Overusedname said:
FF9 is something I feel fits into this category better. A lot of people weren't ready for the return to stylized graphics and a fantasy setting after 7 and 8, but...well. Most people I ask who did try 9 say it's their favorite.
Currently playing this right now... I completely missed this gem in its time. People keep lauding FF7 and 8 (dealing specifically with that generation) and no one ever talks about 9. I played 7 to the end, but never beat seph (fucked up my team selection and botched my save order). I could never get beyond the opening hours in 8... the pacing is atrocious. I missed 10 and 10-2 entirely, but the character designs were a major turn off for me (especially Tidus). I got 12 because it looked fresh, and while it was refreshing in terms of gameplay (I was one of the few who liked the new system) and environement (a nice throwback to Vagrant Story aesthetics), the characters were awful. Aside from Fran and Balthier, the cast was so dull. I hate Vaan with a passion, his friend too, the princess is a chore to follow in story segments and Basch seems to stop having a personality for large portions of the game.
9 had me hooked right at the start... it is the best introductory sequence to an FF game I've played so far. Cast is great. An upbeat protagonist (Vidaine is so refreshing), a princess with character growth (that is nearly unheard of), the morose characters are endearing, not off putting (Vivi and to a lesser extent Amamrant), the best protector role (Steiner is awesome... I love his design as well) and an aesthetically diverse cast (They all look distinct and different).
Despite it's cutesy exterior, the story doesn't pull any punches. It has some issues (like the Queen not getting a proper character development or back story... which you'd think would be important given certain events
You know what's sad? That might be the last return to form we see for Final Fantasy. The formula of super serious, perfect bodied, human teens (or adults who look like teens) being the focus of all major FF releases lately, we might never see such a diverse character roster again.
I couldn't get into 13 (was one of those people who grew weary of the pacing) so I don't know how they play with the characters in it, but it seemed to be fitting into this trend (FF7, FF8, FF10, FF12 etc.).
Anyway, despite what I said earlier, I think 12 can be brought into this list as well. Its a good game, the gambit and license system works, combat is engaging and dynamic, the story isn't bad either (it has a sluggish start, but once you get out of the starting town, it picks up quickly) and Balthier and Fran keep me from wanting to throttle the cast.