breathtaking
For starters, the game makes sure you are taken care of. A well thought out tutorial is present but it is quite optional. Plus, from what I remember from when I played it years back, the game is difficult but to the right degree. You won't find yourself stuck on a boss that is insanely powerful. The power of the enemies is relative to what you should have developed into. The game isn't super easy but not super hard.
Then you have the characters, all of which seem to be useful. No matter who you have you can use them to your own advantage. You can always utilize the true potential of your available characters. Plus they all have their own unique personality, look, and influence on the game and what happens.
The magic system is also great, everyone can use magic in the game and everyone can summon. Characters have a specific element that they are aligned to and accordingly use that element with more force. Plus, there is a field effect, meaning, as more elements of a specific color are used the field reacts accordingly. It doesn't change shape or anything just the element preference changes. For example, say you use Fireball (A red element), and table (another red element) twice. The field effect will change to red element because of the three consecutive uses. Any characters who are innate red or that use a red element will have more power until an element of a different colour is used. Within the game it makes a bit more sense but it is a good effect. You can use this to weaken your opponent by changing the field to the opposite element of your opponent.
The battle system is sort of like Xenogears in the fact that you choose from three levels of attacks, weak, strong and fierce. You have seven stamina points and the attacks use 1,2, and 3 points respectively. Also, you need to land successful attacks in order to gain the ability to use your magic. They are grouped into levels and every attack adds to the level you can use based on its type (weak-1, strong-2 and fierce-3). Plus you have the option to use your magic right after battle, effectively reducing time spent healing in the menu after battle.
All in all this is a great game. The music, graphics, storyline and playability are second to none. This game is worth buying and another Squaresoft Masterpiece.