The Persona games revolve around community and establishing intimate relationships with a large cast of characters. However, one individual stands out among his peers as the absolute worst social link in Persona 3.
Nozomi Soimitsu’s social link in Persona 3 is the worst of the worst
Persona 3 actually has a little bit of stiff competition in this regard. Fans typically say Persona 3 has both the best and worst social links in the entire Persona subseries. I agree with this, however, I do think one character takes the cake in regards to terrible social link all around. This is no other than Nozomi Soimitsu of the Moon Arcana.
For starters, Nozomi really likes food. Do you have that down? Great, you’ve just learned almost everything you’re going to about him across all your interactions. In fact, the charm requirement needed to start this social link is solely to distract him from his food long enough to talk to you. They don’t call him the Gourmet King for nothing.
Once he does talk to you, he’s actually pretty mean. He really spends a lot of the time being antagonistic, and it just plays so weird. Why are we even talking to this guy? He never gets a moment later that explains his demeanor or anything, either. He’s just kind of a jerk who eats a lot; that’s the whole twist of his character.
However, I think the nail in the coffin is just how boring it is. It goes nowhere, pretty much the entire link. There’s very little actual story or questions or growth. Even when we finally get a little of that at the literal last second, it’s just too late. We’re told why we should care in the final link after nine previous ones you could cure insomnia with.
Nozomi is not only the worst social link in Persona 3, but he may be the worst in the series. I can’t think of a single way to improve him without simply writing a new character. At the very least, completing the link gets you Sandalphon.
Persona 3 Reload is scheduled for release on the PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and PC on February 2, 2024. Persona 3 Portable is currently available on Switch, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and PC.
