Indeed regarding the iterative nature. In addition FF6 had the veldt system with Garr and many more character classes that were interesting. I can’t iterate enough how the non-linear nature after Kafka scorches the land was so amazing for its time.

And then even items like the Atma Weapon or choices like using some thing like Ragnarok to create a weapon or a spell. Totally up to the players style.

Everyone has a different story on how they got through FF6. FF7 was linear.

And yes the Opera House - quite possibly the peak of 16-bit RPG gaming. Absolutely beautifully done.

The FF7 remake is really good FWIW.