There most certainly was an attempt. The game is definitely written better than the Revelations: Persona translation, and I enjoyed the characters more than I expected. Masao Inaba is a blessing to this world.]
Combat is, like most have said, very mid. Too many elements. The amount of content in this game is actually kinda insane but most of it doesn't get the attention it deserves because its either not worth your time or hidden away in places you'd never go.
Overall I enjoyed it more than I expected. Not sure if I'll play SQQ but SEBEC's story was alright.