Finally an RPG I've been waiting for.  Initial impressions follow:
The intro isn't much but sets a nice mood.  The documentation is
pretty well laid out in the manual as well.  (It's in a Double
CD due to a thicker manual)  Too bad it's not in color :(  The
graphics of the game vary.  Their is a nice map that can be rotated
for a better viewpoint and an overhead map which is 3d.  It has an
overall simple look and isn't too flashy.  Then comes the first
person view (dungeoun view) when you go exploring in buildings and
such.  This has a very doom-like look to it.  Then their is the
adventure map which is used when you enter a particular room.  Movement
isn't that intuitive but you get used to it as you go.  Finally,
there is the isometric battle view which is pretty nice.  The sprites
of each character are very detailed and portraits appear to have not
been altered.  The Persona attacks are very beautiful.

Sound/Music - The music is good but not as good as Suikoden which IMHO 
is the best I've ever heard.  The sound effects of the spells are your 
typical cool sounding variety.  The characters also speak when doing 
their Persona attacks which is pretty cool.  

Gameplay - Here is where this really shines.  To call this game deep is
a simple understatement.  The fact that you can talk to demons adds 
an important aspect that has been left out of much of the Jap. style
rpg games.  In this game each of your characters have certain abilities
in negotiations that can raise one of the 4 following categories of each
demon before battle. (Anger, Joy, Fear, Interest)  When the max of one or 
more of these categories is reached you can be rewarded with
certain items or spellcards or even EXP. without having to fight them
BTW, spell cards are a necassary part of the game.  In other words you
just can't go around killing every creature in the game right away if
you want to get more powerful.  Later on these spell cards can be fused
with one another to create more powerful personas (An item in your 
inventory can also be added to enhance the effect)  The possiblites 
are nearly endless when you consider how many possible combinations 
can be created.  Characters also get to use guns in battle (kick ass!)   
There is just so much more that 5 hours of playing is barely enough
time to scratch the surface.

Presentation	9.5
Graphics	9.0
Sound/Music	8.5
Gameplay	10.0
Load time	7.5 (frequent loading but don't last for more than 3 secs)
Overall	9.5 

I'm sure someone here will post a better in-depth review but i hope this
helps some of you who have been wondering.  IMHO, so far, this is the
best next-gen RPG out in the US.  Once Suikoden hits the US in a couple
weeks then all I can say is the PSX is the system of choice for RPGs.  


Bishop ^_^