I own Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles...and for some reason I could never quite fathom, I was never able to finish it. I think I must have proceeded as far as the third or fourth area. Something completely turned me off, and perhaps I have some answers as to what, now.
I noticed the low quality plot right away, and the fighting system was shoddy enough to make me turn away. I never did think of that when purchasing the game though, because of its brand name. A disappointment indeed, and I believe that the entire rehash aspect of such is the reason why.
Also I bloody hate Kingdom Hearts and its near like asinine context, again I must agree. I did not enjoy to see some legendary characters such as Aerith or Squall appearing out of nowhere for reasons devoid on any substantial justification, when considering their importance in most Final Fantasy games. In fact, it disgusted me, and that was the content alone. Sephiroth is supposed to be DEAD. He attempted to become a GOD-WHAT the hell is he doing hanging around with MICKEY MOUSE?!
I could rant about the entire cash in aspect this so blatantly suggests, but people DO find it fun, so...I am naught but a jaded pessimist.
The combat system was gross, too. Very well established, and this is just me, as I am completely obsessed with numbers and making decisions.
Final Fantasy Mystic Quest-although certainly not one of the better Final Fantasy titles, it did have that entire genuine feel, even if it was a bit boring and had the most clichéd plot ever.
Still, it has its innovative moments such as ''deteriorating enemies'' which I completely loved, and some actually very well established character personalities, considering the sort of grade this Final Fantasy training wheels was. I did go through it like, thrice.
I completely agree with your issue MidgarFanatic, and this is also one of the reasons I have strayed from the series recently. Merely because it bears the title Final Fantasy, it gives itself the right to be anything and completely disregards interesting and strong content and replace this with superficial cameo appearances or elements, and most often then not, these are there for looks and looks alone-just because it has the name. Cease milking away VII's success with your crappy shooters dang it!
Even the mascot gets its own mundane adventure now?
When are we going to see ''Mog's Super Funhouse Adventure in Bahamut Land''?
Too many spin offs, and in my opinion one of the last ones which was great came out ten years ago; Final Fantasy Tactics.
Final Fantasy became popular for a reason, and that is because of the series first installments, but it slowly seems to be forgetting its roots. Although it can be debated and this is merely opinion only, Chrono Cross deceived me in much the same ways. It was a fantastic game for what it was-but to me, it did not capture the essence of Chrono Trigger, and perhaps it should have a bit, since it had the name.
However, this is the bane of success. Square started out by creating some unique and great projects-but these projects were genuine art. It was done because people wanted to do it. They had no expectations to meet, and nobody to obey to.
But now that the company has grown, they have to give the fans what they wish for, and wanting it or not, gaming does evolve. They must abide to their own success in order to keep it. Does it make any sense?
It is like Cradle of Filth-now that they have become the ''mainstream'' of underground metal, they cannot shock people as much, because more people are hearing it now, and they will fall if they pursue their unconventional roots, those which they had started with. Because standard audiences simply cannot swallow it.
How many characters commit suicide in Final Fantasy games now?
Square may be a bit different, in the case that Final Fantasy VII in particular has brought the role playing genre from out of the closet. It established the genre as respectable and fun for gaming, while before this, in America at least, role playing was perceived as obscure and unnatural.
Inevitably, this arouses new fans, and different fans then from us older ones. They must follow their success, once again.
These days I look to companies like Atlus, as they are not known so much, for fun and innovation. When they get the Shinra Syndrome, there will be other small, but honest companies to look to.
Edit-
OH MY GOD. I wrote this entire huge post, and while it was processing my request to post it, my computer shut off on me. I was SO afraid I had lost the post.
*Falls over in relief.*