Summary
ThePersonaseries started in 1996 on the PS1. However,Persona 3is the game that transformed the series into what it is known as today. For example, it added Social Links, which was a way for players to expand their friendships with NPCs.
The original project debuted in 2006 in Japan and now over a decade later, Atlus has brought back this monumental entry in the franchise for a full-on remake.Persona 3 Reloadhas a lot of upgrades beyond the visuals, music, and load times, which are all greatly appreciated. Some of these features are new to the series, while others are borrowed from other entries.
7Link Episodes
You Can Now Hang Out With Your Party
Fans of thePersonaseries are probably used to being able to build up their Social Links with party members. That’s how it works inPersona 4andPersona 5, two of the most popular entries. In the original release ofPersona 3, players only had Social Links with non-party members.
That still holds true inPersona 3 Reload, but the remake added a feature called Link Episodes. These work like Social Link quests, except choices don’t matter. They’re just there to allow players the opportunity to get to know their party members better through activities like cooking.
6Weakening Enemies
New Elements And Shift
One of the coolest battle mechanics of thePersonaseries revolves around weakening monsters. This concept is not unheard of in other JRPG franchises, but Atlus' series provides a unique spin on things. Hitting a weak spot inthePersonagamesgives heroes an extra turn.
The remake added two new elements, light and dark magic, which had appeared in older entries likePersona 5. Also like that game,Persona 3 Reloadhas a Baton Pass-like feature called Shift. After a hero scores a weakened hit, players can then use Shift to switch to another character and continue the chain.
5Theurgies
Say Hello To Persona’s Limit Breaks
Another big upgrade to the battle system inPersona 3 Reloadis a feature called Theurgies. They unlock once players acquire Fuuka as their navigator in the summertime, and the character has undergone a few big changes in the remake herself, including acquiring her own Theurgy skill. A Theurgy acts like a Limit Break in theFinal Fantasyseries.
The more actions heroes take, the more their Theurgy meter will rise. It takes a while for players to achieve a maxed-out meter too, so they should only be used in desperate situations like boss battles. Each character is different too; for example, Yukari can raise her meter more if she heals characters.
4Tartarus Is Slightly Different
No More Fatigue
One of the biggest complaints fans had with the original version of the game was the randomness of Tartarus. Tartarus is the one major dungeon inPersona 3, and it stretches dozens of floors. Each visit to the tower will be a random one and each section looks like the last more or less.
While there still isn’t a huge puzzle-solving element in the remake’s version of Tartarus compared to thePalaces ofPersona 5, the visuals do change more between floors. The team at Atlus also upgraded the mysterious Monad sections of Tartarus, which are marked by glowing doors. Perhaps the biggest upgrade, though, is that characters no longer suffer Fatigue after completing a run in Tartarus.
3Shuffle Time
See What The Prize Is
Persona 5changed how players acquire Persona for their team, with the process involving negotiation. InPersona 3andPersona 4, players get cards that could contain Persona during a segment called Shuffle Time. In the original version, cards were facedown to the player after battle.
InPersona 3 Reload, players get to see their Shuffle Time rewards. This change was also implemented inPersona 4, so it’s not a new feature overall in the series. It’s just nice to see the remake have some smaller quality-of-life elements.
2Twilight Fragments
Unlock Rare Treasure
Twilight Fragments are not only new toPersona 3 Reload, they are new to the series. That said, they operate a lot like the lock picks players can acquire inPersona 5. Twilight Fragments are glorified keys that can open chests and activate certain clocks in Tartarus which will heal the party.,
Players can find Twilight Fragments on the ground in Tartarus and the real world. Elizabeth will offer them as rewards to players once they raise their Social Link statuses with characters. They’re hard to come by, so players would be wise not to waste them, especially on the clocks around the dungeon that require seven Twilight Fragments.
1Exploration Upgrades
From Saving To Fast Travel
Two big quality-of-life upgrades will help players explore this small fragment of Japan. Fast travel options appeared a bit in the PSP version of the game, but the options are even more prevalent inPersona 3 Reload.
They’re even more convenient than whatPersona 5offered in both the original version andPersona 5 Royal. Players also get the bonus of being able to save anywhere. It’s encouraged for players to take advantage of this feature and the fifteen save slots, especially since there is strangely no autosave feature.
