The Answer DLC forPersona 3 Reloadwas a big addition to the game, but it might not turn into a recurring element for the series. With The Answer,Persona 3 Reloadgot an extra campaign to further the story, albeit one that already appeared in a previous release. Despite how significant this seems, it’s too early to assume that this could become a pattern for the future.Personagames have done several experiments with their formula in the past. As far as The Answer DLC goes though, there’s a good chance it will be a one-off outing.
The recently releasedPersona 3 Reload: The Answer DLC, Episode Aigis, is a remake of a storyline that came withPersona 3 FES. Episode Aigis provided a rather faithful recreation of the campaign, which was originally believed to have been left out of the remake entirely. DLCs in other recentPersonagames have primarily featured costume packs and similar bonuses, so Episode Aigis was a rather ambitious addition in comparison. It would be hard to blame someone for thinking that Episode Aigis was the first step in a new direction. However, the series as a whole needs a look before making any assumptions.
Episode Aigis Is an Extra Campaign For Persona 3 Reload
The Answer is an additional campaign that introducesPersona 3 Reload’s Abyss of Time, a new dungeon for the party to explore. The storyline of The Answer takes place after the events of the main story, making it an epilogue of sorts forPersona 3. As a result, the game’s original protagonist is not present, with Aigis taking the reins of the story instead. The Abyss of Time is also set up in a very different fashion from Tartarus as well, showing more experimental game design. However, as interesting as The Answer is, there are a few aspects of it that cannot be overlooked.
Persona Games Usually Include Story Changes in Updated Re-Releases
RecentPersonagames have also had story expansions, butPersona 5 Royal’s third semesterand Marie fromPersona 4 Goldenhad their own approach.Persona’s additional content has previously come in the form of re-releases of the original game rather than DLC. A major reason for this is likely because the other two games directly change the course of the story. Considering the calendar-based gameplay of thePersonatitles, changing the story could have a massive impact on the game itself. That is the most likely reason why pastPersonatitles have included story expansions through updated re-releases rather than DLC.
The mainlineShin Megami Tenseiseries also features story changes in re-releases, such asShin Megami Tensei 5: Vengeance.
Persona’s Method of Storytelling Can be Awkward for Story DLC
That’s not to say that story DLC is entirely out of the question.Persona 6could take inspiration from Episode Aigisand have its own epilogue campaign. After all, an epilogue would be less intrusive than a significant story adjustment. However, it should be noted that even The Answer itself was originally part of an updated re-release ofPersona 3, only becoming DLC forPersona 3 Reload. As a result, its status as a DLC is even more unusual compared to its peers. An epilogue chapter is a solid DLC concept, butPersonatradition seems more likely to hold withPersona 6.
IfPersona 6gets a story update, it’s likely to come in the form of a re-release rather than DLC.Persona 6can followPersona 3 Reloadin several significant ways, but must tread carefully in others. Story is so important to thePersonagames that making a big change or addition through DLC may be difficult to manage. The re-releases simply had their own versions of the story, which made them more manageable. Story DLC forPersona 6is not off the table, but it probably shouldn’t be expected either.
Persona 3 Reload
WHERE TO PLAY
Step into the shoes of a transfer student thrust into an unexpected fate when entering the hour “hidden” between one day and the next. Awaken an incredible power and chase the mysteries of the Dark Hour, fight for your friends, and leave a mark on their memories forever.Persona 3 Reload is a captivating reimagining of the genre-defining RPG, reborn for the modern era.Experience the pivotal game of the Persona series faithfully remade with cutting-edge graphics, modernized quality-of-life features, and signature stylish UI. Fully immerse yourself in an emotional, gripping journey with new scenes, character interactions, and additional voiceover. Choose how to meaningfully spend each day through various activities from exploring the Port Island to forging genuine bonds with beloved characters. Build and command your optimal team to take down otherworldly Shadows and climb closer to the truth.
