If you know anything about Japanese role-playing games, or even if you don’t, you will likely know the name Persona. This beloved series is one of the most popular videogame franchises to emerge from Japan, mixing intricate storytelling, satisfying turn-based combat, and immersive life-simulation elements to create a potent mix that has captivated fans worldwide.
Juggling your social links, school studies, and battling monsters in thrilling dungeons is a compelling combination that has most recently captivated fans in Persona 5 Royal. For newer players, it’s certainly worth revisiting earlier entries in the series to see how the concept has evolved over the years.
Now, Atlus has returned to give us a gorgeous new version of one of the most popular entries in the mainline series – Persona 3. Persona 3 Reload preserves the story and characters from the 2006 original and gives the visuals a shiny new coat of paint. To help prepare you for your exciting adventures in Tartarus, let’s meet the characters you’ll be adventuring with.
Protagonist
The protagonist of our story is a second-year transfer student at Gekkoukan High School after a spell of time away from Tatsumi Port Island – the island where he grew up. Our hero encounters a monster on his first full moon night in the dorm, and thus his Persona, Orpheus, is awakened. He’s quickly recruited by the Specialized Extracurricular Execution Squad (S.E.E.S.) which leads him to step into the secrets of the dark hours. The protagonist is the only party member who can swap between multiple Personas, giving you plenty of combat options to choose from.
Yukari Takeba
Yukari is Gekkoukan’s It Girl. She is headstrong, determined, and well-liked among the student body. Yukari makes for a valuable addition to the S.E.E.S. with her pin-point archery skills. Her Persona is Io, who specializes in wind and healing techniques.
Junpei Iori
Junpei is something of a class clown and is always willing to lighten the mood with jokes. Sometimes the straight-laced Yukari tires of his lame jokes but his breeziness certainly helps alleviate tension in tough situations. His Persona, Hermes, specializes in fire and physical skills.
Akihiko Sanada
Despite his prowess in both academia and athletics, Akihiko is surprisingly humble and always supportive of his friends. His Persona is the tank Polydeuces, who wields physical and electrical skills. As captain of the boxing team, Akihiko fights with his fists, boasting incredible power and speed.
Mitsuru Kirijo
The intelligent and wealthy Mitsuru is by all accounts a model student. Leading the school council demands a lot of her time, but she still finds the time to also lead the S.E.E.S.. She is an asset in battle, leveraging her fencing skills to take down enemies. Her Persona is Penthesilea, a powerful queen in an iron mask, who can use healing and ice skills.
Fuuka Yamagishi
This quiet and timid second-year is often the target of bullying but discovers the support she needs in the form of the S.E.E.S. When she is rescued from the Dark Hour by our heroes, her Persona, Lucia, awakens. While not directly involved in combat, Fuuka supports her allies from the sidelines, offering intel in a support role.
Koromaru
The canine Koromaru is far more than a pet, leaping into combat with a kunai knife in his jaws whenever he is needed. Following the passing of his owner – the priest of the dorm’s neighboring shrine – Koromaru is recruited to the S.E.E.S. He summons his Persona, Cerberus, who wields Dark skills.
Aigis
Aigis is a man-made Anti-Shadow Suppression Weapon that shares a mysterious bond with the protagonist from their first meeting. Despite being an android, Aigis has a human-like heart which allows her to wield the power of a Persona. Her Persona – Palladion – specializes in physical skills.
Ken Amada
Gekkoukan Elementary fifth-grader Ken is the youngest member of the S.E.E.S.. After losing his mother in a tragic accident, Ken comes to reside in the Iwatodai Dorm, where he meets the S.E.E.S.. He wields a long spear in contrast to his short stature and summons the Persona, Nemesis, who uses Light skills.
Shinjiro Aragaki
Shinjiro has distanced himself from the S.E.E.S., wracked with guilt for pushing others away, but slowly returns to the fold during the events of Persona 3 Reload. While sporting a gruff and intimidating demeanor, he is fiercely loyal and committed to the cause. His Persona is the colossal Castor, a hard-hitting physical attack specialist. Catch Shinjiro in battle and he’ll come at you swinging, bludgeoning with heavy weapons.
You can enjoy the stories of this colorful cast when Persona 3 Reload on Xbox and PC now. If you’re an Xbox Game Pass subscriber, you can enjoy the game at no additional cost.
