In a recent revelation that might disappoint fans of Persona 3 Reload, developers have confirmed that there is "no chance" of adding the female protagonist, Kotone Shiomi, to the JRPG remake.
(Photo : ATLUS / Screenshot taken from Steam.)
Read Also: Frostpunk 2 Launch Date Revealed in New Trailer, Pre-launch Gameplay Options Available
Content Critique
Released last month to positive reception, Persona 3 Reload faced criticism for omitting certain content present in previous versions, notably Persona 3 FES and Portable.
Fans expressed disappointment over the absence of Kotone Shiomi, introduced in Portable, and "The Answer," an extra epilogue from FES. Despite being marketed as a remake of the original Persona 3, the absence of these elements left some feeling the game lacked the definitive experience.
Hurdles in Development
In a recent interview with Famitsu, general producer Kazuhisa Wada addressed the exclusion of Kotone Shiomi. Wada explained that although the idea of adding the female protagonist was considered during Reload's development, the challenges proved insurmountable. He cited the extended development time and significantly higher costs as key factors, with adding Kotone Shiomi being "several times as much" as incorporating the FES epilogue. Wada emphasized the Persona team's commitment to not only remakes but also the development of entirely new projects.
Despite this setback, modders are actively working on a solution for PC players, providing an alternative means to experience Persona 3 Reload with Kotone Shiomi. The ongoing project includes changes to the character model and UI, aiming to replicate the experience of playing as Kotone Shiomi in Portable. While this modification is still a work in progress, it offers an avenue for fans to enjoy the game differently, particularly for those playing on PC.
Related Article: Persona 3 Reload Drops Transphobic Scene, Introduces Conspiracy Element
