Yes, I hate it when people say FF8 was too much of a reality dose. I went to this FF forum, and everyone is pro FF7, con FF8. It's really annoying.
FF8 is not realistic besides the graphics that were good for its time. Sci-Fi?

Sure, there was a whole deal with space and all, but Sci Fi? (Isn't Sci-Fi a fantasy?)
FF8 is a good game. Everyone just expected to be a revolutionary FF7, and in my opinion, FF7 is a piece of over rated trash. Way too over rated.
I liked it, but not as much as 9.
I didn't like drawing magic from FF8, but I hated the Materia system in FF7.
And what is the deal with everyone and Squall?
He may have been a dick in the beginning of the game, but he changes. FF8 did a good job showing that metamorphosis. He was realistic in a sense... when it came to life at least..
Why did I even bring this up?
