This past February, Persona 3 Reload introduced a new generation of players to the first “modern” entry in the Persona series, going on to become the fastest selling game in Atlus’ nearly 40-year history. While P3R is a monster of an RPG (providing this writer over 90 hours of entertainment), what’s left for our heroes once they’ve vanquished Tartarus, ended the Dark Hour, and set things right at Gekkokuan High? 

Sadness, mostly.

As Episode Aigis -The Answer-, Reload‘s remake of the epilogue from 2007’s Persona 3 FES, kicks off, the mood is decidedly downbeat. Sure, cultish nemesis Strega is gone, and Apathy Syndrome is abating across Tatsumi Port Island. But with Persona 3 Reload‘s main character falling in the final battle, and Iwatodai Dorm closing its doors for good, the vibes feel anything but victorious. At least things are back to normal, right? Right?

As the surviving S.E.E.S. gang hangs out one last time in the dorm, midnight strikes, there’s an earthquake, in bursts another Aigis-like android named Metis, and a giant hole appears in the floor of the dorm’s lobby leading downward. Stuck in a time loop and unable to leave the dorm, the gang has no choice but to explore the mysterious abyss which has appeared beneath the dorm.

While Mitsuru, Junpei, and the gang aren’t exactly thrilled to be thrust back into the center of a supernatural mystery, I couldn’t be more excited to sample the first hour of Episode Aigis -The Answer-, jumping back into a game that I’ve frankly missed since completing it this spring.

Picking the controller back up for more Persona 3 Reload was as familiar and comfortable as settling into my favorite spot on the couch – with one wrinkle. With our main character dearly departed, Aigis visits the Velvet Room, well known as the place only the heroes of Persona games seem to be able to visit. This also means that Aigis can now swap out personas in battle, just like the hero of the full game.

Unlike the endless staircase of Tartarus, there are clear pathways to choose from in the Abyss of Time; appearing as doors in the middle of a desert. Once inside, the moment-to-moment action plays out as you may remember: exploring labyrinths, exploiting enemy weaknesses, and triggering All Out Attacks; more of what people love about Persona.

As for what else is new, the mysterious Metis does join the team, leading to some fun battle banter – she’s a bit of a weirdo! I noted some new music tracks, joining those already imprinted in my brain. The first hour also offers tantalizing hints that Persona 3 Reload‘s main character may not be completely gone from this world. Regardless of how it plays out, Aigis always had main character energy, and we’re in for a fun ride as she takes the wheel for what promises to be a 30-hour epilogue adventure.

Episode Aigis -The Answer- is part of Persona 3 Reload’s Expansion Pass – which Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members receive as a Game Pass Perk – redeem it now! Persona 3 Reload’s main game is also available now with Game Pass on cloud, console, and PC.

Persona 3 Reload

SEGA

☆☆☆☆☆ 371

★★★★★

$69.99 $45.49

Get it now

PC Game Pass

Xbox Game Pass

Step into the shoes of a transfer student thrust into an unexpected fate when entering the hour "hidden" between one day and the next. Awaken an incredible power and chase the mysteries of the Dark Hour, fight for your friends, and leave a mark on their memories forever. Persona 3 Reload is a captivating reimagining of the genre-defining RPG, reborn for the modern era. Key Features: – Experience the pivotal game of the Persona series faithfully remade with cutting-edge graphics, modernized quality-of-life features, and signature stylish UI. -Fully immerse yourself in an emotional, gripping journey with new scenes, character interactions, and additional voiceover. – Choose how to meaningfully spend each day through various activities from exploring the Port Island to forging genuine bonds with beloved characters. – Build and command your optimal team to take down otherworldly Shadows and climb closer to the truth.