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[Draugoth]

Gamerwk had the opportunity to discuss with Persona Team’s Production Manager Kazuhisa Wada about the upcoming Persona 3 Reload release.

In the interview, Wada talks about P3R’s development cycle, character redesigns, new quality-of-life features, and more.

Some of the notable passages were the following:

About a P4G / P5R Type Remake​

Wada: Currently, we are not considering a revision like with Persona 5 to Persona 5 Royal, which involved significant changes and additions to the original title. So, fans can rest assured knowing that Persona 3 Reload offers a complete experience.
Through this game, we have made great efforts to ensure that fans worldwide, including Southeast Asia, can access it simultaneously. Therefore, we sincerely hope that fans worldwide can enjoy Persona 3 Reload and have fun.

About Character Redesigns​

Among the numerous improvements in Persona 3 Reload, ranging from gameplay to visuals, one aspect that received a fresh touch is the redesign of the characters from the original Persona 3. We were curious if there is a connection between the new character designs and their background stories.
Wada responded by stating that the background stories are there to enhance the appeal of the characters themselves, as well as to connect to the stories that follow in Persona 4 Arena Ultimax.
Wada: This is also related to how this story connects to games that take place later, and the background story for Strega is also being explored, including their daily life in the dormitory.

About P3R’s Budget​

Wada stated that one thing that surprised him is that the development budget and costs for this remake were much higher than the expenses for creating the original game. This makes sense considering the extensive efforts and work put into making this game.

Via PersonaCentral

 

[ShadyAcshuns]

That just means for sure it WILL get one now.

 

[RCU005]

They say that all the time!

I'm still pissed P5R was a standalone without having a way to "upgrade" for those who bought the vanilla version. I didn't even want to get the platinum because of that.

 

[Danjin44]

I mean Persona 3 Reload is the "Royal/Golden" version....I dont know why people would think otherwise.

 

[jshackles]

I mean, what else were they gonna say?

 

[consoul]

"Currently"

 

[graywolf323]

I mean Persona 3 Reload is the "Royal/Golden" version....I dont know why people would think otherwise.

because P4G and P5R are the definitive versions of their games, Persona 3 still lacks that because Reload is only the definitive way to play the vanilla version

then you have to get a copy of FES to play The Answer or Portable to play the FeMC storyline

 

[bender]

I mean Persona 3 Reload is the "Royal/Golden" version.

No, not really. FES is the Royal/Golden version of P3.

 

[CityHunter1981]

“Currently”… There is your answer.

 

[Skelterz]

Persona 3 Re-Reloaded chain of memories 383 days weeks and months.

 

[Danjin44]

because P4G and P5R are the definitive versions of their games, Persona 3 still lacks that because Reload is only the definitive way to play the vanilla version

then you have to get a copy of FES to play The Answer or Portable to play the FeMC storyline

The Answer wont be missed I grantee you....It never was good side story.

 

[Flabagast]

What about Switch version though?

 

[Feel Like I'm On 42]

They say that all the time!

I'm still pissed P5R was a standalone without having a way to "upgrade" for those who bought the vanilla version. I didn't even want to get the platinum because of that.

Me too! Then they released the native PS5 version with no way for P5 Royal owners to upgrade to get 60 fps! One of the dirtiest moves I've ever seen from a gaming company!

 

[STARSBarry]

I mean Persona 3 Reload is the "Royal/Golden" version....I dont know why people would think otherwise.

See the lady on the right? Because I'm not seeing her in this remake, so it sure as shit ain't the royal/golden version of Persona 3.

 

[ShadyAcshuns]

I mean, what else were they gonna say?

"please buy this one now, and then the Royal/Golden/FES/Portable versions later boyoooo!"

 

[Aenima]

 

[Danjin44]

See the lady on the right? I'm not seeing her in this game so it sure as shit ain't the royal/golden version of Persona 3.

Were you expecting Atlus to make two separate hand drawn animation for each MC? The only reason it was possible on Portable version because they took out all anime cutscenes and even 3D exploration.

 

[consoul]

one thing that surprised him is that the development budget and costs for this remake were much higher than the expenses for creating the original game

Developing a current gen game costs more than a PS2 game. So surprising.

 

[Gexxy1]

See the lady on the right? Because I'm not seeing her in this remake, so it sure as shit ain't the royal/golden version of Persona 3.

Does Royal or Golden have a female protagonist no one cares about?

 

[graywolf323]

Does Royal or Golden have a female protagonist no one cares about?

 

[STARSBarry]

Were you expecting Atlus to make two separate hand drawn animation for each MC? The only reason it was possible on Portable version because they took out all anime cutscenes and even 3D exploration.

Absolutely... because they literally made an entire new set for Royal for the new content, which is exactly what they will do for this.

 

[Gexxy1]

If people cared, they would have put a female protagonist in Royal and Golden.

They did neither. Smart money says it won't be a feature in Persona 6 either.

 

[Danjin44]

Absolutely... because they literally made an entire new set for Royal for the new content, which is exactly what they will do for this.

In Reload has new cutscenes as well but they were not gonna make two separate exact scene just for FeMC....it never was going to happen.

 

[ShadyAcshuns]

In Reload has new cutscenes as well but they were not gonna make two separate exact scene just for FeMC....it never was going to happen.

How do you know they won't add new content, or maybe even held back content for another version down the road? Do you work for Atlus?

 

[Skifi28]

Does Royal or Golden have a female protagonist no one cares about?

I care.

 

[Danjin44]

How do you know they won't add new content, or maybe even held back content for another version down the road? Do you work for Atlus?

I will never say never but chances are pretty low.

 

[STARSBarry]

In Reload has new cutscenes as well but they were not gonna make two separate exact scene just for FeMC....it never was going to happen.

Oh it absolutely can, when they sell you the updated version for full price in 2 years time. Its really not that hard, and it's a very specifically weird thing to get hung up on as a reason that they won't do it.

Saying "we won't release an updated version with more content" is just because there now worried that since they do this for every mainline game people are getting wise, and will hold off, it's pure marketing.

 

[ShadyAcshuns]

I will never say never but chances are pretty low.

Based on what? They've done it numerous times already.

 

[Danjin44]

Based on what? They've done it numerous times already.

Oh it absolutely can, when they sell you the updated version for full price in 2 years time. Its really not that hard, and it's a very specifically weird thing to get hung up on as a reason that they won't do it.

Saying "we won't release an updated version with more content" is just because there now worried that since they do this for every mainline game people are getting wise, and will hold off, it's pure marketing.

 

[adamsapple]

They can make and sell it as a $29.99 DLC expansion.

 

[PaddyOCanager]

Yeah, I'm never buying another Persona game at full price. I'll wait for a super discount or for the definitive version.

 

[Gambit2483]

What about Switch 2 version though?

Fixed

 

[night13x]

remember this post:

There are several dlc / expansion content planned including a FES expansion pack. FeMC is currently not in the books.

Switch 2 rather than switch.

 

[StereoVsn]

If people cared, they would have put a female protagonist in Royal and Golden.

They did neither. Smart money says it won't be a feature in Persona 6 either.

FMC social links in P3P were actually damn good. Minus the stupid kid.

I kind of liked the vibe for FMC as it was a lot more hopeful vs fairly depressing MC for P3.

 

[StereoVsn]

They can make and sell it as a $29.99 DLC expansion.

Would be a pretty decent deal. But this is Atlus, they will release P3 the Blue Edition (not Royal of course) for another $70.

 

[bender]

They can make and sell it as a $29.99 DLC expansion.

Atlus when they hear the word "upgrade":

 

[Puscifer]

I mean they had a chance to bring everything from portable and FES into a singular package and they chose not too.

 

[Danjin44]

I do wish Persona 3 Reload would have add some new Demons that introduced in SMTV....

 

[Fbh]

I hope they say something similar regarding Metaphor.
Biggest reason not to buy Atlus games at launch is that they might just release a substantially better version a couple of years later.

 

[StereoVsn]

I hope they say something similar regarding Metaphor.
Biggest reason not to buy Atlus games at launch is that they might just release a substantially better version a couple of years later.

That gap between P4 and P4G was about 4 years.

In general P3 vanilla to FES was the one that truly sucked.

 

[Kumomeme]

it will get something better. a version with FeMC

 

[Raonak]

Did Fes/Portable have any additional content that isn't in P3R besides the female MC?

 

[Danjin44]

Did Fes/Portable have any additional content that isn't in P3R besides the female MC?

FES had extra story after beating the original story called The Answer.

 

[Fbh]

That gap between P4 and P4G was about 4 years.

In general P3 vanilla to FES was the one that truly sucked.

I don't mind waiting 3-4 years.
Their games are long as fuck too. I'm probably not going to replay their 80-100 hours RPG, and if I'm only playing it once I'd rather wait for the finished version.
I really hate their approach to re-releases. Would much rather get normal DLC.

 

[LavitzSlambert]

I'm going to wait it out regardless. Either a new version is in the works, or the price on this drops, or both. No way to lose.

 

[Doom85]

If people cared, they would have put a female protagonist in Royal and Golden.

They did neither. Smart money says it won't be a feature in Persona 6 either.

I can’t speak for 4, but in terms of 5, the game director said they wrote the character of Joker with him being male specifically in mind.

So no, it had nothing to do with a lack of people caring. Tons of JRPGs over the last decade or so have a MC you can choose either gender for. They wouldn’t be doing that if ”nobody cared”.

 

[Gexxy1]

I can’t speak for 4, but in terms of 5, the game director said they wrote the character of Joker with him being male specifically in mind.

lol, that's PR speak. Make Joker female and the story doesn't change whatsoever.

I was talking about Persona specifically, not what these other Japanese games are doing.

 

[Heimdall_Xtreme]

I don't think so... They will do like Catherine, they will modify the story a little and they will add the content... And if there will be another edition, for the female protagonist.

 

[BouncyFrag]

FES had extra story after beating the original story called The Answer.

Amazing track:

 

[Doom85]

lol, that's PR speak. Make Joker female and the story doesn't change whatsoever.

I was talking about Persona specifically, not what these other Japanese games are doing.

Okay, so you’re just going to call the director a liar when it doesn’t fit your narrative…

Ah yes, all these other JRPG fanbases care about having a choice of the MC’s gender, but Persona just randomly has the one fanbase that doesn’t?

Seriously, Danjin already explained why the female MC isn’t in this version. It has nothing to do with a lack of interest.