Does Palladium’s system really get in the way?

It’s worth treating the rough-engine reputation as a real possibility, not a guarantee that you won’t enjoy the game. If smooth, quick rules are a big part of what you want, the settings alone may not make up for a system that doesn’t click for you. Looking through a sample of the rules before buying is a sensible way to check.

The setting and the rules are separate questions. You can be drawn to the ideas in Rifts or Nightbane while still finding the mechanics clunky. If you’re curious, try a short session or a small rules section first, then decide whether the system supports the kind of game you want. You don’t have to commit to several books just to find out.