Unfortunately, when I played 7 for the first time, I played it right after 5 which still has the best class system and 6 which has the best story. So both story and gameplay felt like a disgrace for me.

8 and 9 were definitely improvements over 7

8 has always been my favourite. As long as I resist the urge to draw spam. It can get repetively easy if you just draw and cast magic from your enemy, never having to use your own resources.