The problem with Modern Final Fantasy games
Does anyone else feel like one of the biggest problems with modern Final Fantasy is the pacing?
Don't get me wrong, the gameplay is usually great. FFXVI had fun combat, and FFVII Remake/Rebirth have some of the best action RPG combat I've played. But every time I get invested, the game throws hours of filler, slow dialogue, or mandatory mini-games at me. It feels like the story keeps stopping itself instead of building momentum.
Compare that to games like Baldur's Gate 3, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, The Witcher 3, Cyberpunk 2077, or Elden Ring. They all have different styles, but one thing they do well is respect the player's time. The pacing stays engaging, the dialogue rarely feels bloated, and when they introduce side content, it usually feels optional instead of something you're forced to do just to progress. They also take their worlds and stories seriously, so it's easier to stay immersed.
Modern Final Fantasy, on the other hand, often feels afraid to let serious moments breathe. You'll go from a major emotional scene to chasing cats, playing card games, doing goofy mini-games, or spending hours on dialogue that doesn't really move the plot forward. Those moments can be fun in moderation, but when they constantly interrupt the main story, they kill the pacing for me.
I honestly think this is one reason why best selling rpg games get replayed so much. Players can jump back in without feeling like they have to slog through hours of padding before getting to the good parts.
Maybe I'm in the minority, but I think modern Final Fantasy would benefit from trimming 80% of its filler and letting the story flow naturally instead of constantly breaking it up.