Holy ****, this is the definitive RPG game of its time!!!
This game impressed me... a lot.
The graphics werer absolutely AMAZING. and the cut scened werre even better. I liked the way that most of the cut scenes were done using the in game graphics as opposed to CGI. The environments were LAVISH AND SPECTACULAR. The character models were incredible and teh monsters were very unique and interesting.
The sound was perfect, with the dialog adding to the game's emotional impact as it was totally voice acted. no more old school sub-titles.
The gameplay was great, but not perfect. the controls were frustrating at times, i.e. the main character's butterfly catching mission. And the battles could become repetitive after a while (remember the desert?).
Overall it was a great experience, and the story is really the main point of the game. I won't spoil anything, just make sure that you play this game and you will understand why.