The Lessons Not Learned.

[Midareyukki]

FF8 was received well by critics and had high initial sales, but it lacked staying power. Much of its early success is noted to have been a direct result of Final Fantasy 7 having left such a good impression on players. The junction system was the aspect of the game to receive the most criticism.

Yes. By critics. FF13 was received rather decently by critics as well if I recall. The issue comes with the community reception itself. Both games were seen as underwhelming, with 13 having quite a lot of community backlash over the linearity, the plot, the style and the characters. Hell, even the lack of the Prelude was brought up. FF14 1.0 coming right after did not help :|