I really didn't like VIII. It's cast was almost as bad as XII's to me. Rinoa was the only character that stood out among the trash that is everyone else. People called Cloud emo but heck look at Squall. I thought the story was weak, and I still don't see how Square calls it a love story. The biggest thing I hate is how they were all at that orphanage. That was one of the worst ideas I have ever seen.
Also to people talking about the gameplay perspective, Rinoa is in fact the best character. Angel Wing is the best limit break in the game with the proper junctioning. Only junction healing or support spells to Rinoa and give her Meteor. With the right spells (such as Full-Life) you will have a monster. Also throw in the fact that Rinoa gets random support from Angelo and no one can touch her.
And to Jaxel IX's story is so much better that VIII so I don't know what you are talking about. If you want to compare characters then IX wins in a landslide. Selphie, Irving, and Zell are your typical bland boring followers with little development in the story, not to mention having horrible designs.
My favorite FFs
1. FFVII (OMG no way obviously I am a fanboy)
2. Tactics
3. IX
4. VI
5. X
None of these games touch Xenogears though.
