Though some players might chafe at being forced to pay attention to such humdrum tasks as studying or making small talk, it’s what gives Persona 3 such a pleasing balance and ultimately makes it nearly impossible to stop playing. As the days tick by on the calendar, you’ll weigh the benefits of sleeping through class against the boost that staying awake will give to your Academics. Do you spend the afternoon buying armor and weapon upgrades at the mall (yes, the mall), or do you visit with the old couple that run the bookstore? Is tonight a good night to go to Tartarus, or should you let your team rest up until tomorrow? Because there are always so many choices and options available to you at any given moment, Persona 3 never feels like a chore, and the story asserts itself just often enough to whet your appetite for adventure.

Persona 3’s unusual take on the RPG formula takes some getting used to, but it’s well worth the small amount of effort it requires to become acclimated. If you’re tired of the same old RPG shtick, but still want a compelling story and addictive gameplay, look no further.