A More Experimental Final Fantasy Game
Written: Mar 09 '03 (Updated Dec 23 '03)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Strong storyline, likable characters, amazing graphics and artwork, very different
Cons: A little TOO different for some, cumbersome junction system, disappointing soundtrack
The Bottom Line: Final Fantasy VIII is an excellent RPG, but it isn't for everybody.
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| marty1982's Full Review: Final Fantasy VIII for PlayStation 1 |
For many people, Final Fantasy VIII went down in history as possibly the most disappointing game ever to grace the PSX. After all, Final Fantasy VII was and still is among the most successful RPGs ever to grace not only the PSX, but any game console for that matter. While hardcore RPG and Final Fantasy fans eventually made a trend out of boastfully bashing the game (a trend that had thankfully died out), its popularity and all-around impact on the RPG genre is undeniable. Already since FF7's release in 1997, many eagerly awaited the release of the upcoming Final Fantasy VIII. After countless previews, and loads of prerelease hype, the game was finally released roughly two years later to a mixed response. Some heralded it as Squaresoft's next big masterpiece. Others felt it was an exercise in tedious battles and boring gameplay. So what is the final verdict? Read on and find out.
Plot
The first thing that must be said about FF8 (and will most likely make or break your enjoyment of the game) is that it is quite a departure from the series' norm. The gameplay system, the magic system, even the structure of the storyline is very different from previous Final Fantasy games. Rather than just going for another "Save The World From The Evil Empire" storyline, Final Fantasy VIII's storyline is centered more on its characters (hence the fact that the villain isn't really introduced until very late in the game). You play as Squall Leonhart, student at a Mercenary Organization known as SEED (think FF7's Avalanche and FF6's Returners). Initially Squall’s goal is to simply graduate and get out of SEED. His concern for his fellow classmates is almost nonexistent, as is even a hint of a smile on his face. If you played previous Final Fantasies, you know how the rest of the storyline goes (main character makes new friends, changes for the better, etc). One interesting addition to FF8's storyline, however, is the way Squall's own natural love for video game diva Rhinoa Heartly drives him to eventually change his attitude. This is what most separates FF8's storyline from that of FFs 1 through 7 (and for that matter, the later FF9). Its storyline centers more on love and friendship than acts of heroism. True, it still has that "main character finding himself/herself" plotline, but it's mixed with a little real life intimacy, making it a bit more believable than previous FFs. Also, the game does away with the medieval Lord Of The Rings-style environments of previous Final Fantasies in favor of a more modern environment. So you can expect to be driving cars, fighting robots, and even maneuvering entire buildings.
Two nice things about Final Fantasy VIII are the improved translation and notably toned down "Final Fantasy Sap" (for lack of a better term). The Japanese to English translation is much improved of FF7's, so you don't have to worry about those crazy sentence structures or misspellings (who could forget "Off Course" when asked if you wanted to continue fighting in the Battle Square) of that game. And FF8 generally isn't quite as sappy or over dramatized as previous Final Fantasies. The characters for the most part talk like real people, rather than RPG characters (meaning there isn't all that forced emotion and drama in their speech), and the "main character finds himself" plotline is, for once, not overdone. True, the game still has its share of forced flashbacks and drama, but it's not quite as bad as in previous Final Fantasies (namely 6 and 7).
Gameplay
The gameplay system also took a significant left turn in Final Fantasy VIII, which is once again for better or for worse. The game completely does away with MP and preset battle commands in favor of a new Draw system of magic and the ability to set your own battle commands. What this means is that rather than learning new spells or simply picking them up, the game requires you to steal them from enemies (called "drawing" magic). You draw a certain number of each spell (i.e. Six Thunders, eight Fires, etc) from an enemy, and then you have a choice of simply casting it, or junctioning it to give you stronger armor, greater HP, etc. This is definitely one of the more annoying things about the game as you'll most likely spend a good deal of your time simply drawing a certain number of spells for the enemies you encounter. It's not so bad that you'll immediately shut off the system and throw the game away out of boredom, but is a nuisance nonetheless. Also, rather than being given a preset choice of commands in battle (attack, magic, item, etc), you yourself must choose the commands you want. Attack is the only mandatory command, but other commands you can assign your characters include Draw, Magic, GF (that's Guardian Force, more on that later), and Item. Unfortunately, you cannot assign more than three additional battle commands to a character, so the best thing to do is mix them up a little (for example, give one character the Magic command and another character the Item command).
The Junction System mostly revolves around junctioning Guardian Forces, creatures you can summon during battle to do a little extra damage on your opponents. Unfortunately, they are what will probably take up most of your time during battle since your characters' physical attacks are usually very weak. Chances are you'll grow tired of having to constantly summon the same three or so Guardian Forces for each battle, and what's worse, you can't skip the Guardian Force animation sequences (which can drag on for up to 35 seconds!). You also have to consistently take care of your GFs as they too have health points and experience points. When its health points reach zero, the GF is dead and can no longer be used in battle until it has been revived. And as it gains experience, it learns new skills as well as gains stronger attacks and defense. Luckily, the human experience cap in Final Fantasy VIII has been reduced to 99,000 (that's 1,000 points per level), so building levels isn't nearly as cumbersome as it was in previous Final Fantasies.
Graphics
Even today, three and a half years after its release, Final Fantasy VIII's graphics are stunning. The spells and summons look spectacular, and the artwork (ranging from futuristic space ships to Victorian artwork) is simply amazing. Chances are you'll play through the game just to see all those little graphical touches. The characters, with the somewhat ironic exception of Rhinoa, are well modeled and look very convincing. The cinema scenes are also still among the best on the Playstation. Summed up, FF8's visuals alone are incentive to give the game a look.
Sound
Unfortunately, the sound is a little on the disappointing side. Most of the music sounds like something out of a teen drama with a lot of moody synthesizers and slow dance passages. It does fit the game, but is a little disappointing compared to the amazing soundtracks of Final Fantasies VI and VII. Sound effects are typical Final Fantasy fare with sword slashes, magic spells, etc. And, of course, there is no voice acting (again, for better or for worse).
Longetivity
As you can tell by this fairly long review, Final Fantasy VIII is a massive game. The main game will take at least 40 hours, and even more if you find all the secrets and hidden goodies (there are tons). The now famous card game Triple Triad also extends the replay value greatly.
Overall
Final Fantasy VIII is definitely a good attempt at taking the Final Fantasy series in a different direction, and because of that, I'd say it's definitely worth checking out. If you can get used to the annoying Junction system and somewhat different style of storytelling, you'll find a well-crafted and interesting RPG that will keep you captivated for months on end.
12/23/03 - Slight Update (Not That Anybody Cares, but...):
Well, I had no choice but to finally quit Final Fantasy VIII. The main problem with the game isn't so much the storyline, or even the junction system. There are two things that kept me from finishing it.
1. The environment is just so d@mn bland and boring. Whereas, FF7's environment was somewhat interesting with its mix of technology and JRR Tolkien, FF8's environment is almost entirely technological. Most of which isn't even all that imaginative or interesting. Instead, there are a lot of drab colors in the graphics, and very little life to them.
2. Too much emphasis on finding things. Seriously, you have to constantly search the world over for things like guardian forces. Because of how bland it is, searching for these things just isn't any fun the way it was in previous FF's. Let's not even get into that whole weapon remodeling system. Even worse, the whole SeeD system basically disallows exploration throughout most of the game. Stray even a footstep off the required path, and you go down a rank. I'd be lying if I said I didn't get a little uneasy when I saw my SeeD payment come up while walking around.
I still stand by my 4 star rating of Final Fantasy VIII, but it's become a lot clearer to me why so many people hate the game. It's definitely the worst one I've played. And will probably wind up like Zelda II as the dark horse in an otherwise stellar franchise.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
marty1982
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Location: Ferndale, MI
Reviews written: 169
Trusted by: 15 members
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