Never touched an Etrian Odyssey game, bought this because I'm a huge Persona fan. I just started the 2nd labyrinth and this game is kicking my ass good, hahah.
I'm enjoying the combat system a lot so far, it's so much more strategic than the Persona games! I like the fact that turn order can make or break any battle, it makes combat engaging instead of mechanic and repetitive. You have to think very carefully on every turn.
I'm also enjoying the interactions between characters more than I thought I would, it doesn't feel like a half-assed spin-off to me. Can't say I'm very interested in Zen and Rei for now though.
Guess I'll drop by here asking for sagely advice whenever I get stuck, I feel I'm just bruteforcing my way through the game and eventually I'll have to be more strategic or else I'll screw myself over in the long run.
I'm wondering one thing though: how long is this game on average? I'm playing from the P4 protagonist's perspective but I'd also like to see the P3 side. I fear I'll be burnt out if the main story is too long...