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Developer: Square Enix
Publisher: Square Enix
Genre: RPG
Region: NTSC
Format:
Release Date: 31 Aug 99
User Rating
9.6 (26 votes) -
Overview
FF8 follows the adventure of a group of SeeD cadets (elite mercenaries) that's given assignment to help a rebel faction in a nearby kingdom. The main character, Squall and the rest of the gang soon discover that their situation is not that simple, and suffice to say that they must strive for the survival of the world.
Gameplay
So far so good, huh?. The gameplay in FF8 however, poses a different question altogether. Square has done away with the materia system like FF7, and replaced it with the draw and junction system. You can 'draw' spells from enemies and 'junction' (join) them to your attributes, like attack, defence, speed and so on. The summoned monsters are now called GFs (Guardian Forces) and they have to be drawn from bosses, fought for or discovered. All this may sound complicated, but when you get used to it, it becomes second nature to you. It provides certain degree of customisation, but it simply is no match for the materia combination in FF7.
Graphics
There's one word to describe the graphics in FF8 - 'BREATHTAKING'. The characters for one, are realisticly represented by polygonal models, and the background are pre-rendered to painstaking details. The opening FMV is a sign of good this to come - it immediately grabs your attention and sets the mood for the rest of the game. Nothing comes close to the FMVs in FF8 - it's the best there is for the 32bit PlayStation console.
Fun Factor
FF8 is certainly addictive and fun. But those expecting a pletora of subgames like FF7 will be greatly disappointed. FF8 DOES NOT have any subgames, except the 'Triple Triad' card game, which i doubt will suit the taste of western gamers.
Another annoying factor in FF8 is still the random battle, which happens A LOT in this game. I personally prefer the 'trigger point' system like in Parasite Eve as opposed to the battle system in FF8. But other gamers might disagree with this opinion.
Overall
Overall, it is a worth successor to Final Fantasy VIII. Square has done a superb job in upping the ante with this game, and it'll be tough for other RPGs to top, or at least match the standard set by this massive game.
- Gameplay
8.0 - Graphics
10.0 - Fun Factor
8.0 - Overall
9.0
