This game has always been a blind spot in my Final Fantasy history. From 7 onwards I played every non-mmo entry but I missed out on 8 because of a faulty PlayStation.
After the juggernaut success of 7, 8 is a much more thoughtfully paced story that takes some time to really get going. It's not perfect, the junction system in particular providing many annoyances along the way, but the story told is up there with the best of the series.
The love story between Squall and Rinoa is endearing and one of the best of the series and despite the game not quite being as good as 7, it's still one I'm glad I returned to.
After the juggernaut success of 7, 8 is a much more thoughtfully paced story that takes some time to really get going. It's not perfect, the junction system in particular providing many annoyances along the way, but the story told is up there with the best of the series.
The love story between Squall and Rinoa is endearing and one of the best of the series and despite the game not quite being as good as 7, it's still one I'm glad I returned to.
My partner I have tackled yet another game. Our very first Final Fantasy together. One that we both tried in the past but couldn't get past the tutorial screen.
So how did it stack up once we actually played it?
Final Fantasy VIII (FF8) probably had a lot to live up to after Final Fantasy 7 and for me, this game sits up in it's own high place amongst RPG's.
It does things differently from most RPG's that I found truly fascinating. It features a mechanic called Junction which is essentially adding summons to your abilities thus making you stronger. It even puts levelling to shame. It's actually recommended to do AS little levelling as possible in this game. Which is very anti RPG.
So combat isn't as necessary here. Which is sadly the games biggest drawback and only one that I have.
Combat is essentially won via summoning Guardian Forces (GF's lmao) and it basically makes the combat encounters time consuming due to how easy they are and how simple it is to win.
While the combat felt like a quick easy trip, the story itself is anything but which is why I can excuse easy combat if you Junction well for intense story that had me and A, absolutely begging for more night after night.
Squall is the main lead here and is basically the typical "I'm a jerk with no feelings" but grows on you. I honestly thought I wouldn't fall for a character like this again buuuuuut they did a fantastic job at creating a well fleshed out character with genuine emotions.
There is one particular scene at the end of disc 2 that is possibly one of my favourite video game scenes of all time.
I think that's what FF8 does really well. It is so insanely bonkers all throughout and it just hits each note so fantastically.
The entire games themes is to have faith in others and to allow yourself to be open. Which hits hard in all of the characters stories. Like any RPG, the characters are what you should love most and this is especially true here. Squall is supported with a great range of companions both in and outside of the main party. Choosing companions felt important when we went seperate ways. I cared for their well being and wanted to desperately know more about each one of them.
Overall I absolutely adored this game, clearly. I think it's character's are written so incredibly well. The story is engaging and leaves you questioning and screaming for answers. Whilst the combat is underwhelming due to a broken in game system, I think the strong drive to move foward does overshadow that.
So how did it stack up once we actually played it?
Final Fantasy VIII (FF8) probably had a lot to live up to after Final Fantasy 7 and for me, this game sits up in it's own high place amongst RPG's.
It does things differently from most RPG's that I found truly fascinating. It features a mechanic called Junction which is essentially adding summons to your abilities thus making you stronger. It even puts levelling to shame. It's actually recommended to do AS little levelling as possible in this game. Which is very anti RPG.
So combat isn't as necessary here. Which is sadly the games biggest drawback and only one that I have.
Combat is essentially won via summoning Guardian Forces (GF's lmao) and it basically makes the combat encounters time consuming due to how easy they are and how simple it is to win.
While the combat felt like a quick easy trip, the story itself is anything but which is why I can excuse easy combat if you Junction well for intense story that had me and A, absolutely begging for more night after night.
Squall is the main lead here and is basically the typical "I'm a jerk with no feelings" but grows on you. I honestly thought I wouldn't fall for a character like this again buuuuuut they did a fantastic job at creating a well fleshed out character with genuine emotions.
There is one particular scene at the end of disc 2 that is possibly one of my favourite video game scenes of all time.
I think that's what FF8 does really well. It is so insanely bonkers all throughout and it just hits each note so fantastically.
The entire games themes is to have faith in others and to allow yourself to be open. Which hits hard in all of the characters stories. Like any RPG, the characters are what you should love most and this is especially true here. Squall is supported with a great range of companions both in and outside of the main party. Choosing companions felt important when we went seperate ways. I cared for their well being and wanted to desperately know more about each one of them.
Overall I absolutely adored this game, clearly. I think it's character's are written so incredibly well. The story is engaging and leaves you questioning and screaming for answers. Whilst the combat is underwhelming due to a broken in game system, I think the strong drive to move foward does overshadow that.
This "remaster" is hot garbage. No analogue movement or rumble, no AI upscaling on the blurry prerendered backgrounds, and censorship.
Greatest Final Fantasy game don't @ me
Ultimecia is the shittiest boss I've ever seen in my entire gaming life.
At the end of game, the developers decided to shit a disgusting boss that is impossible to beat until ALL GF & characters (not just in the squad) are pushed to the limit. And even so, it's not a given that you'll beat it the first time.
Sorry, but I refuse to call a good game forcing the player to endlessly grind.
Also the basic plot of this game is broken by the lack of any logic to the action. It was not thought through to the end and dumped on the player just some set of incidents in which he must participate.
FFVII is much better than this game in every way.
At the end of game, the developers decided to shit a disgusting boss that is impossible to beat until ALL GF & characters (not just in the squad) are pushed to the limit. And even so, it's not a given that you'll beat it the first time.
Sorry, but I refuse to call a good game forcing the player to endlessly grind.
Also the basic plot of this game is broken by the lack of any logic to the action. It was not thought through to the end and dumped on the player just some set of incidents in which he must participate.
FFVII is much better than this game in every way.
One of my favorite chapters since my childhood. This Remastered version is very well done, it's always nice to be SeeD again! I gladly replayed Final Fantasy VIII after all these years, the story is as enjoyable as the first time!
This game is secretly good if you have a degree of brainworms and an eye for the rule of cool. One of the best soundtracks, Squall is cool, the world is cool, the plot is weirdly half baked but compelling. Give this game the remake treatment PLEASE
Jogo maravilhoso, uma vez que a estranheza do sistema de junctions passa vc começa a realmente gostar do jogo. História e ambientação desse jogo são incríveis, gosto de praticamente todos os personagens desse jogo. A trilha sonoro é uma das melhores da série. O único defeito que dou a esse jogo é o sistema de batalha mesmo.
there is not a single positive thing i can say about this game other than the soundtrack, this game is built to be purposefully infuriating
First half feels flat, game improves as it goes on, although it has moments where it occasionally feels misplaced. Junction system is fine but tends to lead to not using magic. I found refining magic to be a more fun process than drawing magic. Story is great mostly, music is superb.
Какие же игры во франшизе FF все-таки душные, я даже читы подрубил после двух часов игры, и всё равно игралось ДУШНО. А ещё все персонажи здесь ужасно тупые (кроме гг). Сюжет прикольный. В-общем игра на 6-7, но ближе к 7.
While the Junction system can be a large barrier of entry for newcomers and the story can be a little obtuse compared to 7's, if given a chance and time is taken to learn it's gameplay, you are rewarded with a really special entry into the series.
Perhaps because I somehow skipped the Final Fantasy games from the PlayStation 1 Golden Age, I never developed that affection for the franchise that most gamers my age have. However, I've been wanting to give this franchise a proper chance for a while. After a quick look at my library, I chose to play FFVIII as a representative of that Golden Age and as a follow-up to the only other Final Fantasy game I've played, VII Remake, while also scratching my current itch for retrogaming.
Although the tone of the story and character interactions didn't always align with my taste, I found the game charming overall, especially with its fantastic pre-rendered backgrounds. Gameplay-wise, the Junction system seemed convoluted at first, but after getting familiar with it, it became almost enjoyable. On the other hand, spreading Triple Triad's rules to different regions proved to be more complicated than I'd hoped for, and I ended up spending more time than I'd like to admit trying unsuccessfully to manipulate these rules.
Although the tone of the story and character interactions didn't always align with my taste, I found the game charming overall, especially with its fantastic pre-rendered backgrounds. Gameplay-wise, the Junction system seemed convoluted at first, but after getting familiar with it, it became almost enjoyable. On the other hand, spreading Triple Triad's rules to different regions proved to be more complicated than I'd hoped for, and I ended up spending more time than I'd like to admit trying unsuccessfully to manipulate these rules.
Absolutely carried by its somewhat confusing story. I liked the junction-system initially, but it shows its limits not too far into the game. Still fun to use though! Storywise it was driven and carried by Squall and Rinoa, especially Squall. He's probably the most relatable FF protagonist to me. Overall I really enjoyed it!
Its a beautiful mess of a game.
Parece um jogo legal, não sou chegado em final fantasy então dropei... Mas pra quem é fã eu creio que deve sim jogar pra ver se gosta, eu testei e o início e bem parado, mas acho que fica melhor depois
This game has quite a few good things and bad things.
The ost is amazing, one of the best in the saga.
The graphics are considerably improved over the previous game and it has the best secondary card minigame.
BUT
The junction system is very bad and completely broken.
The characters are very flat and empty and the story is bad. It had potential but they play with timelines and there are many plot holes.
From the end of disc 1 the game stops making sense.
The ost is amazing, one of the best in the saga.
The graphics are considerably improved over the previous game and it has the best secondary card minigame.
BUT
The junction system is very bad and completely broken.
The characters are very flat and empty and the story is bad. It had potential but they play with timelines and there are many plot holes.
From the end of disc 1 the game stops making sense.
hey, you… come here… mhm, just a little closer… husshhh… it's okay, I'm here…
Here, let me hold you…
See? Doesn't that feel better?
Gooood game〜 yeah, you are! Gooood game〜
Hehe, I see that little smile! D'aww, don't hide it from me! Don't be fussy, it's okay…
Score: 9/10
Here, let me hold you…
See? Doesn't that feel better?
Gooood game〜 yeah, you are! Gooood game〜
Hehe, I see that little smile! D'aww, don't hide it from me! Don't be fussy, it's okay…
Score: 9/10
I don't even have anything to say about this game, really. It's just great vibes.
I loved the characters and the humour. I liked the stupidly convoluted, batshit story. It honestly has some of the most hype cutscenes and set pieces I've seen in this franchise. I liked the unique battle system and the Junctioning function to switch up your gameplay style as needed.
I will say, I'm actually surprised we never got a Laguna spin-off game. He was definitely my favourite character in the game and I would love to see more of his (mis)adventures.
I loved the characters and the humour. I liked the stupidly convoluted, batshit story. It honestly has some of the most hype cutscenes and set pieces I've seen in this franchise. I liked the unique battle system and the Junctioning function to switch up your gameplay style as needed.
I will say, I'm actually surprised we never got a Laguna spin-off game. He was definitely my favourite character in the game and I would love to see more of his (mis)adventures.
squall's leonhart.
The Junction system is way simpler than what ppl were complaining about and allows for some cool things that weren't in games back then. It needs bit or refinement as far as the collecting of magicks. But other than that, I enjoyed what I played.
A Flawed Masterpiece.
Finally a Final Fantasy character who calls out that the power of friendship sounds corny as hell. Squall and Quistis are joining my pantheon of the best Final Fantasy characters ever, so much so I now own a Squall Plush. Against my better judgement I will say that I did beat the entire game without playing Triple Triad, I had no time for that, I was busy getting all the Summons.
Many might call this the black sheep of the PS1 era of Final Fantasy games but it will forever hold a special place as my jumping in point with the series. The Remaster beautifully updates the character and enemy models while delivering a faithful port of the game.
Easily near the bottom of the series. It's largely a slog to play through, the story sucks, the characters are dull, this one's a mess. It's not all bad, there are some cool moments, music slaps, but it wasn't very fun.
I like it more than II, though.
I like it more than II, though.
BUAH CHAVAL LO JUGUÉ CON MI PRIMO MANOLO Y TENÍA RAZÓN ES EL MEJOR JUEGO DE LA HISTORIA MANOLO FANTASY OCHO > FANTASÍA MANOLINA VMIDII
the most overrated
GREETINGS FINAL FANTASY ENJOYERS, JRPG lovers, gamers from all over the world!
After battling schizophrenia and defeating my inner demons in FF7, it's high time to apply for a position as a SeeD in Final Fantasy VIII (FF8)!
The game opens with an ominous chanting and a battle, blood gets spilled and then... you arrive at the real game: you area japanese student in a japanese high school Squall, a student at Balamb Garden and a SeeD candidate. What the heck are SeeDs? Well, they're mercs. Sounds familiar?
In contrast to the previous entry, this entry focuses much more on our main character and his inner thoughts are often voiced. The cast is rather large as per FF tradition (~7 playable characters this time, 10 under some conditions), and their interactions are usually fun: Squall being teased by Quistis, Rinoa being a teenager girl, Selphie being a typical genki girl (or a ticking bomb for all I know). Laguna will always hold a special place in my heart with his goofyness. However, the characters feel a bit lackluster somehow and not very memorable when all is did and done.
Unfortunately, the plot suffers from the same issue, while it's going places and doing some crazy stuff (like dropping the most unexpected twists in the most unexpected places), it honestly feels very haphazardly put together and straight up incoherent at times. The ending particularly was a sequence weirder than multiple schizo moments from FF7 put together, lol.
So, plot and characters wise it was fine, but honestly it doesn't feel very memorable, maybe the Final Fantasy formula is starting to wear out? Maybe I'm just missing some greater piece here...
As far as gameplay goes this entry changes things up yet again! Materia is gone. The system seems to be more in place with FF6, where everyone can have a particular summon "junctioned" to them.
It honestly was the most mechanically dense game by far. At the beginning I was straight up put off by the sheer amount of jargon and stuff you could do with the junction system, but once you get the hang of it, it feels a lot like a system that really lets you experiment and abuse the game.
There's Triple Triad as well, but I didn't do it because I personally hate any card game minigame (screw you, Gwent!), dabbled only once or twice, but surely some people out there love this.
World map controls felt a bit wonky, especially in "free camera" mode, so I mostly stuck with the default.
Visually, the game is good. I played the remaster but I checked out some clips and screenshots from the original. I appreciate the fact I can actually see characters' faces proper outside of combat in the remaster, haha. Compared to FF7, the FMVs in this one are tens if not hundred times better. Cutscenes were a real feast for the eyes!
Characters are also very animated, very amusing seeing various cast members also act in the background.
Musically, as per usual, it's very good. I certainly enjoyed the ominous chanting song (Liberi Fatali), town tunes and battle tunes. It's all great stuff, although I feel like there's less impactful pieces but maybe that's just because I'm comparing to FF7. My favourite ones after learning their names: The Man with the Machine Gun, My Mind, SeeD, Premonition.
Overall I think that it's a decent game, pretty mid I'd say. Maybe there's some deeper meaning I'm missing out, not sure. I wouldn't recommend this as a first Final Fantasy entry though, but well if you're a masochist like me and want to see what this Final Fantasy is all about you'll play through it anyway, play 4, 6 or 7 first and maybe visit this one after, or if you're the type that saves best for last, playing this ahead would be better.
Well, I'll see you in Final Fantasy IX, time compressor.
[junctions this review]
After battling schizophrenia and defeating my inner demons in FF7, it's high time to apply for a position as a SeeD in Final Fantasy VIII (FF8)!
The game opens with an ominous chanting and a battle, blood gets spilled and then... you arrive at the real game: you are
In contrast to the previous entry, this entry focuses much more on our main character and his inner thoughts are often voiced. The cast is rather large as per FF tradition (~7 playable characters this time, 10 under some conditions), and their interactions are usually fun: Squall being teased by Quistis, Rinoa being a teenager girl, Selphie being a typical genki girl (or a ticking bomb for all I know). Laguna will always hold a special place in my heart with his goofyness. However, the characters feel a bit lackluster somehow and not very memorable when all is did and done.
Unfortunately, the plot suffers from the same issue, while it's going places and doing some crazy stuff (like dropping the most unexpected twists in the most unexpected places), it honestly feels very haphazardly put together and straight up incoherent at times. The ending particularly was a sequence weirder than multiple schizo moments from FF7 put together, lol.
So, plot and characters wise it was fine, but honestly it doesn't feel very memorable, maybe the Final Fantasy formula is starting to wear out? Maybe I'm just missing some greater piece here...
As far as gameplay goes this entry changes things up yet again! Materia is gone. The system seems to be more in place with FF6, where everyone can have a particular summon "junctioned" to them.
It honestly was the most mechanically dense game by far. At the beginning I was straight up put off by the sheer amount of jargon and stuff you could do with the junction system, but once you get the hang of it, it feels a lot like a system that really lets you experiment and abuse the game.
There's Triple Triad as well, but I didn't do it because I personally hate any card game minigame (screw you, Gwent!), dabbled only once or twice, but surely some people out there love this.
World map controls felt a bit wonky, especially in "free camera" mode, so I mostly stuck with the default.
Visually, the game is good. I played the remaster but I checked out some clips and screenshots from the original. I appreciate the fact I can actually see characters' faces proper outside of combat in the remaster, haha. Compared to FF7, the FMVs in this one are tens if not hundred times better. Cutscenes were a real feast for the eyes!
Characters are also very animated, very amusing seeing various cast members also act in the background.
Musically, as per usual, it's very good. I certainly enjoyed the ominous chanting song (Liberi Fatali), town tunes and battle tunes. It's all great stuff, although I feel like there's less impactful pieces but maybe that's just because I'm comparing to FF7. My favourite ones after learning their names: The Man with the Machine Gun, My Mind, SeeD, Premonition.
Overall I think that it's a decent game, pretty mid I'd say. Maybe there's some deeper meaning I'm missing out, not sure. I wouldn't recommend this as a first Final Fantasy entry though, but well if you're a masochist like me and want to see what this Final Fantasy is all about you'll play through it anyway, play 4, 6 or 7 first and maybe visit this one after, or if you're the type that saves best for last, playing this ahead would be better.
Well, I'll see you in Final Fantasy IX, time compressor.
[junctions this review]
More games need to let dogs be launched like cannon balls
To be honest, I wasn't very interested in playing Final Fantasy VIII at first. Fortunately though, it got me hooked rather quickly and I stayed till the end; Final Fantasy VIII's story starts off quite well and it stays consistently interesting for at least the first half of the game, and its characters serve the story just fine.
Also, the music is great and the visuals are miles better than the visuals in Final Fantasy VII, especially the character models.
Unfortunately for Final Fantasy VIII though... this is where I already run out of positive things to say about the game.
First of all, the second half of the game feels rushed and the story gets very convoluted and straight up nonsensical, with many dumb moments or just badly written plot points, and for a story that emphasizes on the theme of love first and foremost, Final Fantasy VIII's love story is surprisingly weak.
While the characters's personalities are mostly fine, almost all of them lack depth and are incredibly uninteresting.
The Junction System brings some interesting ideas on paper, but the execution falls short. Overall, it's kinda tedious and its tutorials are so goddamn tiring. It's unique though and I can see why some people enjoy it.
Lastly, the game does have some minor outdated elements like the other older Final Fantasy games.
Pros:
+ Intriguing plot points
+ Very good music
+ Improved visuals
+ Serviceable characters
+ Unique mechanics
Cons:
- Very weak writing
- Characters lack depth
- Junction System
- Outdated minor elements
Narrative: 3/10
Gameplay: ?/10
Content: 8/10
Characters: 5/10
Music: 8/10
Graphics/Audio: ?/10
Final Rating: 6/10
- Decent -
Unfortunately, Final Fantasy VIII falls flat in almost every way, however, I really appreciate it for being experimental and trying to execute unique ideas, I just wish these ideas were executed properly.
At the end of the day, Final Fantasy VIII is an experience that's better than the sum of its parts, with a very solid build-up, but an unsatisfying pay-off.
Do I recommend it?:
I would recommend it only to those who want to get deeper into the series.
Also, the music is great and the visuals are miles better than the visuals in Final Fantasy VII, especially the character models.
Unfortunately for Final Fantasy VIII though... this is where I already run out of positive things to say about the game.
First of all, the second half of the game feels rushed and the story gets very convoluted and straight up nonsensical, with many dumb moments or just badly written plot points, and for a story that emphasizes on the theme of love first and foremost, Final Fantasy VIII's love story is surprisingly weak.
While the characters's personalities are mostly fine, almost all of them lack depth and are incredibly uninteresting.
The Junction System brings some interesting ideas on paper, but the execution falls short. Overall, it's kinda tedious and its tutorials are so goddamn tiring. It's unique though and I can see why some people enjoy it.
Lastly, the game does have some minor outdated elements like the other older Final Fantasy games.
Pros:
+ Intriguing plot points
+ Very good music
+ Improved visuals
+ Serviceable characters
+ Unique mechanics
Cons:
- Very weak writing
- Characters lack depth
- Junction System
- Outdated minor elements
Narrative: 3/10
Gameplay: ?/10
Content: 8/10
Characters: 5/10
Music: 8/10
Graphics/Audio: ?/10
Final Rating: 6/10
- Decent -
Unfortunately, Final Fantasy VIII falls flat in almost every way, however, I really appreciate it for being experimental and trying to execute unique ideas, I just wish these ideas were executed properly.
At the end of the day, Final Fantasy VIII is an experience that's better than the sum of its parts, with a very solid build-up, but an unsatisfying pay-off.
Do I recommend it?:
I would recommend it only to those who want to get deeper into the series.