No, really. It's not as bad as people make it out to be.
The gameplay is solid in that it keeps switching things up without changing everything so radically that the player is completely lost. Things stay fresh in every world you go to, and you have to keep adapting to circumstances and thinking, rather than just smashing X through a bunch of flat stages. The use of the System Sectors provide a greater sense of tension and provides constant challenges to the player, so that they have to keep trying to play better and can't just glide through without a hitch, while at they same time not making the challenges 100% necessary to pass the game, but reward you if you take the time to try.
The keyblades are probably the most useful in the series, and the most intuitive. Each keyblade offers practical benefits to using them, instead of just stat boosts: Lady Luck gives you HP while you block, Three Wishes increases your combo, etc. The player has to learn how each keyblade works and then use them appropriately, rather than just treating each one the same. Also, breaking the mold of "the later keyblades are always stronger," each one is balanced in its own way that you can use one of the earlier ones you get and still find uses for it. My favorite is Lady Luck, which is the second one you obtain, because even though its weaker in battle, that HP recovery from blocking is a lifesaver.
The story, while not as complex as some of the others, is still surprisingly good. There's a hint of mystery throughout the entire affair, with bits and pieces of information coming at you gradually, and while the payoff is admittedly a little weak, the overall execution of mystery is handled very well. Also, Data Sora has a good story arc, coming out of nothing, finding sentience, and then tragically has to forget everything that he has learned, as if it never happened at all.
I recommend (or, should I say, Re:commend?) playing through it again and seeing if you like it any better.
No, really. It's not as bad as people make it out to be.
The gameplay is solid in that it keeps switching things up without changing everything so radically that the player is completely lost. Things stay fresh in every world you go to, and you have to keep adapting to circumstances and thinking, rather than just smashing X through a bunch of flat stages. The use of the System Sectors provide a greater sense of tension and provides constant challenges to the player, so that they have to keep trying to play better and can't just glide through without a hitch, while at they same time not making the challenges 100% necessary to pass the game, but reward you if you take the time to try.
The keyblades are probably the most useful in the series, and the most intuitive. Each keyblade offers practical benefits to using them, instead of just stat boosts: Lady Luck gives you HP while you block, Three Wishes increases your combo, etc. The player has to learn how each keyblade works and then use them appropriately, rather than just treating each one the same. Also, breaking the mold of "the later keyblades are always stronger," each one is balanced in its own way that you can use one of the earlier ones you get and still find uses for it. My favorite is Lady Luck, which is the second one you obtain, because even though its weaker in battle, that HP recovery from blocking is a lifesaver.
The story, while not as complex as some of the others, is still surprisingly good. There's a hint of mystery throughout the entire affair, with bits and pieces of information coming at you gradually, and while the payoff is admittedly a little weak, the overall execution of mystery is handled very well. Also, Data Sora has a good story arc, coming out of nothing, finding sentience, and then tragically has to forget everything that he has learned, as if it never happened at all.
I recommend (or, should I say, Re:commend?) playing through it again and seeing if you like it any better.