This is, without a doubt, the superior version of the classic PC RPG.
In the graphics department, the NES version of the game is very superior to the original PC version. There are all sorts of character sprites and landscapes in the game that stand out. There's even the perk of the other three party members following the leader. Of course, all of this comes at the cost of taxing the NES's system resouces, as there is quite a bit of flickering, especially on the world map, when there are more monsters in the field than actual PCs.
Soundwise, the game is clean and pure. Although the sound effects are very minimal, the game's soundtrack is what sets it apart. There are songs for not only the world map, battles and dungeons, but also some really good songs in places you would never expect to hear different music from.
Regarding controls, the game is a tad bit archaic, but gets the job done. You use the A button to bring up a list of commands to execute. For example, if you want to speak to a particular NPC, you would have to press A twice--once to bring up the command list and the other to actual speak to him/her. An interesting note to bring up is that the B button allows you pass your turn while traveling, saving you quite a few steps and allowing the party to gradually recover HP and MP and eat food.
As far as the gameplay is concerned, it's as good of an WRPG you can get. While the main quest will only last you a little over 20 hours, you actually have free reign as to where to go next. Once you reach the required experience level to where you can fight pirate ships, the game become alot more open-ended than The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblviion. Also of interest are five different races your party of four can be and over 11 character classes to choose from, making the game rival even the Advanced Dungeons & Dragons pen-and-paper RPG.
Overall, this is clearly one the better RPGs for the NES and the superior version of the game to date. This is clearly a do-not-miss for any fan of RPGs and old-school gamers alike.