A big improvement next to A Real Reborn. The story in HS is good from start to finish, with barely any filler, and while i didn't get me as emotional as some other people did, i totally agree it's definitely on the level of a Final Fantasy story. The gameplay did get better, it's still not something i do enjoy tho. And the music once again is absolutely gorgeous, i think the songs for Ishtar and the dravanian lands are up there with some of the best tracks the serie has to offer.