As someone who did not like any Persona 3 media except for the movies, Persona 3 Reload finally won me over.
The modernized graphics, new VO cast, a much more enjoyable gameplay experience, social links being completely voiced, and more really made this a good/definitive experience for me.
Me not liking the original games also meant that I wasn't attached to the original voice cast, so I didn't mind the recasts at all. Especially after playing the game, because the new VA's all did an incredible job. The social links sound great, and I loved doing most of them.
The new music is also great, I wasn't sure if I was going to enjoy some remakes, like the Iwatodai Dorm one, but I can't help but sing "I'm minding my bizz, so mind your own bizz" whenever I hear it now. Color Your Night and It's Going Down Now are both incredible, Azumi really shines when it comes to new original songs.
Tartarus didn't feel much like a chore anymore, especially when I realized to just avoid most enemies. Since monad doors and floor bosses give the most XP.
More Strega appearances helped a LOT. No joke, I completely forgot about them until someone pointed them out after P3R was announced.
Link episodes are great additions, Shinjiro's was my favorite, and really made me care about him.
I do still believe the story has pacing issues, especially at the start, and somewhat at the end. But I didn't really mind since I knew what I was getting into this time.
Overall a much better and more enjoyable experience than FES or Portable.
The modernized graphics, new VO cast, a much more enjoyable gameplay experience, social links being completely voiced, and more really made this a good/definitive experience for me.
Me not liking the original games also meant that I wasn't attached to the original voice cast, so I didn't mind the recasts at all. Especially after playing the game, because the new VA's all did an incredible job. The social links sound great, and I loved doing most of them.
The new music is also great, I wasn't sure if I was going to enjoy some remakes, like the Iwatodai Dorm one, but I can't help but sing "I'm minding my bizz, so mind your own bizz" whenever I hear it now. Color Your Night and It's Going Down Now are both incredible, Azumi really shines when it comes to new original songs.
Tartarus didn't feel much like a chore anymore, especially when I realized to just avoid most enemies. Since monad doors and floor bosses give the most XP.
More Strega appearances helped a LOT. No joke, I completely forgot about them until someone pointed them out after P3R was announced.
Link episodes are great additions, Shinjiro's was my favorite, and really made me care about him.
I do still believe the story has pacing issues, especially at the start, and somewhat at the end. But I didn't really mind since I knew what I was getting into this time.
Overall a much better and more enjoyable experience than FES or Portable.