Plot and main characters are some of the best you'll ever get to see in a drpg. Same goes for the massively intricate level design (at least for the first part). I also like how Takehito's art style brings out the expressive personalities of the characters better than a certain tree maze exploring game despite similar aesthetics.
The monotone grinding and stupid amount of micromanaging menus late into the game makes me not put this game on a higher pedestal than it should though.