It is the ultimate culmination of the series for the 2d medium, and even today represent the series peak because of it
Although some remakes and spinoffs came later, FF3 (or 6 officially) was the last of the 2D main final fantasies before FF7 came around on the PSX and lead a revolution in RPG gaming, taking the series into a bit of a different, although not always superior direction.
In this game all that has been improved and built up throughout the five previous games are brought to their ultimate culmination of a 2D RPG for it's time could dish out.
The plot was longer than most, and it kept you in suspense and gave you the feel that things were actually happening, not just a simple grab and fetch storyline, the world and events were very fluidic and it flowed like a true epic journey did. That and the marvelous amount of characters that you eventually recruited led to the best FF story of all time. Of course, despite having to deal with a new and inexperienced medium afterward with 3D, Square's ability to tell a story in the 2D environment was at it's peak here and it shows.
The music, which has spawned probably one of the highest and priciest OST for the series, was bar none. Of course, we must once again be reminded what one was able to do later with subsequent CD and now DVD technologies expands their range, the vibrance of composition was also brilliant, if not once again the best in the series, attempting to actually compose an in game operetta when one cannot even have in games voices yet, and it was a very moving scene to watch as well.
Graphics were top notch and the great Amano's art style shows out most here. I find it a refreshing thing to hearken back to, especially in the current art style that square is sporting.
In the end it takes alot of different talent to make this game, and Square has used some of them since, but the combination here has ultimately crowned the king of the series, from the music composer, to the artist, to the story writer and director.
FF6 had the benefit of existing along a medium that was nearing it's end but also it's ultimate mastery, i'm not sure when or if that will ever happen with 3d, but i guarantee if it ever does, we will see a golden age for games similar to the 90's era of SNES ultimates that we see in games like FF6, and i hope when that day comes a 3d Final Fantasy is made with the same true perfection, and perhaps giving the series a new crowning peak.
-p.s. It is with that same pride that i can inform you that i also did the banner art for this gamespace!