When we talk about exceptional modern role-playing games, Atlus’ oeuvre will always enter the conversation. Shin Megami Tensei, Persona, and the newer Metaphor: Refantazio are all innovative interpretations of the turn-based RPG, but they can also be daunting – if you want to reach the end of any of these games, you’re looking at 100 hours of play time before the credits roll. So, how about something more bite sized? The new Persona 3 Reload demo is the perfect way to give Atlus’ stellar JRPG a shot.
Persona 3 Reload might look like your typical coming-of-age high school story on the surface, but there’s a lot more going on. Every night contains a secret extra hour filled with demons and other beasts. Naturally, as a school student, you need to deal with the problem by climbing a nigh-endless tower called Tartarus and using your newfound Persona power.
The JRPG’s turn-based combat is inventive, engaging, and tough in equal measure, as you juggle up to four characters at once. Strengths and weaknesses play a key role, as you’d expect, but Atlus also layers on new mechanics for you to stack in your favor.
As with the rest of the series, Persona 3 Reload oozes style. I’ve lost countless hours to many of Atlus’ catalog simply because I’m engrossed in the bold visual design and the tactile feedback of the UI, as well as soundtracks that are sure to make FF14’s Soken blush. These details combine to elevate Persona 3 Reload to new heights and give the game an aesthetic deserving of its mechanics.
Much like the Metaphor: Refantazio trial, this demo gives you access to the opening sections of Persona 3 Reload. Your progress will even carry over to the full release, so you don’t need to replay the first few hours of the game if you decide to commit.
While this demo arrives over a year after the initial game’s launch, that’s given it plenty of time to shine. Our own Persona 3 Reload review is glowing, with Dave Irwin calling it “the best way to play the classic JRPG, even if it’s missing some key content.” Some of that was later reincorporated into P3R as DLC, mind you.
Atlus and Sega have released the Persona 3 Reload demo on Steam, which you can play now for free. Just head here.
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