re: FF VII, VIII, or IX ?

I'm late to this party, but:

VIII was extremely good story wise, and I actually really REALLY enjoyed the draw system

IX was incredible in bringing all 8 of the games before it into a full circle.

VII just doesn't match up to the other 2.


So I would say, play VIII or IX, I enjoyed 8 a bit more, but I also absolutely loved the draw system.. and the story was the best of any of them.