I don't mind visual novels, but when the only options are talk to people, and fight, I tend to get tired of the fighting. And P3 is a grind, regardless of the alternatives. But having the option to walk around and talk to people makes me feel less confined. So I guess for me it is an interface thing too. It's a small thing, but I doubt I would have enjoyed P4 half as much if I wasn't allowed to wander around and do my own thing