best character writing in the persona series hands down, not a competition, nobody else could even get close save for megami ibunroku persona. how do i even start? this probably isn't the game to put on GOG first (both p1 and p2is have info this game sorely needs in order to be enjoyed at its best; either or is fine, but going in w/o either is a recipe for disaster), but it absolutely needs to be on GOG as an example of some of atlus's best writing of adult characters exploring what it means to discover who they are years after they chose their path in life. coming of age is a moment in time, but growth is a lifelong process that means there's always room for better, always room for change. every character in this game has regrets and grief, and they want to become better. they embody a range of feelings towards the many parts of themselves; one character rejects the person they were bc of a life-altering trauma, only to ignore that their 'new' self is rooted in a desire for revenge, w nothing after that catharsis to live for, leaving them a shell of jaded bitterness and snappy one-liners all so they can run from their suicidality. another character leaps from vice to vice, unhappy w the life they've chosen but feeling trapped in it so they can help those around them, ignoring their own misery. the main character's writing is wrapped up in facades and reading btwn the lines, and if you look hard enough, she's living for everyone else so she won't have to face herself. these are compelling characters unlike anything atlus has done since w the persona series; it's no wonder ppl keep asking for another game w an adult cast. i can't recommend this game enough, especially to those w discontent in adulthood or eager for a different take on the jrpg formula. this game is Different. i have my gripes w it, but there's no denying it's something special, and should be preserved and enjoyed by so many more gamers given its niche status on PS1 in the west. GOG, all i ask,,,!