I enjoyed it quite a lot, but it didn't displace FFVIII as my favorite (nor did FFX or FFX-2 for that matter).

1) I prefer a gameplay style where's there's a lot of flexibility in the job system. That's why I liked FFV (despite its other myriad faults) and FFX-2 (ditto), but most of all FFT. Rigid job systems annoy me, which was the only major complaint I had against FFIV. FFVI, FFVII, and FFVIII all allowed all the party members to learn a large repetoire of spells while retaining unique abilities.

2) The music was well written and appropriate but it didn't inspire me as much as FFVII's or FFVIII's. I still will frequently listen to those ST while I almost never go back to FFIX's.

3) The chocobo raising was fun and a nice alternative to FFVII's annoying chocobo breeding system. As previously mentioned, most of the other susbquests were lackluster. Certainly not up to the level of Triple Triad (which is seriously addictive).

4) I liked the characters a lot, especially Steiner. I like bumbling heros that triumph not over the enemy but over their own faults.

5) The city designs and monsters were well done and distinctive but I liked the visual look of FFVIII better.

6) The Invicible is simply the coolest airship I've ever seen! It lacks the amenities of the Highwind or Blackjack and the versatility of FFV's airship, but it's got style! Especially the giant Eyeball O' Doom.

7) The ability learning system was well developed and innovative.

So to sum up, it was an enjoyable game, certainly not the worst but not the best either.