Well, would you look at that—Atlus just rolled out a free demo for Persona 3 Reload, and only a casual year after its launch. It’s like being offered a sample of cake after the wedding’s over—but it’s cake, and it’s free, so we’re not complaining.

If you’re somehow one of the last survivors who haven’t touched this gem, here’s what you’ve missed: Persona 3 Reload is a remake that doesn’t just buff the visuals and call it a day. It lovingly rebuilds one of the most iconic JRPGs from the ground up, adding new mechanics, quality-of-life improvements, and stylish flair that could out-dress a Milan runway.

Now, this isn’t just our own humble (and objectively correct) opinion. Critics threw roses at it, fans wept joyfully, and even KKP’s very own Alleef—who’s reviewed more JRPGs than you’ve had hot meals—scored it a whopping 90/100 in his review. According to him, this version is not only the most playable incarnation of Persona 3 but arguably the Persona game you should start with, full stop.

He praised the fully voiced Social Links, the dorm-based downtime activities that deepen your bond with the SEES squad, and nifty new mechanics like Theurgy and Shifting, which liven up combat and reduce the grind to something just shy of a chore. The emotional punch of the story? Now backed up by in-engine cutscenes that hit harder than a Thanatos summon.

His only gripe? The absence of The Answer epilogue content, which keeps this remake from being the definitive version. But let’s be real—when you’ve got this much good stuff baked in, it’s hard to hold a grudge.

The game’s sitting on a comfy 87 Metacritic score, which, in review-speak, is practically a group hug from the internet. And now, Atlus has flung open the doors with a free demo, available now on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X | S, and PC.

The demo lets you sample the opening act, and if you decide to go all-in later, your save data carries over—no lost progress, no faff.

The timing? Odd, sure. A demo a year after release is like bringing out the fireworks when everyone’s halfway home. But this isn’t random. Atlus and SEGA have made a habit of throwing out generous demos lately (see: Metaphor: ReFantazio), so Reload getting one feels less like a surprise and more like standard procedure.

In any case, if you’ve been teetering on the edge of Tartarus, unsure whether to climb in or climb out—this is your sign. Grab the demo, try the game, and maybe, just maybe, discover why Persona 3 Reload might be the best reason yet to skip Persona 5.

Go on. It’s free. Just don’t blame us when you lose 100 hours of your life to it.