oh dude i tottaly remember this game.
I thought it was really fun and had a nice feel to it. I dont really have a problem with random battles...some RPGs do it, some dont. A problem i did have was wandering through caves just hoping i would making it out but not knowing where i was because everything looks the same...
I almost beat it too. I got to the last boss fought him and died and while i was fighting I used up all my health items and then accedently saved so there was no way to get more and so i couldnt beat it.
I wouldnt say it was a solid RPG but i would say its fun...I liked the battle system.