FFVIII is my favorite of the series. And the only game in the series I played 100%. To me, it feels like they took everything they were trying to do on FFVII and fixed it with FFVIII. Improved graphics, Modern/Punk style (toned down), Heavy use of Machinery and Mechs, More focused story (except lol Orphanage), broader characters, revamped Summon System, etc.
Now, its entirely subjective, but I also feel Squall was what they tried to do with Cloud, but better developed. Halfway through the game, he stops his complaining to himself about his role and took command of both the party and the entire Balamb Garden. Just throw Laguna on top of that and its no contest.
Its even more subjective, but I loved the Junction System. It was the closest FF has gotten to true freedom of customization, aside from FFX. Junction Sleep to your Gunblade? Sure why not. Junction Esuna to your Status? Heck yeah. Junction Inferno to your Attack? You got it. I frankly would have liked more games with that system. Sure, you could totally break tyhe game, but at the same time, it allowed you to do so unlike many games in the series that don't allow you to use certain Magic or Skills until you reach a certain 'plot trigger'.
In short, FFVIII is one of my favorite RPGs and favorite of FFVIII. A game that, in my opinion, improved a stagnant series. But stagnant seems to be what the fans want.
Six upcoming games you should look into:
