Persona 3 Reload Nintendo Switch 2 Review

Persona 3 Reload Nintendo Switch 2 Review

Diving into a long-running franchise can seem daunting, especially when the numbers on the box suggest years of history to catch up on. The Persona series may only have five main entries, but its numerous spin-offs, not to mention the fact that it originated as a spin-off of Shin Megami Tensei, can make it difficult to know where to start. Although the first two games were directly related, each entry from Persona 3 onward is a standalone adventure, each of which is often cited as a benchmark for modern JRPGs. First released This acclaimed remake is coming to Nintendo Switch 2 in February 2024. Is this the perfect home for one of the most celebrated JRPGs of all time, or does the move to Switch 2 come with compromises?

You play as Makoto, a new student at Gekkoukan High School with a mysterious past. During the day, you live the life of an ordinary student, studying a variety of subjects and solving the problems that plague teenage life, but at night everything changes dramatically. When the clock strikes midnight, the Dark Hour will begin. In this moment, which exists between one day and another, the Shadows roam, feeding on the minds of people. Since only a select few can enter this realm, you will quickly be recruited into the Specialized Extracurricular Execution Squad to save humanity from the Eternal Darkness. While there's a clear overarching story, it's the smaller, relationship-building stories that make Persona 3 Reload thrive.

Making friends

Social links provide the opportunity to get to know specific characters, revealing the stories that form the core of the narrative. What starts out as a simple side hustle can turn into a multi-layered, complex arc where morally ambiguous moments challenge your reactions. Some themes explore dark, emotional territory, while others remain light-hearted. However, the game carefully manages the pace of each one to encourage connection with the character and allow the narrative to unfold naturally.

Due to time restrictions, you can only participate in a certain number of activities per day. This leads to situations where you have to consider multiple options: continue to build a connection with a character or take a new path to connect with someone else. Not only is it a great storytelling tool, but it also helps bring the world to life. Navigating the dense environment rewards you with plenty of encounters that make exploration meaningful. This creates a memorable gameplay loop that immerses you deeper into the world's history.

The new voice actors deliver strong performances that bring each character to life. While longtime fans may be unhappy with the changes, the cast fits their roles perfectly, conveying the full range of emotions the story demands. Their work ensures that the characters look vibrant and memorable, leaping off the screen authentically, resulting in emotional beats that stay with you long after playing.

Time for action

During the Dark Hour, you find yourself in Tartarus, a huge multi-story dungeon filled with terrifying creatures that must be defeated. While the structure may feel a little repetitive, the combat is expertly designed and offers plenty of strategic options. Enemies are vulnerable to certain elements, prompting experimentation to quickly find the most effective way to destroy them. Exploiting these weaknesses stuns opponents, allowing you to make another attack or pass the turn to an ally, who can reveal their Persona to deal additional damage. This creates a satisfying tactical layer, as careful selection of the right options can allow you to take out an entire group in one go.

Adding even more depth is the theurgy system, which unlocks powerful abilities that can dramatically change the course of battle. These turns are made up of specific actions that reward smart play and strategy. Together, these mechanics form a combat system that is both rich, rewarding, and truly brilliant in its execution. As you climb the tower, you'll find Monad doors that reward you for fighting challenging creatures. Other doors also lead to costumes and leveling options, each of which provide incentive to explore. The locations also contain treasure chests and crates that require Twilight Fragments to open. You can find them during the daytime, which helps connect the two segments of the game.

Corporate identity

The style and presentation of the Persona series remains unmatched, and this remake brings the third installment of Reload closer to its modern counterparts. The character models have been completely updated, adding nuance and personality to the actors. The Switch 2's performance is fast, with a frame rate of 30 frames per second. Although the PS5 and Series X versions top out at 60, the methodical pace of the game means this difference rarely becomes an issue. The soundtrack, inspired by a mixture of hip-hop, jazz and electronic music, perfectly complements the stylish aesthetic of the game. Together, the visuals and music create an experience that stands head and shoulders above many of its peers.

Persona 3 Reload is an authentic modernization of the iconic JRPG. Beginners are treated to an unforgettable adventure with fantastic combat and a rich, suspenseful narrative. Returning players will find a classic revived in Nintendo's hybrid version with fixed and stable performance, making it the perfect title for gaming on the go. Overall, it's a true renaissance that ensures that Persona 3 continues to resonate with both old fans and a new generation of players.

***Nintendo Switch 2 code provided by the publisher***