I pity the fool who thinks FF8 had memorable characters and cares what happens to them afterward. Every one of them was generic, undeveloped, and boring.

And that's the main reason the game didn't live up to the series, though the terrible Junction system, lack of items (and treasure chests), mediocre plot, and forgettable score (aside from two or three tracks) helped. Of course, I do like the game, but it's got nothing on FF7, Xenogears, or Chrono Cross.
Oh, and when I get a Gameboy Advance, FFT will be my second game after Aria of Sorrow. Looks like it kicks ass.