Another installment in the FF series
Written: Apr 25 '00
|
Product Rating:
|
|
|
Pros: Incredible graphics; Complicated storyline; Believable characterizations; Flawless battle system
Cons: Obvious gaps in story; Uninspired battles; Characters look older than they are supposed to be
|
|
|
| DiscoWolf's Full Review: Final Fantasy VIII for PlayStation 1 |
Final Fantasy VIII is the one game that inspired me to purchase a PlayStation for my own use. Having seen one commercial for it and played Final Fantasy VII, I was convinced that this sequel would be the best game ever. Though it did stop a little short of my expectations, I still think that it is one of the best RPGs ever. For one, the graphics are unlike any previously seen in a PlayStation title. They have redefined not only every gamer's view of what the PlayStation can do, but what any CG animation could look like. The meticulously designed characters and monsters becomes obvious through the CG and through the battle interface. Battle is just as it was in FFVII, except that limit breaks are based on HP and not on a limit meter. The magic system was completely revamped to a junctioning system, which makes summoned creatures into characters which aid your party in combat, and can be killed just as a character. Magic works like items in that they are limited, but they can be junctioned to stats in order to improve HP values, defense values, and other stats. Indeed, the game provides the player with a lot of customization and versatility, and a motivation to find the many hidden spells within. The story of Final Fantasy VIII is very different from other FF titles. Unfortunately, the story has a very tacked-on feeling. As you progress further and further into the game, the story starts to make less and less sense, until you really start to feel like Square was too worried about getting the game out of the door to focus on the quality of the story. But I will admit that the ending is incredibly epic, though not as epic as FFVII, and is well worth playing the game through. The music of FFVIII is incredibly fantastic, and quite reminiscent of the FF series. My only beef with it is that it can get really annoying after a while, esp. in Balamb Garden. A flawed, but fantastic game, Final Fantasy VIII is guaranteed to keep you playing late into the evening; if not because of its stunning gameplay, its gorgeous cinematic aspect, and its gripping storyline, than because you can't save until you find a save station. FFVIII promises not only to capture the hearts of FF fans everywhere, but to capture the eyes of gamers new to the series as well. It is impossible to beat this game without having gained some knowledge of love and life in the process.
Recommended:
Yes
|
|
|
|
Epinions.com ID:
DiscoWolf
|
|
Location: The dark woods of the human mind
Reviews written: 8
Trusted by: 3 members
|
|
|
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2008 Shopping.com, Inc.