Like many others i also wasn't a fan of the leveling system (especially the way to gain MP is retarded). The story is fine for it's time, a lot of stories in that era were about an evil empire and rebels in some shape or form (maybe the star wars influence from around that time). The characters are bland personality wise but it's the start of some of the epic designs final fantasy will get known for. Minwu's design is amazing, and this is the first time we see a dragoon and a dark knight (and chocobo's!). I give it credits for that, but gameplay wise it felt more archaic than even the first game. Still glad i did a complete playthrough, it wasn't as bad as it's reputation suggested (but still bad). The Arcane Labyrinth that got added in this version i didn't really grasp, even with a reference guide. You can get ultimate weapons but you have to do confusing stuff with the name learning mechanic. The playthrough was long enough as it is, so i skipped it.
This is the ultimate version to play FFII, but i wish they changed the leveling system to what it was in the other games. I understand why they didn't and it would be blasphemy for an anniversary edition, but the game would be better for it.