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| Final Fantasy VIII Review |
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| thegeniusxiii |
from U.S.A |
10/3/02 8:40:53 PM |
| Hours Played: 55 |
| Price Paid: $10 |
| Purchased At: no clue |
Summary:
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Overall: 
Gameplay: 
Graphics:
Sound:
| General/Summary: Ah, Final Fantasy VIII...my first Final Fantasy, and the one that originally got me into the series. In fact, before i got VIII w/ my PS2, i refused my dad when he offered to buy me X with it, because I had never heard of the series (now a decision I regret). Let me outline the good and bad points of Final Fantasy VIII (in my opinion, of course):
The Good:
Graphics
Sound (for the most part)
Above average battle system
Decent story
Refining system
Card game
The Bad:
Magic system is either too tedious or too easy
Limits make game WAY too easy
Junction system lends itself to abuse
Squall's occassionally idiotic behavior
The inability to skip GF summons (especially the longer ones)
Game is a tad on the easy side
One of the trends I noticed while writing this is that almost everything had a good concept, ruined by one major flaw or gameplay effect (especially limit breaks). However, despite this and all of the flaws listed above, VIII was simply awesome, and I definitely plan on getting more Final Fantasy's in the future.
(I will have to start my review here, as most of it will not fit in the 3,000 character limit of the gameplay).
The Junction System:
The leveling/stat system of this game is very good in conception and execution in VIII, but has its fair share of problems. For beginners, its heavy reliance on acquiring magic is a bad thing, because the magic system is definitely a weak point of this game (see below). For you to have any significant boost in your stats, (especially early in the game) you must spend many tedious ours drawing magic, which is not at all fun. (By the way, the refining system does a good job of relieving this problem, only it makes the game a little too easy later on) However, the actual skill and strategy involved in boosting your character's stats is quite nicely developed, and the auto-skill is there for anyone too lazy to actually figure out what to do (or do it). My only other gripe about the junction system is how it (in conjunction with the magic system) lends itself to abuse, as it is wasy with a little thinking as well as the right magic to make your character demi-gods, and effectively ruin the difficulty of the game. Despite all of these gripes, the junction system is not a bad stat system, just a little too reliant on magic and a bit too easy. 8.2/10
GF's/The Command System
The integration of GF's into the game is very good indeed, as the ability learning system is very well done, in my opinion. The commands do not take too much time to learn, and none are too cheap either (although HP+80% and Str+60% sure lead to stats maxing out incredibly quickly). The ability to only have four commands in battle, as well as up to four slots (usually three w/ most of the GF's) for other non-battle abilities forces you to plan out your battle strategy well in advance, as well as helping to balance out the difficulty. My only big gripe with the GF's is the fact that you can't skip the animations, which, as most everyone has said, get amazingly boring after the 100th viewing. (However, I dont understand most people's reliance on GF's that much, as they become pretty much worthless around the middle to end of the second disc). 8.7/10
Magic/Refining System:
Ok, here is a real problem with the gameplay. The drawing system is just TOO TEDIOUS (as almost everyone has stated). What's more, most attacking magic becomes worthless around the beginning to middle of disc 3. (In fact, the only thing that is worth anything is probably the limits at this point, which i will go into later) However, around that same point, I found myself mainly relying on refining around that time, which I found a refreshing break from drawing. However, this was a problem, but in a completely opposite way from drawing: it made the magic system too easy, almost a blow-off. Go find Elvoret, get energy crystal, refine into Ultima, repeat 10 or so times, BOOM a 100 Ultima magic. However, getting the better commands (like the one needed to refine stuff into Ultima) requires finding out-of-the-way GF's, which helps stop you from immediately having such power, and balances the game a little. The only really good part about the magic were the graphics, as Ultima, Apocalypse, and Meteor (as well as most of the other magic) looked very nice. Overall, the magic system is one of the weakest points of the game, and therefores deserves it's low score. 5.7/10
The Limit Break System:
The Limit Break system is a mixed bag. On the good side, most of the limits look awesome, and the Lion Heart had me in awe after the first time I saw it. The limits are just awesome in their damage (wait til you see just how much Lion Heart can do....heh heh heh), and contribute to the fun and well as "now THIS is awesome" factor of the game. On the bad side, the limits are the primary reason that the game is just too EASY. I beat many of the "harder" bosses (Adel, Krysta, yes even Ultimecia) without trying because of Lion Heart on all three (on Ultimecia, I conviniently got 3 Lion Heart). Even without the cheapness of Lion Heart, there are few enemies who can stand up to Renzokuken without any finishing move, which is just sad. (In case you haven't realized it, Renzokuken is the only real limit you will probably use a lot late in the game, although the others are nice and not as cheap, maybe excluding Zell's...) All that being said, the limit system has its ups and downs, but the way it destroys any difficulty in the game lowers its score drastically. 6.8/10
The Story/The Characters:
First the characters. For the most part, the characters were very nice, and covered the whole range of people, from perfectionist (Quistis) to happy go lucky (Selphie) even to your womanizer (Irvine). While most of these characters are decent despite a lack of character development save Squall, some were a little irritating (Squall, more detail below) and Selphie was the most annoying character in a video game EVER (for me). Anyway, enough of the characters, on to the story. 8.6/10
Ah yes...the story. The theme of love is the predominant one in Final Fantasy VIII's, and I thought it was for the most part well done. Although it was a little forced and a little too convienent that Squall is a loner and Rinoa is his antithesis, (oh go look it up if you dont know what it means) it is still well done, and had me continuing the game for the most part. My favorite parts were easily the intro (holy #%$*%&$ it is awesome), the ball, and the ending (a nice, 20 min., 15 min of fmv ending, so sweet), mainly due to graphics, but also because the story part was just awesome. My main gripe with the story is that Squall's anti-social behavior gets a little extreme and unbelievable at times, and makes you want to just smack him upside the head and put some sense into that brain of his. Despite that, and Rinoa's somewhat annoying flirting with Squall, the story and characters were definitely good to me, and were definitely a plus for the game. 9.2/10
(Almost there... just a little longer)
Gameplay: The Replayability/Extras/Minigames
Most RPG's are not known for replayability, and Final Fantasy VIII is no exception. However, there many goodies hidden throughout Final Fantasy VIII, many of which are hidden bosses and GF's, which are quite fun to deal with. (Wait until Omega Weapon...mwahahaha). There are also other little unimportant secrets, which I wont spoil for you guys. However, the secrets in this game are absolutely destroyed by the fact that you cant access the majority of them in disc 4, which almost renders them worthless (unless you play the game again, which is forcing replayability). Therefore, the few (very good) secrets you can access in disc 4 are awesome, but dont plan on doing much in this area after disc 3.
7.7/10
There is only one real minigame in Final Fantasy VIII, which is the card game (chocobo catching? give me a break). The card game is amazingly addictive, and one of the reasons this game is so much fun. There is actual strategy involved in this card game, and it is much harder to obtain all of the good cards than it is to say, defeat Ultimecia on your first two or three tries. The only gripe with this game is that modifying the cards makes the game TOO EASY (man, everything seems to be making the game too easy...). The Bahamut card, Laguna card, and Gilgamesh card are the three cheapest cards in the game, and even make Omega a pushover, decreasing ANY difficulty there was in the game to begin with. Despite that, the card game is addictive, and is definitely worth checking out. 9.2/10
Challenge/Length/Fun Factor/
In case you haven't figured it out, I found this game to be quite easy, especially in the later discs, which made this slightly disappointing (especially Ultimecia, what a joke except for one move...). However, the one notable exception is Omega Weapon (who I defeated right before writing this review, and was probably the main reason I felt like doing it). Although he isnt that hard with holy wars and cheapness like that, I had the fun task of beating him with 2 heroes (it was too late to get the Laguna card or the Gilgamesh card, the two cards that are infamous for making Omega look silly), and it was HARD, but a ton of fun (I did manage it with minimal luck and much skill). He is the notable exception to the rule, but otherwise the game was just too easy. 6.4/10
This game took me around 35-40 hours to beat the first time, which is decent for an RPG, although I'm expecting more from Final Fantasy VII, which I'm working on now. The length is fine, not too long (to the point it annoys you), but not too short either. 9.5/10
For all the flaws I have pointed out, this was one of the most fun and addictive games I have ever played. The Lion Heart is something to watch in awe even after the 100th viewing, and Omega Weapon certainly gave me a run for my money. Oh yeah, and the card game is fun as hell. With the overall enjoyment of the rest of the game, I found this to be a truly fun experience. 9.3/10
Overall Gameplay (not an average): 8.5 out of 10
Graphics: The graphics in this game are very good, especially for their time. More detail below.
In-game graphics:
The in game graphics are quite nice, even in this day and age. The character models are much improved over Final Fantasy VII (no more popeye arms), and I definitely preferred the realistic look over the deformed look that appealed to many. Although there are noticeable jaggies, especially with the character models, the monsters (especially bosses), GF's (which, while nice, get a tad repetitive after the 100th time), pre-rendered backgrounds, and world map are all very nice. Much to be pleased with here. 9.6/10
The FMV's
Now, the FMV's. Awesome. A one word summary of the FMV's in this game. They are incredible, and are nicely dispersed throughout the game. The intro, ball, and ending and truly awesome because of their graphical quality, and the other parts of the game fit in just as well. A true wonder to behold. 10.0/10
Overall graphics (again, not an average): 9.8/10
Sound: The sound in this game is good for the most part. (more detail below)
In-game music:
Good for the most part. The battle music is very appropriate, and the individual town themes are quite nice. The world theme, however, is the most boring, repetitive piece of music I have ever heard, and is really quite horrendous. In general, sounds ranges from tolerable to very very nice, with the one exception of the world map theme. 9.2/10
Cut-scene/FMV music
Like the graphics, awesome. Liberi Fatali is the an awesome opening song, and Eyes on Me is a great theme for the ending (I know I said it wasnt so good in my previous review, but my previous review wasn't so good, either. So ignore that.) Truly awesome. 10.0/10
Overall (I know, I know...): 9.4/10
Conclusion:
One final note: I know that this review did not cover every aspect of them game, but I only have so much time on my hands before I have other things to do, so please be tolerant of that. That being said, I feel that this game is defintely one worth buying, especially when PS1 games are so cheap nowadays (a normal copy might cost $10). The graphics are top-notch, the sound fits in beautifully, and much of the gameplay is quite good, in concept and in execution (especially the fun factor). This game could have repelled me from the series once and for all, but instead it got me interested and now I'm working on Final Fantasy VII (my next review, hopefully). 9.1/10
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| C.J. Jones |
from Melbourne, FL |
9/29/02 7:46:50 PM |
| Hours Played: 50 |
| Purchased At: ? |
Summary:
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| General/Summary: I tend to agree with the last commenter; where in the world have you people come from? This FF is not nearly as good as any of the other FF games. I feel sorry for those of you suposed RPG fans that think the current line of PS1 and PS2 RPGs are the end all be all. I dare you to play FF2 (FF4 in Japan) or at least FF3 (FF6 in Japan) those FF games make this FF8 look like a childs game. Sure, the graphics are CG and there was no CD quality music, but those games REALLY took 80+ hours to play them right - and not just level building hours. Or maybe Legend of Mana, or Chrono Trigger, or even Zelda: a Link to the Past; thes 5 games are my all time favorites bar none. They've got everything, and if a company could produce something of these caliber with some good graphics then I'd be singing. Heck, I'd play FF3 for the 1000th time if they rereleased it exactly the same plot but with some awesome graphics.
Gameplay: Decent, if you forget about the somewhat lame plot structure and washed out character building. Controls are fine... nothing fancy really.
Graphics: They exceed that of 7 and any other FF before it. This is to be expected in the FF line; top notch technology to wow the audience.
Sound: Music is always enjoyable. Could be better, but what couldn't always be better?
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| Dracos |
from |
9/23/02 11:19:40 AM |
| Price Paid: $80 |
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| General/Summary: Having played all ten Final Fantasy games, and oft waxed poetic about this one... I was lead to wonder one thing when looking over the other reviews here.
What game were they playing? Certainly couldn't have been Final Fantasy 8. This game was particularly notable for a flawed plot whose flaws were often accented in very overt fashions. They almost seemed to take pleasure in building an impossible storyline.
Gameplay: The gameplay was average at it's best, but most hindered by the battle system which favored being a weakling.
Graphics: Graphics were good for the time period, let there be no mistake on that. But graphics do not carry a game.
Sound: The sound was excellent, but just as above music does not carry a game.
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| Tuan |
from California |
9/17/02 9:46:27 PM |
| Hours Played: 65 |
| Price Paid: $20 |
| Purchased At: Wal Mart |
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| General/Summary: Final Fantasy VIII is by far the best RPG I've ever played. Based on the theme of love, its truly a game thats utterly different from the rest. Like most RPGs, its not just powerful arsenals and killing baddies, but its captivating, emotional, and beautiful. If you let yourself get wrapped up in the storyline, it can literally be addicting. Be ready for it. In my opinion, this game never gets old. I enjoy playing it over and over again. Its gets better each and every time.
Gameplay: Literally flawless. The junction system is brillant and the limit-breaks, what can I say, their awesome. Unlike FF7, you can't just buy a powerful weapon, you have to upgrade the one you have. Once all the items needed for remolding are found, the time spent searching for it is rewarding in the end, especially Squall's "Lion Heart" or as I call it, "End of Heart". Although some bosses were really tough, especially "Ultima Weapon" in the "Deep Sea Research Lab", I finished it off with the tried and tested combination of Meltdown, Aura, and Renzouken.
Graphics: The graphics were stunning, probably the best for playstation. Although the characters looked a little cubey, the FMV sequences were beautiful. Was this a movie or was it a game? I could literally watch these over and over and never get tired.
Sound: Again Nobou Uematsu doesn't disappoint. With the wonderfully cinematic score, the music once again enhances the incredible gaming experiece of Final Fantasy VIII. With the addition of Faye Wong's "Eyes On Me", it exceptionally one of the best scores I've ever heard.
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| chocobo |
from Galbadia |
9/14/02 11:14:38 AM |
| Hours Played: 56 |
| Price Paid: $19 |
| Purchased At: cna |
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| General/Summary: Adamn good game. Im a real rpg fan, so tis is perfect for me. the graphics are a definite improvement on games like ff 1-7, and the gameplay is great. one thing that square has always pleased me with are their storylines. eights plot his so complex and involving, i found myself running awasy frtom every random battle just to get to the next talking sequence. and the menu is also good. with the new juncioning menu you can make your weapons suit themselves to killing enemys flawlessly.
Gameplay: gameplay is brilliant. a good easy menu system, great battle sequences, and easily controlable movement make this game great to play. one flaw random battles are pretty annoying.
Graphics: for its time, amazing grtaphics. inplay graphics are a bit gritty, but you can live with that. fmv's are too good. if you think graphics let an rpg down, you have no taste, 'cause rpg's have so much more than graphics
Sound: got some great music. sad, happy, exciting, its got it all., some of the tunes are really annoying and repetitive, and drive you insane. i normally play with my radio on though | |
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