Which Version of Episode Aigis (The Answer) Should You Play? - Both Versions Reviewed & Compared

[@Zedisdeadbaby666]

You could change the title to "Which Version of Episode Aigis (The Answer) Should You Play? - Here Is the Answer"

[@stc.martin822]

Atlus were having a field day when they were making up these names 😂 This is some evangelion level writing (not)

[@Jamesssssssssssssss]

I live for these videos, really appreciate the time you take to make these.

[@Benjawin6671]

I think Reload does just as good of a job communicating Yukari's frustration as FES while also making her wanting to return to the past, on top of her willing to fight her friends (potentially to the death) just to get what she wants more surprising. The only things I prefer in FES are the argument scene and the post-fight scene before the breakdown whereas I think the breakdown itself, with the added lines from Mitsuru are even better in Reload. But still, the changes are so minor imo. I get preferring one to the other but nothing here is ruined like some people make it out to be. Reload was my first experience to both stories and it left a huge impact on me during my own period of grief. It's sad to see that so many people are being mislead into thinking it sucks when it's truly a wonderful experience... Just don't pay full price for it though...

[@Hyp3rSonic]

Respectable

[@Holy_Crusader]

That is true, it doesn’t exactly feel like they ruined it or made it THAT much worse then the answer already was, if anything they expanded upon things a bit more with the flashback sequences which could be argued is a good thing, I think a lot of the changes made to the gameplay in reload’s version of episode aigis were generally positive, the existence of joker (while I would have generally have preferred to see Yu Narukami instead) I think Joker was still a solid boss fight albeit difficult if you’re not aware of the rules or how to navigate around the rules and play in the most effective manner. All in All atlus did throw us a bone and created episode aigis when originally they had zero plans to do so until people started demanding it and the higher ups had to give into the demand or risk having to deal with public backlash, either way they still recieved backlash because of the pricing, most of us don’t believe what is being offered is not worth the 30 dollars that they are asking for, at most it would have been worth a 15 dollar dlc, but atlus being atlus is always known for their consumer friendly and anti consumer practices it’s almost as if atlus is generally at war with themselves because sometimes they do a lot of very good consumer friendly practices AFTER they have made their money and other times they are known for very anti consumer practices. For example the switch 2 version of persona 3 reload would most likely include the answer on the cartridge if they continue their trend, especially after they had already made their money on the other versions of the game and broke sales record which was likely something they generally did not expect to happen(they would have likely given the game a slightly bigger budget had they known they were going to break sales records and make back their money back ontop of additional income from the game alone, heck who know really knows; if atlus knew they were going to break sales records anyways they would have likely had included the answer on launch but delayed the game a few months back.

[@jikmjuhn]

Thank you so much for the careful review. I can't wait to se you cover the Dragon Quest games. I really hope you can cover every game like you did for Final Fantasy.

[@N-MCMXCIX]

That might be a bit of a tall order, given that unlike Final Fantasy, there's seemingly no PC or modern console ports of Dragon Quest 4-9. It's possible that 4-7 might be earmarked for the HD-2D treatment, but that would likely be a couple years off. 8 is a 3D game which I hope to see ported in a manner similar to Minstrel Song someday. And 9 is also 3D, but given it being last and designed for DS, it would likely be a long time before we see 9 if at all.

[@jikmjuhn]

@@N-MCMXCIX Right, I meant it as an "eventual" process. The Final Fantasy games weren't covered back to back or even in order so I'm fine with waiting. He already covered DQ11. I already know about the series pretty extensively, but I like hearing the in-depth review and frequently point out the channel to those looking for options.

[@N-MCMXCIX]

@@jikmjuhn All the same, I do hope to see the rest of the Dragon Quest series on Switch eventually. Given how popular it is in Japan, you would think that we would have at least gotten the mobile versions of them years ago. But instead, it was just the first 3, and the first 3 again years later. Here's hoping for an announcement soon, as 4, 6, and 7 do have anniversaries next year. Also: wasn't Chrono Trigger 1995? because that could mean we finally see it return next year as well.

[@eea00525]

Reload is the better version to play on merit (not personal preference as many can have their own opinion) for the majority of people as it’s widely available on all consoles and even if it costs a bit buy, people who enjoy p3 and its characters will make it worth it to them as a individual as personal preference doesn’t exist for many of them even with the cutscenes being different most don’t really care nor notice a lot of the time they just enjoy the game. In terms of many aspects recommending FES to anyone who is on the more modern side of the persona series so 98% of them, would find it aggravating and harsh with most of them seeing reloads gameplay changes as their more desired version especially with the graphical elements and better voice acting quality as many don’t like to go back to ps2 games with slow ui and choppy voice acting.

[@ChiefMedicPururu]

Reload has better presentation but PS2 has the better ambiance, and Yukari makes more sense in that one.

[@Parth1713]

Here's the biggest change - The Answer FES is INCLUDED in the FES P3. DLC Answer has to be bought separately, even for P3R Digital Deluxe owner. Screw Altus and their greedy practices.

[@Jimmylikehalo]

@@Parth1713 yeah I can understand the answer being a dlc but since the base game was already 70 dollars and then you can't just buy the answer you have to get the expansion pass for another 35 dollars it's ridiculous how much it costs

[@TheNameIsSR]

To be fair, the answer wasn't originally included on the PS2 either and was sold as an expansion in Japan. Overseas you had to rebuy the entire game to get the extension. This is literally mentioned at the start of the video. I also hate Atlus dlc practices though, but we have to keep with the facts.

[@icedcapplord710]

The Answer wasn't included on PS2 either until FES. In Japan it released as a standalone expansion exactly like this did, basically as an add-on disc for P3 vanilla. Western players had to buy the whole game again for this content

[@TheNameIsSR]

@@icedcapplord710 bro I already said that

[@TheExFatal]

You said it yourself dumbass, it was included in FES, not Persona 3

[@bothdoorscares3878]

I can't believe they had the guts to create and add the worst ATLUS superboss design ever on this. I'm impressed. Hopefully that doesn't happen ever again.

[@Suprapika]

I don't know anything about the "controversy" in The Answer, is it easy enough to look up? This video has me curious.

[@pokestar9994]

The controversy is to do with the story and how the characters act. It’s hard to go into without spoilers.

[@Suprapika]

@@pokestar9994 I see, I guess I'll just have to find out the long way, then.

[@pokestar9994]

@@Suprapika basically, the answer is trying to show how people process grief, but sometimes people don’t process it in the best way and might act irrationally because of it. There are debates on how characters were written because of this.

[@24hr-Gaming]

@@pokestar9994 The thing is the English localization did exaggerate a lot. There are some changes that aren't due to the localization since the Japanese script itself changed, but the localized version of OG P3's Yukari, Junpei, and even to some extent Akihiko are pretty different than what was in the Japanese script. For example, people got mad when Akihiko's famous AOA line got changed, but that line was always a fabrication of the PS2 localization. The Reload version of that line is the correct one. Which then gets into a muddier conversation about localization because people genuinely liked that fabrication. Same for lines like "Stupei Ace Defective".

[@twenty-fifth420]

I am going to spoil, so ignore this if you dont want to be spoiled. …. …….. Okay, so the Answer is like, a pseudo-DLC for Persona 3. Basically, FES is like Golden kind of. It is a rerelease with new content. FES comes with both Persona 3 and the Answer. The Answer is a fairly immediate sequel to 3, only taking place a few months after the ending. Now, the Answer is mostly a dungeon crawl and tbh, it is very tedious. I have never tried nor felt the inclination to try. I have seen however ‘movies’ of it being strung together as a full movie to watch. It is also not really tied to the main game (hence why I say it is a pseudo-DLC). Basically, it is an epilogue. And that epilogue has some….inspired choices. Now, Episode Aigis (the DLC for Reload which remasters the Answer) did kind of bring most of these to their intended effect. Yukari, Junpei and Ken are probably the controversially written in the answer. (Mostly Yukari.). Metis (basically Aigis ‘Shadow’) is also a very slow burn. Her character is not explained until the very end and it is kind of peeled back over time. Yukari is often criticized in FES and the Answer for acting like a bitch, to put it frankly, but she processes her grief the most obvious. In contrast, Junpei and Ken are the most ‘introverted’ about their grief and it leads to especially in the Answer my favorite Junpei and Ken moments. (You see a flashback with Ken and it probably developed his character more then the entirety od the OG Persona 3… which is mind boggling) Speaking of peeling, some of the Answer is just dark. There a moment where Shadow Makoto is peeled as if he were a medical autopsy and basically unmade. I never got why since he is a shadow, but the theme and tone is clear. (This is the party’s recovery over their regrets with Makoto). In reload, it is a bit more emotional but less tone centric. Finally, the Answer gets some hate for ‘killing’ the protagonist. I don’t usually hear this as a complaint as much, especially nowadays compared to the gameplay slog or the Yukari moments, but it is still brought up. I think it divides fans because Makoto’s death IS the theme of the Answer and it ties to all of that inspired choices I talked about. In both version, Akihiko/Ken takes the route of choosing to move on and it leads to the best exchange I have seen with him and Yukari. It even kind of makes Mitsuru look bad because she sides with Yukari (probably because of regret with her past), and somehow it kind of feels…out of character? Mitsuru should usually side with Akihiko but this is one case where, while I get, it does feel odd. Tldr: The answer had a dungeon crawling gauntlet wrapped in a controversial epilogue. Characters were re-evaluated through the lens of grief, and the story takes a turn for Makoto is unironically the ‘Guess I’ll die and become a door’ meme. Its main theme is death, and like 3, it confronts death not as a ‘sins of the past’ or ‘it must be done to save the world’ but through the personal lens of ‘what if I lost a best friend’. If you wanna play it, go play FES. I think you can just go straight into it. FES doesnt borrow your save data from 3, so it should just be a one time thing for better or worse. You can also play Episode Aigis too, but you will have to pay for that because Atlus loves making money 😂(must be past trauma having been owned by the worst companies in the history of gaming and business)

[@_ace_defective_]

18:50 An "answer" for which to recommend? Hmm... It would be cool to get a more in-depth look at Reload's writing changes both in Reload and specific to the localization as a separate video, but I get these are pretty time consuming to make.

[@sakurakaslana8716]

9:56 talking about the anime cutscene, do you feel that the animation quality of EP Aigis Reload felt worse compared to the base game (Reload) and EP Aigis Reload opening? Idk but I somehow see some lazy shots, etc.

[@vietnguyen2293]

It’s definitely lazy. Like obviously, the animation quality itself is above FES and characters are more on model. But I agree that the shots were not as creative and many of the ones in EP Aigis are still shots. But I believe the direction in both base game and EP Aigis were generally worse than FES

[@sakurakaslana8716]

@vietnguyen2293 tbh I am not even trying to compare it with the original, only like EP Aigis vs. Base Reload. Base Reload anime ofc have different direction compared to the original, but at least the animation are still pleasing and good enough, even it's doesn't get the same vibe with the original. The EP Aigis on the other hand, somehow only looks good a still picture. The animation in my eyes is notably worsen compared to the Base Reload. The entire Aigis vs Metis cutscene is disappointing, especially when Metis mask opened they look like just pan the camera to the top side. I'd say they would be better if they opted using in-engine 3D cutscene like base Reload Orpheus-Thanatos segment.

[@N-MCMXCIX]

On a completely different note: Could you do something for Tomb Raider someday? I'm curious how the comparison of the first 3 goes when the Wii version is added to the equation. Plus, there's the port of 4-6 on the way, so...

[@Sigglypuff]

I haven't gotten Episode Aigis simply because of the price point and the decision to screw over customers. I'm more than glad to hear its very much the same. Makes it much easier to pass on it entirely.

[@veeshadow]

Still, the dungeon and gameplay are much better than PS2. It will take back decision on you as player, you only care for story or you want to explore the gameplay? Gameplay is the one aspect from Reload version that fixed Persona 3 OG's clunky gameplay designs and makes you don't want to play back PS2 version again with useless party members and inferior Persona lists.

[@Sigglypuff]

was primarily looking to see if story parts would change. It didnt. The gameplay also shouldve been different if they expect people to drop this much cash on it. Reeks of included in the base game content that cut out to sell later due to greed. Maybe it is better than the OG version but this felt like close to the bare minimum they could do with it. SEGA has been very consumer unfriendly lately. Ill be waiting til stuff goes on a deep sale for their products going forward if I am to consider it at all.

[@gyrenrockz]

can you do valkyrie profile lenneth next?

[@Jimmylikehalo]

I think both versions are good in they're own ways one isn't better than the other they're just different

[@24hr-Gaming]

Thank you for pointing out that Reload localization is actually better. There are many confused "translators" who have spread a lot of misinformation. That was the thing I noticed too when playing Reload compared to FES is that the Reload localization is way more accurate to the Japanese script than the FES localization. Reload's version of The Answer is a re-written script in Japanese, but the localization is pretty accurate. As for the changes, I think one they took a different direction to focus more on the party's grief, and I think probably they would have ran into the issue with that one scene because of the CERO system rating changes. Persona 3 FES was rated CERO B, Persona 3 Reload was rated CERO C. That means even with the changes hey made, they had to bump up the rating and they probably didn't want to bump it up further. The rating system in Japan and the West is pretty different and generally it seems that Japanese publishers don't care if a game gets an M rating in the West, but they do care if they have to bump up the rating in Japan. Also I think AI control in FES is terrible. It's completely counter intuitive to how the battle system works because you want to manipulate Down status in your favor, but you can't do that if you can't control when enemies recover from Down. FES's battle system IMO makes way more sense on solo MC runs.

[@bothdoorscares3878]

That last bit, it's mostly going to boil down to turn orders. Harder to take into account but is possible even in more casual runs. It sure can work but it won't be fun to take into account for many. Metis being a wind/ice mage is definitely intended because those two being on one member allows you to do some management into intentionally attacking down'd opponents and knocking then down again. Something along those lines. Personally I prefer direct commands but for the most part, the AI will be more than sufficient to get through the game. The degree of enjoyability and investment is just going to differ per person.

[@_ace_defective_]

The video literally did state that Reload's localization is better in *minor* ways. It's not "way more accurate" in most cases like you said. Reload's localization is in fact mostly the same as Portable's localization, which is in itself nearly identical to FES's localization. Changes like more proper usage of last names and honorifics are good obviously, but it doesn't take away from how the story and character writing are conveyed, which are already pretty solid in the original games. So honestly, saying it's "way more accurate" almost feels like misinformation in itself.

[@24hr-Gaming]

​​​@@_ace_defective_ Yukari's dialogue was changed a lot in FES where she is a lot meaner than she is in Japanese. Same for Junpei. Lines like Akihiko's "I've been waiting for this." Is also a trimmed down version of the actual line in Japanese where Reload has the correct line. Akihiko's dialogue was also changed quite a lot which is why people got whiplash in P4A and PQ where his character is way more training focused. And this greater accuracy also applies to The Answer. Some changes Reload did keep such as Yukari's nickname being Yuka-tan instead of Yukaricchi which didn't make sense to begin with and Stupei Ace Defective was also kept in, but overall it is a lot more accurate than FES. But you can't tell me the change wasn't significant when one of the early complaints of Reload was how they "changed" Yukari, Junpei, and Akihiko.

[@bothdoorscares3878]

@@24hr-Gaming The interactions with Yukari and Junpei is almost the exact same as it is in the previous versions, apart from small changes in wording. The dynamic is completely intact and that's the main point being given. The nickname Junpei gives is an indication of the two being on friendly terms, even if the dynamic they have would say the opposite at a glance. Akihiko has always been a training junkie in any version of the game. There isn't a whiplash due to localization changes in those examples you mentioned, there is a whiplash because the vast majority remembers Akihiko as he is after his growth only. In PQ's case, this growth has not happened yet and so, his initial demeanor is what's displayed but more emphasis is present due to his prominence in the game in comparison to the main game. As for P4A/P4AU there really isn't much of an excuse there since that was after his growth. That would be a bit of a problem of characterization, not exactly localization. If you want to use Akihiko's lines as a blunder to localization, it's better to cite the "Did you see that, Shinji!?". Since that line is meant to be more somber in Japanese. And overall, sets Akihiko as being more serious with the fights unlike the Eng version making it feel like he's bragging (Something like "Are you watching over there, Shinji?" would convey what the Jp version says better). "I've been waiting for this" still conveys the line in Japanese well, the meaning being preserved is all that is needed to be acceptable for this kind of thing. Those characters cited to have changed is more on the voice direction. And it is debatable if these changes made everyone more "accurate" (Akihiko is completely different in some scenes now due to this, many do point out how the new direction is in contrast to the Jp VA. Which is pretty true. He comes more aggressive in comparison). Overall, the idea is that the localization in the original and beyond does do things right but get many things wrong in cases, which Reload did rectify in a handful of ways. But the overall package of Reload isn't really leagues above what the original did. Pretty sure there's a line referencing being unable to buy equipment at the police station at night still present in Reload. Which indicates some copy pasting from FES/P3P still occured in some cases. That's definitely not "way more accurate" material in terms of localization. Many people are not as aware of the multitude of changes done between versions. So complaining about perceived changes was inevitable. That's what majority of the complaints of Episode Aigis is. They weren't aware of the rewrites. They had different expectations. And hopefully, this video helps in expelling that notion. So this can be discussed more. As it is one of the more intriguing changes between the two versions.

[@paul.1337]

Having beaten the PS2 version of The Answer, I recommend just watching the cutscenes on KZbin. Don't buy the first release of any Atlus game or pay full price for one. Just emulate the original.

[@veeshadow]

Reload is actually good option to play, if you never play it. The gameplay is better hundred times than PS2, with party members and Persona are stronger in general.

[@SpJrD]

Could you cover Persona 5 x ? I barely know anything about it, only saw the trailer once

[@TheNameIsSR]

It's a crappy gacha mobile game, not worth the time

[@SpJrD]

@@TheNameIsSR 😔 oh

[@TheNameIsSR]

@@SpJrD yeah I'm disappointed too, but it is what it is. And what it is, is a cash grab

[@TheColdOne]

Feels like if you played a version with Episode Aigis | The Answer then you should probably just stick with that same version. I managed to beat the Reload version a few weeks ago and enjoyed it well enough, but... man, this play through has at least shown me that I was right in liking 4 and 5 more than 3 after all these years (I never even completed the base game for 3 before Reload). It wasn't bad, but it wasn't as satisfying of an experience + ending.

[@vianenhive]

did they change the ending? Im still mad about door-kun

[@TheJigsawKiller]

No

[@Agent789_0]

@@TheJigsawKiller So now they're charging you money to make the story worse.

[@ExitusGSZ]

@@Agent789_0 Worse how?

[@kira516]

​@@ExitusGSZHow should i(we) put it really the vibe of the answer is vastly different from the base game, while reload making the vibe, atmosphere, and the music of the base game much more "fun" Or happy vibe from it. It bug me and most other old fans because even though the choreography of the scene is objectively better, everything just so...... Bright and positive looking and it pretty contradict the overall the atmosphere of the scene that ps2 version has. And to be honest it doesn't really a problem in the base game but the episode aigis? HOOOOOOO BOY the vibe that reload give to episode aigis doesn't match up AT ALL especially the animated cut scene in my opinion it's the worst cut scene from a video game remake ever just look at aigis changing her persona to orpheus, the original was epic kinda mind blowing with being ominous yet still meaningful at the same time and now look at episode Aigis, if you can count that as a persona awakening then it would be the worst persona awakening in katsura hashino persona game. And the last aspect they change is the censorship, yup the censored a game that was already rated MATURE and it's not like that beach part of the base game but the worst cut scene that they're censored is.......... Well it's technically spoiler but if you know you know, but still what is the point censoring a game that already has a lot of blood and a child bleeding through his eyes from a game that was already rated mature in the first place, they straight up treating these new fans like bunch of kids who only play p5 and think that those disturbing cut scene were to scary for theme and for someone who plays both (Spoiler the moment were the metaverse fused with the real world in p5 where bones start to emerge from the ground crippling trough the sky is a "little" Bit more disturbing that ps2 the answer cutscene.

[@Shadow-Joop-157]

The story of episode Aigis has never been the problem, it is not a perfect story it is not as good as the third semester of P5 royal but it was not bad. The real problem was the gameplay and difficulty, the non controllable party members and other game machanics were not made with the New difficulty in mind and the fact that there was no compendium made it even worse

[@ARZ_201]

To me its the same feeling with both the main game and the answer. Reload is an easier and more accessible game however the original tells the story and its characters far better than reload ever could. (Along with the og music being better)

[@eea00525]

I’m glad FES will die off with it not being ported to new consoles cause recommending that to 99% of people is not worth it for its little nuances or perks in tone music or atmosphere and such, it is no where near worth it for modern gamers

[@TSRL_ZZ]

Neither ✌️

[@Kriseiri]

Aigis? No. WEgis. 💙

[@fireguardiancoty]

Forever grateful that Junpei no longer sounds like a sex pest. 😌

[@AdamWright-t7w]

...

[@NotTomorrow1]

Stop saying fez

[@svenbtb]

That's how you pronounce it, FES is short for "Festival"

[@douglanmar]

@@svenbtb imagine pronouncing “eff-ee-ehs”😂