To celebrate the release of the Traditional Chinese version of “Persona 3 Reload”, SEGA held a grand launch commemorative event in Taipei on February 4th.
At this event, “Persona Team Product Director” Mr. Kazuhisa Wada took the stage in person, and was joined by two well-known game streamers, 6tan and Sandykaka, to share the world of “Persona 3 Reload” with the players on site.
Kazuhisa Wada details the rich gameplay content in Persona 3 Reload. He not only gave an in-depth introduction to the game summary, but also explained the highlights of the game and the combat system and other elements. In addition, Director Wada also shared the secrets of the production team during the game development process.
After the game introduction, 6tan, Sandykaka and the host raised questions about the game that SEGA had collected from players in advance, and asked Director Wada. The event further developed into a wonderful interactive session between Director Kazuhisa Wada and special guests.
After the live broadcast, SEGA announced the launch of a bonus lottery for players at the scene. The most eye-catching one was a machine driven by Mr. Wada Wakuhisa.
Autographed Xbox Series X console.
Before the event, the media also visited Kazuhisa Wada. The following is the content of this interview.
Q: Some players think that the map in the maze part of the original version of “Persona 3” is a bit repetitive, and it is easy to get tired or stuck. Has this part been improved in this remake?
Wada: This is the improvement point that we attach most importance to, but in terms of settings, we can’t change the entire settings and core, so we have made various improvements.
Visually, we have made some changes, such as making the difference in height obvious, and using some mechanisms, light and shadow effects to enhance the sense of presence, etc. In addition, there are also things like sprinting and power attacks in the system, making the operability more convenient. There are also “Major Arcana Cards” effects, etc., which add more fun and make players less tired when playing.
Q: This remake has designed a new set of combat uniforms for the Special Extracurricular Activities Department. What is the purpose? (Although it may be a bit redundant, it is new.
Combat uniforms and old combat uniforms should be freely switchable like DLC costumes? )
Wada: We were actually considering whether to make any changes here, but since this is a remake of Reload, we wanted to have an iconic symbol that everyone could recognize as the new version at a glance, so we decided to create a new battle suit.
The battle suit is not just a simple appearance renovation, but also has some new settings and new functions to match the new parts, so that the new battle suit is more consistent with the new content. As for the switching of battle suits, you can change them freely, and the changed part will also be reflected in the illustration after the total attack. Players can choose which outfit to change based on their mood.
Q: In terms of the characters’ social relationships and communication, will the love elements also be strengthened?
Wada: It’s hard to say whether this aspect is called enhancement, but we are sure that in addition to adding “becoming a lover”, there are other options.
His choices are available to the player.This aspect has also been added in our recent works, mainly because we want to respect
Now everyone has different ideas and opinions.
In addition, since the plot this time is fully voiced, I believe it also has an added immersive effect of simulated love, so I also hope that everyone can
Go play this aspect of the story a lot.
Q: Who is the heroine in the director’s heart?
Wada: As far as the “Reload” version is concerned, my personal favorite is Kazehana. Although I like all the characters, Kazehana feels quiet and strong. By the way, my favorite character in Persona 4 is Chie.
Q: “Persona 3” was released on PS2 in 2006, which is more than 17 years after the original work. I would like to ask if there is anything wrong with this reappearance in the form of “Persona 3 Reload” What was the production process that impressed the production team the most?
Wada: In the current development team, many people were players of “Persona 3” at the time. When making this work, everyone proposed what they felt in their hearts from the perspective of themselves as players back then. What should the best Persona 3 have, what features should it have, etc., seeing these different opinions collide.
Since I was originally the producer of “Persona 3”, it was very touching from my perspective.
Q: When the production team of “Persona 3 Reload” was interviewed in Japan before, they mentioned that converting the screen of “Persona 3” into “Persona 3 Reload” is not just about adjusting the proportions of the characters, but also Pay attention to the reproduction of the atmosphere. I would like to ask about “atmosphere reappearance”, what kind of difficulties have the team encountered and how did they respond?
Wada: The main part of this is that we have also improved the head-to-body ratio of the characters. In order to prevent the picture from appearing uncoordinated, we have also worked hard to adjust the background, objects, atmosphere, etc., which must be made more detailed and with higher resolution to match the The feeling of the character. In order to prevent the background from being separated from the characters, the whole thing was made more refined. The new Unreal engine we used this time solved most of the problems.
Q: When the production team was interviewed in Japan, they mentioned that “Persona 3 Reload” has added some new elements such as ancillary plots and rooftop vegetable gardens to make the daily life between dormitory companions more in-depth. change. Can you tell us more about the additional elements of Persona 3 Reload? Or is there any part that you want players to pay special attention to?
Wada: Regarding this aspect, in addition to adding more incidents of dormitory life in daily life, there are also new elements that connect the story. These new plots may involve the backgrounds of each character and the story two years later, and are related to the “Persona 4 Arena” series. In addition, more parts about Strega have been added to allow players to deeply explore its background, thinking, etc.
Q: For veteran players who have played “Persona 3”, are there any places or scenes that you would particularly like to remember in your mind?
Under the memory of “Persona 3”, re-examine and experience it in different states in “Persona 3 Reload”?
Wada: As expected, the awakening scene at the beginning is probably one of the most important highlights. When I first came to Polonia Mall, even though it was just a remake, it should still evoke a nostalgic feeling in everyone. The Polonia Shopping Center was based on the shopping mall that actually existed in Odaiba at that time, but because many years have passed, this place no longer exists in Japan, so it should make everyone feel sad.
As a new experience, starting from this work, you can explore the shopping street in front of Iwatodai Station at night. The ramen shop that everyone is familiar with also has a new night-only menu, so I hope everyone will try it.
Q: Which aspect or system has the greatest impact on the success of “Persona 5”?
Wada: As expected, the combat aspect had a great influence on the remake of Persona 3 Reload. Because we referenced the parts of “Persona 5”, we feel that the comfortable and refreshing turn-based combat of “Persona 5” is a system worth developing in the future, so we have also added similar support and rotation. Elements, made with a séance and Showtime feel.
Q: “Persona 3 Pocket Edition” requires multiple playthroughs to complete all the plot content. Does “Persona 3 Reload” have the same mechanism this time?
Wada: You don’t have to work so hard this time. You can finish almost everything in one episode. That’s our plan.Basically, you need
The things to do and the hecticness of the experience are about the same as those in Persona 5.
Q: After completing the production of “Persona 3 Reload”, what impact does the development team think it will have on future P series works?
Wada: First of all, in order to make “Persona 3 Reload”, we have brought the frontline development and environment to a higher level and laid a stable foundation. I believe that future game development will be smoother.
In addition, completing this work has also brought more growth to our team. I believe that we will be able to produce more works in the future.
Produce more fun and interesting works for players.
Q: Why does “Persona 3 Reload” not include the content of “Persona 3 FES” and “Persona 3 Pocket Edition”, but instead adds side quests for the male protagonist? Will there be subsequent updates or Is this the full version of the project?
Wada: Regarding why these contents are not included, it is because if we add all these contents, we may not be able to release new games in the next two or three years, so we are also making various coordination and adjustments for this remake. This version was released later.
“Persona 3 Reload” will not make major adjustments and additions to the entire game like “Persona 5” to “Persona 5 Royal Edition”, and such a version upgrade is not currently being considered.
Q: What are your thoughts on joining the XBOX Game Pass on the first day?
Wada: We hope that more players can play this game. For XBOX players, it should be quite valuable. So I very much hope that players with Game Pass can play this game.
Q: Say something to the players in Taiwan
Wada: There should be players playing our game now, right? This time, in order to allow fans in Taiwan to play this game at the same time as players in Japan, we have put a lot of effort into preparing for the simultaneous release, so we hope that after the release, everyone can enjoy “Persona” with players around the world. Record 3 Reload” this game.
If everyone can enjoy the game right away, we will be very happy here. If possible, I hope you can continue to support us in the future, and we will continue to work hard to create more interesting works.
