The first was technically FFVIII. I was very little and I didn't even finish the fire cavern. The game very much confused me.

Then, 4 or 5 years later, for the Christmas after I moved back in with my mom's ex and she left me and he wanted to make me feel better, he bought a PS2 and Final Fantasy VII, VIII, IX, and X for me. I played IX first and I loved it and it is still my favorite game ever.