Persona 3 Reload | Part 13 Full GamePlay Walkthrough

"Persona 3" is a critically acclaimed Japanese role-playing game (JRPG) developed by Atlus and released for the PlayStation 2 in 2006. The game's plot revolves around a group of high school students who discover their ability to summon powerful beings known as Personas to combat mysterious creatures called Shadows during the "Dark Hour," a hidden hour occurring between one day and the next. Throughout the game, players navigate the daily lives of the protagonist, forming social bonds with various characters, and battling Shadows in a dungeon-crawling format.

The story begins with Makoto Yuki transferring to Gekkoukan High School in Iwatodai City. On his way to the dormitory, he encounters a mysterious boy named Pharos who warns him of impending danger. Upon arrival at the dorm, he meets Mitsuru Kirijo, the student council president, and Yukari Takeba, a fellow student. They inform him about the "Dark Hour," a time when ordinary people are transmogrified into coffins, and Shadows roam the streets. Makoto is then introduced to Akihiko Sanada, a member of the school's boxing team, and the four of them form SEES (Specialized Extracurricular Execution Squad) under Mitsuru's leadership to combat the Shadows.

As Makoto attends classes and explores the city, he encounters various individuals with the potential to form social links, representing different aspects of human nature. Strengthening these social bonds not only aids in the character development but also enhances the power of the Personas Makoto can summon.

SEES begins exploring Tartarus, a towering labyrinth that appears during the Dark Hour, to eliminate the source of the Shadows and uncover the truth behind the Dark Hour. They are aided by Fuuka Yamagishi, a shy student with the ability to analyze Tartarus and provide support during battles.

Throughout their exploration of Tartarus, SEES encounters Strega, a group with similar abilities to summon Personas. Led by Takaya Sakaki and Jin Shirato, Strega opposes SEES' efforts, believing that humanity should embrace the destruction brought by the Shadows. The two groups clash several times, resulting in losses on both sides.

Meanwhile, Makoto discovers that he has the ability to use multiple Personas, a rare trait known as the "Wild Card." This ability allows him to switch between various Personas during battle, giving him a significant advantage against the Shadows.

As SEES delves deeper into Tartarus, they encounter the twelve Arcana Shadows, powerful entities representing the various Arcana of the Tarot. Each defeat brings them closer to the truth behind the Dark Hour and the origin of the Shadows.

The plot takes a darker turn when it is revealed that the Dark Hour is linked to the Kirijo Group, Mitsuru's family corporation, and their experiments with Shadows. Mitsuru's father, Takeharu Kirijo, was involved in these experiments, which inadvertently caused the creation of Tartarus and the Dark Hour. Mitsuru struggles with her family's legacy and her responsibilities as the leader of SEES.

As SEES continues their mission, they learn about the Apothecary, a being known as Ryoji Mochizuki who appears during the Dark Hour and claims to have no memories of his past. Ryoji forms a bond with Makoto and becomes friends with SEES, despite Mitsuru's suspicions about his true intentions.

Eventually, SEES confronts Nyx, the embodiment of death, who is sealed away at the top of Tartarus. Nyx's arrival would bring about the end of the world, as prophesized in the "Fall" ritual, which occurs during the last day of the year. SEES realizes that Ryoji is the human form of Nyx's avatar and that his presence is triggering the impending apocalypse.

The revelation devastates SEES, but they refuse to accept defeat. They vow to find a way to prevent the Fall and save humanity from destruction. Makoto's bonds with his friends and the people he has met throughout the game become crucial, as they strengthen his resolve to find a solution.

As the deadline for the Fall approaches, SEES races against time to uncover a way to stop Nyx. They learn about the "Great Seal," a powerful barrier created by the Kirijo Group to prevent Nyx's awakening. However, activating the Great Seal requires the sacrifice of a Persona user's life.

Makoto, with the support of his friends, volunteers to become the vessel for the Great Seal. In a climactic battle against Nyx, SEES faces overwhelming odds, but they refuse to back down. With the power of their bonds and the strength of their Personas, they succeed in defeating Nyx and activating the Great Seal.

In the aftermath of the battle, Makoto disappears, sacrificing his existence to maintain the Great Seal and prevent Nyx's return. SEES mourns his loss but finds solace in the memories they shared and the hope for a better future.

The game's epilogue takes place several years later, where the surviving members of SEES reunite on graduation day. They reflect on their journey and the impact Makoto had on their lives. As they move forward into the future, they carry his memory with them, determined to live their lives to the fullest and cherish the bonds they formed.

"Persona 3" is a tale of friendship, sacrifice, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. It explores themes of mortality, identity, and the power of connections that transcend time and space. Through its engaging gameplay and compelling narrative, the game has left a lasting impression on players worldwide, cementing its status as a beloved classic in the JRPG genre.