Don't listen to anyone who tells you there is no depth in the story or characters. It's there, but you may need to work harder to find depth in the story, and the characters depth can be subtle and easily missed. In fact, i personally feel the story is often too much in RPG's and too much character development which is forced on you ruins it, FFV is a relief in this aspect.

There is generally a lighter mood for the majority of the game. Some characters you will love and get attached to which can lead to some emotional scenes

The job system means you dont need to level at all really (well... if you know what your doing) Its extremely fun to make a black mage hit with the physical strength of a monk, or make a dragoon knight who can summon. Mixing job abilities makes this game not just great, but special.