Come on, given the time period, it wasn't THAT bad.
I loved the fact that the fights were all one-on-one, and they actually required strategy, instead of the usual "jump-in-and-attack-then-jump-out" routine that most RPGs include in their games. Granted, even I thought the whole wrestling technique used by your character and these weird alien-looking enemies was kinda hard to swallow as believeable, but it made the game fun.
I know the gameplay, especially during battles was slow, but I honestly believe that if this battle system were incorporated into a game with current-gen speed and graphics, it would make for a great game with a very under-used battle system.
I'd suggest trying it out to anyone who feels like giving their old N64 one more go, but I will also admit that this game will appeal to only a select audience that can give a game a REAL benefit of the doubt.