Persona 3's Amazing 4-Part Adaptation Is Now Completely Free

Watch the movie if you don't have dozens of hours to play the game

Atlus released the original Persona 3 in 2006. In the two decades since its release, the game has received an updated release, a PlayStation Portable port, and a remake. That brings the total number of Persona 3 versions to four, each with exclusive content or omitted features. Choosing which version to play can be daunting, made more difficult by the game's lengthy playtime. You could, of course, just watch the movie instead.

Beginning with 2013's Persona 3 The Movie #1: Spring of Birth, Atlus and Aniplex released a four-part film adaptation. The following three parts were released in 2014, 2015, and 2016 respectively. The combined runtime of all four films is just over six hours, which might sound like a lot on its own, but pales in comparison to the more than 60 hours the game takes to beat on average. That's a much more manageable time commitment. To celebrate the franchise's 30th anniversary, Aniplex has made all four parts of Persona 3 The Movie available to watch for free on its official YouTube channel. They will only be up for a limited time, though Aniplex does not give a timeline, so you'd better watch them sooner rather than later.

Adapting a lengthy RPG into a four-part anime movie is no easy task. While much of the joy in playing a Persona game comes from choosing how to spend the limited time in each day, Persona 3 The Movie does an admirable job of distilling the game's main narrative into a tight package. Those familiar with the game might miss certain side characters or specific social link moments, but the major beats are adapted well. It is also wonderful to see the game's world and cast rendered in stunning animation throughout, something players only get a glimpse of in specific cutscenes.

Persona 3 The Movie is not a replacement for the game it adapts. Those who have played the game may find it to be a perfect way to refresh their memory. At the same time, newcomers might discover the movie makes them want to see everything the game has to offer. Either way, check out the four-part adaptation now while you can watch it for free.