Literally less than 5 minutes ago, I finished persona 3 reload. Of course, spoilers and very self indulgent rambles ahead.

I am not good with my words...but I absolutely need to say something. I have never had a story resonate with me as deeply as persona 3's did. No piece of media, not a show nor a book or any other game had me closing my eyes and heaving in silence as I sobbed. What a beautiful story. What a bold move, to base it on such a daring concept. What is the meaning of life? Why do we exist?

Aigis' 9th social link is the most precious to me. One of the most important lines to was.. "I think that might be the true joy of being alive...It can be sad, but as the same time so warm...Beautiful because it is destined to end." Both Kaminari and Aigis drive the bittersweet beauty of life home. To fight for what you can change. And to accept what you can't.

As someone who struggled with the concept of death and the meaning of life, playing this game actually put it to rest, completely. I used to randomly get panicked about my death, and what would follow. That I hadn't yet truly lived. That my life hadn't even begun. I truly treasure what learnt from this story. I feel like it has changed my outlook on the world. The real meaning of life isn't about living every single possible moment to it's fullest, getting top marks and becoming rich. It can be that time you laughed so hard with your friend you got stitches. It can be the time you spend on your hobbies, as useless as some people would describe them. It can be when you rushed outside to take a look at a rainbow, the sunset, or the moon.

This game did something illegal to my tear ducts. Cried at Shinji's eulogy, (as well as hearing his voice during the very last fight.."alright, let's end this" I covered my mouth and that's when my crying session began for tonight.) Cried at Chidori's death. However, I cried especially the day before March 5th, when you can just check in on your social links. Straight up started sobbing when I heard Miyamoto's knee was healed, when Keisuke told me about his new and improved outlook on life, as well as when I got news about Maiko's new entire life. And I have cried numerous other times throughout the game for various reasons. Everyone grew in ways I cannot even begin to put into words. I am truly, irrevocably touched by the narrative and the characters it presents. With absolutely no doubts in my mind, persona 3 is the best game I have ever played.

Do not EVER play 'memories of you' around me.