I remember playing it after FFIV because I could never beat Zeromus. So I played this one (thinking they were in an order or something) somewhat relunctantly, but then I just got totally absorbed in it. I remember playing it as often as I could, and discovering all the secrets and side quests in the game was a really fulfilling experience. (As a kid, mind you.) Needless to say, the final battles were truly haunting, especially because I totally didn't get the religious allusions.

It's definitely on my higher ranks of FF favorites.