It has its moments, throughout its overall pretty so-so by today's standards (though it was pretty unique when it was first scanlated way back then), but as it moves forward the characters begin to shine and their personalities and relationships take center stage.
The best thing is that as it reaches its conclusion the story REALLY picks up speed and the ending is just excellent, if you like non-harem, ecchi somewhat battle manga with concise and excellently executed endings this is for you (and yes, the MC does get better and less outright unlikable they all do).