I'm pretty sure somewhere I said that FF7R feels like the improved version of everything they've been trying to do since Final Fantasy XII. That's mostly in relation to the battle system, but also the exploration mechanics and world design. My problem with XIII(coming from a perspective of not playing the whole game, but watching a friend play most of it) is that it literally feels like walking down a hallway sometimes. Same problem I had with the final chapters of XV. And more that the battle system felt like it was lacking something. This is all in relation to the first one. I actually think XIII-2 is a fun game that's just too late. So I think there's nothing wrong with the comparison. But I do think this game does mostly everything better.
I also agree on the forced blocked off areas. Even if it's literally a wall, I prefer that to an endless void that you're forced not to walk past. Why did you even let me get that far down the train tunnel if I couldn't go that way anyway?
It'll be interesting to see how they handle an open world concept. The detail for the locations is what was missing inf XV. The openworld was fun to play in and expansive, but hollow and lacking flavor. I think some kind of merging of the two would make for a great future of the series.