Well, I feel like the story of Final Fantasy VIII was much more serious than the story of Final Fantasy IX. I like my games to be more somber than light-hearted, and I think I enjoyed Final Fantasy VIII more despite my dislike for the junction system and my preference for the job class system.

I liked Final Fantasy IX a lot until you were allowed to select your party. I would have preferred it if it simply locked in a final party like Final Fantasy IV with the majority of the story choosing your party for you.