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 Final Fantasy 8 - PS
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| PLAYERS |
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1- 1 |
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| PUBLISHER |
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Square |
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| CREATED |
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12/20/05 |
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So I'm reviewing a 6 year-old game, that's ok. This game is probably the most unique Final Fantasy of them all up through X. Final Fantasy VIII is an RPG (in case you didn't know)
The visuals in this game as superb. I hesitate to say graphics for the reason that the best parts are often the art that makes up the backgrounds in the game. This is not a true 3D game like Super Mario 64, it's more of pixelated characters placed on beautiful artistic backgrounds. The size of the characters adjusts appropriately when walking different distance, it it seems 3D enough. Visually, this game is still one of the most satisfying. Pay attention to what you see, some of the greatest parts are only seen once or twice the entire game.
The in battle graphics are great for the Playstation. Unlike many Playstation/Saturn era games, I believe this one stands the test of time in that it is not painful to look at. Fancy pants spells and attacks are everywhere, and it does look nice.
The Full Motion Video cutscenes in the game are very nice. Some are even integrated near-seamlessly into the game play.
The battle mechanics themselves are, well, very confusing for first time players. By equiping Guarding Forces (GFs) you can learn abilities. GFs are the summons/espers of this game. Multiple can be equiped per character (you can have 3 characters total in your party by-the-way). As first you only have the option to 'Attack', but virtually all of the GFs have the abilities to grant you 'Magic', 'Item' and 'Draw', and there are other unique ones such as 'Mug' and 'Kamikazee'. By default, character stats like strength, magic, and hp are fairly weak. Certain GFs have abilities to give you options to junction magic to your stats to make them stronger. Junctioning 71 of Fire to Strength, for example, might raise your strength from 38-51 (random numbers, sorry). What do I mean by numbers before Magic? You 'Draw' magic from both enemies in battle and from draw points scattered around the game outside of battle. Sometimes you draw only 1 or anywhere up to 9 at a time. Draw points run out immediately, and replenish either slowly within 10 minutes or could take pretty much forever. You can keep drawing the same spell from enemies repeatedly, using a turn of course, and eventually max out on 100 of whichever spell that enemy has (usually 1-4 kinds). So then junction these to your stats, or use them in battle. But each use in battle takes one away. So if you have Life junctioned to HP, and you use it in battle, your max HP will decrease.
Enemies also level up with you. This is probably more bad than good. Don't worry, the battles are still fun.
But nevermind that nonsense, this isn't the original NES Final Fantasy here. There's far more than battles: there's a fantastic plot and a plethora of character interaction. The plot focuses on a group of young miltary cadets in the mercenary organization SeeD. You finish training, get sent on a couple missions, and then see a massive plot unfold before you eyes. The nation of Galbadia has joined with a Sorceress. Sorceresses have been known for causing fear and starting wars. The story, as usual for most Final Fantasies, soon becomes more complex with twists and entertaining events. All the while, the characters in your party interact very well with each other. This game still has some of the best character interaction of any. It also involves a love story that is one of the main themes of the game.
The music in this game is standard quality for Final Fantasies - that is to say that it is amazing. Most of it uses midi synthisizers, but the quality is still good, and most importatnly the composition is superb. Nobuo Uematsu is up to his best work here. Some of the music in the towns/cities can be slow pace, but overall the soundtrack is superior to 99% of all games.
The game really has only one slow/frustrating part in it. Luckily it still has enough events around it to entertain you and enable you to mind it and move on to more of a fantastic game.
Even if you can only tolerate RPGs, you must buy this game. It is easily a contender for top 30 games of all time.
+Some of the best visuals for the Playstation
+Fantastic Soundtrack
+Superb plot
-Junction magic system
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