The first episode is a insert of later episode around episode 20ish (its been long since I watched it). Starting show from midst of an action, which brings huge downfall of interest to the plot as it becomes stale. From second episode it picks up with great backstories and serves a great time building up to the climax. But excels at throwing all of that in the trash can, that only the shows closure could come to redeeming its disaster.
Ergo, it does come close to the Phantom Requiem for the Phantom level. But still both over shadowed by Cowboy bebop and such anime at the time. My suggestion is to watch this show if you run out of anime to watch.
