Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
I did finish the game, but it was a complete slog at the end. It was mainly because I still really like the characters and had invested too much time into the two games at that point, so I have to see this trilogy through to the end.
Like you said, there's just soooo much padding, and I'd even say the world is much worse than Ubisoft stuff. It's just empty, except for the same five copy & paste "events" in every zone.
Something must be wrong with me though, since I've actually been thinking about replaying the game lately. Dunno why, but the thought just keeps creeping into my brain every now and then.
Depends, as is the case with all games.
I think it's very good, but not the second coming of Christ as many people made it out to be.
It's a better Final Fantasy game, and I think the story is much more interesting. However, if you're looking for something like BG3 with the freedom, size or character interaction, this is not the game.