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Persona 3 Portable

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Persona 3 Portable
Item: Persona 3 Portable
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2023

GenresAdventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, RPG, Visual Novel, Anime and JRPG, Drama, Strategy, Single Player

AvailableJan 19, 2023

PlatformXbox One, PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X

DeveloperAtlus

Overview

Persona 3 Portable is an enhanced remake of Persona 3 for the PlayStation Portable. The game features an option to play as a female character, which alters some aspects of the story. In addition to the new playable character, there are two new difficulty levels to select from alongside the original game's three. The game also features some other story related changes regardless of the player character gender. The battle system is also updated to be closer that of Persona 4.

Elsewhere

8.3

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

95%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3 Portable are overwhelmingly positive. Many critics praised the game's dark and intriguing narrative, with some describing it as gripping, deep, and thought-provoking. The story revolves around supernatural events occurring in the fictional locale of Tatsumi Port Island, and it effectively balances heavy plot points with day-to-day social aspects, such as part-time jobs, social links, and club activities. The game's moody atmosphere, sharp writing, and the gradual unraveling of the causes and conspiracies behind the Dark Hour were also highlighted as strengths. Critics like Push Square and CGMagazine commended the game for its broody and foreboding atmosphere, while Gaming Nexus appreciated its well-paced narrative and exploration of the secrets of the Dark Hour. In terms of negatives, some critics felt that Persona 3 Portable could have done more, considering it is a conversion of a game from 2009. However, they still acknowledged its importance as a chapter in the series and its unique aesthetic that bridges the gap with its origins. Additionally, while the majority of critics praised the story, a few mentioned that the pacing picks up in the second third of the game, suggesting that the initial pacing might be slower. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the story of Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3 Portable is exceptional. It is considered one of the best in the medium, tackling heavy themes such as life, death, depression, and alienation. The game's somber and gothic tone, coupled with its emotionally involving moments, resonated with many reviewers. The narrative is often described as compelling, captivating, and thematically rich. Critics like Pure Xbox and RPG Fan appreciated how the game redefined what Persona was about, introducing social interactions and a daily life cycle that added depth to the storytelling. The positive reception from the majority of critics solidifies the notion that the story of Persona 3 Portable is a standout aspect of the game.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics rave about Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3 Portable's dark and gripping narrative set in Tatsumi Port Island. Praise for its moody atmosphere, sharp writing, and unraveling conspiracies. While some wish for more from this 2009 conversion, it's hailed as a pivotal chapter with a unique aesthetic. Despite pacing issues, reviewers agree the game's exploration of heavy themes like life and death is exceptional, making it a standout in storytelling.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

55%

Mixed (50-79)

45%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The opinions of the critics regarding the gameplay of Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3 Portable are generally positive. Many critics praise the addictive nature of the gameplay loop, which combines social sim aspects with dungeon crawling. The day-to-day calendar system and decision-making between social links and dungeon crawling are highlighted as addictive and enjoyable by critics such as Push Square and Gaming Nexus. The gameplay is described as engaging and rewarding, with a satisfying combat system that includes the ability to capture and switch through different Personas mid-battle, as mentioned by Twinfinite and GLHF on Sports Illustrated. The fusion mechanics and the balance between dungeon crawling and navigating high school life are also commended by COGconnected and Vooks. The gameplay is said to offer a mix of traditional JRPG elements and high-school life-sim mechanics, providing a unique and immersive experience. However, there are some negative aspects mentioned by a few critics. The repetitive nature of the dungeon crawling is highlighted by The Games Machine and Hooked Gamers, who feel that the mechanics are outdated compared to later games in the series. The sections where players explore Tartarus are mentioned as potentially boring by Pocket Tactics. Additionally, NME states that the dungeon-crawling aspect of the gameplay feels like a step back compared to other games in the series. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the gameplay of Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3 Portable is enjoyable and addictive. The combination of social sim elements and dungeon crawling provides a unique and immersive experience. The combat system, fusion mechanics, and balance between high school life and dungeon exploration are praised by multiple critics. While there are some criticisms regarding the repetitive nature of the dungeon crawling, the overall sentiment is positive, with critics commending the engaging gameplay loop and the improvements made in this version of the game.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics rave about Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3 Portable's addictive gameplay loop that blends social simulation with dungeon crawling. Praise for engaging combat, fusion mechanics, and the mix of JRPG elements with high school life. Some critics find the dungeon crawling repetitive, but overall, the game offers an enjoyable and immersive experience that stands out in the series.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

12%

Mixed (50-79)

88%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3 Portable are quite varied. Some critics, such as WellPlayed and NME, praise the game's distinct visual style, sharp visuals, and vibrant anime trappings. They find the visuals to be appealing and visually appealing, especially on certain platforms like the Nintendo Switch OLED. RPG Fan also commends the preserved and improved visuals in the portable version, with crisp character models and Salvador Dali-inspired visuals. They highlight the smooth animations and high framerate as positive aspects of the game's visual design. On the other hand, several critics express concerns about the game's visuals. PC Invasion and The Games Machine criticize the visuals, stating that they look like a PSP game and lack the beautiful anime sequences and exploration present in the original game. They find the visuals to be disappointing and watered-down compared to the "true" Persona 3 experience. Critics like Twinfinite and Hooked Gamers also mention that the graphics are not very good-looking, with barren and lifeless areas, clunky upscaling, and limited emotionally compelling cutscenes. They find the visuals to be outdated and lacking compared to other versions of the game. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the Graphics and Visual Design of Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3 Portable have both positive and negative aspects. While some critics appreciate the distinct visual style, sharp visuals, and vibrant anime trappings, others criticize the lack of beautiful anime sequences, limited exploration, and outdated graphics. The game's character models receive praise from some critics, while others find the visuals to be lacking and disappointing. Despite the mixed opinions, it is clear that the visuals play a significant role in shaping the overall experience of the game for the critics.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics are split on the graphics of Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3 Portable. Some love the distinct style and sharp visuals, especially on platforms like Nintendo Switch OLED, while others criticize the lack of anime sequences and outdated graphics. Character models are praised, but barren areas and clunky upscaling are drawbacks. Overall, visuals are a key factor in shaping the game's experience, with positives and negatives noted by critics.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

79%

Mixed (50-79)

21%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the sound design and music of Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3 Portable are overwhelmingly positive. Many critics praised the soundtrack, with Push Square describing it as "phenomenal and crucial to the series" and NintendoWorldReport mentioning a "hip-hop and jazz-infused soundtrack full of certified bangers." The jazzy beats and catchy tunes of the boss battles and overworld sections were particularly enjoyable, according to Hardcore Gamer. The voice acting was also highly regarded, with COGconnected stating that most of it was solid, contributing to the game's atmospheric experience. The extensive Japanese and English voice tracks, as well as the top-notch Japanese voice acting, were also mentioned as positives by WellPlayed and God is a Geek. However, there were a few criticisms raised by some critics. Nintendo Insider and NME mentioned that the English voices seemed to be slightly lower quality compared to the overall audio quality. NME also noted that some tracks in the soundtrack suffered from being repetitive. Additionally, Pocket Tactics mentioned that the female protagonist doesn't get to hear a fantastic song called "Mass Destruction," which could be seen as a missed opportunity. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the sound design and music of Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3 Portable are very good. The majority of the critics found the soundtrack to be outstanding, versatile, and catchy, accentuating the gravity of situations in the game. The voice acting was praised for its quality, adding emotional depth to the characters. The atmospheric experience created by the music and sound design was highly appreciated. The positive opinions of critics such as Siliconera, RPG Fan, and CGMagazine further support the overall consensus of the sound design and music being a strong aspect of the game.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics rave about the sound design and music in Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3 Portable, praising the phenomenal soundtrack and top-notch voice acting that enhances the game's atmosphere. While some critics found minor issues like lower quality English voices and repetitive tracks, overall, the consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with the majority hailing the music as outstanding and the voice acting as solid. The jazzy beats, catchy tunes, and emotional depth of the sound design contribute significantly to the game's experience.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

67%

Mixed (50-79)

25%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The opinions of the critics regarding the voice acting in Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3 Portable are quite varied. Several critics, such as WellPlayed and TheXboxHub, praise the voice acting in the game, describing it as well done and top-notch. They appreciate the effort put into giving each character a unique voice and personality, which enhances the immersive experience. RPG Fan also commends the voice acting, stating that it provides emotional depth to the characters. These positive opinions highlight the skill and dedication of the voice actors in bringing the game's characters to life. However, there are also critics who express some negative views on the voice acting. NME specifically mentions that the English dub is considered poor, indicating that it may not meet the expectations of some players. This criticism suggests that the English voice acting may not be as well-received as the Japanese voice acting, which is mentioned by Comicbook.com and God is a Geek as being top-notch and original to the game. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the voice acting in Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3 Portable is generally solid, with most reviewers appreciating the effort and quality put into it. The positive opinions from WellPlayed, TheXboxHub, and RPG Fan emphasize the strengths of the voice acting, highlighting its contribution to the immersive experience and emotional depth of the characters. However, the negative opinion from NME regarding the English dub suggests that it may not meet everyone's expectations. The inclusion of the original Japanese voice acting, as mentioned by Nintendo Insider and Comicbook.com, provides players with the option to experience the game in its intended language, which is seen as a positive aspect by some critics. Overall, while there may be some criticisms, the majority of the critics acknowledge the overall quality of the voice acting in Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3 Portable.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics are divided on the voice acting in Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3 Portable. Some praise it for enhancing immersion and character depth, while others criticize the English dub as subpar compared to the original Japanese voices. Overall, most agree that the voice acting adds to the game's quality, with options for players to choose their preferred language.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

64%

Mixed (50-79)

36%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of the technical performance, Persona 3 Portable received positive feedback from reviewers across multiple gaming platforms. Starting with the positives, the Nintendo Switch version was praised by critics such as NintendoWorldReport and WellPlayed for its improved visuals and smooth performance. The game was reported to run well and smoothly on the Switch, both in docked and undocked modes, offering a seamless experience. Additionally, the PlayStation 4 version, according to Checkpoint Gaming and Gaming Nexus, played well with barely any loading times and stable frame rates. The Xbox Series X version, as highlighted by Pure Xbox and CGMagazine, boasted high-resolution graphics locked at 60fps, providing a slick and visually appealing experience. The PC version, as noted by The Mako Reactor and Tech-Gaming, ran flawlessly with smooth animations and no performance issues, offering a smooth gaming experience. On the other hand, there were some limitations and negatives mentioned by critics regarding the technical performance of Persona 3 Portable on certain platforms. Hardcore Gamer and The Games Machine pointed out that the visuals on the Nintendo Switch version had limitations due to the game's original hardware, suggesting that the visual quality may not match up to more powerful platforms. WellPlayed also mentioned the absence of vibration support on the Nintendo Switch, which could be seen as a drawback for players who enjoy haptic feedback. Furthermore, Pocket Tactics stated that they did not notice any significant difference between the Switch and PS Vita versions, indicating that the technical performance may not have been significantly improved on the Switch compared to its handheld counterpart. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Persona 3 Portable generally performed well across different gaming platforms. The game was praised for its smooth performance, stable frame rates, and improved visuals on platforms like the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Xbox Series X. The PC version was also commended for its flawless performance and smooth experience. While there were some limitations and minor drawbacks mentioned, such as visual limitations on the Nintendo Switch and the absence of vibration support, these did not significantly impact the overall positive reception of the game's technical performance.

TL;DR

technical performance

Persona 3 Portable received positive feedback for its technical performance on various platforms, with critics praising improved visuals and smooth gameplay. The Nintendo Switch version was commended for its seamless experience, while the PlayStation 4 and Xbox Series X versions boasted stable frame rates. The PC version also ran flawlessly. However, some critics noted limitations like visual quality on the Switch and lack of vibration support. Overall, critics agreed that the game performed well across platforms, with minor drawbacks not overshadowing its positive qualities.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

62%

Mixed (50-79)

38%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

In analyzing the opinions of multiple reviewers regarding the replay value of Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3 Portable, it is evident that there are several positive aspects highlighted by the critics. PC Invasion and NintendoWorldReport both mention the ability to customize the difficulty and retry from the last floor, which adds replay value. COGconnected and RPG Fan emphasize the multiple story paths and choices to explore, while Twinfinite and NME highlight the replay value through multiple storylines and character interactions. WellPlayed and God is a Geek mention the addition of an exclusive additional protagonist, offering a second playthrough and potential relationships to be explored. Switch Player and Nintenderos also praise the well-balanced gameplay experience and substantial amount of gameplay offered by Persona 3 Portable. However, there are also some negative aspects mentioned by the critics. Checkpoint Gaming points out that there are no same-sex options available, which is seen as an outdated relic of the time the game originally released. Comicbook.com mentions that Persona 3 Portable lacks the added content from Persona 3 FES, while Gaming Nexus echoes this sentiment, stating that the game lacks the added content from Persona 3 FES, despite offering different social links and romance options for male and female protagonists. WellPlayed also mentions that the late game can become repetitive and lack variety. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3 Portable offers significant replay value. The ability to customize difficulty, retry from the last floor, and explore multiple story paths and choices are praised by multiple critics. The addition of an exclusive additional protagonist and the potential for different relationships and social links also contribute to the game's replayability. However, the lack of same-sex options and the absence of added content from Persona 3 FES are seen as drawbacks. Despite these criticisms, the overall sentiment is that Persona 3 Portable offers a well-balanced gameplay experience with a variety of options for different gamer palates and is worth revisiting or exploring for both newcomers and longtime fans of the series.

TL;DR

replay value

Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3 Portable praised for customizable difficulty, multiple story paths, and exclusive protagonist adding replay value, but criticized for lack of same-sex options and missing content from Persona 3 FES. Overall, critics agree it offers a well-balanced gameplay experience with varied choices for gamers, making it worth revisiting for both new players and fans.

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

76%

Mixed (50-79)

24%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

Analysis: Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3 Portable received mostly positive reviews from the critics, with the majority considering it a very good game. The game was praised for its gripping storyline, solid cast of characters, and addictive combat system. Critics such as Checkpoint Gaming and RPG Fan highlighted the engaging and moody experience that Persona 3 Portable offers, with Checkpoint Gaming specifically mentioning its standout roleplaying adventure. The game was also commended for its low price and new language options, making it accessible to a wider audience, as noted by The Mako Reactor. However, there were some criticisms regarding Persona 3 Portable. Several critics, including The Games Machine and COGconnected, mentioned that the game could have been better with more effort and ambition. They pointed out aging mechanics and graphics as potential drawbacks, while Comicbook.com mentioned some gameplay quirks and limitations on modern hardware. Additionally, some critics, like Pure Xbox and Noisy Pixel, mentioned that the portable version of Persona 3 compromises certain aspects of the game, such as its presentation and tone. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus among the critics is that Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3 Portable is a highly recommended game. Critics such as Twinfinite and GLHF on Sports Illustrated consider it a vital entry in the Persona series and one of the premier RPG titles in gaming. The game's unique and emotional experience, along with its iconic music and art style, were praised by RPG Fan and CGMagazine. The positive sentiment towards Persona 3 Portable is further reinforced by the fact that multiple critics, including PC Invasion and Siliconera, consider it a classic and an important part of the series' history. In conclusion, Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3 Portable received overwhelmingly positive reviews from the critics. The game's gripping storyline, solid cast of characters, and addictive combat system were praised, while criticisms were directed towards its aging mechanics and graphics, as well as compromises made in the portable version. However, the majority of critics recommend Persona 3 Portable, considering it a standout adventure and a must-play for fans of the series. The game's positive reception and its status as a classic highlight its significance in the RPG genre and its appeal to both newcomers and fans alike.

TL;DR

Critics mostly love Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3 Portable for its engaging story, characters, and combat, but some say it could use more polish. Despite aging mechanics and graphics, the game is highly recommended as a standout RPG experience with emotional depth and iconic style, making it a classic in the Persona series.

MONSTER

Reviews

147 reviews found

100

Hey Poor Player

Nintendo Switch

Jan 17, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Persona 3 Portable is a phenomenal title that straddles the line between modern and classic Persona games, offering an enchanting style and a compelling story. It is highly enjoyable and worth playing.

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RPG Fan

Xbox Series X

Jan 17, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Persona 3 Portable is a dark masterpiece that offers a unique and emotional experience. It is a must-play for fans of the series and a great entry point for newcomers.

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Nintenderos

Nintendo Switch

Jan 17, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Persona 3 Portable may not be as big as its successors, but it remains an outstanding role-playing adventure with great characters and challenging battles. The remasterization improves the game's visuals and accessibility, making it a must-play.

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Vooks

Nintendo Switch

Jan 17, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Persona 3 Portable is a compromised but wonderful game with a fantastic story and some frustrating gameplay aspects.

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God is a Geek

Nintendo Switch

Jan 17, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Persona 3 Portable is a worthy role-player with superb localization, sharp script, and a quirky cast of characters.

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Pure Xbox

Xbox Series X

Jan 17, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Persona 3 Portable is the best version of Persona 3 overall, with enough new content and combat improvements to make it a recommended experience.

Siliconera

Nintendo Switch

Jan 17, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review praises Persona 3 Portable as a fantastic take on the story and an important part of the series' history. It also mentions the appreciation for the new ports and the game running well on the Switch.

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Twinfinite

Nintendo Switch

Jan 17, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The reviewer believes that Persona 3 Portable is vital for anyone on the fence about the series, and solidifies its place as one of the premier RPG titles in all of gaming. The reviewer also believes that playing Persona 3 Portable will help them appreciate Persona 5 more.

Hardcore Gamer

Nintendo Switch

Jan 17, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Persona 3 Portable is still a fantastic entry in the Persona series, with a solid cast of characters, a remarkable storyline, and an addictive combat system. However, it hasn't aged as well as expected.

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Comicbook.com

Nintendo Switch

Feb 15, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Persona 3 Portable has a signature aesthetic excellence, an enthralling story, and familiar gameplay rhythm, but some gameplay quirks and limitations on modern hardware.

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