Final Fantasy X was the first non-Mario JRPG I played, and love it to hell and back. I see it as the gold standard for JRPGs and figuring out other turn-based JRPGs, ESPECIALLY other Final Fantasies not having a battle system even closely similar to FFX's bummed me out.

The turn-based battle system mechanically is just perfect. True turn based (no lame ATB), characters having gameplay roles that can be edited later if you really want to break the game, Turn order constantly shown and can be changed based moves, and Summon spirits that are actually fun and engaging and not just boring MP hogging magic attacks.

People can be critical of the cast, especially Tidus and Wakka, but I liked all of them, even having their own unique engaging back story and/or development. They all felt like real people thrust in a depressing situation. Story in general was excellent from start to finish for me.

I didn't mind the "hallway" nature of the map design. I think world maps are just filler to make you feel like you're exploring when most times it's meant to make you feel lost till you find the right place. That said, I'm not super into random encounters, only real gameplay issue I have.

PS people who hate the English voice acting, Tidus included, are uncultured.