Video Game Endings - Persona 3: Reload
27SPOILERS ahead for Persona 3: Reload as well as 'The Answer' DLC
The heavy themes of death and sacrifice transcend all mediums; film, novels, and video games. Both of Persona 3s endings; the 'bad' ending which surrenders free will, and the 'true' ending that requires sacrifice to suspend death, convey very different philosophical attitudes which align with the player's choice. The Protagonist plays a very different role in each, and the fate of his party members naturally play out in wildly different fashions depending on the route you follow to Persona 3 Reload's conclusion
The 'bad' ending segment where Ryoji is prematurely disposed of discusses the theme of apathy and giving into fear. The music, brevity and abruptness of it shows very clearly how while it may be tempting to forget about all the 'tough' decisions and arduous grind it would take to make things better, you're left with a sense of unfulfillment and emptiness. The player immediately regrets their decision as memories are erased, risks are left untaken, and death still happens anyway, for everything and everyone without exception.
Whereas, the 'true' ending solidifies the player's choice to invest an extra 20 hours worth into the marathon dungeon RPG Grind of Persona 3, forcing the player to fight against a mood of bleakness and fear, as well as external threats like Strega and the moon, to counteract the belief that humans are truly apathetic. Doing this is no small task, which means that tragedy still strikes, even if you choose to do the 'right' thing. No meaningful gains can be wrought without sacrifice after all. The reward though, is a serene mood contrasting with that tragedy, and a unification of spirit as memories live on, as does the protagonists legacy, even further into the Persona series.
Join Shep @gamingintrospection in this inaugural episode of Video Game Endings! Please share your thoughts on one or both of them in the comments below! It's always good to see ya, gamers! Take care!
#persona3reload #persona3 #rpg
Thumbnail art is NOT mine: 'Repel' is credited to elRion-XIII, and it can be found on deviantart.com! Check it out! Its even more imposing than the thumbnail shows!
Thanks to ocremix.org for music samples of amazing video game music!
0:00 - Introduction
1:00 - Part 1: Surrendering to Fear
13:33 - Part 2: Reach out to the Truth