| Persona 3 Reload: Episode Aigis | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Gameplay & Story | Release Date | Pre-Order & DLC | Review |
Episode Aigis - The Answer- is the DLC epilogue that is set to conclude the events of Persona 3. Read our review to see what it did well, what it didn't do well, and if it's worth buying.
Persona 3 Reload: Episode Aigis Review Overview
What is Persona 3 Reload: Episode Aigis?
Episode Aigis - the Answer- picks up a few weeks after the events of Persona 3. The S.E.E.S. members are stuck in their dorm, reliving the same day—March 31st—over and over. To break free, they must venture into the Abyss of Time, uncover why they're trapped, discover the source of Aigis's new Wild Card ability, and figure out who Metis, the new AI robot resembling Aigis, really is. This episode acts as an epilogue, diving into the challenges faced by Aigis and the S.E.E.S. members as they confront each other and their inner struggles, exploring themes of death, the meaning of life, and new beginnings.
Persona 3 Reload: Episode Aigis features:
⚫︎ 30-Hour Campaign
⚫︎ Remake of The Answer from P3 FES
⚫︎ Play as Aigis as the MC
⚫︎ All New Dungeons
⚫︎ New Playable Character
⚫︎ All New Music, UI, and Battle Animations
⚫︎ New Linked Episodes
For more gameplay details, read everything we know about Persona 3 Reload: Episode Aigis's gameplay and story.
| Platforms | |||||||||||
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 Steam |
 PS |
 Xbox |
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| Price: | $34.99 | ||||||||||
Persona 3 Reload: Episode Aigis Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
 An Amazing Epilogue Retold Great New Additions Redone Dungeons |
Suffers Familiar Repetition Some Cutscenes aren’t as Intense |
Persona 3 Reload: Episode Aigis Overall Score - 96/100
Episode Aigis masterfully recreates Persona 3 FES’s The Answer, adding layers of depth to the story, characters, and gameplay that go even deeper than the Abyss of Time. While some of the original flaws persist and a few cutscenes lack the same impact, this is undeniably the definitive version of the epilogue. It doesn’t just close a beloved chapter but opens the door to endless possibilities for the future of Persona. Praying to Thanatos that Atlus will reconsider including the Female Protagonist in the future.
Persona 3 Reload: Episode Aigis Story - 10/10
Once controversial for its bold decisions and character writing, the story of Episode Aigis has aged gracefully over the years. This remake not only revisits familiar notes but enriches the characters and themes, adding layers to its exploration of grief and moving on from the loss of a loved one. Beautifully told from start to finish, it weaves a touching conclusion for the members of S.E.E.S., especially Aigis, tying their journey together with a poignant sense of closure.
Persona 3 Reload: Episode Aigis Gameplay - 9/10
Gone are the carefree school days of hanging out with friends and building social links—Episode Aigis shifts its focus to combat and dungeon crawling. While the grindy nature of the original is still present, it's much more enjoyable thanks to redesigned dungeons, faster combat, and Linked Episodes that break up the monotony. It’s not meant to be seen as a major update, but rather as the definitive final chapter of the game, bringing everything to a satisfying close.
Persona 3 Reload: Episode Aigis Visuals - 10/10
So much meticulous detail went into making this DLC stand out. Atlus could have easily turned it into a quick cash grab, but instead, they went all in, crafting something truly stunning. From the sleek, Aigis-focused UI to the beautifully redesigned dungeons, Episode Aigis feels like a perfect all-out attack, showcasing the care and passion that went into every element of the game.
Persona 3 Reload: Episode Aigis Audio - 10/10
Reload's composer, Ryota Kozuka, had some big shoes to fill taking over for the iconic Shoji Meguro, but he really pulled it off. His rearrangements of the original tracks and the new ones he brought in are amazing. I’m especially loving the new battle theme, Don't,
and of course, Lotus Juice absolutely kills it once again. Persona games have always had incredible soundtracks, and Reload is no different. The voice acting, both in Japanese and English, also delivers, bringing real emotion, especially in those heavy, heart-wrenching scenes.
Persona 3 Reload: Episode Aigis Value for Money - 9/10
If you already own the base game, Episode Aigis is definitely a must-buy. However, for those who are still considering picking up the base game, which costs $70 on its own, it might be a tougher decision. That said, adding Episode Aigis to the Expansion Pass is absolutely worth it and enhances the overall value. With an additional 30 hours of gameplay on top of the base game's already substantial 75-100 hours, you'll definitely get your money’s worth. This DLC is a solid investment and definitely worth purchasing.
Persona 3 Reload: Episode Aigis Review: The Answer to Life
Spoilers Ahead for Portions of the Base Game Below
The Answer holds a special place in my heart as the first game that I played really tackled themes of grief and losing a loved one—something I deeply related to even as a child. When Episode Aigis was announced as a remake of The Answer, I was over the moon. It was so exciting and emotional to see Atlus bringing back this story, especially since it had been left out of other Persona 3 ports like Portable. After all these years, having the complete story of Persona 3 on modern consoles is a dream come true. And I have to say, Atlus absolutely nailed it with this brilliant adaptation of The Answer.
At its core, Episode Aigis explores the challenge of moving on from the past, finding solace in letting go and embracing Brand New Days
after confronting painful memories. For newcomers to the Persona series, The Answer was highly controversial because it twisted the bittersweet, yet hopeful, ending of Persona 3 that fans cherished.
In Persona 3, the protagonist’s final moments are deeply emotional and meaningful. As he lies on Aigis' lap on the rooftop, he hears his friends approaching after regaining their memories and gets one last glimpse of them before closing his eyes for good. Fans saw this as a perfect, though somber, conclusion to the story. However, Episode Aigis confirmed that the protagonist passed away during that scene, which left many fans feeling disheartened. The epilogue not only made the final moments more tragic but also strained the relationships between the S.E.E.S. members, showing them grieving in different ways.
Some fans felt that this epilogue undermined certain character arcs—particularly Yukari, who faced considerable backlash from the community. However, I would argue that the epilogue actually enhanced these characters, adding more humanity and depth to their stories. It showcased their vulnerability, grief, and struggles in a way that made them more relatable and complex.
Despite the controversy, The Answer stands as one of the best stories in the series and arguably within the entire RPG genre. It delves deeply into themes of grief, closure, and the struggle to move forward in a way that few games do, resonating with me on a level that most others can't.
So what is the story about? Episode Aigis - the Answer- picks up a few weeks after the events of Persona 3. The S.E.E.S. members are stuck in their dorm, reliving the same day—March 31st—over and over. To break free, they must venture into the Abyss of Time, uncover why they're trapped, discover the source of Aigis's new Wild Card ability, and figure out who Metis, the new AI robot resembling Aigis, really is.
There's so much to dive into here, and the mystery really pulls you in. The shadowy figure that looks like the Persona 3 protagonist adds an eerie layer of suspense, but I won’t spoil anything for you. And then there's Metis—who is she, and why does she call Aigis her sister? Their relationship adds such an interesting dynamic to the story. Metis reminds me a bit of Teddie from Persona 4—she’s wrapped in mystery but seems to know so much about the Abyss of Time. Her presence just makes everything feel even more intense.
It wasn’t just the story that made Episode Aigis so controversial; it was also the shift in gameplay. The game moved away from the social aspects and doubled down on combat, much like the original Persona 1 and 2 games, as well as the Shin Megami Tensei series. This focus on combat, while faithful to the franchise’s roots, was criticized for being monotonous and brutally difficult. But Episode Aigis takes this formula, shakes it up, and makes it work.
The Abyss of Time, where most of the game takes place, gets a well-deserved makeover. The dungeons are visually stunning and much more fun to explore, making them feel fresh and alive. Combat flows more smoothly thanks to the much-needed quality-of-life improvements, like being able to control your entire party. It’s a small change, but it makes a world of difference in the pacing and strategy, especially when Metis joins the fray. She’s not only a powerhouse but also a joy to play as she instantly becomes a fan favorite.
Starting at level 25, just like in The Journey, the game offers some continuity for players with save data from the base game, allowing Aigis to use the compendium. Though you’re limited to Personas at or below your level, Persona acquisition in Shuffle Time feels more rewarding, and leveling up comes faster, reducing the grind. The difficulty, however, remains unrelenting—true SMT-style. Enemies can absolutely wreck you if you're not careful, delivering “mass destruction” levels of damage.
Thankfully, the difficulty can be adjusted, and though challenging, it feels fair and satisfying. Just be prepared to manage your resources wisely because they’re scarce, and boss battles demand serious strategy.
While the combat can sometimes get repetitive, there’s enough breathing room thanks to the Linked Episodes, which provide a welcome break for the characters and keep the story moving. At around 30 hours, Episode Aigis delivers a beautifully meaningful narrative without overstaying its welcome.
It really feels like the definitive version of this story—and just like the first time I played it, Episode Aigis had me in tears by the end.
Pros of Persona 3 Reload: Episode Aigis
| Things Persona 3 Reload: Episode Aigis Got Right |
|---|
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An Amazing Epilogue Retold Great New Additions Redone Dungeons |
An Amazing Epilogue Retold
Episode Aigis does an incredible job reimagining The Answer, capturing all the heart, emotion, and pain that the characters—and you—have to endure. In some ways, it even surpasses the original. Aigis truly comes into her own here, and this feels like the definitive end to her arc in Persona 3, filled with meaning and depth. She’s such a beautifully poetic character, and the irony of an android evoking such raw emotions makes her story even more impactful.
Every character gets their moment to shine, and we see them grappling with their own struggles. It feels deeply human, reflecting the idea that even as we grow and develop, we’re still flawed. We make mistakes, and we face new hardships every day—but that’s part of the journey.
What’s particularly powerful is how this story tackles grief and the search for the meaning of life. Aigis and Yukari stand out the most, each showcasing different ways of coping with loss. Their grief over the Protagonist’s death stirs feelings of resentment, jealousy, and sadness, but these emotions are something they must confront in order to move forward.
The story weaves these themes masterfully through the metaphor of time—March 31st, the day they’re stuck in, symbolizes being trapped in the past, unable to move on. The ending may still be controversial, but it delivers a powerful message and shows why the Persona 3 protagonist is one of the most impactful main characters in the series.
Metis is also a standout addition to the story. She’s the first in a line of new characters
introduced in Persona remakes, paving the way for characters like Marie in Golden or Kasumi in Royal. Metis, with her sassy personality, injects a breath of fresh air into the more serious tone of the game and adds a dynamic contrast to the cast. Her presence is a brilliant touch, making Episode Aigis feel both familiar and new all at once.
Great New Additions
Episode Aigis really shines with its new features and quality-of-life improvements. One of the biggest changes is the ability to choose and adjust the difficulty—something that was impossible in the original, where you were stuck on Hard Mode. Aigis feels much better to control, especially with the new Theurgy system from Reload, and getting to play as Metis is an awesome addition.
What really stands out, though, are the Linked Episodes. They take the characters to new emotional depths, showing how grief can change people. You see them struggle, sometimes becoming bitter, but it doesn’t define who they are. These episodes give the cast more humanity, and you really feel their pain and growth as their bonds become stronger. Aigis taking on the role of the Wild Card holder feels more meaningful, and you get a sense that their friendships are real, just strained by everything they’ve been through.
Another huge plus is the game being mostly voice-acted. It adds so much emotion and weight to the scenes, making the story hit harder in ways that text just can’t. I really hope future Persona games keep going with fully voice-acted Social Links—it makes every moment feel more intimate and real.
Redone Dungeons
The Abyss of Time is easily one of the most monotonous and underwhelming dungeons in the Persona series, even more so than Tartarus, especially since you have to tackle it all in one go. Thankfully, in this new version, the dungeons have been revamped with a much better visual design and more variety. While they're still randomly generated and don't quite match the handcrafted feel of the Palaces in Persona 5, the developers did a great job staying true to the original while improving the experience.
The dungeons now feel quicker to navigate and more lively, with plenty of new character interactions to keep things interesting. Playing as Aigis is as fun as ever, especially with her Naruto run and the ability to shoot Shadows. Best of all, the dungeons feel more balanced and rewarding, with frequent Shuffle Times and enemies that offer just the right amount of challenge.
Cons of Persona 3 Reload: Episode Aigis
| Things That Persona 3 Reload: Episode Aigis Can Improve |
|---|
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Suffers Familiar Repetition Some Cutscenes aren’t as Intense |
Suffers Familiar Repetition
Episode Aigis fixes many of the issues that made The Answer a bit frustrating, but it still has some of that repetitive, grindy dungeon crawling. Thankfully, it’s not as monotonous as before. With its fresh visuals and gameplay tweaks, it definitely offers a more enjoyable experience.
Some Cutscenes aren’t as Intense
It’s a minor gripe, but I couldn’t help feeling a bit disappointed that some of the original’s edgy and darkly gritty elements are missing from some of the cut scenes in Episode Aigis. While the new cut scenes are vibrant and visually impressive, they lack some of the raw, impactful feel of the originals.
Is Persona 3 Reload: Episode Aigis Worth It?
Jack Frost Approved!
Despite a few minor issues, Episode Aigis is a must-buy DLC that enhances Persona 3 Reload, making it the definitive version of Persona 3. Priced at $35, it's well worth the investment. Hopefully it's success could encourage Atlus to explore new ideas and try new things for the Persona franchise in the future.
| Platforms | |||||||||||
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| Steam |
PS |
Xbox |
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| Price: | $34.99 | ||||||||||
Persona 3 Reload: Episode Aigis FAQ
When is Aigis' Birthday?
Aigis was born on September 10, 1999, which happens to be the same release date as Episode Aigis.
Is it necessary to complete Persona 3 Reload in order to play Episode Aigis?
You can access the new Episode Aigis DLC by purchasing Persona 3 Reload and its Expansion Pass, even if you haven’t finished the main story. However, we recommend completing the main game first since the DLC follows the events of Persona 3 Reload.
Who are the Playable Characters in Episode Aigis the Answer?
⚫︎ Aigis
⚫︎ Metis
⚫︎ Mitsuru Kirijo
⚫︎ Akihiko Sanada
⚫︎ Yukari Takeba
⚫︎ Junpei Iori
⚫︎ Koromaru
⚫︎ Ken Amada
⚫︎ Fuuka Yamagishi (Navigator)
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Persona 3 Reload Episode Aigis Product Information
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| Title | PERSONA 3 RELOAD EPISODE AIGIS | |
|---|---|---|
| Release Date | September 10, 2024 | |
| Developer | Atlus | |
| Publisher | Sega | |
| Supported Platforms | PS4, PS5, PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S | |
| Genre | RPG, Strategy | |
| Number of Players | 1 | |
| ESRB Rating | M | |
| Official Website | Persona 3 Reload Episode Aigis Website | |
