Metascore
81

Generally favorable reviews - based on 24 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 24
  2. Negative: 0 out of 24
  1. Jan 24, 2023
    70
    Persona 3 Portable is an entertaining JRPG that is quirky and a little bit dark. The friendship and romance simulation gameplay is interspersed nicely with the battle elements and will keep many-a-gamer entertained for a multitude of hours.
  2. Jan 18, 2023
    70
    Persona 3 Portable, as a game, is incredible and this revisit has made me realize how much it means to me. I get the disappointment, I do, but as a modern version, I think it holds up alright. This game deserves better, and I think if the backgrounds weren’t sticking out like a sore thumb this would be a glowing recommendation. As of now I can really just say that if you play this on Nintendo Switch you’re in for a good time.
  3. Jan 17, 2023
    70
    I absolutely love the story and characters in Persona 3, but Portable isn’t the optimal way to experience them. I can recommend this version to visual novel fans and those looking to experience the game on a budget. If I were rating Persona 3 FES, you would see a much higher number.
  4. Jan 17, 2023
    70
    The mitigated presentation and tone of Portable don’t paint an accurate picture of its identity. But it’s nice to see it around, and the gameplay here is the best of any of the releases. Persona 3 is my favorite franchise entry, yet its lack of a definitive version has always been frustrating, with this release now causing those emotions to resurge. Hopefully, it will receive that treatment one day. Yet, for now, it’s at least possible to officially play it on newer platforms.
  5. Jan 17, 2023
    70
    P3P remains an enjoyable JRPG, but we would say this is easily the most skippable of the mainline Persona games on Switch at present. An engrossing story and well-balanced gameplay loop easily justify a purchase, though things like Tartarus’ repetitive floors, the visual novel presentation, and the lack of FES content hold this one back from the heights its successors reached. We’d give P3P a recommendation, though only after having played both P4G and P5R, and only if you still find yourself needing more Persona in your life. This is still a great installment for Persona fans and will be best appreciated by players who have that contextual series knowledge, but its rougher edges may put others off.
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  1. Jan 20, 2023
    Persona 3 Portable’s gameplay is altogether extremely satisfying. Balancing your day-to-day school life with intense dungeon crawling is a well-crafted loop that clearly set the foundations for the franchise’s future success... In its early hours, P3P’s enticing story and characters have already resonated with and hooked me into the mystery of The Dark Hour and I can’t wait to spend more time with this brooding JRPG. [Provisional Score = 80]
User Score
6.6

Mixed or average reviews- based on 41 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 41
  2. Negative: 11 out of 41
  1. Jan 22, 2023
    9
    While the "ideal" version of P3 would be the in-game animation & cutscenes of P3 FES (along with it's epilogue, "The Answer"), combined withWhile the "ideal" version of P3 would be the in-game animation & cutscenes of P3 FES (along with it's epilogue, "The Answer"), combined with P3P's direct command of your party and an additional campaign, for now P3P is the best option for you to play P3 in terms of gameplay. Let's just hope for that official remake combining all the best parts of Persona 3 into one definitive package. Full Review »
  2. Jan 25, 2023
    8
    P3 is still a great game but desperately needs a remake. Please listen to the fans Sega/Atlus!!
  3. Jan 24, 2023
    7
    I played the Persona series essentially in reverse; starting from 5 and the progressing to 4 and 3. You can see the breakthrough that AtlusI played the Persona series essentially in reverse; starting from 5 and the progressing to 4 and 3. You can see the breakthrough that Atlus has achieved in this installment. The negative point is more because of Tartarus itself, which was quite repetitive in today's standard. But the storyline and combat was first class. This is THE installment that need a big makeover to be on par with today's standards. Full Review »