Quote Originally Posted by Pseudopsia View Post
I'm playing FFXIII and it has great aesthetics. Gameplay is really lacking, I feel like I'm watching a movie rather than playing a game. I do like FFXIII, but not for being a game.

gameplay > aesthetics
And what gameplay improvements do you get from the previous games? In either case you're playing an active turn-based game; you input commands within time-constraints and they go off on measure. The strategy is the same. You either prioritize the elimination of a dangerous target or the defensive procedure(s) in relation to its upcoming significant attack. Between those times you apply buffs and debuffs and spam your best spells. Previous games had full control of party which adds a small degree more depth through precision. FFXIII instead had depth through enemy-party timing and party simultaneity.

If your issue is with everything but the combat system, then I understand, but if it's with the combat system specifically then it sounds like you're asking to trade out a movie for a slideshow (all for the additional option of a 'wait' battle setting).

Honestly, my favorite combat was in VIII, but I can't really say that combat system was any better than the rest.