The definitive English introduction to character driven JRPGs.
If you're unfamiliar with the title, Final Fantasy 2 (FF IV in Japan) was more closely based around the typical fantasy setting (with many of the Final Fantasy series staples present, Chocoboos, the four elements, crystals, etc.). The story begins with a Dark Knight named Cecil who is questioning his King's recent warlike behaviour. Through this crisis of conscience we follow him on his adventure across the world, gathering with him a core group of friends who all continue to grow as they discover the truth of the world they live in and battle betrayals from within.
FF 2 followed much of the standard world exploration set by the previous games, including airships, boats, chocoboos and walking. Random monster encounters are the norm, as well as level grinding and buying/finding better equipment as the game progresses. All good stuff, but it had been covered previously (though the spells in FF2 had much more depth). Differing from the games before however, there are no character classes per se, each character is really a class unto themselves, with their own abilities and differences.
What really set this title apart was it's characters, that were so well defined that you are pulled into their conflicts (with such a large cast, there's always bound to be a few characters you want to relate to). No longer were you some nameless hero with generic responses to the people you encountered. You had an identity and were treated as such by everyone you spoke with. Also, with many story twists and surprises, the characters are drawn deeper and deeper into the mystery of what's happening to their world and their effort to stop it. The title really hits the emotional highs and lows and is complemented by a soundtrack to match it.
With excellent graphics, fantastic music (no pun intended), great story and fun gameplay this is a title every gamer to go through at least once. Final Fantasy 2 definitely set the bar on what became the JRPG we see today, and you can immediately see how much Final Fantasy 3 took from it.
If you're without a SNES or an emulator, I highly suggest picking up a copy of this for the GBA (now correctly titled as Final Fantasy IV), with improved graphics and more depth of gameplay.