1 – Aigis
The only major issue with Aigis’ Social Link is how easy it is to miss. Taking place entirely in January, her Social Link is one players will always have to weigh against Links they’re likely close to competing, the remaining Link Episodes, and taking the time to beef up their Personas. But it’s well worth it; the slow transformation of Aigis’ speech patterns alone is wonderful to witness.
Moreover, her Social Link is basically a discourse on the meaning of life and how to conceptualize death, just as the entire game’s story in. As a machine, she initially thinks she doesn’t have to worry about death like others do. But it’s only after coming close to effectively dying that the thoughts she had at that moment elevate her humanity and make her Social Link possible to begin with.
Like Akinari, the strength of her Link comes from its dialogue, especially the hard-hitting questions that she reasons through alongside the protagonist. Because the very concept of emotion is new to her, she’s incredibly expressive about the ways in which she’s growing to witness and appreciate the world around her. That of course includes the protagonist, but her love for him never feels forced for a second. I would feel comfortable with it proceeding in either a romantic or platonic direction, as far as narrative goes.
Her worries about functioning “properly” as a weapon or a human gave me pause time and time again as I wondered how I would feel in her position. It’s heartwarming seeing her realize that her desires for connection and closeness are just as important to her as her desire to live, and that she can focus on those and find fulfillment in life, machine or not. It’s perhaps appropriate that her Social Link occupies such a brief part of the larger story; life is valuable because it is finite, and her Social Link shines not only from its quality, but also because it’s one that compels you to offer every ounce of little remaining free time and try to finish.
A speech from her was the perfect way to end the game, especially coupled with the looming death of the player and slow, gentle piano. My top three ranks are somewhat fluid, but Aigis’ placement is the one I feel most confident about.
Next to Come in Persona 3 Reload
While I’m disappointed that Persona 3‘s The Answer (and the FeMC) didn’t get included with the base version of Persona 3 Reload, and even more disappointed with the price of the expansion, I chalk that up to the whim of some corporate team. I’m extremely satisfied that we’re getting that story arc at least in some form.
I believe it provides important, even if controversial characterization for all of SEES. The story doesn’t quite feel complete without it. Overall, while the Social Links as a whole in Persona 3 Reload at times felt worse to me than those in Persona 4 or Persona 5, I think the particular top Social Links in this game are without question the best in the franchise. Perhaps because of the heavy story of this installment, perhaps because of a strong team’s writing, or perhaps because of both, these characters are some that I don’t think I’ll ever forget.
The expansion for Persona 3 Reload is available to purchase now and is releasing in three waves. The first wave, a set of background music from Persona 4 Golden and Persona 5 Royal, released on March 12th. Wave 2 releases in May and Episode Aigis – The Answer – releases in September.
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