I just finished this up last night around 2:30am. I really enjoyed it. I didn't find the true ending to be difficult to find considering how much they talk about "the truth" and having "no regrets." Overall, I liked the story in 3 better than 4... for some reason things appeared to be more pertinent and pressing in 3. I have no reason to justify that, just the way I felt. I like the characters in 4 just as much as 3 but the bond seems closer in 3. You live in the same house, you all help each other out more,
. It just seemed like everyone hung out together (as a group) less in 4.
I was kind of bummed about the rural town. There wasn't a whole lot to do and every S-Link scene took place in (what seemed like) 1 of 6 places. I mean, there were rainy days, where most S-Links aren't available, that I didn't really have anything to do. I'd just end up taking the rainy day challenge most of the time. There seemed to be a lot more diversity in 3 with the mall and the two different train stations. Another thing that kind of bothered me was the availability of your team members. I know some people didn't like the fact that on some random days, some SEEDS members were sick or just flat out unavailable for Tartarus, but it felt more realistic to me. It forces you to use a variety of members, as well. It felt odd that I couldn't hang out with Chie, but I could make her drop whatever she was doing to come down to Junes. And don't get me started on the quest system in 4. I HATED having to walk around and talk to pretty much every NPC after ever dungeon to find the right ones who had quests. It was annoying and I stopped doing it after the 3rd dungeon.
That being said, mechanics wise, 4 blows 3 out of the water. It just seems like a bunch of the designers actually sat down and played 3 and actually improved on he formula. S-Links with your team members are more important as you gain battle skills and eventually upgraded persona. The links with Dojima and Nanako were really heartfelt and seemed as important as your friends. Whenever you fuse a persona, it automatically gets put into your compendium. Being able to hit square and "warp" around town.. just some real nice streamlining. I also enjoyed the music in 4 over 3 as well. I'm ready for Persona PSP this fall and hopefully an announcement of 5 around the same time.
Got to meet Kappei Yamaguchi and had him sign my Persona 4. He even gave me a Kuma impression and a little emote on his signature relating to him.
