This article contains spoilers for Persona 3, Persona 3 Portable, and Persona 3 Reload.
I’m thrilled aboutPersona 3 Reload. It’s been a tremendous success for Atlus, becoming the fastest-selling game in the Persona series. This not only reaffirms Persona’s status as a JRPG staple but also demonstrates thatPersona 3,with its fresh coat of paint, is indeed deserving of a retelling.
Personally, it’s my favorite entry. I appreciate its rather bleak, realistic portrayal of time and the importance of cherishing what we have while we have it. However, as I’ve moved beyond the PS2 and PSP versions of the game, one thing has become clear:Atlus, at least concerning the Persona series,isn’t interested in offering queer romance optionsfor the protagonists of their games.
I’ve decided to let bygones be bygones and enjoy the games anyway, but Atlus’s decision not to include FemC (the female main character, as we fans call her)as an option in Reloadstill stings. In her version of the tale, one of the most significant changes was the opportunity to romance some other core team members like Akihiko. While this might seem like a simple swap out, it was important to me and added a level of immersion to the story that I haven’t experienced in a Persona game since.
It’s A Shame Persona 3 Reload Ditched Its Female Protagonist
She’s my favorite protagonist in the series and I’ll miss her presence.
Missing Out On A Golden Opportunity
The RPG landscape has evolved significantly over the past 20 years of my gaming journey. In my younger days, the idea of a game acknowledging a queer romance seemed unthinkable. I myself remained closeted until my early to mid-20s, as coming out felt daunting and perilous. Yet, I’ve observed a notable shift within the industry, particularly in western RPGs likeDragon Age. Now, queer representation is commonplace and something I genuinely appreciate. EvenBaldur’s Gate 3allowed me to explorethe nonbinary aspect of my queerness, a milestone I never imagined I’d see in a game.
That moment remains etched in my mind to this day.
Reflecting on my experience with Persona 3 Portable, a significant mental shift occurred. The game recognized me as a female protagonist, fostering more receptive and even flirtatious interactions with the male characters. I vividly recall the exhilaration of engaging Akihiko not merely as a friend, but as someone genuinely interested in him romatically. The game highlighted the disdainful glares from other girls who viewed him as their conquest, prompting me to boost my Charm level to catch his attention and evade their scorn. Many nights were spent in the coffee shop, neglecting homework in pursuit of that coveted level four Charm.
Akihiko’s Heartfelt Words
Persona 3 Portable crafted a romantic narrative within my mind, imagining what it would be like to approach a crush in high school without fearing societal judgment. The protagonist transformed from a distant figure to someone I could relate to on a personal level, giving me a profound incentive to include Akihiko in my party and progress through the game’s story.
Regarding the storyline, the game revolves around the inevitable death of the protagonist, lending a sense of urgency to every action, particularly towards the game’s conclusion. Utilizing every persona, social link, and bond forged with friends becomes imperative in sealing away the malevolent Nyx forever, albeit at the cost of the protagonist’s own life.
As the protagonist drifts into eternal slumber, a poignant moment unfolds. Given a choice of whose voice to hear, I chose Akihiko. Rushing to your side, he expresses his love and reminisces about your battles together. “In the bright sunlight and the warmth of your loved one’s arms…” the game narrates, offering the option to close your eyes. But before doing so, Akihiko delivers a gut-wrenching line: “And starting now, we’ll never be apart.” It’s a bittersweet lie, unknown to him, yet painfully real and deeply felt.
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“Reloaded” For Some, But Not Me
Reload’s ending still delivers a powerful emotional punch. The game enhances the sentiments of the original with added cinematic flair. Witnessing the more fully realized version of the male protagonist resting on Aigis' lap, a character who’s yet to grasp the essence of humanity and the beauty of life’s transcendent nature, is profoundly moving. Like a scene straight out of an iconic anime, sakura petals drift down as she smiles. Your friends, the core members of the group, recall you and rush to the rooftop as you close your eyes. Unaware of your impending demise, there’s a poignant sadness permeating the moment.
Watching it still churns my stomach, yet it also evokes a sense of nostalgia. Among my friends, I spot Akihiko’s face, and I can’t help but feel a pang of sorrow for what could have been. In another version of the game, he would have uttered the words, “we’ll never be apart,” and I mourn for a different reason. The male protagonist lacks the same resonance for me as FemC did. She offered a glimpse into a world where Persona games embraced male romance options.
But perhaps one day, that will be a reality once again.
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Persona 3 Reload
WHERE TO PLAY
