Persona 3 Reload releases in early 2024 as a monumental entry. It represents one of the few remakes in series that mostly dealt with the occasional remaster, re-release, or updated version, but never quite a true remake from the ground up. However, Persona 3 Reload should only be the first of several remakes, including a Persona 2 Remake.
Persona 2 has a unique status in the series as not one, but two games that make up its storyline. Innocent Sin released first in 1999 for the PS1 and was followed up a year later with its direct sequel Eternal Punishment in 2000. Sure, Atlus remastered both of these games for the PSP, but only one released outside of Japan.
However, that awkward release isn’t even the main issue with these games. Both Persona 2 titles (and the original for that matter) are such a challenge to go back to. I played them for the first time over a decade ago on the PSP, and they were a trudge to get through even back then. If people think Persona 3 needs a remake, it goes doubly so for these two games.
The isometric perspective feels awkward when exploring both in and out of dungeons. The turn-based combat is somewhat similar to later games, but feels slow and like a chore at times. This is all a shame, because the Persona 2 duology offers some of the finest storylines in the series if you can get through the frustrating gameplay.
Both titles focus heavily on the power of rumors. This plays a part in the gameplay, where the player makes choices and spreads rumors for events to happen. It also deals with a very different Joker than the iconic Phantom Thieves leader in Persona 5 and a surprising story with twists and turns.
Without spoilers, both titles feel essential and intertwined with one another to make the overall Persona 2 plot. This is why I feel like a Persona 2 Remake with both games in a singular story could be fascinating. Alternatively, it could come in a package of separate games.
The overall plot and lovable characters can remain the same, especially in the case of the rare female protagonist Maya, but the graphics and gameplay could benefit from a modern touch. It would be nice to see some of the features from the later core titles as well, such as the Persona Compendium and a deep social link system.
The latter is especially vital, since these games introduced romance for the first time. Players could romance and get special endings with a few of the party members, including the first same-sex relationship in the franchise. These games were far ahead of their time at the turn of the millennium but the graphics and gameplay feel severely outdated today. Here’s hoping the release of Persona 3 Reload leads to an eventual Persona 2 Remake or two.
Persona 3 Reload will release for PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC on February 2, 2024.
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