Great JRPG that if you have patience, you will enjoy to the max.
Gameplay: P3 is a turn-based JRPG, in other words, it's FF type. You need to know the enemy's weaknesses or else, even the weaker enemies, will destroy you. You take the role of an 11th grader who just transferred, and soon after you start, you'll join SEES, an organization made to kill Shadows(monsters) How to kill them? You have a special being inside you called Persona, which is, on kid terms, are like Pokemon. As you progress through the game you'll notice that this is no ordinary JRPG, and that about half of the game, you will be doing school activities, and socializing. Persona means person in spanish, therefore, every character will have alot of background. As said before, about 30 hours, or more, of the game, you'll be doing school activities, so don't expect a straight-to-action game. As part of the story, you will have to climb a 258f. high tower, but no, not at an instant, every 5-10 levels you'll find a checkpoint, which if activated, you could transport back there in the future.
Visuals: Don't expect a next gen look out of this one. The game is anime styled, having a good amount of anime cut-scenes. Even though the visuals aren't something to have a heart attack about, they do add a lot of detail, such as falling leaves from trees in the background depending on the season.
Sound: Everything fits in well. The voice acting is solid, though your character won't speak. The music is repetitive for some, but then again, it's no big deal.
Controls: Turn-based JRPG, so you just scroll down to choose your action. Pretty easy, not complicated.
Overral: Shin Megami Tensei Persona 3 is a great game. It IS slow, since you take part in school activities, and have to socialize. The story is great, and will eventually suck you in, though for some, it will be torture thanks to the game's slow pace. Slow, but rewarding if you have patience. You could call Persona 3 a Strategy- JRPG-Sim.
Note: There is no sex involved in the game, and personally, I think the game shouldn't have an M rating, since the only thing mature, is trash talk .