As a seasoned gamer with over two decades under my belt, I’ve seen countless games come and go, but few have left as lasting an impression as Persona 3. So when Atlus announced Persona 3 Reload: Episode Aigis -The Answer-, I was more excited than a cat on a hot tin roof! After getting my hands on an early build of the game, let me tell you, it’s been worth the wait.
Following the release of Persona 3 Reload which left fans captivated with its stunning aesthetics, engaging gameplay, and thought-provoking narrative, many enthusiasts couldn’t help but wonder… What about Episode Aigis? What about The Answer? Originally an extended storyline that unfolds beyond the events of the base game in Persona 3 FES, Episode Aigis has long been a topic of great interest for fans of Persona 3 Reload. Not too long ago, Atlus officially announced it as DLC, and now its arrival is just a stone’s throw away in September. I was fortunate enough to preview an early build of Episode Aigis, and it seems that we are not only getting the extended story we’ve been eagerly waiting for, but also a revamped soundtrack, user-friendly enhancements, and several other features that make it feel like a polished addition to an already exceptional game.
Caught in the Abyss of Time
In the continuation of the main game titled “Persona 3 Reload: Episode Aigis -The Answer-“, events unfold directly following the conclusion of the original story. While I’ll make an effort to keep spoilers at a minimum, it’s essential to play through the base game first if you want to fully understand and appreciate what Episode Aigis has in store for you.
The SEES group is set to disband after Tartarus’s demise, implying they must return their Evokers (their devices for summoning Personas). Amidst a heartfelt farewell, the team encounters an oddity and faces an assault by a female robot resembling their regular ally Aigis from Persona 3. To their surprise, Aigis herself intervenes to repel the unknown assailant. The attacker is identified as Metis, who perceives Aigis as her sister and aimed to shield Aigis from SEES, whom she considered potential dangers. Metis further reveals that they are in a location named the Abyss of Time, a vast dungeon locked in an endless time loop. They cannot depart until they uncover a means to eradicate the Abyss of Time.
An intriguing event unfolds: Aigis undergoes a transformation and acquires the Wild Card ability, similar to the protagonist in the original game who could bind with numerous Personas and switch among them freely. Furthermore, Aigis is granted access to the Velvet Room, completing her metamorphosis into the main character of the DLC expansion.
From what I experienced, Episode Aigis appears to closely follow the narrative of the original DLC in Persona 3 FES. The initial beats from the original are kept intact, but enhanced by the improvements in Persona 3 Reload, and there are also specific elements unique to Episode Aigis. Along with the refreshed visuals and reworked music, this expansion offers a distinct user interface and several quality-of-life enhancements for smooth gameplay. It’s worth mentioning that Metis is introduced as a new playable character throughout the DLC.
From a gamer’s perspective, I delve into the Abyss of Time, seeking answers for its unusual impact on my SEES team’s realm. However, our journey isn’t just about solving mysteries; we’re also tracking down a certain elusive figure, adding layers to the challenges we face as we penetrate deeper into the Abyss. Each entry brings fresh randomization to keep things exciting. And let’s not forget the cool aspects like Aigis wielding her gun arms to outmaneuver Shadows from afar in battles, or the improved inventory management and stunning new animations, particularly the All-Out Attacks. It’s looking like this gameplay just got a whole lot more enticing on top of an already engaging system.
Pain or Peace… What will the Answer bring?
I only had a short time with Episode Aigis, but what I got to play makes for an awesomely compelling follow-up to the base game’s story, and I only got started here because it’s supposed to be about 30 hours long if it’s like the original. Simply put, if you played Persona 3 Reload and you want definitive closure, you’re probably going to want to play Episode Aigis. Even if you’re not fully invested, the extra adventure and plenty of gameplay and visual improvements make it a fun RPG experience. It won’t be long before we have the full thing, and I can’t wait to see if it holds up to the original or improves further upon it. Stay tuned to September to find out!
As a longtime fan of the Persona series, I can’t help but feel excited about the upcoming release of “Persona 3 Reload: Episode Aigis -The Answer-” in September 2024. Having played previous versions on PC and other platforms, it’s great to see this game being updated for newer consoles like PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. With my gaming history dating back to the early days of the series, I can appreciate the attention to detail and effort put into creating an immersive and engaging experience for players. I’m looking forward to diving back into the world of Persona 3, especially with the added graphics and features that come with modern consoles. The wait is almost over!
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2024-08-15 16:27