Persona 3 Reload: Difference between revisions

| director = {{ubl|Takuya Yamaguchi{{efn|Original game directed by [[Katsura Hashino]]}}|Yu Hashizume{{NoteTag|name="EpisodeAigis"|''Episode Aigis: The Answer''}}}}

{{nihongo foot|'''''Persona 3 Reload'''''|ペルソナ3 リロード|Perusona 3 Rirōdo|group=lower-alpha|lead=yes}} is a 2024 [[role-playing video game]] by [[Atlus]]. ''Reload'' is a [[Video game remake|remake]] of ''[[Persona 3]]'' (2006), the fourth main installment of the ''[[Persona (series)|Persona]]'' series, itself a part of the larger ''[[Megami Tensei]]'' franchise. As with the original game, [[Protagonist (Persona 3)|the protagonist]] is a high school student returning to his home city a decade after his parents were killed in a fatal car crash. He soon gains the potential to summon a [[Persona (series)#Gameplay|Persona]]–the physical manifestation of his inner spirit, and joins the [[List of Persona 3 characters|Specialized Extracurricular Execution Squad]] (S.E.E.S.), a group of like-minded Persona users. Together, they are tasked with defeating Shadows and uncovering the mystery of the Dark Hour.

New gameplay additions to the social simulation and role-playing portions of the game were introduced in ''Reload''. The Iwatodai Dorm where the main party resides outside classes has been expanded upon with multiple activities to perform beyond the original game. The protagonist is now able to strike individual conversations with every dorm resident, cook food with resuscitative abilities in the dorm's kitchen, garden and tend plants on the dorm's roof by feeding them nutrients periodically, rent out films to watch using a DVD player, as well as borrow and read books provided to the dorm by the school. As with the corresponding in-house activities in ''Persona 4'' and ''Persona 5'', performing these tasks will strengthen each of the protagonist's Social Stats which can be used to later pursue specific interactions with Social Links. For example, reading books will increase the protagonist's Academics for school, while gardening yields the reward of the protagonist being able to learn new Tactics in battle. Furthermore, the protagonist can partake in each of the aforementioned activities alongside another party member, which will grantgrants them additional buffs for combat scenarios.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Palmer |first=Lauren |date=2023-10-12 |title=Persona 3 Reload S.E.E.S. Dorm Life Trailer Shows Characters Relaxing |url=https://www.siliconera.com/persona-3-reload-s-e-e-s-dorm-life-trailer-shows-characters-relaxing/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231012130135/https://www.siliconera.com/persona-3-reload-s-e-e-s-dorm-life-trailer-shows-characters-relaxing/ |archive-date=2023-10-12 |access-date=2023-10-12 |website=[[Siliconera]] |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Romano |first=Sal |date=2023-10-11 |title=Persona 3 Reload 'Iwatodai Dorm Life' trailer |url=https://www.gematsu.com/2023/10/persona-3-reload-iwatodai-dorm-life-trailer |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231011235319/https://www.gematsu.com/2023/10/persona-3-reload-iwatodai-dorm-life-trailer |archive-date=2023-10-11 |access-date=2023-10-12 |website=Gematsu |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Adam |first=Khayl |date=2023-10-12 |title=Get a Taste of Iwatodai Dorm Life in Persona 3 Reload |url=https://www.pushsquare.com/news/2023/10/get-a-taste-of-iwatodai-dorm-life-in-persona-3-reload |access-date=2023-10-12 |website=Push Square |language=en-GB |archive-date=2023-10-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231013180147/https://www.pushsquare.com/news/2023/10/get-a-taste-of-iwatodai-dorm-life-in-persona-3-reload |url-status=live }}</ref>

During battle, both the ability to take direct control over party members as in ''Portable'', as well as enabling the CPU to dictate their behavior as in the original game and ''FES'', are available. The battle user interface has been completely overhauled to take functional and stylistic inspiration from ''Persona 5'', with the commands "Persona", "Item", "Guard" and "Attack" each corresponding to different buttons in a similar fashion. In addition to the returning "Analyze", "Tactics", "Target" and "Rush" commands from prior iterations of ''Persona 3'', a "Survey" and "Assist" function have also been added. ''Persona 3 Reload'' implements an improved variation of the "Baton Pass" skill from ''Persona 5'' in the form of the "Shift" ability mapped to the left trigger. "Shift" enables the current active party member to pass their turn onto another character after successfully landing a hit on a Shadow enemy that knocks them Down, allowing the next party member to potentially knock other enemies Down if they are in certain formations. When all enemies on the battle screen are knocked Down as with the original game, the party is given the option to initiate an "All-Out Attack" that involves all active members performing a joint assault on any remaining enemies for significant damage. Depending on who in the party starts the command, the character will havehas a personalized outro and unique animation, in a similar vein to the finisher screens in ''Persona 5''. Additional Personas and resuscitative effects for the party are still obtained primarily through the post-battle minigame Shuffle Time, but ''Reload'' instead allows the player to manually choose what specific card they want out of the randomized selection as opposed to blindly selecting one after they are shuffled, similar to ''Persona 4 Golden''<nowiki/>{{'s}} version of the minigame.<ref name="famitsu" /><ref name="rpgfan">{{Cite web |last=Clay |first=Scott |date=2023-08-23 |title=Persona 3 Reload, Persona 5 Tactica and Like a Dragon Gaiden Hands-On at SEGA Summer Showcase |url=https://www.rpgfan.com/feature/persona-3-reload-persona-5-tactica-like-a-dragon-gaiden-hands-on/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230823230732/https://www.rpgfan.com/feature/persona-3-reload-persona-5-tactica-like-a-dragon-gaiden-hands-on/ |archive-date=2023-08-23 |access-date=2023-08-23 |website=RPGFan |language=en-US}}</ref>

The character models and assets have been remade from the ground up to be presented as more proportionate relative to the environment design in a similar vein to ''Persona 5''{{'}}s art direction, which is also reflected in the revamped lighting engine and the number of non-playable characters that populate the playable areas of the game, both of which have been improved upon when contrasted with the original game. Performance has also been increased from all previous versions' 30 [[Frame rate|frames per second]] (FPS), to up to 60 FPS at up to [[4K resolution]] (3840x2160).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bari |first=Muhammad Ali |date=2023-06-12 |title=Persona 3 Reload Will Run At 4K/60 FPS, Will Feature New Side Episodes & Voiced Dialogue |url=https://twistedvoxel.com/persona-3-reload-4k-60-fps-new-side-episodes-voiced-dialogue/ |access-date=2023-06-14 |website=TwistedVoxel |language=en-US |archive-date=2023-06-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230612071904/https://twistedvoxel.com/persona-3-reload-4k-60-fps-new-side-episodes-voiced-dialogue/ |url-status=live }}</ref> ''Reload'' contains additional scenes not featured in the original game or any of its re-releases, including new party interactions, dialogue, and voiced cutscenes. Every Social Link route is now completely voiced. Exploration within Tartarus also features additional dialogue amongst the party depending on who is taken into the dungeon. The animated cutscenes from the original [[PlayStation 2]] version of ''Persona 3'' have been recreated. The Japanese voice cast reprised their respective roles, alongside Shinya Takahashi, who serves as Koromaru's dedicated voice actor after previously voicing him in the four-part ''[[Persona 3 The Movie]]'' film series.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Constable |first=Tyler |date=2023-06-12 |title=Persona 3 Reload voice actors: English and Japanese cast |url=https://www.dexerto.com/gaming/persona-3-reload-voice-actors-english-and-japanese-cast-2173879/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230612153350/https://www.dexerto.com/gaming/persona-3-reload-voice-actors-english-and-japanese-cast-2173879/ |archive-date=2023-06-12 |access-date=2023-06-13 |website=Dexerto |language=en}}</ref><ref name="famitsu eng" /> The main English voice cast from previous games has been entirely re-cast for ''Reload'', including the [[Protagonist (Persona 3)|protagonist]] (Aleks Le), [[Mitsuru Kirijo]] (Allegra Clark), [[Yukari Takeba]] (Heather Gonzalez), [[Junpei Iori]] ([[Zeno Robinson]]), [[Aigis (Character)|Aigis]] ([[Dawn Bennett]]), [[Akihiko Sanada]] ([[Alejandro Saab]]), [[Fuuka Yamagishi]] ([[Suzie Yeung]]), [[Shinjiro Aragaki]] (Justice Slocum) and [[Ken Amada]] (Justine Lee).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Middler |first=Jordan |date=2023-06-11 |title=Persona 3 Reload will feature an entirely new voice cast |url=https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/persona-3-reloaded-will-feature-an-entirely-new-voice-cast/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230611194625/https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/persona-3-reloaded-will-feature-an-entirely-new-voice-cast/ |archive-date=2023-06-11 |access-date=2023-06-11 |website=[[Video Games Chronicle]] |language=en-GB}}</ref> [[Kirk Thornton]] voices [[Igor (Persona)|Igor]], the proprietor of the Velvet Room, reprising his role from the English dub of ''[[Persona 5|''Persona 5]]'']] (2016).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Joshua |first=Orpheus |date=2023-12-13 |title=New Persona 3 Reload Trailer Introduces Velvet Room |url=https://noisypixel.net/persona-3-reload-trailer-introduces-velvet-room/ |access-date=2023-12-15 |website=Noisy Pixel |language=en-us |archive-date=15 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231215151237/https://noisypixel.net/persona-3-reload-trailer-introduces-velvet-room/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The original voice actors for the ''Persona 3'' party members in English appear in different roles throughout the game. [[Tara Platt]], who voiced Mitsuru and the Velvet Room attendant [[Elizabeth (Persona)|Elizabeth]] in the original game, reprises the latter role in ''Reload''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Romano |first=Sal |date=2023-09-20 |title=Persona 3 Reload details Strega, supporting characters, battle system, and new scenes |url=https://www.gematsu.com/2023/09/persona-3-reload-details-strega-supporting-characters-battle-system-and-new-scenes |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230920182344/https://www.gematsu.com/2023/09/persona-3-reload-details-strega-supporting-characters-battle-system-and-new-scenes |archive-date=2023-09-20 |access-date=2023-09-20 |website=Gematsu |language=en-US}}</ref> [[Yuri Lowenthal]], the previous English voice for the protagonist, Pharos, and Ryoji, appears as Eiichiro Takeba, Yukari's father and a lead researcher for the Kirijo Group's experiments on Shadows.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Persona 3 Star Yuri Lowenthal Opens Up About Being Recast for Reload (Exclusive) |url=https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/persona-3-reload-yuri-lowenthal-recast/ |access-date=2024-03-02 |website=ComicBook Gaming |language=en}}</ref> [[Liam O'Brien]], who previously dubbed Akihiko in English, voices Officer Kurosawa, the night patrolman at Paulownia Mall who acts as a discrete weapons dealer for S.E.E.S. and an informant on civilians who go missing in Tartarus during the Dark Hour;<ref>{{Cite web |title=Persona 3 Reload (Video Game 2024) |url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt28028526/characters/nm1240448 |access-date=2024-03-02 |website=IMDb}}</ref> [[Wendee Lee]], who dubbed Fuuka in English from ''[[Persona 4 Arena]]'' onwards, voices Ms. Terauchi, the English teacher at Gekkoukan High School;<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wendee Lee {{!}} Actress, Additional Crew, Sound Department |url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0283253/ |access-date=2024-03-02 |website=IMDb |language=en-US}}</ref> [[Michelle Ruff]], the original English voice for Yukari, appears as the unnamed shopkeeper at Maiyodo Antiquities, a business the protagonist can visit at Paulownia Mall that sells additional weapons and armor for the party to equip.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Michelle Ruff {{!}} Actress, Additional Crew, Sound Department |url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0741398/ |access-date=2024-03-02 |website=IMDb |language=en-US}}</ref> [[Grant George]], the original voice for Shinjiro and Jin in English, voices Takeharu Kirijo, Mitsuru's father and the head of the Kirijo Group who was a benefactor towards the research project into Shadows and the Dark Hour;<ref>{{Cite web |title=Grant George {{!}} Actor, Casting Department, Additional Crew |url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1324897/ |access-date=2024-03-02 |website=IMDb |language=en-US}}</ref> The female protagonist's alternate story route from ''Persona 3 Portable'' is not included in the game.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-06-12 |title=Persona 3 Fans Upset As Remake Cuts Female Protagonist |url=https://kotaku.com/persona-3-reload-remake-femc-female-protagonist-recast-1850529591 |access-date=2024-03-07 |website=Kotaku |language=en}}</ref> With the additional voiced lines added in Tartarus and the game's side-stories, ''Persona 3 Reload'' will havehas the most spoken dialogue of any game in the ''Persona'' series.<ref name="4gamer" /> The game was made using [[Unreal Engine 4]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Ngan |first1=Liv |title=Persona 3 Reload is fastest-selling Atlus game ever |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/persona-3-reload-is-fastest-selling-atlus-game-ever |website=Eurogamer.net |language=en |date=8 February 2024}}</ref>

Azusa Shimada serves as ''Persona 3 Reload''<nowiki/>{{'s}} main character designer, with original artist [[Shigenori Soejima]] taking on a supervisory role. The two collaborated to refine the existing designs, as well as update the S.E.E.S. equipment when entering Tartarus. This includes a new armband, which was teased by game director Takuya Yamaguchi to have ties to a new mechanic during Shadow encounters, and a combat attire unique to every party member. Shimada and Soejima also updated the look of the Evokers; a small gimmick was added to emphasize the impact of Persona summoning, describing how the Evoker's pistol slide blows back and emits a red light after being fired.<ref name="famitsu eng" />

Tomohiro Kumagai, a lead UI designer at P-Studio on ''[[Persona 4 Arena Ultimax|]]''Persona 4 Arena Ultimax'']] (2013), as well as both ''Persona 5'' and ''Royal'', serves as ''Reload''<nowiki/>{{'s}} art director. Kumagai was among Yamaguchi's earliest hires for the project shortly after he assumed the role as the game's director. Kumagai became attracted to the prospects of working on the game having been captivated by the original ''Persona 3''<nowiki/>{{'s}} art design, and its notion that a user interface could have powerful synergy with the game's themes. He explained that ''Reload''<nowiki/>{{'s}} menu interface drawing on the imagery of being submerged in water, was developed from his initial perception of the original game's heavy usage of blue in the menus, which was further iterated on by the UI design team. He also envisioned slower animations and softer aesthetics in the menus, in order to contrast ''Persona 5''<nowiki/>{{'s}} emphasis on aggressive movements and pop-punk influences, deriving inspiration from the sea surrounding Tatsumi Port Island, the game's primary setting. A special 3D character model of the [[Protagonist (Persona 3)|protagonist]] was created by the animation team for use exclusively in the game's menus, with a large number of animation skeletons and polygons used to express the character's emotions, and the shimmering effect conveying the feeling of being submerged in water. Kumagai stressed that it was equally important that the team retained the ease of navigation and responsiveness present in ''Persona 5''<nowiki/>{{'s}} user interface.

The game's official box art drawn by Shimada is an intentional recreation of ''Persona 3''<nowiki/>{{'s}} Japanese [[PlayStation 2]] key art, featuring the protagonist alongside the Persona Thanatos. Multiple revisions were made to update the homage, as Soejima and Yamaguchi discussed whether to just feature the protagonist and his Persona, or alongside the other main characters in the game.<ref name="famitsu eng" /> The final result was meant to subtly convey the game's updated visuals with modern drawing techniques and emphasized realistic lighting effects, as well as focus on the protagonist standing up to his destiny.<ref name="dev interview">{{Cite web |last=Reggy |date=2023-09-27 |title=Persona 3 Reload Developer Interview on Theurgy Mechanic, Link Episodes, Box Art |url=https://personacentral.com/p3r-developer-interview-theurgy-link-episodes-art/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230927180336/https://personacentral.com/p3r-developer-interview-theurgy-link-episodes-art/ |archive-date=2023-09-27 |access-date=2023-10-02 |website=Persona Central |language=en-US}}</ref>{{Unreliable source?|date=October 2023|certain=y|reason=Original sources should be used instead of fan translations, fansite listed as unreliable in WP:VG/S}}

The score for ''Persona 3 Reload'' was written primarily handled by Atsushi Kitajoh, with original composer [[Shoji Meguro]] arranging several instrumental tracks.{{cn|date=September 2024}} It features arranged tracks from the original game with a few additional tracks, including a second battle theme "It's Going Down Now".<ref name="famitsu eng" /> [[YouTube]]r Azumi Takahashi replaced Yumi Kawamura as the lead female vocalist, with rapper Lotus Juice returning as the male vocalist.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hashimoto |first=Kazuma |date=2023-08-23 |title=Preview: Persona 3 Reload Is Nostalgic in the Best Way Possible |url=https://www.siliconera.com/preview-persona-3-reload-is-nostalgic-in-the-best-way-possible/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230823070128/https://www.siliconera.com/preview-persona-3-reload-is-nostalgic-in-the-best-way-possible/ |archive-date=2023-08-23 |access-date=2023-08-23 |website=Siliconera |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Barbosa |first=Alessandro |date=2023-08-23 |title=Persona 3 Reload Gets February Release Date, New Gameplay Trailer Out Now |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/persona-3-reload-gets-february-release-date-new-gameplay-trailer-out-now/1100-6517151/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230824020655/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/persona-3-reload-gets-february-release-date-new-gameplay-trailer-out-now/1100-6517151/ |archive-date=2023-08-24 |access-date=2023-08-23 |website=[[GameSpot]] |language=en-US}}</ref> Lotus Juice requested some changes to the vocal tracks, such as rewriting lyrics to better fit the scenes.<ref name="famitsu eng" /> While not involved in new compositions, original composer [[Shoji Meguro]] arranged several instrumental tracks.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://vgmdb.net/album/131924|title=Persona3 Reload Limited Box Original Soundtrack|website=VGMdb|access-date=March 3, 2024}}</ref>

[[File:Persona 3 Reload TICA 2024 01.jpg|thumb|260px|The booth of ''Persona 3 Reload'' at the 2024 Taipei International Comics & Animation Festival]]

In early June 2023, Atlus Japan renewed the aforementioned "p3re.jp" web domain speculated to be connected to the ''Persona 3'' remake, alongside a new web domain, "p5t.jp", surmised by gaming news outlets to be connected to a potential spin-off title for ''[[Persona 5]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ramsey |first=Robert |date=2023-05-24 |title=New 'P5T' Domain Has Fans Questioning Another Persona 5 Game Announcement |url=https://www.pushsquare.com/news/2023/05/new-p5t-domain-has-fans-questioning-another-persona-5-game-announcement |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230609023922/https://www.pushsquare.com/news/2023/05/new-p5t-domain-has-fans-questioning-another-persona-5-game-announcement |archive-date=2023-06-09 |access-date=2023-06-09 |website=Push Square |language=en-GB}}</ref> Shortly thereafter, [[Atlus West]] accidentally uploaded the reveal trailer for the remake, titled ''Persona 3 Reload'', on their official [[Instagram]] account alongside the trailer for the spin-off title ''[[Persona 5 Tactica]]'' (2023). Both games did not officially get announced until [[Microsoft]]'s [[Xbox Games Showcase]] event, which aired later in the week.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Romano |first=Sal |date=2023-06-08 |title=Persona 3 Reload and Persona 5 Tactica announcement trailers leaked by ATLUS West |url=https://www.gematsu.com/2023/06/persona-3-reload-and-persona-5-tactica-announcement-trailers-leaked-by-atlus-west |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230608224856/https://www.gematsu.com/2023/06/persona-3-reload-and-persona-5-tactica-announcement-trailers-leaked-by-atlus-west |archive-date=2023-06-08 |access-date=2023-06-09 |website=Gematsu |language=en-US}}</ref> Sega hosted a panel dedicated to the game at [[Anime Expo]] 2023 the following month attended by Aleks Le, Heather Gonzalez, Zeno Robinson, Alejandro Saab, Allegra Clark and Suzie Yeung which was accompanied by a second trailer showcasing the game's English dub.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Romano |first=Sal |date=2023-07-04 |title=Persona 3 Reload – Anime Expo 2023 trailer, screenshots |url=https://www.gematsu.com/2023/07/persona-3-reload-anime-expo-2023-trailer-screenshots |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230827223048/https://www.gematsu.com/2023/07/persona-3-reload-anime-expo-2023-trailer-screenshots |archive-date=2023-08-27 |access-date=2023-08-23 |website=Gematsu |language=en-US}}</ref> Between October 2023 and January 2024, Atlus West posted a series of featurettes titled ''Reloaded: The Voices of Persona 3'' onto their YouTube channel, featuring interviews and anecdotes about the development and legacy of ''Persona 3'', from both the English voice cast of the original game as well as ''Reload''<nowiki/>{{'s}} new cast.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Reggy |date=2023-10-19 |title=Persona 3 Reload Behind the Scenes Episode 1 Featuring English Voice Actors Released, English Screenshots |url=https://personacentral.com/p3r-behind-the-scenes-episode-1/ |access-date=2024-01-29 |website=Persona Central |language=en-US |archive-date=29 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240129002201/https://personacentral.com/p3r-behind-the-scenes-episode-1/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On January 23, 2024, Atlus West released a live-action commercial for the game featuring actor [[Aidan Gallagher]], who was depicted moving between various key story areas of the game while reflecting on the theme of mortality in the game's narrative.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Antonio Pineda |first=Rafael |date=2024-01-28 |title=Persona 3 Reload Game's Trailer Features Aidan Gallagher |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2024-01-25/persona-3-reload-game-trailer-features-aidan-gallagher/.206835 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240213024857/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2024-01-25/persona-3-reload-game-trailer-features-aidan-gallagher/.206835 |archive-date=13 February 2024 |access-date=2024-01-29 |website=Anime News Network |language=en}}</ref> The trailer drew negative reactions, with online outlets making note of the tonal disparity between the source material and the dramatized dialogue from Gallagher himself.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shepard |first=Kenneth |date=2024-01-22 |title=New Ad Turns Umbrella Academy Actor Into Persona Character For Some Reason |url=https://kotaku.com/persona-3-reload-live-action-ad-umbrella-academy-aidan-1851186469 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240129002201/https://kotaku.com/persona-3-reload-live-action-ad-umbrella-academy-aidan-1851186469 |archive-date=29 January 2024 |access-date=2024-01-29 |website=[[Kotaku]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Murphy |first=Michael |date=2024-01-22 |title=Persona 3 Reload goes live-action with odd new trailer starring Aidan Gallagher |url=https://www.destructoid.com/persona-3-reload-goes-live-action-with-odd-new-trailer-starring-aidan-gallagher/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240129002201/https://www.destructoid.com/persona-3-reload-goes-live-action-with-odd-new-trailer-starring-aidan-gallagher/ |archive-date=29 January 2024 |access-date=2024-01-29 |website=[[Destructoid]] |language=en-US}}</ref>

''Persona 3 Reload'' released for [[PlayStation 4]], [[PlayStation 5]], [[Windows]], [[Xbox One]], and [[Xbox Series X/S]] on February 2, 2024. From launch, it was available to play on [[Xbox Game Pass]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Skrebels |first=Joe |date=2023-06-11 |title=Xbox Games Showcase 2023 and Starfield Direct Double Feature: Every Announcement and Reveal |url=https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2023/06/11/xbox-games-showcase-starfield-direct-recap-everything-announced/ |access-date=2023-06-14 |website=Xbox Wire |language=en-US |archive-date=2023-06-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230613184710/https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2023/06/11/xbox-games-showcase-starfield-direct-recap-everything-announced/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |first=Wesley |last=Yin-Poole |date=2023-06-14 |title=Persona 3 Reload and Persona 5 Tactica Confirmed for Additional Platforms |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/persona-3-reload-and-persona-5-tactica-confirmed-for-additional-platforms |access-date=2023-07-26 |website=IGN |language=en |archive-date=2023-07-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230705213412/https://www.ign.com/articles/persona-3-reload-and-persona-5-tactica-confirmed-for-additional-platforms |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Romano |first=Sal |date=2023-08-23 |title=Persona 3 Reload launches February 2, 2024 |url=https://www.gematsu.com/2023/08/persona-3-reload-launches-february-2-2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230823071803/https://www.gematsu.com/2023/08/persona-3-reload-launches-february-2-2024 |archive-date=2023-08-23 |access-date=2023-08-23 |website=Gematsu |language=en-US}}</ref> Alongside the standard edition, a Digital Deluxe and Digital Premium Edition are also available. Both editions bundle the game with a digital soundtrack and artbook, while the Premium version additionally comes with a [[downloadable content]] (DLC) pack of in-game extras. A physical collector's edition, dubbed the "[[Aigis (Character)|Aigis]] Edition", comes with unique packaging, physical versions of the artbook and soundtrack, a large bust of the character Aigis, and vouchers for the DLC pack.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Luster |first=Joseph |date=2023-08-23 |title=Persona 3 Reload release date set, Aigis Edition revealed |url=https://www.destructoid.com/persona-3-reload-release-date-set-aigis-edition-revealed/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230823155835/https://www.destructoid.com/persona-3-reload-release-date-set-aigis-edition-revealed/ |archive-date=2023-08-23 |access-date=2023-08-23 |website=[[Destructoid]] |language=en-US}}</ref> The PlayStation 4 version of the game offers a free upgrade path to the PlayStation 5 version, and the physical Xbox release supports the Smart Delivery function between Xbox One and Xbox Series X depending on where the game is installed.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Persona 3 Reload PS4 & PS5 |url=https://store.playstation.com/en-us/product/UP0177-PPSA10872_00-APPLICATION00000 |access-date=2024-02-12 |website=store.playstation.com |archive-date=19 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240119141516/https://store.playstation.com/en-us/product/UP0177-PPSA10872_00-APPLICATION00000 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Buy Persona 3 Reload {{!}} Xbox |url=https://www.xbox.com/en-CA/games/store/persona-3-reload/9nkk6z0k3rh2 |access-date=2024-03-02 |website=www.xbox.com}}</ref>

''Persona 3 Reload'' was released alongside a set of day-one downloadable content (DLC) comprising in-game extras, which can either be purchased standalone, or in a bundle. These include costume sets inspired by the Yasogami High School uniforms from ''[[Persona 4]]'' (2008), as well as the Shujiin Academy uniforms and [[Phantom Thieves of Hearts]] attire from ''[[Persona 5]]'' (2016) for the party members to wear during dungeon exploration. Also included are additional Persona sets featuring Personas from ''Persona 4'', ''Persona 5'', and ''Persona 5 Royal,'' as well as a custom background music set featuring tracks from ''Persona 5 Royal''. Those that pre-ordered the game also got access to a custom background music set featuring tracks from ''Persona 4 Golden.''<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2023-08-23 |title=Persona 3 Reload Pre-Order Guide |url=https://finalweapon.net/2023/08/23/persona-3-reload-pre-order-guide/ |access-date=2023-08-23 |website=Final Weapon |language=en-US |archive-date=2023-08-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230823125553/https://finalweapon.net/2023/08/23/persona-3-reload-pre-order-guide/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Colbert |first=Isaiah |date=2023-10-20 |title=What Each Edition Of Persona 3 Reload Will Get You |url=https://kotaku.com/persona-3-reload-preorder-bonuses-playstation-xbox-1850945846 |access-date=2024-01-02 |website=[[Kotaku]] |language=en |archive-date=16 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240116215346/https://kotaku.com/persona-3-reload-preorder-bonuses-playstation-xbox-1850945846 |url-status=live }}</ref> An [[season pass (video games)|expansion pass]] featuring three waves of downloadable content was announced during an Xbox Partner Preview livestream on March 6, 2024. The first wave, released one week later on March 12, features additional background music tracks from ''Persona 4 Golden'' and ''Persona 5 Royal''. The second, released on May 31, 2024, includes Velvet Room costumes for the characters and new music tracks.

{{anchor|Episode Aigis}}'''''Episode Aigis: The Answer'' is a remake of "The Answer"''',{{efn|Known as "Episode Aegis" in Japan}} thea remake of "The Answer" epilogue chapter originally released as both an add-on disc for the original ''Persona 3'' and as part of ''[[Persona 3 FES]]'', was released on September 10, 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bailey |first=Kat |date=2024-03-06 |title=Persona 3 Reload: Episode Aigis DLC Is the FES DLC Fans Have Been Waiting For - Xbox Partner Preview |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/persona-3-reload-episode-aigis-dlc-announced-xbox-partner-preview |access-date=2024-03-06 |website=IGN |language=en }}</ref> In an interview, producer Kazuhisa Wada explained that even though the story of this chapter caused some controversy among players, its remake remains faithful to the original.<ref name="DLCFamitsu">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.famitsu.com/news/202403/08336894.html|title=【P3R】『ペルソナ3 リロード： エクスパンションパス』開発者に独自インタビュー。高いハードルがあった"後日談"のリメイクや、"女性主人公"のこと、"完全新作"への意欲などを語っていただいた。|author=川島KG|magazine=[[Famitsu]]|date=March 8, 2024|access-date=March 9, 2024|language=Japanese}}</ref> Because the team was short on staff, the DLC was directed by Yu Hashizume, the battle planner of games such as ''[[Tokyo Mirage Sessions ♯FE]]'' and ''[[Soul Hackers 2]]''. Since Hashizume is not part of P-Studio, the proposal surprised him, but he decided to accept the position to get involved with the ''Persona'' series.<ref name="DLCFamitsu"/> The music from the original game was arrangedrearranged by Atsushi Kitajoh, and two new songs were created by Ryota Kozuka: an opening theme and a battle theme.<ref name="DLCFamitsu"/> At''Episode Aigis'' is set to be the timelast piece of downloadable content for the announcementgame. According to Wada, the addition of a female protagonist was considered during development but was 40deemed too time-50%consuming completeand expensive compared to the epilogue. He also stated that the ''Persona'' team "has a mission to work on not only remakes but also 'completely new' projects".<ref>{{cite nameweb|url="DLCFamitsu"https://www.gamesradar.com/persona-3-reload-leads-decided-against-adding-portables-female-protagonist-to-the-jrpg-because-itd-take-too-long-and-be-too-expensive/|title=Persona 3 Reload leads decided against adding Portable's female protagonist to the JRPG because it'd take too long and be too expensive|first=Catherine|last=Lewis|website=[[GamesRadar+]]|date=March 8, 2024|access-date=March 9, 2024}}</ref>

| MC = (PC) 89/100<ref name="MCPC">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/persona-3-reload/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=Persona 3 Reload for PC Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |accessdate=January 30, 2024 |archive-date=4 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240204013526/https://www.metacritic.com/game/persona-3-reload/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |url-status=live }}</ref><br>(PS5) 87/100<ref name="MCPS5">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/persona-3-reload/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-5 |title=Persona 3 Reload for PlayStation 5 Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |accessdate=January 30, 2024 |archive-date=4 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240204013455/https://www.metacritic.com/game/persona-3-reload/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-5 |url-status=live }}</ref><br>(XSXS) 8786/100<ref name="MCXSXS">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/persona-3-reload/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-series-x |title=Persona 3 Reload for Xbox Series X Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |accessdate=January 30, 2024 |archive-date=4 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240204013526/https://www.metacritic.com/game/persona-3-reload/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-series-x |url-status=live }}</ref><br />''Episode Aigis'':<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/persona-3-reload-episode-aigis-the-answer/|title=Persona 3 Reload - Episode Aigis: The Answer|website=[[Metacritic]]|date=September 10, 2024}}</ref><br>(PC) 78/100<br>(PS5) 70/100<br>(XSXS) 75/100

| IGN = 9/10<ref name="IGN">{{cite web |last=Higham |first=Michael |date=January 30, 2024 |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/persona-3-reload-review |title=Persona 3 Reload Review |website=[[IGN]] |accessdate=January 30, 2024 |archive-date=5 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240205043151/https://www.ign.com/articles/persona-3-reload-review |url-status=live }}</ref><br />8/10 (''Episode Aigis'')<ref>{{cite web|last=Higham |first=Michael|date=2024-09-14|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/persona-3-reload-episode-aigis-the-answer-dlc-review|title=Persona 3 Reload: Episode Aigis - The Answer DLC Review|website=[[IGN]]}}</ref>

| PSQ = {{Rating|9|10}}<ref>{{cite web |last=Ramsey |first=Robert |date=January 30, 2024 |url=https://www.pushsquare.com/reviews/ps5/persona-3-reload |title=Persona 3 Reload Review (PS5) |website=[[Push Square]] |accessdate=January 30, 2024 |archive-date=3 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240203194225/https://www.pushsquare.com/reviews/ps5/persona-3-reload |url-status=live }}</ref><br />{{Rating|6|10}} (''Episode Aigis'')<ref>{{cite web|author=Robert Ramsey|title=Mini Review: Persona 3 Reload: Episode Aigis (PS5) - Expensive Expansion Is a Flawed Affair|url=https://www.pushsquare.com/reviews/ps5/persona-3-reload-episode-aigis|date=2024-09-18|website=[[Push Square]]}}</ref>

| RPGFan = 97/100<ref>{{cite web |last=Franiczek |first=Aleks |date=February 2, 2024 |url=https://www.rpgfan.com/review/persona-3-reload/ |title=Persona 3 Reload Review |website=RPGFan |accessdate=February 2, 2024 |archive-date=3 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240203001858/https://www.rpgfan.com/review/persona-3-reload/ |url-status=live }}</ref><br />83/100 (''Episode Aigis'')<ref>{{cite web|author=Aleks Franiczek|url=https://www.rpgfan.com/review/persona-3-reload-episode-aigis-the-answer/|title=Persona 3 Reload: Episode Aigis -The Answer-|work=RPGFan|date=2024-09-14}}</ref>

Previews of ''Persona 3 Reload'' were generally positively received by games journalists, who praised the updated visuals and gameplay, as well as the game's faithfulness to the original,<ref name="vg247">{{Cite web |last=Peppiatt |first=Dom |date=2023-08-30 |title=Persona 3 Reload proves that it's always worth going back to school – preview |url=https://www.vg247.com/persona-3-reload-preview |access-date=2023-09-15 |website=VG247 |language=en |archive-date=2023-09-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230919222710/https://www.vg247.com/persona-3-reload-preview |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="kotaku">{{Cite web |last=Shepard |first=Kenneth |date=2023-08-23 |title=Hands-On: Persona 3 Reload Remakes The One Thing That Didn't Need Remaking |url=https://kotaku.com/hands-on-persona-3-reload-remakes-the-one-thing-that-d-1850748829 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230922224516/https://kotaku.com/hands-on-persona-3-reload-remakes-the-one-thing-that-d-1850748829 |archive-date=2023-09-22 |access-date=2023-09-15 |website=[[Kotaku]] |language=en}}</ref> though some criticized the omission of the female protagonist included in ''Portable''.<ref name="gamesradar">{{Cite web |last=Gould-Wilson |first=Jasmine |date=2023-09-01 |title=Persona 3 Reload has turned me into a JRPG fan |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/persona-3-reload-preview-hands-on-gamescom-2023/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230920122450/https://www.gamesradar.com/persona-3-reload-preview-hands-on-gamescom-2023/ |archive-date=2023-09-20 |access-date=2023-09-15 |website=gamesradar |language=en}}</ref><ref name="polygon" /> Kenneth Shepard of ''Kotaku'' praised the demo overall, but disliked the remade music.<ref name="kotaku" /> Jasmine Gould-Wilson of ''GamesRadar'' described the demo as "a blast" and said the game "could be an excellent place to start" for newcomers to the series.<ref name="gamesradar" /> Dom Peppiatt of ''VG247'' said the demo appeared to be "a remaster in the best sense".<ref name="vg247" /> In contrast, writing for ''Polygon'', Chelsea Stark criticized the lack of environmental detail in the dungeons, which she described as faithful to the original game but not up to the standards set by ''Persona 5'', and expressed uncertainty about how much would be updated in the final product.<ref name="polygon">{{Cite web |last=Stark |first=Chelsea |date=2023-08-23 |title=I'm worried about the Persona 3 remake |url=https://www.polygon.com/23841928/persona-3-reload-remake-hands-on |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230829114256/https://www.polygon.com/23841928/persona-3-reload-remake-hands-on |archive-date=2023-08-29 |access-date=2023-09-15 |website=Polygon |language=en-US}}</ref> ''Persona 3 Reload'' was nominated for Most Wanted Game in the 2023 [[Golden Joystick Awards]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Loveridge |first=Sam |date=2023-11-10 |title=Here are all the Golden Joystick Awards 2023 winners |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/golden-joystick-awards-2023-winners/ |access-date=2023-11-11 |website=[[GamesRadar+]] |language=en |archive-date=2023-11-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231111092322/https://www.gamesradar.com/golden-joystick-awards-2023-winners/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

''Persona 3 Reload'' received "generally favorable" reviews from critics, according to [[review aggregator]] website [[Metacritic]].<ref name="MCPC"/><ref name="MCPS5"/><ref name="MCXSXS"/> ''[[IGN]]'s'' Michael Higham described the game as "a more fully realized version of a beloved RPG", praising the game's quality of life improvements, voice cast, and soundtrack.<ref name="IGN" /> PlayStation Universe's Joe Richards complimented the game's blending of the style used in ''Persona 5'' with that of the original game, calling it a "masterclass in design" with "some of the most elegant menus in RPG history".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Richards |first=Joe |date=30 January 2024 |title=Persona 3 Reload Review (PS5) – Class is Starting Again |url=https://www.psu.com/reviews/persona-3-reload-review-ps5/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240203031441/https://www.psu.com/reviews/persona-3-reload-review-ps5/ |archive-date=3 February 2024 |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=PlayStation Universe |language=en}}</ref> Games reviewers commonly praised ''Episode Aigis'' for its plot beats and new music, and criticized its "tedious", "repetitiveness" and poor controls.<ref>{{cite web|date=2024-09-09|url=https://kotaku.com/persona-3-reload-answer-episode-aigis-review-dlc-1851643562|work=[[Kotaku]]|title=Persona 3 Reload - Episode Aigis: The Answer: The Kotaku Review|author=Kenneth Shepard}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=2024-09-09|url=https://xboxera.com/2024/09/09/persona-3-reload-episode-aigis-the-answer-review/|work=XboxEra|title=<nowiki>PERSONA 3 RELOAD: Episode Aigis -The Answer- | Review</nowiki>|author=Genghis "Solidus Kraken" Husameddin2}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=2024-09-15|url=https://www.theouterhaven.net/2024/09/persona-3-reload-episode-aigis-review-is-this-the-answer/|work=THE OUTERHAVEN|title=Persona 3 Reload: Episode Aigis – The Answer DLC Review|author=Todd Black}}</ref>