I don'ts think slow and clunky no weight though its more like DMC I tinks popularity is more with weight
I'm comparing it to something like Bayonetta. Obviously the enemies are more floaty in that game since it begs you to air combo, but look at the various ways the enemy reacts to getting hit. Getting slapped sideways, flipped upside down, pushed back etc. Like the hits have actual momentum and force:
When you do big hits in this game, the enemies like the Fanatics seem to just have tiny hitstuns and continue their attacks. It doesn't match the force of what you're doing on the screen. Even the smaller enemies just kinda float upward and mostly stay in place until they die and melt into mist. Big splashes or stuns or better hit reactions are needed, IMO. I understand super armor and giving the enemies the ability to attack even against an onslaught by the player, but combat makes it feel like you're just swinging air around.
Also, Stagger mechanic is shit and should be erased from FF. It's been terrible ever since it's been implemented. Or they could change it to skill based instead of just wailing on an enemy until you can actually "really damage" the enemy. Like if counters or parries did extra stagger damage or a charged hit that leaves you completely vulnerable would take the stagger down 100%. That way it encourages the player to plan strategically or improve their skills to get better/faster kills.