Many thanks to Jourdal's video coverage of a game most fighting game sites are keeping quiet about.
Though I have yet to finish a Persona game [even in game format, I hate doing homework], I don't think it will be a prerequisite to play the game. Looks fairly standard for an Arc System title. Can't wait to see what comes of this.
[*crosses fingers hoping there is an animation of high school kids shooting themselves in the head]