I feel like this is a tough question to answer since being underappreciated is quite subjective. For example, I feel like Khazan is underappreciated in the sense that the game is just not as widely known as its contemporaries that shadow it (AI Limit, Lies of P etc.), so it never really had a chance to shine. It’s appropriately rated and liked by fans of the game, though.
What’s your pick?
One thing I find funny is the prevalence of the hipster tendency in mankind. Every franchise fandom has a black sheep, and given enough time a vocal minority starts appearing that proclaim the worst game is actually the best game. Classic Final Fantasy has it with FF VIII, Ninja Gaiden has it with NG3: Razor’s Edge and Soulslikes has it with DS2. This is just off the top of my head and from fandoms I’m aware of, I’m sure it is true for every multi game franchise. I find it humorous.
Wait, 8 wasn’t always as beloved as it is now? Didn’t even know. I thought 8 is on a similar level in terms of recognition as 7 or 10, maybe 9?
8 was definitely the black sheep and it was pretty common sentiment to call it the worst Final Fantasy, probably until the release of XIII.