This week, Atlus’ and P Studio’s Persona 3 Reload hits shelves around the world. Want to get in on the hype? Here’s everything you need to know about this anticipated title.
What is Persona 3 Reload?
Persona 3 Reload is a remake of the 2006 RPG Persona 3. It’s the third entry in the spin-off series from its mother franchise, Shin Megami Tensei. Several versions of the game, like Persona 3 FES and Persona 3 Portable, came out over the years, as did newer mainline entries like Persona 4 and Persona 5. While the series has had remakes before P3R, it’s notable as a full-on remake, rather than a re-release like Persona 4 Golden or Persona 5 Royal.
Who’s directing Persona 3 Reload?
The remake is directed by Takuya Yamaguchi, who previously worked as a designer for Persona 4 and Persona 5. Producing the project is P-Studio head Kazuhisa Wada and designer Ryota Niitsuma, with SEGA and Atlus handling the publishing. The game is developed by P-Studio, a division of Atlus.
This will be Takuya’s first directorial position, as original director Katsura Hashiro left to start a new division at Atlus, Studio Zero. Hashiro’s joined alongside original composer Shoji Meguro and original character designer Shigenori Soejima. The new studio’s title, Metaphor: ReFantazio, releases in Fall 2024.
What’s Persona 3 Reload about?
In the game, you take on the role of Makoto Yuki, a recent transfer to Gekkoukan High. After learning to summon his inner spirit Orpheus, his Persona, he becomes a member of the Specialized Extracurricular Execution Squad (S.E.E.S). Along with a colorful cast of characters, he takes on the many levels of Tartarus during the elusive Dark Hour at midnight, all while living the life of a typical student. It is a straight adaptation of the original Persona 3, so no FES or Portable content will be in the game.
What is Persona 3 Reload‘s gameplay like?
Persona 3 Reload, like it’s predecessors, juggles turn-based RPG combat with life simulator elements. During the day, you’ll attend school, meet up with social links, and do everyday tasks. At night, you can explore Tartarus and engage with fierce shadows in turn-based combat. For more in-depth looks into the gameplay, we did two previews: one focused on combat and one on the life simulation.
Who’s in the cast of Persona 3 Reload?
I did write a full cast article a month or so ago, but expect to hear some new and promising voice actors here. Since Persona 3 Reload is a remake, none of the original cast is returning to voice their characters. Still, you do have big names like Aleks Le (Street Fighter VI), Heather Gonzalez (The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom), Zeno Robinson (Fire Emblem Engage), and Suzie Yeung (Final Fantasy VII Rebirth).
When does Persona 3 Reload come out?
Persona 3 Reload is releasing on February 2. This is a worldwide release date, so everyone will get the game on the same day. In the past, some Persona games were released first in Japan, but due to its rising popularity, it’s shifted to a simultaneous worldwide release. Just recently, Persona 5 Tactica was released on the same day everywhere, a first for the series.
What consoles is Persona 3 Reload coming out on?
At launch, Persona 3 Reload will be available on PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S. Announced alongside its (leaked) reveal back in June 2023, the game’s set to release on Xbox Game Pass day one. That way, subscribers can get in on the RPG goodness alongside everyone else.
Nintendo Switch owners unfortunately do not get access to the game. While a recent interview with Spanish outlet Atomix might have raised some hopes about its potential, nothing has been definitively locked in for Reload making it to the Switch.
What special editions does Persona 3 Reload have?
For those who want to purchase Persona 3 Reload, you have a few options. The base game is $69.99, with digital pre-order bonuses including songs from Persona 4 as background music. The Digital Deluxe Version, $79.99, adds on a digital artbook and soundtrack while the Digital Premium Edition, $99.99, tacks on a DLC pack. The DLC pack includes Persona 4 & 5 themed costumes, music, and Personas. For PlayStation, if you purchase the game digitally, you can play on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5. P3R is also on the Xbox Play Anywhere program, if you buy it rather than Game Pass it.
Physically, players can get the Collector’s Edition, called the Aigis Edition for $199.99. The edition comes with a physical soundtrack, an artbook, and a figure of the robotic S.E.E.S companion herself, Aigis. It’s a pretty hot ticket item, so if you want to get your hands on them, GameStop has them in stock for pre-order, as does Amazon.
