Usually the case i feel when playing the game is how well made the battle system is, also it follows the story at a good pace aswell. Even though at first i was confused about the identity crisis, now i kinda get it when looking more at the back story of the game.
Why it is loved by so many, i don't know, maybe the same reason to why so many like Zelda or Mario, i didn't play it either as a kid, that kinda game back then was too hard for me, but it sure is great