yeah, FF8 is a long love story, super long with a dual story line.

FF9 was ok, but it was way too easy. It was FUN but too easy. I thought FF8 actually had some challenge in it and the final boss was super hard. I FF8 more than FF9.

FF9 has fun mini-games and sidequests, FF8 has a lot of hidden stuff and I really liked the battle system, the weapons/equipment system, and I'm a hard core romantic so the story line with Squall and Riona was a plus. The summons were cool to get, and some were actually tough *shudders at Tiamat*

I recommend FF8.