Life is fleeting, and you should spend the time you have with those you love. Obviously that use of time and the finite amount of it has been present across all 3 of the Persona games I’ve played, but it’s never felt as succinct as it does here. The story is so effective, and while the (somewhat but not really) ambiguous ending left me misty-eyed, I want to highlight the most effective moment for myself when it came to a an experience unique to gaming as a medium.

The death of Shinjiro Aragaki.

During the month Shinji joins your party, he’s among two other fresh party members. It’s easy to get lost in the shuffle, but I made sure he had time to shine in combat. I began his “linked episodes”, and while i noticed they were queuing rather quickly, i chalked that up to the game wanting his story to catch up. “I’ll have more time with him”, I thought to myself as i approached a full moon. But then Shinji died, and the first feeling of regret I felt were the handful of times I disregarded an invite to instead date Yukari or hang out with the track team or stuff my face with seafood to boost my knowledge. Suddenly he was gone, and nothing I could do could get that time back. Sure, on another playthrough I can see what that time is like and I’m sure I’ll appreciate it, but nothing will take away from this first playthrough where I was reminded that you can’t plan for death. One day someone will be gone, so you should tell them you care about them.

Persona 3 Reload impressed me to no end. I stayed unbelievably unspoiled entering this game and I’m so grateful for that. I’m looking forward to “The Answer” later this fall, but even alone this was astounding.

“He’s found the answer to life’s greatest question. It just happened a bit sooner than it will for the rest of you.”