This is such a unique JRPG. A dark fantasy set in the background of WW1-esque Europe? It's incredible. The writing is excellent, the characters are multi-faceted, the gameplay is unique and interesting. The only thing that kept it from selling as many copies as it should have is coming out at the same time as Final Fantasy X.
It's also the only game in my knowledge to make BOTH endings of the preceding game canon (i.e. the good AND bad ending both happened).