I really quite liked Lightning Returns. It DEFINITELY had its problems, but I could tell they were trying for something, even if they didn't entirely succeed.

X-2 is the FF game I have most consistently enjoyed. Although I'm not sure a "X-2 is actually really good" opinion is actually heretical these days, at least around here.

I like the sci-fi elements in some of the more recent games. Fantasy doesn't HAVE to mean medieval.

FFIV's repeated conceit of characters dying and then coming back an hour later is nothing short of hilarious.