My favourite FF game is 12, though, because of the actual gameplay. The summons might be completely useless, but for the first time FF games have a real time system, positional tactics and you can see the opposition coming because they are on screen rather than appearing out of thin air. It plays like a proper RPG, in other words! I really like the skill improvement system, too. For probably the first time in an FF game you can create a party you want to play rather than the one they give you.
8 is all about the characters, which are so well done, and the cut scenes which are so beautifully styled. The ballroom scene, especially, is so perfect. The body language is brilliant on every level. I was in awe of that the first time I saw it, and it's still as wonderful to me today, even though graphics have advanced so much since that time.
I wish they'd remake 8 with the 12 engine, though I know that will never be, sadly. Then port it to PC to allow for fantastic graphics, of course!
