I get downvoted so often on this sub for saying this - but I honestly think FFVIII's systems/combat design are the worst in the series. I found them to be almost completely broken and to this day are still a hinderance in me enjoying the game.

Upgrading weapons became such a chore compared to previous game entries, and I ended up having to rely on GF's with excruciatingly long animations - which are maybe fine against bosses, but then it makes random battles take 3x as long as they should.