Retrospective reviews have been very positive, with praise for the gameplay, story and visuals. In RPGamer, Sephirstein praised the title as one of the greatest RPGs he had ever played, with "magnificent graphics, sensational soundtrack, gripping story and incredible battle system". Parn of RPGFan also called it one of "the best RPGs ever made". Reviews for the Virtual Console release were also very positive. Nintendo Lifes Corbie Dillard said that one could not have asked for a better end to the 16-bit series. IGN called it one of the definitive 16-bit role-playing games, stating the "storyline and characters are deep and engaging," the "attractive anime-style cutscenes steal the show visually," and the gameplay is both "classic and unique at the same time." Tor.com described it as "an ambitious JRPG that is the perfect end to the series, taking the best elements of each of the previous games and weaving together a 'phantastic' journey." Tor.com Eurogamer stated that it is "epic in scope" and recommended that "anyone with a fondness for JRPGs should investigate this at once."
