One thing I hated, though, is the fact that you always risk ending up at some very perilous location.
I mean, the first time I played the Origins version, it was like this:

"Tadaa! I've got a CHOCOBO!
Now let's see what's happening in the world."

*rides to Palamecia*

"Hm, I can't do anything here.
Let's return to Altair!"

*RANDOM ENCOUNTER!!!*

"Uh-oh! What the hell is that?
Outta my way, idiots, I'm going back to Altair!"

*attempts to run, and fails*
*attempts to run, and fails*
*attempts to run, and fails*
*attempts to run, and fails*

"Crap. Alright, feel my BLADES, because I'm going back to Altair!"

*gets killed*

""