Solid game, but if you're a narrative fan, playing this one before playing X (like I did) will make the plot nonsensical. It's a good RPG game with great graphics, overall design, battle system, and soundtrack. The story is okay, but it has a lot of tonal spikes, changing from goofy to serious very quickly. Sometimes there's too much dialogue and a long introduction, but even without playing the first game, this one is quite enjoyable.

PS: I don't remember if I finished it or not.