After the last episode of the cast of Persona 3 Reload, ATLUS has released two more episodes of Reloaded since. The third episode spotlights the senpais of SEES and the fourth episode features the original voice actors of Persona 3.
In episode three of Reloaded, we have Allegra Clark as Mitsuru Kirjio, Alejandro Saab as Akihiko Sanada, and Justice Slocum as Shinjiro Aragaki. We also get an appearance by Grant George, who is the original voice for Shinji. Grant shared that when he got the role back then, he was unaware of the popularity of Shinji. It was during a time when things were uncertain, but when he decided to do conventions he realized how many fans love Grant’s performance of Shinji. We then hear from Justice, the new voice for Shinji in Persona 3 Reload. Both Justice and Grant understand Shinji’s character. The guy who doesn’t express his feelings, the cool guy who is distant but has a soft spot. You can tell that they know Shinji as “That Guy”.
Alejandro shares that Akihiko is the senpai who is obsessed with health and protein but is the brother figure who will go to lengths to protect the ones he cares about. He understands that he is the guy who doesn’t care about the things around him and just does what he wants to do, like fighting and getting stronger.
Allegra shared that the biggest challenge for her when voicing Mitsuru was not to make her sound old. While she has a mature air on her, she is still a teenager. Allegra notes that like anyone, people are still trying to figure out who they are. Whether it be saving the world or just going on with day-to-day life. It then rounds out with everyone giving their thoughts on the project. Grant getting to know the actors as he is a voice director, and seeing the energy they put out is a pleasure.
The rest of the actors shared the energy and love from the games. Seeing the excitement build for the game also contributes to their excitement as well when they get to play it as well.
In episode four, we hear from the original voice actors for Persona 3. The common thought that they had was that when getting the role the first time around, they didn’t know how big the aftermath would be. Especially with the Persona franchise. To still feel the love of the game after more than a decade is nothing but amazing. They know as actors that they are just a part of the entire project. As vessels to allow them to express these characters as Cindy puts it. Karen shares that while she doesn’t like to play favorites, she does say that her favorite role is Aigis.
Grant shared that as voice actors, it is always a challenge to reinvent themselves for the roles that present themselves. To develop the voice to become more human as the game develops. To make the moment as real as possible and resonate with the players, pulling from moments within one’s own lives. The authenticity of the actors from real experiences is what helps the moments be real and not just another moment from a video game.
Lastly, they shared their experiences with the Persona fandom. From fans dressing up as their characters, having fans telling them how much the game affected their lives is a pleasure for them. As well as the game’s theme of Memento Mori and living life to the fullest is just inspiring. To the actors and to fans who play this game. From these perspectives, Persona 3 Reload is the game to keep watch in 2024.
You can view the last episode of Reloaded here.
