Intriguing masterpiece that just about tops Half Life 2 as the best video game ever created.
What sets this aside from other RPGs and even other Final Fantasys is how original,quirky and poignant the overall package feels, the world feels like a living space and the dark plot undertones are constantly in the players mind. The cyber-punk/blade runner influences are developed and enhanced and replace the traditional 'castle/medieval' RPG settings perfectly.
The graphics are over 10 years old and there are certainly some strange moments/events in the game that western audiences will scratch their heads over. But for something so monumental these factors are unimportant and newcomers shouldn't refrain from playing.
On first go you are looking at a 60-100 hour game. I have managed to do everything (side-quests etc) in 30 odd hours but that was on my 6-7 run through. Anyway I try to play this game every year as it keeps my faith in games alive and offers something other than shooting random enemies in the face.