I don't get why people keep comparing and contrasting FF7 and FF8. None of the others seem to get that kind of attention. But, in actuality Square releasing sequels to FF7 and FF10 has nothing to do with ratings per se. It has to do with marketing mainly and where they left the original games off at. That doesn't necessarily make FF8 a better game, or a worse game for not having sequels. It's pretty much on the same level with all the FF's it's all a matter of preference. Therefore, you can't really consider any of them underrated. The whole series has had its shinning period.