Absolutely one of the best RPGs I have ever seen.
One of the biggest problems that causes people to dislike this game is its tendency to be hard to get into the game. It takes a few hours of hard work to make the game worth while playing. Many people like to be able to start playing a game and have it be relatively easy for them to just have fun. Whiole games that are easy to a point can be fun, but not with Phantasy Star. I can see where the "haters" are coming from but the basis of the games is to challnge all the different aspects of the mind. Calculation, response, patience, dexterity, reflex, and reasoning. Many games alike have tried and failed.
I cannot tell you to go buy this game because every gamer has their own playing style, and like a certain type of game. All I can say is give it a chance.