@gundato: it's a JRPG that has some connecting mechanics between the games (summoning personas, turn based battles, the dungeons you enter are all... Generally the same type of deal but the main crux of the games are the social link / interpersonal relationships and time management.) but is more like Final Fantasy in that the games aren't necessarily connected like that.
Persona 3 was the "shot yourself in the head to summon/do actions."
Persona 4 you had to basically accept your inner desires that you didn't want to confront to get the ability to summon a persona.
P5 I have played less recently than the other 2, so I don't remember exactly how they came about their powers.
Great games but they are tailored towards specific tastes (either JRPG if you like turn based combat with summons and skills, or the slice of life anime fan. Or both preferably.) the games have their rough edges, in terms of writing and/or characterization, but are generally exceptional if it's a game that hits that spot for you
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