Okay--let's get one thing straight.  On technical merits, there is no argument that any person can make that this isn't the greatest game in the series to the point that it was made.  To put it simply, the graphics are mind-blowing.  I started this game IMMEDIATELY after finishing seven, and from the opening scene, I can assure you that you won't find better in the earlier series.  As always, the sound is solid and the gameplay is well structured, so what you end up with is a game that is, in fact, technically superior to anything Square had done to that point, and is still impressive today.