The leveling up system was a complete failure in this game. I found that it forced you to grind by using spells overly much (because you need spells to do damage to some enemies and all respectable bosses) and it is overly complicated, especially when learning new spells. You will probably use fire as your main spell until 60% of the way through when you learn Flare. If you want to use this spell (you do) you will have to LEVEL IT UP FROM LEVEL ONE.
The game is story based which removes the adventure feel to the game, replacing it with a ‘go here, do that’ feel.
I would take a little pity on it (seeing as it is from 1988 and could never stand up to modern standards) except that Final Fantasy outstrips it in every respect…
If you want my advice, get FF1 first, that rules. If you want more after that, try this game but be prepared for some disappointment.