The best FF...next to VII
GAMEPLAY:
Near perfect. Great classic ATB system. The game's diverse cast of characters makes it even more enjoyable. Each one has a special ability, and each of them is unique. And with 14 playable characters, that's a good thing...and a bad thing. Because of the large number of characters, and the fact you'll need all of them at some point, means that you'll have to grind a little. It's not too bad. I just have one group of four characters I use primarily, but I try and keep the rest of the character's magic updated.
The skill system is simple, and flawless. Each character can equip one esper at a time. Each esper has spells associated with it, and a rate associated with each spell. After each battle, you earn AP (ability points) that go toward magic. The higher the rate, the faster the character learns the spell. For example, if on one esper, Cura is learned at a rate of x8, and you win a battle and earn 2 ap, the character that has that esper equipped earns 16% of the spell. Equipped espers can also be summoned in battle to provide stat bonuses or attacks.
Another customization comes in the form of relics. Each character can equip two relics, which are essentially accessories. They give the characters special abilities, stat bonuses or immunities. It's fun learning various combos throughout the game (for example, my Locke, a thief, had a brigand's glove and genji glove equipped. This allowed Locke to mug an enemy twice per turn).
Other than that, the game is standard RPG. Each character has one very unique ability that gives characters some...character, and makes each one unique to use. SOUND:
One of the best soundtracks to date. Unfortunately, the GBA has limited the quality, it is still great. I never played the SNES version, but I can only imagine the full sound. Still, it's a wonderful soundtrack...one of my favorites.
GRAPHICS:
Standard SNES, but even then, it shows it age. It didn't age well in this category. Enemies are all predrawn, and don't move. The sprites are always tiny compared to enemies, and the animation is good at best. Had the game been made later, it would have been an amazing game to look at, but the old SNES graphics are limiting.
Still though, they did a good job with the animation giving characters some depth. You know exactly when Kefka is laughing, or when characters are winking, etc. It's still a joy to watch...if not entirely pleasant on the eyes anymore.
Overall, the game is superb. I'm liking it more than any other FF besides VII. And that's saying a lot.