There are a lot of improvements that were created with the release ofPersona 3Reload.Compared to the originalPersona 3, game mechanics were more accessible and included cutscenes that fleshed out the male characters surrounding the main protagonist. With all the improvements, however, the game missed a crucial chance it had to rework one of the original game’s underdeveloped groups.
Persona 3 Reloadhad a chance to dive deeper into the fascinating but underexplored antagonists of Strega. The trio, comprised of Takaya, Jin, and Chidori, always felt like they were on the brink of becoming more nuanced villains in the original game.Persona 3 Reloadwas supposed to change that, promising new cutscenes that would provide more backstory and give them a more significant role in the narrative. Unfortunately, many of these scenes ended up being short or cryptic, failing to give Strega the depth fans were hoping for.
Takaya, the leader of Strega, could have been a powerful, charismatic villain, butPersona 3 Reloaddoesn’t give him the spotlight he needs. His nihilistic desire to bring about the end of the world through Nyx and the Dark Hour is barely explained beyond vague, pseudo-philosophical ramblings. His argument boils down to flawed logic, comparing car accidents to the monsters roaming the Midnight Hour, which doesn’t provide any real insight into why he’s so intent on worshiping Nyx.
A more comprehensive look at his past or a clearer explanation of his goals could have made him a much more intimidating antagonist. It’s disappointing becauseTakaya could have been the perfect foil to the SEESteam’s hope and resolve, but instead, he feels like an enigmatic villain without enough substance to back up his actions.
Jin Shirato Is Barely a Character in Persona 3 Reload
Jin is the weakest link of Strega, andPersona 3 Reloadfails to change that. His unwavering loyalty to Takaya is his most defining trait, but the game doesn’t explain why he views Takaya as a god-like figure or what events led him to follow Takaya so blindly. We know he was subjected to inhumane experiments, but without a deeper dive into his psyche or past, his character remains one-dimensional and underwhelming.
It’s a missed opportunity, especially since Jin’s role could have been pivotal in shedding light on the darker themes ofPersona 3. Flashbacks or scenes that explore his trauma and the bond he shares with Takaya would have made his motivations more believable and his actions more impactful.
Chidori Still Shines the Brightest in Persona 3 Reload
While Takaya and Jin falter,Chidori remains the most developed member of Strega. Her relationship with Junpei offers glimpses of her internal struggles and the emotional complexity that the other two members sorely lack.Persona 3 Reloadbuilds on Chidori’s story to an extent, but it still doesn’t do enough to balance the trio. The contrast between her emotional journey and Takaya and Jin’s lack of depth only highlights the lost potential of Strega’s overall portrayal.
Strega’s Potential Missed in Persona 3 Reload
Strega could have served as a captivating antithesis to SEES, showcasing the darker consequences of forcedPersonaexperiments and the impact of hopelessness. A game likePersona 3thrives on its exploration of complex characters and their internal conflicts.
Hopefully, futurePersonaremakes take noteand offer more robust development for characters like these. Villains can be just as crucial as the protagonists in creating a memorable story, and with a little more effort, the nextPersonaremake could give its antagonists the depth and complexity they deserve.
