Persona 3 Reload: Episode Aigis -The Answer- review

Persona 3 Reload: Episode Aigis -The Answer- review

As a seasoned fan who’s spent countless hours navigating the labyrinthine halls of Inaba and the shadow-filled dungeons of Tartarus, I can wholeheartedly say that Persona 3 Reload: Episode Aigis -The Answer– has proven to be an engaging and captivating addition to the series. After immersing myself in the vibrant world of Persona 5 Royal, it was a delightful return to the grittier, more introspective atmosphere of Port Island.


2024 has been an exceptional year for video games, and my delight in this began with Persona 3 Reload. After longing to play the contemporary Persona game that had eluded me, experiencing it was pure joy, and all its modern enhancements made it a perfect match for my cherished Persona 5 Royal. After investing more than fifty hours into that captivating RPG, I felt satisfied with combat sequences and school life management for a while. However, this feeling didn’t persist for long. Hearing whispers of the upcoming DLC inspired by the PS2 release, Persona 3 FES, rekindled my desire to return to Port Island. The question was whether Episode Aigis -The Answer- could achieve the same level of greatness as the main game. As it turns out, “The Answer” is more complex than one might initially think.

First off, let me clarify that the content of this DLC is intended for those who have completed Persona 3 Reload. The events unfold following the major plot twists in the game’s storyline. I’ll strive to reveal as few key plot points as possible to minimize spoilers. However, if you haven’t finished the game yet, please be aware of this potential for spoilers.

After a tumultuous academic year at Gekkoukan High School, Junpei, Yukari, and the rest of the SEES crew are gearing up to vacate the dormitory that served as their second home during the main game. Naturally, our protagonist is no longer part of this group following the conclusion of Persona 3 Reload’s tale, and each member is dealing with his absence in their own way. The group’s beloved android character, in particular, is grappling with how the team operates without him, given her pivotal role in this narrative.

Persona 3 Reload: Episode Aigis -The Answer- review

In part, the surprise element in Episode Aigis -The Answer- arises from the introduction of Aigis’ sister, Metis. Unaware that any other androids like her were still alive, Aigis is taken aback when her dark-haired sibling appears and assaults her friends. However, it transpires that Metis was attempting to aid the group all along, as they find themselves mysteriously stuck in a time loop within the dorms and unable to leave. A colossal dungeon hidden in the basement might hold the solution to their predicament, so expect plenty of shadow combat and Persona summoning from here on out.

Engaging in more of the enticing yet challenging combat scenes from Persona 3 Reload, particularly Episode Aigis, remains as captivating and stylish as ever. Although set after the main storyline, your characters no longer possess the divine powers they once did for narrative purposes, resulting in a lower-level combat roster. Initially, I felt let down by this change, but soon discovered that it’s relatively quick to rebuild their abilities and embark on dungeon exploration.

In Episode Aigis -The Answer-, the peculiar dormitory dungeon where you’ll spend a significant amount of time resembles Tartarus. Divided into numerous levels, it is filled with treasures, dark corners, and loot. Your goal will be to descend as far as possible using the SP at your disposal, encountering numerous cunning bosses on your journey.

Persona 3 Reload: Episode Aigis -The Answer- review

While delving into dungeons in Persona games is undeniably enjoyable, what truly draws me to these games is the opportunity to interact with my school friends and establish social bonds, commonly known as “social links”. To my dismay (and likely many others), Episode Aigis omits this essential socializing and time management aspect that’s so integral to the series. This omission was particularly disappointing given how well the main game balanced these elements, creating a harmonious experience. The DLC felt less engaging as a result, feeling more like a chore to play due to the absence of this key feature.

Despite falling short of my high hopes for Episode Aigis -The Answer-, it remains quintessentially Persona in essence. The supplementary story, though not essential, significantly enriches the world and characters. Moreover, the combat system remains unparalleled within its genre. Add to that an exceptional soundtrack, stunning visuals, and captivating menus, and this series continues to stand out as unrivaled.

Although Episode Aigis -The Answer- in Persona 3 Reload doesn’t incorporate the social aspect found in regular Persona games, it remains an engaging experience that fans will find captivating. As you delve into its extensive dungeon exploration, you’ll still encounter the charm of Persona, meet fascinating new characters, and battle formidable bosses.

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2024-09-23 11:46