Persona 3 Reload fleshes out the JRPG's characters with new story scenes that sound like tiny Social Links

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But there's some confusion over which characters the new Episodes will target

Persona 3 Reload
(Image credit: Atlus)

Persona 3 Reload will have new story scenes for some of its characters.

As first reported by Noisy Pixel, Atlus has just unveiled a feature called "Link Episodes" for Persona 3 Reload. This feature doles out new character-building scenes for certain people, namely those who don't have actual bonding features via Social Links in the JRPG.

"These are stories with specific characters who have not been previously explained in a more voluminous format," said Atlus, as translated by Noisy Pixel. "You can ask for advice, receive invitations to hang out and get to know unexpected aspects of the characters as you progress through their stories. In addition, viewing certain Link Episodes will enhance stats and unlock special Persona fusions." I don't know about you, but that sounds like a diet Social Link to me. 

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You might think that the feature would only apply to lesser characters in Persona 3 Reload, but in the original Persona 3, male characters like Ken and Junpei didn't actually have Social Links. This means Link Episodes could show up for all sorts of characters in the remake, and give us a new look at characters that we've known since all the way back in 2006.

As Noisy Pixel notes, Atlus actually introduced Link Episodes with screenshots of Ken and Junpei. I'd be quite surprised if the male characters of Persona 3 Reload didn't have Social Link bonds whatsoever. There's just a few months to wait until we find out what's going on here for ourselves.

Persona 3 Reload launches next year on February 2 for PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, and Xbox One. Check out our Persona 3 Reload preview to see why it's winning over even those staunchly against JRPGs.

You can also read our new games 2023 guide for a look ahead at all the new titles set to launch before the Atlus remake. 

Hirun Cryer
Hirun Cryer
Freelance Writer

Hirun Cryer is a freelance reporter and writer with Gamesradar+ based out of U.K. After earning a degree in American History specializing in journalism, cinema, literature, and history, he stepped into the games writing world, with a focus on shooters, indie games, and RPGs, and has since been the recipient of the MCV 30 Under 30 award for 2021. In his spare time he freelances with other outlets around the industry, practices Japanese, and enjoys contemporary manga and anime.