Persona 3 Reload

Peak soundtrack

Persona 3 is the perfect example of a typical Japanese role-playing game: great ideas executed with many flaws. The game can easily be divided into three pillars: the story, the day-to-day life, and the gameplay inside Tartarus. The story is extremely diluted and skims over some of its most interesting points too quickly, which often leaves you confused. This is especially apparent in the final confrontation with Jin or with the lack of explanation regarding the "peculiar" shape of the Evokers. The story could have “ended” at least 2 in-game months earlier; however, I understand that these final months were meant to serve as a farewell, so I can almost forgive them. The day-to-day is interesting, but unfortunately, it is a significant downgrade from Persona 5. Didn't buy a specific soda bottle during the Kyoto trip? Tough luck! no superboss for you. Didn't hyper-optimize your Social Link progression? You poor soul… Be prepared to spend half the game's evenings staring at a wall because you have nothing better to do. Didn't buy the DLC? You'd better bring out the wallet; otherwise, no platinum for you! Last but not least is the combat. I am in love with this battle system; it is the main thing that kept me going. The build variety (although heavily skewed toward physical) and the party dynamics were engaging enough to make the encounters intense and fun, and the music was incredible. That being said, 200+ floors of Tartarus was a tad too many, don't you think? Overall, solid album but the game that comes attached with it could be better…