Xenogears takes a lot longer to get into, which is what would be the main divisor. I don't mind a slow buildup but a lot of people don't like it. I actually prefer a slow buildup if it is done correctly, it gives more time to get into things and doesn't just throw crap at you.

In any event, to me, a story is everything. And I can say I quite honestly found FFVII's story to be more than a little weak. Also, I think Xenogears has little trouble catching a person, the village destruction might not have mattered because you didn't know the people, but what DID matter is that it happened and it happened for a reason, though at the time you don't know it. The fact that the FMV they show depicts Fei grinning maniacally before the place goes tells me that something's going on and I want to know more.

With regards to FFVII's storyline and why, exactly, I felt it was weak, was because it really had a been-there-done-that feel to it. Having played RPGs as long as I have, it was just a massive chase-sidequest-chase-sidequest deal. Certainly some interesting points along the road, but nothing really worth note.