in battle he obviously isn't the best character. but obtaining him does reveal a lot of storyline which wouldn't make sense otherwise. i think it's a bit ridiculous that the first boss you can encounter with him is healed by fire when his first limit is the fire element, but it's not difficult to get his 2nd limit before materia keeper, making that batle miuch more easier.

in battle, far from brilliant. but the plot he reveals is somewhat necessary to understand the game. i rate 6/10