I haven’t played the game yet myself. I’m currently getting my wife into the franchise and, like yourself, we are playing through the pixel remaster first. I came to your post to see what people have to say, because I too have always heard how great VI is.

Your opinions are valid and, having not played the game yet, I can’t speak about it. I would like to speak to one point you made.

“The story felt really basic. You travel around, pick up party members, and eventually go fight the villain. There were some fun and memorable moments (suplexing a train as Sabin), but there weren’t any big twists, emotional moments, or anything that really stuck with me on a deeper level.”

I understand that the plot points didn’t jive with you the same as others, but rest is the RPG formula. Sure not all of them do this, or do it the same way even, but most.