A Unique Dungeon-Crawling RPG

I am a gamer by heart (amongst other things, I am also a dvdholic, I like Attack of the Show, spiders, blogging, dark graphic novels, etc.)  What's hot on my PS2 console?  (Yes, I own a PS3 but nothing can replace my ps2.)   Well, after almost 2 monthsof playing, I just finished Shin Megami Tensei Persona 4).  This game came out in 2008 but for some reason I just got my hands on it recently.   I also played Persona 3 prior to this and I can't help but compare that it is a most successful sequel.   It has it's similarities but it also has it's own distinct flavor to boot what with new characters immersed in a really mystery. I was apprehensive at first thinking that it may be just a lame spin off from Persona 3 but much to my relief it stood out on it's own.  Before I forget to mention, it's a fast-paced role playing game, dungeon-crawling, social-simulation type of game.

(I will abbreviate Persona 3 and Persona 4 as P3 and P4, respectively.)

The game is well designed. For me, this means it combines the elements of strategy, skill, brain power (your character takes exams) and some logic. Aside from enjoying a good story I like it when a game draws up a good battle challenge. This has both a good story and great design, plus it has multiple endings (depending on which answers you'd choose, kind of like that choose your own adventure books). The art and graphical style too which makes playing it a real treat!

Improvements I like as compared from P3:

1. In P3, the characters had to "shoot themselves" in the head with a gun to summon their personas.  Thankfully, they removed this from the sequel. It was disturbing for me - why does my character need to pull a gun to his head and squeeze the trigger to draw out his persona? Duh. Anyway, without it the game is so much better now.
2. Upgrading your social links with people are done faster because your friends can now socialize with you in groups.
3. The name of the spells are not easily identifiable in P3 (like "agi" is fire and "garu" is wind); but it is now made easier to view as the spell's description is provided during battle play. 
4. Toggling from one place to another is also easier with the square button.

1. I like the songs from P3 way better than in Persona 4. You gotta hear it to enjoy it, so play the games.
2. I also miss the characters from P3 and I think they're wackier and more entertaining than the more serious ones in P4.
3. Storyline is different in both games but I like P3's story better.
4. There are more handsome guys and pretty girls in P3 than in P4 - sorry but I like Akihiko better than Yosuke and Junpei is funnier than Teddie and Mitsuru is prettier than Yukiko. I love Nanako-chan though, "Everything's great at your Junes!", great character voice too!