Straightforward story, but confusing at first if you don't read the pre-text, the battle system is innovative and complex and the ambient music really holds it all together, the graphics are groundbreaking for the PS1 especially in detail
its compelling in how its paced even though it stretches it a bit too far between at times.
The design of the world and characters are really surprising yet nice (this comes from someone who doesn't usually like medieval settings)