I really think it's that good.
Let me put it this way:
If you dislike, or are not a big fan of Final Fantasy, then don't get the game, just rent it. The gameplay is insanely similar to the older Final Fantasies (most notably, FF 5). The battles can get repetitive (but they don't last very long), and all the other things of a typical JRPG.
Nevertheless, if your used to, and love, your standard menu-driven turn based RPG, you'll love Blue Dragon because there's PLENTY of great additions to the game.
Let me sum it up in a real quick review:
Graphics - 9.75. I don't think I've been blown away by a game like this since Gears of War. The graphics aren't so much uber-impressive via poly counts, or insane lighting, but the fact is the game pulls of CG-quality design throughout the entire game. Even though there are cutscenes, the actual quality of normal gameplay is insanely good. The dungeons are the most massive, coolest dungeons I have ever seen in any RPG. Ever. Everything visually screams perfection. Even though Artoon did the grunt work, the graphics are superb. The only thing I can really dock score on is the framerate. It does slow down in combat at times (but not nearly as good as the demo).
Story - 8.5. Blue Dragon's only real weak spot. It's a typical (but very good) JRPG. You start out as a small meaningless kid, and become some what of a savior. But thus far in my game, there's been plenty of intrigue and cool stuff to keep it going. But again, if your like me, and have played lots of JRPGs, the story isn't a suprise at all - but is still very enjoyable.
Sound & Music - 9.5 - The soundtrack is one of the BEST I've ever heard. Ever. Uematsu did a fantastic job. The soundtrack is so varied and beautful. Some songs are very interesting (such as a rather scary piece using a chorused piano with lots of delay, think Resident Evil 1, to fun beach songs). I just enjoy runing around listening to the OST when possible. However, the only big problem with the sound is some songs are overplayed - the boss battle music, and normal battle music are there for every battle, so it does get old for those areas. Also, the VA is superb, but Maru and Shu's voices get pretty annoying (but they are meant that way, their annoying qualities are addressed in the game).
Also, what is great is the US version has 3 VA tracks with whatever subtitles you need. You get English, French and Japanese in the US version. Sweet.
Gameplay - 9.5 - From an objective standpoint, the gameplay is either going to be scored real high if you love standard JRPGs, or real low if you are insanely bored of turn based JRPGs. The formula they use is very similar to Final Fantasies and Dragon Quest games.
However, the formula is near-perfect. The menu-based system gets a few cool additions such as charge attacks (which require some skill to time right), which makes it fun. Also, the field combat (basically, pre-battle strategies) add some good depth into battles. If your like me, and can tire of fighting endless streams of enemies, you can group multiple unfriendly parties into one battle, and kill them all without loading times. Also, this plays a huge strategy as well, as some groups of enemies hate eachother. Get certain groups together in one encounter, and they kill eachother - leaving you to get free EXP and SP.
Also, the Job class system is phenominal. I loved FFT and Ogre Battle's job class systems, and Blue Dragon is slightly better than both. Each class is incredibly useful. I've found myself leveling up almost every available class to get a good edge on the enemies, as they are all so useful.
And there are enough gameplay elements to keep the genre so fresh - secret items are so prevelant, it's not funny. To get a huge advantage, you have to check under every rock, and behind every box to get huge bevys of items, gold, exp, SP, and everything else. It's a perfectionist's nightmare, as I've found myself spending lots of time just searching for extra items.
The game also borrows alot of content from Chrono Trigger as well. Locked, and barrier-proofed treasure chests abound through the entire game. In just about 7 hours of gameplay, I've found atleast 10 areas I need to re-visit for special items - more than enough to want to spend the time to.
Lasting Appeal - 8.75 - Far better than the normal JRPG, there just seems to easily be enough content to keep playing the game. Definately not like a sandbox "the possibilities are endless" game, but very good for a JRPG. Better than standard DQs and FFs, IMO (not quite on the Chrono Trigger level though).
IMO, if you think you can rent Blue Dragon, and be able to dedicate 60+hours into it, be my guess. However, with all the little extra items and such strewn throughout the game (and the insane achievements) there has to be atleast 75hrs of good content in the game. And another 25 if your going to get 1000/1000 for the achievements.
Back from the dead, I'm afraid.
