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Line 59: ===Presentation=== 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 [[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; [[Wendee Lee]], who dubbed Fuuka in English from ''[[Persona 4 Arena]]'' onwards, voices Ms. Terauchi, the English teacher at Gekkoukan High School; [[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. [[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; 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'' has the most spoken dialogue of any game in the 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> ===Art design=== Azusa Shimada serves as ''Persona 3 Reload''{{'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''{{'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''{{'s}} art design, and its notion that a user interface could have powerful synergy with the game's themes. He explained that ''Reload''{{'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''{{'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''{{'s}} user interface. The game's final logo went through multiple design iterations, with earlier concepts entirely reimagining the typeface to illustrate the intent of the game rebooting ''Persona 3'' for a new audience. However, as it became increasingly clear to the development staff that ''Reload'' would retain the original game's core while only updating its presentation and accessibility, Kumagai and Azusa Shimada created a logo that largely resembled the original game's title treatment, but with the ''Reload'' moniker communicating its status as a remake with new elements as opposed to an HD remaster.<ref>{{Cite web \|date=2023-11-29 \|title=『ペルソナ3 リロード』開発者に独自インタビュー。おしゃれなメニュー画面のために"専用"の3Dモデルまで用意。制作過程のデザイン案も公開 {{!}} ゲーム・エンタメ最新情報のファミ通.com \|url=https://www.famitsu.com/news/202311/29325647.html \|access-date=2024-01-22 \|website=ファミ通.com \|language=ja \|archive-date=8 February 2024 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240208090137/https://www.famitsu.com/news/202311/29325647.html \|url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|last=Alex \|date=2023-11-29 \|title=Persona 3 Reload Developer Interview on UI Development, Concept Screenshots \|url=https://personacentral.com/p3r-interview-menu-ui/ \|access-date=2024-01-22 \|website=Persona Central \|language=en-US \|archive-date=5 January 2024 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240105042200/https://personacentral.com/p3r-interview-menu-ui/ \|url-status=live }}</ref> Line 79: In April 2023, internally screened footage from Sega leaked online, showing footage of ''Persona 3'' party member [[Yukari Takeba]] engaging in an encounter with a Shadow, alleged to be from an early development build of a ''Persona 3'' remake. News publication site Gematsu later corroborated the footage, with a contributing writer stating that the firm had heard from anonymous sources close to Sega that a remake of the game was in development, and that the build shown in the sizzle reel was sourced from 2021. That same day, a [[Twitter]] user uncovered a registered [[web domain]] named "p3re.jp", which was speculated to be connected to a ''Persona 3'' remake due to its shorthand abbreviation potentially referencing the game and following previously registered web domains for projects in the ''Persona'' series.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Romano \|first=Sal \|date=2023-04-10 \|title=Rumor: Persona 3 remake and new Jet Set Radio game footage appears online \|url=https://www.gematsu.com/2023/04/rumor-persona-3-remake-and-new-jet-set-radio-game-footage-appears-online \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230417002805/https://www.gematsu.com/2023/04/rumor-persona-3-remake-and-new-jet-set-radio-game-footage-appears-online \|archive-date=2023-04-17 \|access-date=2023-06-08 \|website=Gematsu \|language=en-US}}</ref> 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''{{'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 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> In February 2024, Atlus announced a collaboration with Cerevo to make a 1:1 replica of the Evoker.<ref name="Cerevo">{{Cite web\|url=https://www.siliconera.com/persona-3-reload-evoker-replica-in-development/\|title=Persona 3 Reload Evoker Replica in Development\|date=1 February 2024\|publisher=Siliconera\|access-date=2 February 2024\|archive-date=13 February 2024\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240213025020/https://www.siliconera.com/persona-3-reload-evoker-replica-in-development/\|url-status=live}}</ref> A prototype was showcased at the Wonder Festival 2024 Winter.<ref name="Cerevo"/> They also announced a collaboration with Koikeya to market limited edition potato chips and charms based on the game.<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.siliconera.com/taste-the-sea-with-persona-3-reload-potato-chips/\|title=Taste the Sea With Persona 3 Reload Potato Chips\|publisher=Siliconera\|date=1 February 2024\|access-date=2 February 2024\|archive-date=2 February 2024\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240202121013/https://www.siliconera.com/taste-the-sea-with-persona-3-reload-potato-chips/\|url-status=live}}</ref> In July 2024, Atlus and Platinum Pens announced a collaboration to market a special fountain pen sold by Premium Bandai.<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://www.siliconera.com/persona-3-reload-fountain-pen-looks-like-school-merchandise/\|title=Persona 3 Reload Fountain Pen Looks Like School Merchandise \|publisher=Siliconera\|date=2 July 2024}}</ref> On July 3, 2024, McFarlane Toys announced a 2025 release for Persona 3 Reload action figures.<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://www.siliconera.com/mcfarlane-toys-making-persona-3-reload-action-figures\|title=McFarlane Toys Making Persona 3 Reload Action Figures \|date=3 July 2024\|publisher=Siliconera}}</ref>▼ ===Downloadable content=== Line 89 ⟶ 87: {{anchor\|Episode Aigis}}'''''Episode Aigis''''',{{efn\|Known as "Episode Aegis" in Japan}} a 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 rearranged by Atsushi Kitajoh, and two new songs were created by Ryota Kozuka: an opening theme and a battle theme.<ref name="DLCFamitsu"/> ''Episode Aigis'' is set to be the last piece of downloadable content for the game. According to Wada, the addition of a female protagonist was considered during development but was deemed too time-consuming and 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 web\|url=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> === Tie-in media and merchandise === ▲In February 2024, Atlus announced a collaboration with Cerevo to make a 1:1 replica of the Evoker as depicted in ''Reload''.<ref name="Cerevo">{{Cite web \|date=1 February 2024 \|title=Persona 3 Reload Evoker Replica in Development \|url=https://www.siliconera.com/persona-3-reload-evoker-replica-in-development/~~\|title=Persona~~ ~~3 Reload Evoker Replica in Development~~\|~~date=1 February 2024\|publisher=Siliconera\|access~~url-~~date~~status=2live ~~February 2024\|archive-date=13 February 2024~~\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240213025020/https://www.siliconera.com/persona-3-reload-evoker-replica-in-development/ \|~~url~~archive-~~status~~date=~~live~~13 February 2024 \|access-date=2 February 2024 \|publisher=Siliconera}}</ref> A prototype was showcased at the Wonder Festival 2024 Winter.<ref name="Cerevo" /> They also announced a collaboration with Koikeya to market limited edition potato chips and charms based on the game.<ref>{{Cite web \|date=1 February 2024 \|title=Taste the Sea With Persona 3 Reload Potato Chips \|url=https://www.siliconera.com/taste-the-sea-with-persona-3-reload-potato-chips/~~\|title=Taste~~ ~~the Sea With Persona 3 Reload Potato Chips~~\|~~publisher=Siliconera\|date=1 February 2024\|access~~url-~~date~~status=2live ~~February 2024\|archive-date=2 February 2024~~\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240202121013/https://www.siliconera.com/taste-the-sea-with-persona-3-reload-potato-chips/ \|~~url~~archive-~~status~~date=~~live~~2 February 2024 \|access-date=2 February 2024 \|publisher=Siliconera}}</ref> In July 2024, Atlus and Platinum Pens announced a collaboration to market a special fountain pen sold by Premium Bandai.<ref>{{cite web \|date=2 July 2024 \|title=Persona 3 Reload Fountain Pen Looks Like School Merchandise \|url=https://www.siliconera.com/persona-3-reload-fountain-pen-looks-like-school-merchandise/~~\|title=Persona 3 Reload Fountain Pen Looks Like School Merchandise~~ \|publisher=Siliconera~~\|date=2 July 2024~~}}</ref> On July 3, 2024, McFarlane Toys announced a 2025 release for a themed line of ''Persona 3 Reload'' action figures.<ref>{{cite web \|date=3 July 2024 \|title=McFarlane Toys Making Persona 3 Reload Action Figures \|url=https://www.siliconera.com/mcfarlane-toys-making-persona-3-reload-action-figures~~\|title=McFarlane Toys~~ ~~Making Persona 3 Reload Action Figures \|date=3 July 2024~~\|publisher=Siliconera}}</ref> ==Reception== {{Video game reviews \| 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 \| Destruct = 6.5/10<ref>{{cite web \|last=Gonzalez \|first=Andrea \|date=February 4, 2024 \|url=https://www.destructoid.com/reviews/review-persona-3-reload/ \|title=Review: Persona 3 Reload \|website=[[Destructoid]] \|accessdate=February 4, 2024 \|archive-date=5 February 2024 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240205164458/https://www.destructoid.com/reviews/review-persona-3-reload/ \|url-status=live }}</ref> \| DT = {{Rating\|4.5\|5}}<ref>{{cite web \|last=Yang \|first=George \|date=January 30, 2024 \|url=https://www.digitaltrends.com/gaming/persona-3-reload-review-ps5/ \|title=Persona 3 Reload review: an almost perfect remake of an all-time classic \|website=[[Digital Trends]] \|accessdate=January 30, 2024 \|archive-date=3 February 2024 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240203001928/https://www.digitaltrends.com/gaming/persona-3-reload-review-ps5/ \|url-status=live }}</ref> Line 100 ⟶ 101: \| GameRev = 9/10<ref>{{cite web \|last=Tan \|first=Nicholas \|date=February 5, 2024 \|url=https://www.gamerevolution.com/review/964464-persona-5-reload-review-pc-steam-xbox-series-s-x-one-ps5-ps4-worth-buying-playing \|title=Persona 3 Reload Review (PC) \|website=[[Game Revolution]] \|accessdate=February 5, 2024 \|archive-date=5 February 2024 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240205213649/https://www.gamerevolution.com/review/964464-persona-5-reload-review-pc-steam-xbox-series-s-x-one-ps5-ps4-worth-buying-playing \|url-status=live }}</ref> \| GSpot = 9/10<ref>{{cite web \|last=Cogswell \|first=Jess \|date=January 30, 2024 \|url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/persona-3-reload-review-burn-your-dread/1900-6418171/ \|title=Persona 3 Reload Review - Burn Your Dread \|website=[[GameSpot]] \|accessdate=January 30, 2024 \|archive-date=4 February 2024 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240204225846/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/persona-3-reload-review-burn-your-dread/1900-6418171/ \|url-status=live }}</ref> \| 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> \| NME = {{Rating\|4\|5}}<ref>{{cite web \|last=Brown \|first=Andy \|date=January 30, 2024 \|url=https://www.nme.com/reviews/game-reviews/persona-3-reload-review-pull-the-trigger-on-this-must-play-marvel-3578837 \|title='Persona 3 Reload' review: pull the trigger on this must-play marvel \|website=[[NME]] \|accessdate=January 30, 2024 \|archive-date=3 February 2024 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240203230032/https://www.nme.com/reviews/game-reviews/persona-3-reload-review-pull-the-trigger-on-this-must-play-marvel-3578837 \|url-status=live }}</ref> \| PCGUS = 89/100<ref>{{cite web \|last=Newman \|first=Heather \|date=January 31, 2024 \|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/persona-3-reload-review/ \|title=Persona 3 Reload review \|website=[[PC Gamer]] \|accessdate=January 31, 2024 \|archive-date=5 February 2024 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240205124847/https://www.pcgamer.com/persona-3-reload-review/ \|url-status=live }}</ref> \| PCGN = 8/10<ref>{{cite web \|last=Irwin \|first=Dave \|date=January 30, 2024 \|url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/persona-3-reload/review \|title=Persona 3 Reload review – a high-caliber JRPG remake \|website=[[PCGamesN]] \|accessdate=January 30, 2024 \|archive-date=3 February 2024 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240203210103/https://www.pcgamesn.com/persona-3-reload/review \|url-status=live }}</ref> \| PCM = {{Rating\|3.5\|5}}<ref>{{cite web \|last=Greenwald \|first=Will \|date=January 30, 2024 \|url=https://uk.pcmag.com/games/150672/persona-3-reload \|title=Persona 3 Reload - Review \|website=[[PCMag]] \|accessdate=January 30, 2024 \|archive-date=3 February 2024 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240203001857/https://uk.pcmag.com/games/150672/persona-3-reload \|url-status=live }}</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> \| SN = 9/10<ref>{{cite web \|last=Erskine \|first=Donovan \|date=January 30, 2024 \|url=https://www.shacknews.com/article/138489/persona-3-reload-review-score \|title=Persona 3 Reload review: Power hour \|website=[[Shacknews]] \|accessdate=January 30, 2024 \|archive-date=3 February 2024 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240203001754/https://www.shacknews.com/article/138489/persona-3-reload-review-score \|url-status=live }}</ref> \| TA = 4.5/5<ref>{{cite web \|last=Madnani \|first=Mikhail \|date=January 30, 2024 \|url=https://toucharcade.com/2024/01/30/persona-3-reload-steam-deck-review-graphics-performance-frame-rate-settings-pc-ps5-xbox/ \|title='Persona 3 Reload' Steam Deck Review – Perfect for Deck? \|website=[[TouchArcade]] \|accessdate=January 30, 2024 \|archive-date=5 February 2024 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240205052451/https://toucharcade.com/2024/01/30/persona-3-reload-steam-deck-review-graphics-performance-frame-rate-settings-pc-ps5-xbox/ \|url-status=live }}</ref> Line 121 ⟶ 122: ''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> ''Persona 3 Reload'' sold a million copies within its first week of release, making it the fastest-selling game in Atlus' history.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Barker \|first=Sammy \|date=2024-02-08 \|title=Persona 3 Reload Is Atlus' Fastest Selling Game Ever \|url=https://www.pushsquare.com/news/2024/02/persona-3-reload-is-atlus-fastest-selling-game-ever \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240208115101/https://www.pushsquare.com/news/2024/02/persona-3-reload-is-atlus-fastest-selling-game-ever \|archive-date=8 February 2024 \|access-date=2024-02-08 \|website=Push Square \|language=en-GB}}</ref> The game won the Award for Excellence at the [[Japan Game Awards]] 2024.<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000120.000013057.html\|title=【日本ゲーム大賞2024】年間作品部門大賞は「ゼルダの伝説　ティアーズオブザキングダム」（任天堂株式会社）\|work=[[PR Times]]\|date=2024-09-26\|language=ja}}</ref> {{clear}} ==Notes== Line 139 ⟶ 140: [[Category:Dark fantasy role-playing video games]] [[Category:High school-themed video games]] [[Category:Japan Game Award winners]] [[Category:Persona (series)\|Persona 3 Reload]] [[Category:PlayStation 4 games]]