We're streaming our Persona 4 Golden playthrough on Twitch, looking forward to seeing you guys there! www.twitch.tv/chocolatekieran/videos

Man 18 years later and they still havent fixed the glitch where the screen gets all blurry during the credits

This ending gets even deeper when we take into consideration the original game's development: In an interview last year, the director of the og Persona 3 (Kazuya Hashino) was told that Persona 3 was likely gonna be ATLUS' final game, since they were at the brink of bankrupcy back then. That's when he decided to analyze previous titles and revitalize Persona's formula, and when the development team's veterans weren't on board with changing the already established formula, Hashino told them: "But what if it doesn't work? If we only focus on our most passionate fans, how are we gonna attract new people? The company will be gone." So when you start thinking about it with that angle, kinda makes sense why Persona 3 is the only Persona game in which they decided to kill off the protagonist... because there was no guarantee there would be another Persona game, on top of its message of "You will die one day, so remember to live until then". But hey, it got them this far. And now Persona 3 Reload became the fastest selling game in ATLUS' history.

The small hint they gave us is in the cost of the great seal final attack.

Aigis was smiling as you were dying at the end because the bond you had will never go away, not even after death

You should watch the persona 3 movie ending it shows how the mc was struggling to even go up the stairs

If you notice, the bench you pass away on is the one with the wilting flowers you have to water for one of Elizabeth’s requests. When I first got on the roof and saw those, I said “Screw you Atlus” and started laughing at the audacity 💀😭

Minato passing away like that is such an amazing literary reference. He hosted Death inside of him for years, forming a bond with him. But the thing is, its Thanatos. Not only is Thanatos the Greek God of Death, he is specifically the God of Peaceful Death. He stayed alive long enough to fulfil his promise to his friends, nowing without a doubt that they wont forget him and each other. And so he goes. I cry like a baby every time

Like akihiko said "He was one hell of a guy, he even faced death with a smile"

Highly recommend you read lyrics of the song at the end credits. It clearly tells you the protagonist is dead and Aigis knew you were dying.

The significance of Nyx's quotes about the various Tarot cards is usually lost on people who DON'T PAY ATTENTION TO ODAGAWA'S LECTURES. But the idea is that they each represent the path of the Fool, signifying stages of life. When drawing Tarot cards, you shuffle the deck face down randomly, even turning the cards so they become right side up or upside down, you put them together and draw. Each tarot represents different aspects, such as the Magician offering initiative or potential, while the reverse represents inaction or waste of potential. Even Death as a Tarot Card is not a bad thing. Its not about dying, its about change. Upright, the Death Arcana represents a significant turning point in one's life, while the reverse represents the stagnation of your career or life. It makes even more waves when you understand that Makoto carried Death within him, literally changing the life of everyone around him. Every Social link was stuck in a rut, Kenji hesitating on confessing, Maya losing passion in teaching, Keisuke unable to choose between his passion for art or his talent as a doctor.

If you recall using the Great Seal at the end used HP. Your HP hit zero meaning yes you die. In P4 and P5 the final move to kill the final bosses uses SP.

It's always a joy to watch someone react ro Battle Hymn of the Soul. Considering how instrumental the velvet room is to the journey, the fact it is in the final boss theme continues to cement it as one of my Persona themes.

That realization moment is priceless

So yeah it's easy to miss, but the great seal uses all your health, even sort of spells it out for you with your "ultimate" persona being Messiah. The being that sacrificed himself for the world. But despite it all to keep his promise to meet on the roof he hung on as basically a husk Also Lotus juice really cooked with the new lyrics for burn my dread, talking about how the protagonist feels like he wants to pay back for all the love he feels like he doesn't deserve, it makes him invincible, every time he falls he'll get back up. He knows it's the end but he's not scared, cause he's already Burned his Dread

"I Will Never Leave You" 😣

fun fact, the credits song is in the perspective of aigis about the protagonist

1:22:46 He already had the wild card; Igor was just making a comment about him being a wild card in addition to already having Death. The Universe is something entirely different.

"Dark Jesus and Judas of the Light" that kinda goes hard not gonna lie lol

There's something so profound about the Persona 3 narrative and the way they explore the themes of death. The fact that the main character was able to hold on just long enough to make it to the rooftop, and keep his promise to his friends to meet up there on graduation day. Being able to see them one last time allows him to die with a smile on his face, and there's just something so beautiful about that. Like Ryoji said, he truly did find the answer to life's greatest question, and for him it was to pave the way for his friends, and to give them the possibility of continuing on to find their own answer(s)

It's just really cool that when the game tells you something, it means it. "You have one year." "You must take responsibility for your actions." "Nyx can't be defeated". And all of those statements are true. No anime bs. Only thing guy could do was sacrifice himself and hope his friends would figure out the rest. It's a very unique game and ending.

The fact he practically died sealing nyx but through sheer will he stayed to keep his promise

My legend died with a smile on his face😞

I'm really impressed that you heard Takaya & Jin out! 😊 I feel like most players yell full volume over their dialogue & then complain that the characters don't make sense. 😂 You even caught the lie in Takaya claiming to hate attachments, but secretly caring about Jin anyway. And as you pointed out -- Strega was like the dark route of "miserable orphans coping with imminent death". I genuinely love all three of them as foils to SEES. 🎉 PS: The gaps in Jin's sleeves are probably to make injecting drugs/suppressants easier! 😅

You paid a lot of attention to details! I enjoyed watching you reacting to things. Thank you.

I love rewatching the ending, it always get me a tear and love for the game more + memories of you is so good to listen to.

I love how Nyx is more so very thematic narrative battle that still has some few intense moments, it lets you feel the SEES determination with "Battle for Everyone Souls" in the background. And Nyx Avatar's (Ryoji) Journey of the Fool quote progression too.

What’s even more sad is the fact that in the bad ending, Aigis is waiting alone on the rooftop for everyone who would never come… :(

If you want to see what they do after the game, then play persona 4 arena after you beat persona 4 golden because you will be excited to see the P3 group again after 3 years have pass

I love the realization in the credit song.

Your reaction to the ending was one of the best! , I just finished the reload today xD

楽しかったよ ここまでプレイしてくれて、見させてくれてありがとう

Fun fact: the lyrics to the opening theme of Persona 3: Dancing Moon Night (Our Moment) is a conversation between the SEES team and Makoto (the protag) after the great seal. It's a beautiful touch for fans of the original game. The game itself isn't the best, but i bought it just for that song and nostalgia. P3 really affected my life when it beat it in high-school. Sadly it was at the end of high-school... i wish i could go back and do it all over again.

i think the life’s greatest question he mentioned wasn’t “what happens after death” but “what makes life so precious” or something along those lines, perhaps the answer to that is death. Death is what makes life more precious.

Think about that, Makoto is such a powerful being, that he not only used up his entire life essence to beat the final boss and remake the universe, and then still held on for months as basically a walking corpse, just to fulfill the promised meetup, and died mere moments before the rest of the cast could reach him. In NG+ (in Portable, not sure if the feature made it to Reload) if you maxed out any of the SEES members social links, you get an extra dialogue choice that lets you pick someone to sprint ahead and reach Makoto and Aigis, holding Makoto as they die.

Loved seeing your reaction to the credits "Until my life is exhausted" ;_;

Notice also after finishing the game on the start screen there's a SEES armband and Evoker on the classroom desk?

Once you will complete " Episode Aegis: The Answer" when it will be out in September- i probably will get into the lore and backstory of Persona world (from official Materials and Books, etc Media) which is heavily connected with Persona 3 story and more. I bet you will finish few more Persona games by that point too lol.

Man, this story's gonna hurt even more once the dlc comes out. It was announced just yesterday and i cant wait what will you guys' reactions will be after playing it

You can also can make a goal to react on all of the Original Persona 3 FES Cutscenes. Its interesting how times (with society in general since 2008) changed and with that the developers\animators\scriptwriters seen the need to change the bits of the atmosphere or bits of presentation here and there in the cinematics or in-engine scenes. Seeing all these differences is quite fascinating to think about (im sure have my 2 cents on some few of them) and can bring even more nostalgic feel to it, as FES once is from a time where even Anime industry was different. The Persona 3 Anime Movies Adaptation's (4 of them, or Shi for Death, in total... how fitting) gets really emotional kinda good and really interesting (integrating even more unseen parts or novel addition like P3R in some aspects) after playing either version of the two games as well. Considering they where made long before Persona 3 Reload, so its the same situation like with FES and P3R. I recommend to save them for after "Episode Aegis: the Answer" if they would interest you, Kieran.

I knew it was coming (this was my first time with P3 but I was spoiled) and it still got me. This game was incredible.

No idea why they called it "wild card" canonically is called the Universe Arcana, Igor also said it that you hold the power of the universe and that you can bring a new beginning or the ultimate end, is pretty much God like power at this point and nit fake God's like in other Persona games, you can literally shape the universe as you see fit with this Arcana. Canonically Makoto P3 Protag is the strongest MC in all Persona games, until now he was the only one who unlocked such a power, crazy right?

I can’t wait to see the videos for the answer.

The ending still makes me cry

I'd love to see your reaction to every character's theurgy skills, including the second ones, if you haven't already.

The Answer DLC was just announced, coming out in September!!

If you looked a Great Seal, it took all your hp to use it

Damn Koro hit Nyx's Avatar with a damn nuke

I had to be told what happened after i finished, I didnt realize lmao

The arcana is the means by which all is revealed

I literally had the same exact team fir that fight lmao, each of them is sooo goood

Let me explain you what happened in ending.... 1. Yest MC was dead, you as MC was dead he use all HP for use greatseal. 2. Aigis cry because she can monitoring your heartbeat (MC) just she was realize you're going death. 3. The reason why MC can still alive until 5 march, (1. Because he want to fullfil the promise he push her body even though his soul already death that why he always feels tired and can't do anything 2. The great seal wasn't complated yet) 4. The reason why you're friend forget anything was because Nyx same thing when you do the bad ending, and why in the end they all remember MC that because the great seal was going to complated (that mean MC soul/life will gone soon). And yes You as MC fullfil your promise to meet them on 5 march even though you dead, you save the world and someone you care 😅 That was sad remember all the memories about social link and imagine what they're reaction when they realized you already death.... I mean they was happy coz remember everything and want to meet you as soon as they can.. and they just looking your peaceful smile face. Ah one more thing if you want to know what happen then you need to wait the answer 😅 My heart was feel down when i know the fact and i was feel empty for 3 whole week 🤣😂

Anyways *searching up fix-it fanfics where Makoto is an tired adult timeskip FF15 Noctis style :')))))))))))))))))))))))))*

I have this theory that Persona 6 will deal with Elizabeth rounding up SEES, the Investigation Team and the Phantom Thieves in order to go and save Makoto, especially due to what Nyx says at the end of his boss fight "If only there were more of you who felt that way". I believe that he's talking about more Persona users, and that in P6 we will properly defeat Nyx. Also I wanted to mention something else regarding Makoto's death but it's a very slight spoiler regarding The Answer DLC that's gonna be coming out in September now that it was revealed, so ig I can wait for that.

He endured his death just to fulfill his promise... damn I'm so sadddd right now.

Don't worry, Persona 3 Fes' THE ANSWER (AKA Episode Aigis) will be a DLC for this game. Don't know when the English translation for this is.

The Answer is an epilogue that was featured in Persona 3 FES. I heard there might come to Persona 3 Reload as DLC. It might answer the questions you have about the story. Persona 4 Arena and Persona 4 Arena Ultimax act like a continuation of both Persona 3 and Persona 4 since they interact with each other. However, to truly understand what is going on in Persona 4 Arena and Persona 4 Arena Ultimax, it would be best to experience both Persona 4 Golden and the epilogue for Persona 3: The Answer.

Just started this and I’m excited to see your reaction to the end! One question tho, I was watching the vods on twitch and noticed this is the only one that isn’t uploaded there. It stops at the stream before it, is there any reason why? Cuz now starting this you have a lot more personas than last time and I can’t tell if that was on stream but not uploaded or just off camera.

Shit was too epic. From going from the power of the universe to sacrificng yourself for your friends.

Know how much of an UNIT you have to be to carry on for roughly a month after using a sacrificial skill such as Great Seal? My boy was built different.

Anyone playing that ending for the first time goes through all 5 stages of grief: denial (Huh? What just happened? The protagonist can't be dead. H-he's just sleeping. That's all! 😟), anger (No. Noooo. NOOOO. MAKOTO CAN'T BE DEAD! THAT'S TOO CRUEL! 🤬), bargaining (They're bringing Makoto back FOR SURE in the upcoming DLC! 😁), depression (OMG. They really did kill Makoto... I'm not playing anymore games! 😭😭😭), and acceptance (It's a game about living with the limited time we have in this world and accepting Death. Well played, Atlus, you cruel cold-hearted bastards... 😑) I got the soundtrack today BTW. I figured P3 Reload updated the 'Burn My Dread' track because it sounded a bit different from the original one during Nyx's final fight. And I was right. Let me tell ya, the lyrics makes it more depressing: "Burn My Dread... accepted my fate don't worry about a... thing it's... in my bag so burn my dread..." "Prolly the toughest decision I made... and ready for whatever outcome... which I'm... going pay..." "Time ran out and I made up my mind... I signed up reluctantly to this design... I got blood all over... ashes all over... but it's okay... game's over..." So even during the final battle, he knew what was gonna happen and wanted his friends to not feel bad about it... 😭😭😭

Could I ask if someone could explain a couple things to me about the true ending? Why did Aigis recap what she learned in her social link? Or rather, what we learned through all of the social links/game/coming to terms with facing the last battle, especially during Mc's dying scene? I get it's meant to be beautiful and stuff, but I'm confused about why the scene seemed to focus on her rather than the fact that her friend is dying. I mean, it didn't seem like he could really get a word in. Maybe it's leading up to the possible Answer dlc ending? Second is, the five-minute slow-motion victory run up two flights of stairs. They're champion runners by now because of Tartarus, right? So, why'd it take so long to get to the roof? And why couldn't we get to say goodbye to the rest of the team? Mc closes his eyes, and then they arrive, but we heard Junpei call out two minutes previously. Maybe to make the ending sadder? I'm legit asking. I'm not poking fun or being a troll. I'm honestly just confused.

MC having the Universe's power shows he truly is the Strongest Guest of Velvet Room

Velvet Room remix is fire

Everyone, remember he who sacrificed everything for HIS world. His one human decision since Death lived within him. When we pass on, within the Sea of Souls, he will be waiting for us. Forever guarding Nyx. The Second Messiah

Moros is a brother of Hypnos and Thanatos Also The Answer is going to be a dlc so beat the game on merciless to get the item to play the dlc

I would love to see a video of you reacting to the ending song lyrics

"Look at how happy they all are" And that's why the ending hurts even more...Imagine you remember your friends and time together, and go to the promised place just to see the most cherished of your friends dead right there.

The director once went to a school and he asked some of the students if they thought people could come back after death, a lot of them said they did, to them death was just "an unfortunate accident" That was one of the inspirations for this game, to make the player think about death differently and to show that even if your life is short (Makoto was only 17 in the game btw) you can still make an impact and it's worth living through any and all pain you face.

Knowing that Aigis can detect anyone's vital signs and saying all those words to him on that time says it all. So painful

Persona 3 is one of the best games ever made. What a remake.

I can't wait to play Episode Aegis (previously known by as "The Answer") as it continues the story. Never played P3FES for it.

I knew from being spoiled on persona Reddit that MC was dead before I even played Persona 3 Reload. Even with that, I was wondering if he actually was dead after the credits. I think while it’s obvious in retrospect, having it be ambiguous is better for the impact. Like Chidori says “being dead just means you don’t wake up tomorrow.” We are terrified of dying, but we aren’t afraid of falling asleep when we are tired. That’s why you burn your dread of death because in reality, all it means is you finally will rest.

Banger

Hope you play Persona 2 Duology someday, Keiran. In terms of story narrative and themes quality its on par with Persona 3 (and Persona 3 media in general), if not better. Persona 3 is indeed a worthy follow up to original Persona trilogy. Im glad that Atlus listen to Hashino's pitch, put all their afford in the original P3 and kinda changed the game, never giving up on the blink of company (death) bankruptcy. Tho i still would be glad if they returned to original formula (of classic Megaten JRPG style with Social Links just being part of the big Story and not separate mechanic, or adding more adults as protagonists in the party) someday even if just for one Persona game. Im sure Atlus will make not only that new P2 Enhanced Remaster (with 2 games in 1, which Leaks already confirmed) but a full Modern P2 Remake as well later on, so i hope we get this chance to see it. P.S. Metaphor ReFantazio hype is real. Hashino is the GOAT.

The moment man devoured the fruit of knowledge, he sealed his fate... Entrusting his future to the cards, man clings to a dim hope. Yes, the Arcana is the means by which all is revealed… Attaining one’s dream requires and stern will and unfailing determination. The Arcana is the means by which all is revealed… The silent voice within one’s heart whispers the most profound wisdom. The Arcana is the means by which all is revealed… Celebrate life’s grandeur…it's brilliance…it's magnificence… The Arcana is the means by which all is revealed… Only courage in the face of doubt can lead one to the answer… The Arcana is the means by which all is revealed… It is indeed a precious gift to understand the forces that guide oneself… The Arcana is the means by which all is revealed… There is both joy and wonder in coming to understand the hearts of others… The Arcana is the means by which all is revealed… One of the greatest blessings attained from the gift of life is the freedom to pursue one's personal goal… The Arcana is the means by which all is revealed… To find the one true path, one must seek guidance amidst uncertainty… The Arcana is the means by which all is revealed… It requires great courage to look within oneself, and forge one's own path… The Arcana is the means by which all is revealed…. Ever-present alongside time is fortune, cruel and unflinching... The Arcana is the means by which all is revealed… Only need strength to endure, and rise above suffering and torment. The Arcana is the means by which all is revealed… In the face of unavoidable disaster lies the opportunity to search for redemption. The moment man devoured the fruit of knowledge, he sealed his fate... Entrusting his future to the cards, man clings to a dim hope. Yet, the Arcana is the means by which all is revealed… Beyond the journey you have taken lies the absolute end. It matters not who you are…One thing is always certain: death awaits all.

we'll find the answer this September

The UNIVERSE ARCANA, OF ALL THE MC BETWEEN PERSONA SERIES, only the MC of P3 have that

Mate go read the translation for Kimi no kyoku. The first time I've read the lyrics translated I cried so much. The ending males way more sense as soon as you understand the lyrics. I also love that they didn't translate the ending since this is a persona staple: the opening is in english while the ending in Japanese.

"If only there were more like you, then perhaps the fall could've been prevented" This line makes me wonder if nyx will be completely defeated once all the protagonists in each game and their teams will come and bond together once again to fight the avatar

Takaya using theurgy is dope AF

Hey guys guess what the my original comment was

Sitting here hoping for a reaction to the Expansion Pass trailer...

It’s kinda funny seeing him spam Nyx with Megidolaon not knowing that Nyx secretly takes less Almighty damage.

Since the orgins of nyx is never explored in game nyx is kinda like jenovah shes an alien entity that brought life to the planet and therefore death also the collective unconscious was a by-product of her arrival on the planet

Not only do you have to play P4 Arena after finishing The Answer and Persona 4, but P4 Arena Ultimax too. Ultimax is a sequel to Arena that takes place BEFORE Dancing All Night. Also, yes. ALL of the Dancing games are cannon, also the Persona Q games, and Tactica alongside Strikers

RIP Shinji and MC

The only thing I wish they changed was made it more clear that something was wrong with the mc at the end and that he was dying cuz some ppl may not realize till afterwards I like the movie version you can see majority struggling towards the end not my fav ending but it’s ok still an amazing game overall doe

When the DLC the answer comes out, you have to play it. It explains his death furthermore

"We ok then!" (5 min later) "OH HOMEBOY IS DEAD"

The Arcana are the tarot cards that the reader uses as a means to reveal one's possible future. That's why, ryoji always states that "The Arcana is the means by which all is revealed"

Episode aigis: The Answer dlc will make you understand what actually happened after the final battle. So hope you play it. It's the ultimate conclusion for this game. You can say the dlc will give you "the answer" you seek

To make sense for the ending is to stop the fall. However, it was a cost of his life. The DLC for P3 explains in more detail the reason Makoto did it. (Persona 3 FES)

A lot of people seem to not notice that the cost of The Greal Seal is your entire HP bar down to the last number. It's not too different from Chidori spending her whole life force to help Junpei. I'm not too familiar with the lore of FES/The Answer but I think the Protag living long enough to honor their promise to meet on the roof on Graduation Day was a boon granted by either Nyx or Philemon(Igor's creator, and makes appearances as the famous blue butterfly). Not a spoiler as far as I know, Philemon is deep lore from the first two Persona games which almost nobody has played

Yes, the Arcana is the means by which all is revealed.

I must admit this is, although it's cruel as hell, the beautifulest death in a videogame I've ever seen.

"The Arcana is the means by which All is Revealed"

The Answer DLC gonna hit even harder, bro

Saw this the moment I got FES to work on my Hardware.

The arcana is the memes by which all is revealed