Note for Steam Deck users: If your audio has pops, try running the game in Proton Experimental. That solved the issue for me. (Game settings -> Properties -> Compatibility, then check "Force the use of a compatibility tool," and choose "Proton Experimental.")

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The short and charming lovechild of FF1 and Wizardry. I started my playthrough on hard and found it to be an enjoyable challenge (you lose your money when you die but not your items or gear). It's the kind of game where your party's strength grows with each new item found/spell learned in a way that's so satisfying you can't help but push to the next floor.

The postgame is a huge difficulty spike, almost to the point of feeling like a puzzle, forcing you to problem solve a nasty floor/encounter that seems unfair at first glance. I enjoyed that challenge. It seems to be targeting people who want to push the system to its limits. But if that's not your thing then YMMV. I still think a full playthrough (without postgame) would be satisfying enough to warrant purchase.

Also, I played the sequel after this and really enjoyed that too (much more of an FF5 clone). If you see these games on sale in a bundle I'd def recommend both.