It's magic system differed greatly from any of the Seiken Densetsu games due to using alchemy ingredients to make spells. In many areas, rather than music the developers opted for ambient sound effects like various jungle noises or the sounds of a busy town market. While the characters and enemies for the most part are bright and colorful with a similar style to the Densetsu games, the environments are somewhat dull and dark. This creates somewhat of a clash.
The game is not multiplayer despite some reviews to the contrary, so don't get this for a 2-player experience.
The opinion on this game is divided with some finding it a terrible game while others find it a very great game. Generally it's agreed though that this didn't make up for not releasing SD3 stateside.