I think the first half of the game really shines.

1. With the exception of Gau, I like all of the characters, and their special abilities.

2. The part of the game where the party splits into the three scenarios is a neat idea, never before seen in a Final Fantasy game up until that point. Sabin's scenario is phenomenal.

3. A lot of settings in the game are really cool, with absolutely incredible music to go with these settings. Narshe, Figaro Castle, The Phantom Train, Zozo, The Opera House, Vector and the Magitek Research Facility, and the Floating Continent all come to mind.

4. Ultros. So funny.

I appreciate the second half of the game for being so bold at the time by creating such an incredibly hopeless feeling, and with the non-linearity of finding your friends. But I missed the more focused story from the first half of the game.