IX VS. VII and VIII

[_yeojina_]

Well, it's been quite a while since I've played VII and VIII, and so my opinion may not be the most accurate there is. However, I would just like to post it here.

I concentrate a lot on character development and plotline when I'm playing RPGs. Although VII was rather enjoyable, I didn't exactly like having to tolerate Cloud's ongoing lamentations about his uselessness and Sephiroth's rather annoying clones. I was rather glad that Aerith/Aeris died, as I found her rather annoying. In fact, I found character development had slacked off in this game.

As for VIII, I also found that enjoyable. The system was different to the previous Final Fantasy instalments, and the new names for magic excited me even more. However, character development was still lacking somewhat, as most characters were, although different, rather simplistic in personality. I also felt that Ultimecia was just thrown in as a villian, and I do admit that the romance between Squall and Rinoa was a little rushed.

With Final Fantasy IX, I guess the only problem with its popularity is the fact that it was released just before the PS2 came out. Although I don't mind the odd steampunk and futuristic feel of video games, I felt that IX was better reflecting the original FF's feel. Then again, I am a rather avid fan of the theme of fantasy, so my say may be rather exaggerated.
I was immensely pleased with character development; it was complex yet understandable and more realistic than VIII's. I myself am rather fond of Quina, Steiner and Vivi; Quina had the undivided curiousity that a younger daredevil might have, Steiner was loyal to the end (although I haven't really met any tremendously loyal people these days) and Vivi was just...Vivi, with the naivety of a nine-year-old. To me, a majority of the characters acted their age, which I found was just spectacular. Yes, the graphics may have protrayed the characters slightly younger than they should, but I wouldn't call it chibi.

...And that's pretty much my opinion of the things I liked with the three aforementioned games and my comparisons to them. Feel free to correct me.