At the time of writing review I'm wrapping up the 3rd dungeon meaning I won't be commenting on how late game fairs (unless I edit the review in future) I got this game long before it's remake was announced and was sold mainly on the general vibe of the game. Needless to say said "vibe" holds up to the standards of the likes of P3 (og and reload) along with P5. (although I have never played 5)
Combat lives and dies on a delicate balance of enemy types, weaknesses, and player skill. Both for better and for worse as certain enemy groups can destroy most your party in a round or two, but this also works the other way around. Generally there were only one or two times I audibly groaned at a group of enemies but when I did it tended to be for good reason, although most combat encounters take a decent amount of thought to get through which is much appreciated!! The game is also well balanced around control of all party members unlike P3P. Boss fights almost always took me more than 1 attempt and maybe some grinding as well but it never felt like a drag as I only ever needed to run through most the floors once or twice more, and the game gives you the resources to stay in the TV world for a while if you can manage it.
Outside of dungeon exploration the everyday elements of the game like going to school, hanging out with friends etc. Feels both very open ended yet limited, for instance, I can (in one day) level up a social link, level up a social stat, and something extra depending how things go. As such your social links and social stats can increase really quickly but at the same time there are less choices in how you approach leveling these stats up, which can make it a little confusing for someone new to the series or playing P4 after P3 (which had a whole mall with locations to level up each stat for money).
Visually I suggest turning the saturation to 2 as the colors are a bit too saturated by default (it also looks closer to the PS2 version). UI looks amazing and has this fun TV color bar thing going on and isn't difficult to read or navigate. The art style and world in general have this look that's aged like fine wine and has become a big inspiration to myself as an artist.
Overall I find Persona 4 a smooth and really fun experience!! For those reading this and debating to get the game or not let it be known you are getting the original PS2 experience with this, and will look like one as such. But you will be getting extra content via the new TV listings menu and more!! Whether you've played a Persona game before or not this is a good introduction especially for prior JRPG fans as it has more in common with the likes of Final Fantasy. (which isn't a bad thing as it arguably makes the game more accessible)
