I launched it to check, got to the point where it's not linear anymore.
- The dialogs are good compared to jrpg standards.
- Different weapons for different characters, some weapons hitting all the enemies, like Alys with her boomerangs, just like Vren (from PS III, i think)
- The story is decent, nothing spectacular but it's not retarded either but it was the standard back in the days, the retardation plaguing jrpg came later, i think.
On the other hand:
- Dungeon design is nothing special, quite mediocre so far.
- Encounter rate is way too high, less random encounters for higher gold/xp rewards would have been very nice.
- The combat is nothing special, the macro system is nice but it's not enough, it becomes tedious real fast. There is worse but still.
- Also, even with the androids and different types of weapons, i find the settings too bland.
- I really don't like the spells names, of course, you use them and then write it down but still, it's a nuisance.
- Character development, there is none
In order to pretend to be a good jrpg, it'd have to stand out somewhat, there's the legacy thing which makes it somewhat replayable if you can stomach it or you have too much time on your hands.
For me, great jrpg are the shining Force and Suikoden franchises, particularly I & II ( i played SF III as well).
Why?
Suikoden
- 100+ stars (recruitable characters)
- Some variety with the "Wargame" interludes.
- The combo moves between some characters, 2 to 4 characters put together.
- Attack ranges and formation.
- Secret characters to discover/unlock.
Shining Force
- Huge roaster as well.
- A great races/classes variety.
- You can recruit a dragon, a flying "octopus" in SF1.
- A phenix, a werewolf, a pegasus, a rat ninja, dwarves, a robot, a golem, centaurs in SF2
- Tactical Combat.
- Giant bosses, like Taros, the Kraken.
- All of the hidden items.
- Secret characters, harder to find.
- Secret classes/promotions.
Clearly, Phantasy Star III and IV don't play in the same league as these franchises, didn't play PS I & II though.
So, decent jrpg, better than most but nothing special either.