Persona 3 is considered by many to be the best game in the Persona series. Two additional versions of the game were released later on, Persona 3 FES and Persona 3 Portable. Atlus, the developer behind the series, announced a Persona 3 Portable remake that would come out in 2023. Fans expressed their excitement about the release, but now that they have it in their hands, the disappointment seems to be general.
The debate started with what version of the game should have been remastered in the first place. Persona 3 FES has more narrative elements that fans enjoyed. Persona 3 Portable added the option to pick a female protagonist, and this choice brought its own social links. Persona 3 Portable, developed for the PlayStation Portable, removed elements like free movement and cut scenes. All of this is to make the game playable on a smaller console.
In a perfect world, players would have expected Atlus to combine both versions a release Persona 3 Definitive. Of course, that was not the case, and fans ended up with a version of the game that feels underwhelming, if not mediocre.
Let’s keep in mind that players that are picking up Persona 3 Portable probably are doing so after playing Persona 5 Royal. Unfortunately, they won’t get the same satisfying experience.
The terms “remaster” or “remake” should be used lightly when talking about the 2023 version. Atlus did not invest time in making any parts of the game, it feels like they just ported the game, used some AI, and called it a day.
The navigation in the game is still limited, giving the game the feel of it being a novel-style game. There are some enhancements in the battle system and around the town where the game takes place. However, these changes are not significant enough to make the 2023 version stand out.
Perhaps the worse part of the game is the outdated graphics. Atlus did the bare minimum to update the visual aspects of the game, and at some points, not even that. Fans have expressed their disappointment over the condition of the games, and some consider it not worth the buy.
In its current condition, Persona 3 Portable is not a game that is meant to be played on a modern console, it feels like a waste. The best way to play it, for anyone still willing to try it, is on the screen of a Nintendo Switch. At least this way, the imperfections of the game are not as noticeable.
-4.png)
There is still hope for the Persona fans. A Persona 6 is rumored to be in development, and fans could expect a release sooner than anticipated. Of course, these rumors are yet to be confirmed by Atlus. The developer has dropped vague clues here and there, but nothing definitive to get anyone’s hopes up.
It would make sense for Atlus to release Persona 6. The series is as popular as ever, with great reception on most platforms, especially Nintendo Switch.
Players must be 21 years of age or older or reach the minimum age for gambling in their respective state and located in jurisdictions where online gambling is legal. Please play responsibly. Bet with your head, not over it. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, and wants help, call or visit: (a) the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey at 1-800-Gambler or www.800gambler.org; or (b) Gamblers Anonymous at 855-2-CALL-GA or www.gamblersanonymous.org.
