While Persona 3 Reload may not be the definitive version, I still can't wait to play it

It hasn't been that long since I played Persona 3 to test the port earlier this year. Back then, I lamented the absence of a complete modern version of the game, as it did not include all the content from previous iterations. With the announcement of Persona 3 Reload, I thought, perhaps, the fans would finally receive the ultimate definitive edition. But alas, it was not meant to be.

Reload is not based on either Persona 3: FES or Persona 3 Portable, but rather a remake of the original game, albeit with apparent elements from FES included. This means that we will not be getting the epilogue chapter from FES or the route with the female protagonist from Portable. Even more importantly, I won't be able to pursue a romantic relationship with Akihiko at all.

Consequently, I didn't have high expectations for Reload. I knew it would look glossy and new, but I didn't anticipate how thrilled I would be when I recently played it at Gamescom. Don't get me wrong: I adore Persona, and I knew I would enjoy it no matter what. However, having recently completed the entire story in its entirety—which, mind you, are not short games—I didn't think I would be so enthused to dive back in and play it again so soon.

The moment the familiar, stylish music played and I saw the characters with their sleek new graphical polish, I was captivated. Everything just looked so pristine. The movements of the characters feel much more natural in their 3D form, and the animated portraits during conversations looked fantastic. The cutscenes felt more cinematic, such as when the protagonist sidesteps Junpei while preparing for a boss battle. The presentation of Reload serves as a reminder that Persona is the king of style.

Many Persona games suffer from similar dungeons, especially in older titles. Every corridor looks identical. Fairly, this is done to disorient you, but whether intentional or not, it still feels somewhat monotonous. Nevertheless, it was nice to see that Reload spruces up Tartarus a bit by adding more details and incorporating some destructible objects that you can smash for items.

The combat unfolds mostly as expected, but of course, everything looks better and feels smoother. A new mechanism called "Shifting" has been added, which allows you to pass the chance for a "One More" to someone else in your party, thus functioning similarly to the "Baton Pass" in newer titles.

Normally, I wouldn't play the same game twice in the span of a year, especially not a lengthy narrative-driven game like Persona. However, Reload is such an impressive upgrade over the base game and exudes so much more style and charm that it's simply tempting to dive back in right away. It may not include all the content I desire, but I am still eager to replay it and experience the story in this crisp new graphics, as well as witness any further quality-of-life improvements that have been made. Additionally, I can still hold out hope for DLC or an expanded version that combines Reload with FES and Portable. Perhaps one day we will receive a definitive Persona 3, but until then, this more than suffices for me.