That´s what many people like to think, but it´s really just a first attempt at a concept that got good as the series went on. The first few FFs are just tedious today because you have something you can compare them to. To me, the best FFs are 5,6,7 and 10. Started playing those games with Part 7 (not because I´m too young but because 1-6 were not released in Europe on the original systems), but really liked 5´s Jobsystem and 6´s Style. 10 had a great battle system and more or less interesting leveling system.
But 1? If you don´t view that game totally isolated from the later instalments, there´s really not much to like about it.

Just my opinion.

I had heard they made the game in desperation. Basically, before making FF, Square conceptualized some really stupid games in the late 80s and it was either this game was a success (That's why it's called Final Fantasy, hinting at the last game they could've ever made.) or Square would've went bust and we'd all be worshipping Deagon Warrior/Quest/Whatever. Which we shouldn't because their first game REALLY sucked balls.

Corruption was pretty much a Halo Lite, but it never got as fucking tedious. If the Wii Remake of Echoes cuts out the goddamn load screen for dimesion-gates, I'd buy it in a heart beat. But that still leaves collecting nine keys just to fucking battle the last boss.

And yes, Sky Sanctuary is fucking awesome--easily my favorite video game location. It had better show up in a smash bros.