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In the world of JRPGs, few series have left as indelible a mark as Persona. With the release of Persona 3 Reload: Episode Aigis -The Answer-, Atlus invites players to dive back into the emotionally charged universe of Persona 3, offering a fresh perspective on its beloved characters and thought-provoking themes. This epilogue serves as both a continuation and a reimagining, promising to challenge players’ skills and tug at their heartstrings in equal measure.
A Tale of Time and Loss
Persona 3 Reload: Episode Aigis -The Answer- picks up where Persona 3 Reload left off, thrusting players into a mysterious phenomenon known as the Abyss of Time. As the robotic Aigis assumes the mantle of protagonist, armed with the Wild Card ability, she and her fellow S.E.E.S. members find themselves trapped in a time loop on March 31st. With the addition of the enigmatic Metis, who claims to be Aigis’ sister, the stage is set for a poignant exploration of grief, purpose, and the courage to face an uncertain future.
The narrative delves deep into the characters’ psyches, forcing them to confront their pasts and grapple with the concept of moving forward after loss. While the story offers crucial closure to Persona 3’s arc, it may also challenge players’ preconceptions, potentially leaving them with more questions than answers. This double-edged approach to storytelling is likely to spark heated discussions among fans, making it a compelling, if divisive, addition to the Persona 3 saga.
Gameplay Evolution: Combat Takes Center Stage
With the removal of the life-sim elements that define the mainline Persona games, Episode Aigis shifts its focus squarely onto dungeon crawling and combat. This change in pace might disappoint those who relished the social aspects of Persona 3 Reload, but it allows for a more concentrated and intense gameplay experience.
The difficulty has been noticeably ramped up, offering a satisfying challenge even for veterans of the series. Players who import their save data will find that while they have access to their Persona Compendium, the increased summoning costs and reset character levels create a balanced playing field. The addition of new Fusion Spells and Theurgy abilities for Aigis adds depth to the strategic options available in battle.
Aigis herself brings a fresh dynamic to exploration and combat. Her ability to attack from a distance during dungeon crawling provides tactical advantages, while her Wild Card capability makes her an indispensable party member. The introduction of Metis as a new character also adds variety to team compositions, with her unique Orgia Mode offering powerful options in battle.
New Challenges and Content
Episode Aigis doesn’t just rehash old content; it introduces several new elements to keep players engaged. The highly promoted boss battle against Persona 5’s Joker stands out as a particularly grueling challenge, potentially surpassing even the infamous Elizabeth fight in difficulty. This encounter is sure to test the mettle of even the most seasoned Persona players.
Additional content includes the Monad Door for extra dungeon exploration, character hangout events for narrative breaks, and special ability upgrades for Aigis. Elizabeth’s requests also make a return, offering rewards for completing various tasks. These additions, coupled with new music tracks featuring Lotus Juice and Azumi Takahashi, help to freshen up the experience and differentiate it from the original version of The Answer.
The Verdict: A Complex Encore
Persona 3 Reload: Episode Aigis presents a complex proposition for fans of the series. It offers a deeper dive into the emotional core of Persona 3’s story and characters, while also providing a more challenging and combat-focused gameplay experience. The removal of life-sim elements and the potentially divisive narrative developments may not sit well with all players, but the refinements to combat and new content offerings demonstrate Atlus’s commitment to evolving the Persona formula.
Ultimately, whether Episode Aigis: The Answer enhances or complicates your Persona 3 experience will likely depend on your expectations and attachment to the original story. For those willing to embrace its changes and challenges, it offers a thought-provoking epilogue that pushes both narrative and gameplay boundaries. As with many bold artistic choices, it may not resonate with everyone, but it certainly gives players plenty to ponder long after the credits roll.
Reviewed on PC
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The Review
PROS
- Brings a very important story conclusion following the ending of Persona 3 Reload
- The combat portion is meatier with an increase in difficulty level
- Many additional features and essential overhauls
- A variety of new arrangements and original music
CONS
- The story conclusion can also feel somewhat lacking than the original ending, especially because it also leaves another big question that has not been answered until now (and probably never)
- The huge portion of dungeon crawling and combat can lead to a repetitive experience
