It's fun, which is all it needs to be.

It' enjoyable to play through as it has a good rpg system. I like the sphere grid too. The story is well done, and great too watch as it develops, well backed by good characters and the fact that the graphics are so good looking (not only the strength but the designs and feel given by the graphics). It's an excellent game that culminates in being a wonderful happy experience.

Edit: And while I prefer it too FFIX, it comes nowhere near pawning it.