for a story that good.”
- “My only gripe with Reload is the decision to not include the female protagonist option from Persona 3 Portable. Including this inclusive and loved feature would vastly improve this game's quality and replayability immensely.”
stability
30 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
57%
43%
Overall, the game's stability is mixed; while it runs exceptionally well on the Steam Deck with smooth performance and minimal issues for many players, there are frequent reports of bugs, crashes, and glitches, particularly on PC. Some users have experienced significant problems, including crashes after completing the game, while others have found workarounds for certain issues. Despite these challenges, many players still enjoy the game, praising its performance and quality when functioning properly.
- “I’ve also been playing it on my Steam Deck, and it runs great there too.”
- “Also, the game runs great on the Steam Deck, which has been the primary system that I play my games on for almost 2 years since my PC hasn't been working for 3 years.”
- “Regardless, the game runs great with no issues that I could notice.”
- “The game is a buggy mess that crashes constantly and runs poorly thanks to UE4.”
- “Apart from all of the DLC shenanigans going on and numerous crashes and troubleshooting before the game would function again, it's pretty damn good.”
- “On top, the PC version has no support for widescreen, buggy resolution settings, poor lighting in lots of areas, and a messy family sharing system (perhaps due to the included mandatory DLC that cannot be shared).”