If the Animation has Animation Lock, then yes it "can" effect gameplay. Hardcores won't see this as an issue, but Casuals may have an issue with it. When your doing a Animation lock thats 2-3 seconds long and facing Bosses like Ifrit, even a Good player has to get the "timing" down and knowing when to use it. So when you put it in that aspect, Yes Animation does effect gameplay. If there's no Animation Lock, then it has no effect on gameplay.