Best RPG of the generation, certainly.
It's not your usual JRPG, however, which is why swordz might think it doesn't appeal. A lot of JRPGs a much more narrative driven, while this one is more about creating an engrossing world, like say, Skyrim.
It's just as much about the gameplay as it is about the story. Actually, much moreso about the gameplay. If you want your JRPGs to be glorified visual novels or anime with mandatory button presses, then it might not be for you.
But the reason it's so much better than any modern RPG (besides just being really, really, well made) is that while it's about both gameplay and story, it doesn't skimp on either. It has the strong core experience that's lacking from most WRPGs, and the expansive world and complex customisation lacking from most JRPGs.
It's pretty much the perfect RPG as a result. It has some niggles, but for sheer game design, it's pretty immaculate.
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^Poorly disguised anti-caps sig