Sorry, FFIX was slow & boring compared to VII for me.

All right, for the sake of future arguments, I'm going to agree with the OP whole heartily. Here is my honest opinion for those who want it.

FF7 isn't the best, it is the bestest. Other Final Fantasys is just best.

Ff6 was the first ff I ever play and I still had the original game. After I played ff I-IX skip to XII I admited 6 was the best ff. But idk if I play let say 5 or 7 first.

FF7 is just the first FF game that made FF really mainstream, that's all to it.

Wrong. Its VI. I played VIII and X before it but VI was still better even on GBA.

Final Fantasy 9 did not make the impression on me that Final Fantasy 7 did. Hell, I can name more characters from Final Fantasy 8 and I didn't like that one as much as the other two PlayStation titles. Final Fantasy 7 is probably the most recognizable title in the franchise, it has had the most explored universe so far, and I believe it has sold more than any other Final Fantasy.

The only 'objective' way in which Final Fantasy 9 surpassed Final Fantasy 7 is critical reception and it was by so little one could easily make the argument that it hardly matters. The fact that tons of fans have called for a remake of Final Fantasy 7, and even typically non-Final Fantasy fans, while Final Fantasy 9 has comparatively no one asking for such a thing is fairly telling.

Don't get me wrong. The ninth entry was outstanding and I felt it did some things better. However, the seventh entry's own similarly awesome critical reception, impressive sales, massive popularity, and continued push for a modern remake will make any subjective declaration of any other entry being objectively better seem like little more than someone seeking attention by going against the grain. There's nothing wrong with believing it but just don't expect many to take you seriously or agree with you.

IX is the only one I've ever played (based on recommendations from the VGC community). I liked it a lot but haven't finished it. Despite all the talk of graphics not mattering, the PS1 downgrade from PS3 is a tad offputting.

Perhaps I should do FFX as at least that's only a generation behind PS3 and if it's so highly rated by many FF fans perhaps its worth investing in.

Question is would getting into the FF vibe by playing X (and maybe finishing IX) make FFXIII more or less enjoyable?

FFXII is the last Final Fantasy on PS2.

X is my least favorite. I Just didn't like the characters and the love story. The gameplay such as combat is fun though.

Everyone has their own opinion but the FACT is Final Fantasy Versus XIII is the best Final Fantasy.

I am kidding of course...

The appreciation of the best game of all time makes a man do things.