Let's be real here: platform differences can and often do matter a great deal. Playing a game built with a handheld in mind on PC isn't necessarily the sort of experience that the developer might've had for the player. And, considering the fact that Persona games, in particular, have been making rounds on PC as of late, and with a new (old) entry already well on its way, we can't help but ask: is Persona 3 Portable worth playing on PC, too? Or should you stick with a portable of some sort, instead?

The "issue," as it were, is particularly interesting because there are newer and arguably better Persona games available on PC already! For franchise super-fans, this won't matter, but for a casual observer? It's a complex consideration, is what we're getting at. Today, though, we aim to make an argument as to why Persona 3 Portable is a must-play after all, regardless of the platform you play it on!

READ MORE: All Persona Games Are Coming to PC

Is Persona 3 Portable Worth Playing?

If you're a fan of weird content and love psychologically explorative content such as Twin Peaks and the like, Persona is downright unbeatable. Even if we set aside the unique setting of the game, there's the social simulation and the gameplay to consider. Both of these came into their own once Persona 3 Portable launched, redefining the franchise for good.

Play Persona 3 Portable on PC: Slated for January 19th!

The Story: As Timeless as It Gets

While one could certainly make an argument that the newer Persona and Megami Tensei titles are more mechanically complex and have more engaging gameplay, the quality of the narrative is a purely subjective matter. What makes P3P special more so than most other titles in the franchise is its transitory nature, however.

There's a good reason why the first two mainline Persona games aren't nearly as popular as 3 onwards. For many players, the "slice of life" aspects of P3 made the whole thing that much more enjoyable. And, on top of all the cosmic horror going on, there was something new, interesting, and grounded for players to connect with - the protagonists' school life, friendships, and beyond.

If these considerations matter to you, then it's immediately worth pointing out that Atlus used Persona 3 as the crux of all these systems, and they're totally ubiquitous for Persona in the modern day. In most ways, the story, narrative, and characters of P3 can easily go toe-to-toe with its sequels. In that respect, the game's more of a side grade than anything else, and well worth your time!

The Gameplay: Differs Enough to Matter

For better or for worse, Persona 3 Portable is almost exactly the same as its immediate sequel gameplay-wise. Indeed, Persona 4 is a tad more balanced and polished if anything. The biggest mechanical difference is that Persona 3 Portable's dungeoneering is basically all completely randomized. For some players, this is excellent news. Others, however, will certainly prefer the sequels' more deliberate and hand-crafted progression.

Atlus did improve Persona gameplay with each subsequent entry, of course. It's a testament to the games' quality, though, that even the very first iteration of the systems present in P3P can stand toe-to-toe with its successors. You'll lack some of the later games' flair and polish, for sure, but it's hardly a major problem.

The Atmosphere: Yet to Be Beaten

Finally, most Persona fans will agree that P3P is an absolute slam-dunk when it comes to atmosphere. Again - all Persona games do this part well, but P3 goes above and beyond to deliver a truly horrific vision of the world. The concept of the 25th hour is appropriately strange and subversive. What happens during it in the real world and Tartarus itself is oddly grounded and down-to-earth. Hardly a thing to expect out of Megami Tensei, we believe!

And, really, that's what sets Persona 3 Portable apart the most. It's gloomy and grim in a special kind of way: its twists and turns are delivered with gusto, too, and it all works wonders to set the stage for a truly memorable and interesting campaign.

Persona 4 and Persona 5 have their own fair share of nightmare fuel - of course. One could argue, however, that neither quite reaches the incredible atmospheric heights of Persona 3 Portable. So, that's a major pro for playing this title!

Never Played Persona 3 Before? Now's The Time!

The biggest thing to keep in mind here, really, is that we're getting a remastered version of P3P. This means it's going to perform and look rather great on big screens, with proper UI and all the other key bits and bobs. Coincidentally, if you own a Steam Deck, Persona 3 Portable is going to retain all of its big handheld appeal as well as enjoying all the boons of its renewed format. It's sure to be a hit on that front!

Still, we do believe that there's plenty to enjoy here even if you end up playing on your big desktop gaming rig. It's also worth pointing out that P3P was already an improved and enhanced re-release of the original Persona 3. In effect, this is a remastered remaster.

The important bit, however, is that we've got a quality game at hand. One that no longer needs to be emulated to run on modern PCs! For Persona fans, in particular, this is invaluable. We believe that the series is only about to cement its must-play status further still.

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