Argh, I don't know how to describe what I want. I want it to be kind of character-actionish but not unbalancedly so. Something like that but influenced by stats but not with animations as limited as say, Skyrim but still determined by stats of character/equips. For example I'd like it if I tried to parry one of those Garula from FFV and I use a weapon with too low a stat or my stats are too low, regardless of the timing I get launched or knocked on my ass. Or unable to stagger an enemy as such due to low STR or something. That kind of stuff. At the same time I'm also keen on the apparently model of horses for courses, like the broadsword being fine for parrying the rampant Garula. So long as it just keeps some semblence of balance in that style I'm happy.

EDIT: I'd also like magic / abilities to scroll according to the D-pad or something and cast with a dedicated button or some such. That'd be neat.