Persona 3 Reload Adds “Shift” Battle Mechanic; Like Persona 5 Baton Passes

Following the latest information drop for Persona 3 Reload, Japanese outlets have begun sharing their impressions from previews of the game. Dengeki’s coverage, in particular, mentions a new battle mechanic called Shift, which seems highly similar to the Baton Pass feature from Persona 5.

You can view their statement about Shift below, translated by our team’s Ryuji:

A new feature called Shift has been added in battle. By hitting a Shadow’s weak point, you’ll get a 1 MORE, and then you can entrust your actions to another character by pressing LT*. For those who have played Persona 5, this will feel extremely similar to Baton Pass.

*The build played by the Dengeki writer had XBOX prompts. Following that logic, PlayStation would be L2.

This implementation will undoubtedly make combat more convenient and modernized for those used to newer Persona entries.

In case you missed it, check out our announcement coverage of Persona 3 Reload, comprising a trailer, screenshots, English voice actor information, and more.

Atlus also confirmed that Persona 3 Reload will receive special teasers on “each official full moon.”

• The producer clarified that the game will feature added main story content from Persona 3 FES but lack The Answer epilogue and the female protagonist from Persona 3 Portable.
• Staff confirmed that Tartatus will feature new elements, such as a dash function, to make exploration more enjoyable.
• Will feature new events to focus on characters who did not receive as much focus in the original game.
• Development Began in Late 2019
• Development for Reload is in its Final Stages; Will be a Deeper Dive, Not an Evolution
• New Commercial
• Implied Fatigue System Removal
• Every Social Link Rank Up Scene Voiced; Highest Amount of Voiced Lines in the Series
• Maxing All Social Links is Easier
• Fleshed-Out Tartarus Dialogue & Breakable Objects
• “Something” to Compensate for No Male Party Member Social Links
• Mitsuru, Fuuka & Akihiko Renders + Gameplay Trailer
• Social Links Won’t Break
• Extended English Trailer
• Second Trailer, Aigis, Shinjiro, Ken, Koromaru, Screenshots, Purchase Bonuses
• New Battle Theme Details
• Aeon Social Link; Ken, Koromaru & Shinjiro Side Stories
• Security Camera & Koromaru Walking Retained

Persona 3 was initially a PlayStation 2 title that birthed the concept of Social Links that would follow in Persona 4 and Persona 5. Then, a director’s cut version named F.E.S. launched later, featuring a new playable epilogue called The Answer and added enhanced gameplay features.

Years later, Persona 3 Portable was released for the PSP, which removed The Answer and the ability to walk around town but added the option to play as a female protagonist and new post-game challenges.