Would you like a list of the many, many, many games and entertainment releases not by Disney that are still formulaic af? Or can we put this conversation to bed with one word: "Soulslike"
Formulaic isn't bad in a vaccum
no heart isnt bad in a vaccum
combining the two is terrible. Assassins creed has been formulaic, no heart and uninspired. HFW might be formulaic but isn't uninspired. It's not hard to grasp. Ghost of Tsushima is formulaic, but has alot of heart and isnt uninspired. So yes, you can list some great soulslike games that follow the formula. i'm sure the good ones (Hollow knight, Nioh, S&S) have heart while some (code vien, lords of fallen, the surge) not as much.