4.5/5 ★ – Jaydo_'s review of Persona 3 Reload.

It really goes to show how good this game is that even with an extremely tough first TWENTY hours, that it is still absolutely amazing. The story is definitely the best from 3-5, I just wish the pacing was better throughout. As mentioned, a rough first 20 hours where not much happens & when something does happen the game immediately slowed back down again made me doubt a lot of what I had heard about this game. However when the story picks up it is really hard to fault it and remember the slow points to drag down my feelings towards the game and its story. Being the first Persona game that really set Persona into what it is now, it is understandable that the game can feel bare bones in comparison to 4 & 5 sometimes, in regard to social links and activities. However, individually, this the best cast from 3-5 but I just wish there was more hangouts generally and social links with the male dorm members. Some also really strange links too like Tanaka & Nozomi. Combat wise I think this is also the best entry. The fact that you can make anyone viable and that everyone truly brings something unique to a fight is great. Theurgy’s don’t feel like lame power boosts too like P5R’s Showtime attacks did. Yukari is the only one I feel like you NEED to bring with you although I can see where Ken could be better instead of her. My favourite party to use was for sure Yukari, Mitsuru & Junpei. Koromaru is a beast late game too it’s just a shame he gets Debilitate so late. The only things holding this from a 5 star rating is the previously mentioned first 20 hours, Tartarus to an extent and the lack of those big event & group hangouts. Romance options too, there is literally only Christmas eve and it is just a really standard event one. I would also complain the promised day was a bit too easy but it should be when you’re level 99 with Messiah lol. Overall, I really love this game too. As I said at the start it really proves how good it is that I wasn’t really enjoying the game at the start for those 20 hours but ended up loving it in a 73 hour playthrough. Can’t wait for the Aigis dlc!