It left a HUGE impact on me back then. It released at the perfect time - 1 year after the PS2 launched, so after the shortages and price gouging, when everyone was getting one. I couldn't wait to play it, I still remember reading the instruction manual in the car coming home from Wal Mart thinking "CTB? How the hell are they going to pull that off?"

I finally replayed it last year for the first time. I think it still stands up as an incredible gaming experience. I would absolutely say that graphics, technology, etc, have not really come that far since then. Looking at just that one waterfall on one of the first islands was a real sight to see.

Apart from its style, I really like the substance, too. The character development system is interesting, and like the best FF's, I pull something new out of it every time. I thought it had a great story with a cast who portrayed a lot of different emotions. I had forgotten the ending after all these years and it was extremely emotional for me the things that happen in the ending sequence(s). I would absolutely say it's one of the best games of the last decade.