FFIII is solid proof that a superb RPG can indeed be contained in 16 bits and two dimensions.
In Final Fantasy III, you will follow the engaging storyline of Terra, a soldier girl with an unknown past. Even though the story mainly focuses on Terra, you will encounter many other protagonists with equally engaging storylines along the way. I would tell you more about the story, but I wouldn't want to spoil a single revelation for you. One thing I can tell you is that the game's scope is so large, you could easily spend 40 or more hours trying to beat it. If you unlock all of the side characters and do every quest, that number could easily turn to 80 hours.
Why this game is truly a gem: Every character (with only a couple of exceptions) has a unique plot element to add to the story, as well as their own chance to shine in the spotlight. I've played quite a few RPGs, and most of them only have storylines for the main 3 or so characters. In fact, in many games, the way to add characters to your party goes something like this:
1. Walk into town
2. Meet a stranger in the local tavern/castle/hangout scene
3. Share short dialogue with the stranger, and then convince them to join you on your quest
While some of these characters in other games may look cool, they add absolutely nothing to the story. Even some recent Final Fantasy games seem to have fallen into this rut.
The gameplay is standard RPG/active time battle fare, and revolves around magical beings called Espers, the magic spells that you learn from them, and a few different types of physical attacks. What's great about this system is that anyone can learn any spell, thus leaving you free to have a party with a ninja, moogle, sasquach, and old man, should you decide that this ragtag bunch is the most worthy of being your fighting party. Being able to fight with the characters you like the most for much of the game is just one of the many ways that makes FFIII a great game.
The graphics, though they are nothing compared to today's 3D marvels, are clean and enjoyable. The character sprites all have unique looks and can show a variety of facial expressions. The graphics may not be the most impressive graphics seen on the system, but polished environments and characters go a long way to making it a good 2D experience.
This game rises above nearly every other game in the one area that often seems to be neglected: the soundtrack. This game has quaint melodies for the towns, character theme songs that fit the personality of each of the characters, and standard battle music. It would be impossible to write a FFIII review without at least mentioning the infamous "Opera Scene," which left such a huge impression on me when I first played it years ago that I haven't forgotten it since. You know a game is truly special when you don't just have fun while playing but, but you get so involved in the storyline that you don't ever forget how the game made you feel.
Yet, surely a game that's this good must have a shortcoming, and it does: the sheer number of random encounters you will….encounter….can be quite frustrating at times. But if you want to look on the bright side, at least you won't have to worry about leveling up for bosses. The difficulty of the game is just right due to this constant forcing of fighting enemies and gaining levels.
Is this game overrated? You'll have to try it and see for yourself. I would be willing to bet a lot of gil, though, that regardless of your taste in games or RPGs, you will find something in this game that you will enjoy.