What you’re remembering is Shin Megami Tensei: Persona, back when it was still connected to Shin Megami Tensei in any meaningful way. That version is long gone, has been for decades.
The Persona series we have today (more like for the past 20 years) is its own thing entirely. Different gameplay, different vibe, different themes. It’s about stylish high school drama, friendships, calendar management, and flashy battles. It doesn’t play like SMT, it doesn’t feel like SMT, and honestly, it barely has anything to do with it anymore.
At this point, Persona is Persona. If you want something closer to the old-school feel, just play Shin Megami Tensei. For the most part it has stuck to the original tone and gameplay. SMT V in particular feels very close to what a modern Shin Megami Tensei: Persona would feel like.
