The Absence of Ryoji Mochizuki’s Social Link is Felt in Persona 3 Reload

Be warned, this article contains spoilers for Persona 3 Reload.

In the world of Persona 3 Reload, one notable element that didn’t make the cut is Ryoji Mochizuki’s Social Link. This omission is definitely noticeable in several critical areas of the game. A huge part of the Persona series’ charm lies in its well-crafted characters and their stories, especially regarding Social Links. Ryoji is no exception to that acclaim. However, the absence of his Social Link in Persona 3 Reload reveals just how significant it was to his overall character impact. While Ryoji still has a presence in the game, his role lacks the same resonance it once had.

Ryoji Mochizuki stands out as quite the unique figure among Persona 3’s cast. He enters the scene at Gekkoukan High as a latecomer in the narrative, but there’s more to him than meets the eye. Despite his laid-back and flirtatious nature, Ryoji is the human guise of the Nyx Avatar, the embodiment of Death and the game’s final adversary. This unique blend of ally and impending threat gives him a memorable spot in the series. Though there are other antagonistic characters who show up before their climatic confrontations, Ryoji’s personal journey and personality highlight his role in a distinct way.

Ryoji Got His Own Social Link in Persona 3 Portable

In Persona 3 Portable, Ryoji was exclusive to players who selected the female protagonist. Delving into his Social Link reveals a softer side to Ryoji, as the protagonist forms a friendship—and possibly a romance—with him. Their bond brings an emotional depth that enhances the game’s final arc. Witnessing Ryoji reveal his true identity becomes all the more poignant, especially for players who chose to romance him. It was a powerful narrative addition that added extra layers to the Portable version of the game.

Persona 3 Reload Left Out Portable’s Exclusive Social Links

Sadly, since Persona 3 Reload doesn’t incorporate the female protagonist or her storyline, Ryoji’s Social Link didn’t make the transition. This results in players missing the richness that Ryoji’s arc offered in Portable. Although he appears just as he did in the original version and has a few Linked Episodes to deepen his connection with the protagonist, these don’t carry the same emotional weight as his Portable storyline did. While Persona 3 Portable improved far beyond its predecessors in many aspects, Ryoji’s portrayal remains a case where the earlier version excelled.

Ryoji’s Arc Loses Impact Without His Social Link

Ryoji isn’t the only character to miss out on his Social Link this time around. In Persona 3 Reload, all male members of S.E.E.S. lost their Social Links, which were only introduced in Portable. Despite this, most still receive ample time to shine and influence the player. Ryoji, on the other hand, doesn’t have this luxury. His limited time in the narrative emphasizes how much the Social Link contributed to his character in Portable, and without it in Reload, his impact is considerably diminished.

Even though Ryoji remains a crucial player in Persona 3 Reload, his potential is not fully realized without the depth of his Social Link. While the Fortune Social Link with Keisuke brings its own interesting tale, Ryoji’s story in Portable was significantly boosted by his Social Link. Without this connection, there’s less opportunity for players to connect with him. His ominous role as Nyx Avatar is consistent across all versions of Persona 3, yet he shines less brightly in the absence of his Personal 3 Portable Social Link.