Hey guys,
 
I noticed that both VIII and IX are both on the psn.  Anyway, growing up, I loved VII but never really got around to playing another FF until X, and XIII.
 
I've been thinking of picking up either VIII or IX, but wasn't sure what would better suit my taste.  I've heard that VIII has a very complex battle system, etc.  That had me leaning towards IX.
 
Any thoughts?  Thanks!

Good games are still good games. 
Your question is confusing though because you point out VIII and IX in your initial statement, then, I assume, refer to VIII as VII.
 
Like every Final Fantasy, there is a different system for character development. VIII has the infamous Junction System, and contrary to popular belief It's not complicated: It's just not user friendly.
To be fair though, if you were able to wrap your head around the Materia System in VII, then you should have little problems with the Junction System. If you don't mind grinding for a few hours, you can exploit the system and hit upwards to over 7,000 HP before the end of Disk 1 if I remember correctly. Find a guide and you won't have to bother summoning those annoying Summons into battle, which I think many people don't realize. 
 
IX on the other hand has a system that is more straight-forward/traditional and associates abilities to equipped items. This system would later be utilized in Lost Odyssey and really requires no real investment in thinking.
 
Bottom line: They're both good games, and I think there are many qualities that have aged better than Final Fantasy VII. IX overall is a superior game, but you shouldn't be immediate to write off VIII either.

" Good games are still good games. 
Your question is confusing though because you point out VIII and IX in your initial statement, then, I assume, refer to VIII as VII.
 
Like every Final Fantasy, VIII has the infamous Junction System regarding character development. It's not complicated: It's just not user friendly.
To be fair though, if you were able to wrap your head around the Materia System in VII, then you should have little problems with the Junction System. If you don't mind grinding for a few hours, you can exploit the system and hit upwards to over 7,000 HP before the end of Disk 1 if I remember correctly. Find a guide and you won't have to bother summoning those annoying Summons into battle, which I think many people don't realize.   IX on the other hand has a system that is more straight-forward/traditional and associates abilities to equipped items. This system would later be utilized in Lost Odyssey and really requires no real investment in thinking.  Bottom line: They're both good games, and I think there are many qualities that have aged better than Final Fantasy VII. IX overall is a superior game, but you shouldn't be immediate to write off VIII either. "

" @vidiot said:

" Good games are still good games. 
Your question is confusing though because you point out VIII and IX in your initial statement, then, I assume, refer to VIII as VII.
 
Like every Final Fantasy, VIII has the infamous Junction System regarding character development. It's not complicated: It's just not user friendly.
To be fair though, if you were able to wrap your head around the Materia System in VII, then you should have little problems with the Junction System. If you don't mind grinding for a few hours, you can exploit the system and hit upwards to over 7,000 HP before the end of Disk 1 if I remember correctly. Find a guide and you won't have to bother summoning those annoying Summons into battle, which I think many people don't realize.   IX on the other hand has a system that is more straight-forward/traditional and associates abilities to equipped items. This system would later be utilized in Lost Odyssey and really requires no real investment in thinking.  Bottom line: They're both good games, and I think there are many qualities that have aged better than Final Fantasy VII. IX overall is a superior game, but you shouldn't be immediate to write off VIII either. "

 You're right.  Sorry about the confusion.  Being tired and typing Roman Numerals isn't working for me tonight!  Sorry for the confusion. "

I have never played FFVIII, but hearing from friends' opinion, it wasn't nearly as good as others.  FFIX on the other hand is one of my favorite games from back in the day.  Thought it had a good story (strange ending) and was fun gameplay wise.  This may not tell you alot of the actual content in either, but that is my opinion if thats what you are looking for.

VIII's Junction system, admittedly, is not the best character development apparatus ever made, but people do make it out to be far worse than it really is. With the game's (unskippable) tutorials, you should have little problem getting the hang of it. That said, IX is considerably more straightforward, so if you're looking for something less obtuse, then go for that.

8 is incredibly stupid in pretty much every aspect, skip it and play 9 you won't regret it.

Yes, if you enjoyed FF7, you should definitely check out both the 8th and 9th installments of the series.
 
Personally, FF8 was my favourite titles in the franchise, rivaled only by Tactics. The story is engaging, the characters are strong (some regard Squall as being weak, but I find he fits the tone of the game and it's message), and the gameplay very enjoyable. The draw system can get drawn out(pun intended), however it isn't a necessary to be an elitist and grind in this game to get through the story. Myself being an elitist completionist, I of course happily volunteered to spend countless hours playing with the junction system and utilizing it to its fullest. Again, this option is there, however not necessary.  
 
FF9 was also a great game on all levels, although I felt it wasn't in the same tier as 8, however I hold 8 very highly. Besides, who doesn't want to play a game with Vivi in it? 
 
Honestly though, I could rant on endlessly about both of these games, so I'll just leave it at this: If you enjoyed the mid-series of Final Fantasy (as you damn well should, because it is some of the finer works), then definitely get both of these games, and while your at it, Tactics as well.

"Besides, who doesn't want to play a game with Vivi in it?"

Try FFVIII, and when you get too frustrated or confused, move on to FFIX. ...that's basically what I did 11 years ago.

I absolutely love FF IX. Gah, I don't even know why I love it so much.

IX is a beautiful, traditional FF game, and Vivi's story is one of the most touching of any FF. I was turned off by VIII's Draw mechanic, but the story is pretty cool. Like most people are saying, they're both worth giving a whirl, but I'll give you the lean towards iX.

also FF7 was worse than you remember
 
just throwin that out there

Thanks for all the input guys.  I appreciate it.  I think I'll start with Final Fantasy IX then and work my way to 8 after wards.

If you play FFVIII with the "Squall is dead" theory on the brain, the story becomes infinitely more interesting in my opinion.
 
edit: removed link, forgot about spoilers :x

8 is more confusing in terms of story and gameplay. 
 
9 is like the older Final Fantasy games.

" 8 is incredibly stupid in pretty much every aspect, skip it and play 9 you won't regret it. "