The man just suggested FFVIII. His opinion is meaningless.

FFIX, because it is the best FF ever made. It excels in every category one could ask from an FF. FFVII would be an acceptable substitute, if you're too much of a giant arse to play FFIX.

If you play FFIX, you will inevitably fall in love with the series and play all the others, which will make FFIX even better because you'll understand all the references next time you play it. It's a game that keeps on giving.