Why, despite lacking the QOL and general gameplay improvements of its two successors...

Why, despite lacking the QOL and general gameplay improvements of its two successors, was it so much more of a memorable experience than 4 and 5?

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The story was pretty cool. It reminded me of Evangelion and Madoka

Soul

3 for story
4 for characters
5 for gameplay

It's much better than 5. About equal than 4.

Persona 3 and 4 shared mostly the same writers, it's funny so many people think there is a massive disparity between the writing quality of those entries.

it wasnt
4 and 5 are better

It had great music, good characters, alright story, and a fucking fantastic atmosphere
Gameplay was shit though.

the absolutely oppressive atmosphere as you crawl toward the end of the game and everything is going to shit is top notch.

Literally nothing happens during the middle

actual writing