Final Fantasy VIII (1999 Video Game) User Reviews

Fainaru fantajî VIII: A masterpiece, nothing short

[Platypuschow · 9/10 · 26 September 2018]

I grew up on the Final Fantasy series, I remember playing the first one when I was a mere sprog and the excitement that came with each subsequent release.

By the time eight came out I was a man but my love for the franchise was as strong as ever, I perhaps wasn't ready for the epic that I was about the undertake.

At that point as good as all the previous games were nothing had come close to this masterpiece. And yes I know most people fawn all over seven, but not this guy.

The characters were so varied, so original. The plot was captivating, gripping and nothing short of an epic. The score was the best yet, it took each scene and enhanced it with memorable tracks that really helped you get into the drama before you.

The game itself, I've heard a lot of criticism. Many people say that the combat system is too simple and that using certain junctions you can become rather overpowered. Truth be told, this is kind of right but not to a game breaking point.

The combat is fluid and turn based (The way the franchise should have stayed). The enemies are plentiful as are the incredible boss encounters. The amount of side content is insane, from the excellent card game through to the additional guardian forces there are hundreds of hours of enjoyment to be had.

It has to be said I adore Final Fantasy eight and since this only one FF game has beaten it in my eyes. Gripping, powerful and near flawless it's the benchmark for rpgs that so very few come close to competing with.

The Good:

Looks great

Perfect score

Powerful story

Incredible characters

The Bad:

You can get overpowered rather easily

Very grindy in places especially for side content rewards

Acquiring 100% of cards requires some silly methods you'd never know about without a guide

Things I Learnt From This Game:

Squall > Cloud

Rinoa > Aerith

The fact that every other Final Fantasy has been re-released/remastered except eight is evidence that the world is a sentient being and ruddy hates me

Bar none, the greatest video game of all time.

[TomiusJ · 10/10 · 26 May 2005]

Final Fantasy VIII was regarded as "flawed" by many Final Fantasy fans upon release. The truth is, they were too busy re-playing Final Fantasy VII to realise exactly what had just be created.

Final Fantasy VIII is not only my favourite game of all time, it's probably the best. To try and explain it right now is very hard, not because of a complex plot or difficult scenario: but because whatever I say will not compare to how much of a masterpiece it really is.

I will however, point out some finer points: The characters are the most in-depth, perfect and different individuals you will ever meet in a video game. They're so developed, they seem real. They interact with each other based on their feelings, and you never for a minute feel like they're video game characters. Best of all, they're likable to a point in which you wish you were part of their gang. I cannot express my "true" thoughts on how much I worship the characters of Final Fantasy VIII: it would be impossible for me to comprehend.

The music is an absolute masterpiece. It's perfect and beautifully crafted. I purchased the soundtrack, and I listen to it on shuffle everyday for a few hours. It always suits the scene or setting, or builds up tension, suspense or just plain excitement. It's awesome.

The plot is not basic. It's complex. It's amazing. It's definitely un-flawed, and people are now starting to realise exactly what's so good about the 8th chapter in the Final Fantasy saga.

If you could have one game to play forever, I strongly recommend this. It's my choice, and I complete it at least 3 times a year to ensure I never forget about it: although that's not very likely.

Overall: The greatest game of all time, without a doubt. A definitive gaming masterpiece for FF fans alike. Pure perfection. (10/10)

And now comments from a *non* Gamer...

[Moryssa · 10/10 · 11 April 2000]

I've grown up wanting to play other people... to slip into their lives and see how they're different-- and similar-- to myself. I didn't actually get involved in pen-and-paper RPG's until I graduated from college, and haven't found many computer or console games that have been of any interest to me...

That is, until I played one of the Final Fantasy games. The first game I played was FFVI (which was, what, III in Japan?) and I was hooked. I loved the characters, and I was annoyed when the couples at the end didn't work out the way I wanted them to. ;) But I loved the way everything meshed together, and it wasn't simply a matter of running from point a to point b and beating up anything that got in your way.

Then I started playing FF8, and I was completely blown away. Just the opening graphics stunned me, and I hadn't even *started* the game itself yet. I haven't quite finished the game yet (I started over 'cause I got confused over an aspect of the Guardian Forces, so I got to a battle that was impossible for me to win, and I couldn't get away from it.) but I've made it through 3/4 of it, and all I can say is that I've *NEVER* seen a video game that made me cry... but this one accomplished it.

I look at the game as an outsider to the industry... I hate the fighting games where you do nothing but face off against an opponent in the ring. I see no point to them. The run-around-with-big-guns-and-blow-things-up games do nothing for me either. I like the games that are more like puzzles and that make you think about what you're doing (like Tetris, Mah Jong, things like that). However, FF8 gets the highest rating I can give a game, because I find it fascinating and beautifully made. Others who have played bazillions of other games find things wrong with FF8 left and right, because it's different from what they're used to... Since I went into it with an open mind of sorts, however, all I can see is the overpowering beauty and emotion of the characters, animation, and design.

A Treasure of Humanity.

[camdbz251 · 8 July 2005]

Nearly 6 years ago, I got FF8 as my 1999 Christmas present, because I saw a review giving it 95/100 - the magazine is still in my room. I have completed FF7, and I love that as much, but 8 is something that I love beyond measure. The characters, the story, the beautiful locations from Winhill to Esthar... the word masterpiece has never been so strong.

The music is astonishing - Liberi Fatali is as haunting as it is awesome, and Eyes On Me is the most beautiful love song I have ever heard. The 'camera shots' are perfect - unlike in FF10/FF10-2 (which I love too, don't get me wrong) instead of the close-ups/cuts, they chose to have to whole scene and stay that way - if you look, there are hardly any cuts, and it adds to the real feeling of being there.

Again, the locations feel like my second homes to me now. Balamb Garden is the school I always wanted to attend. Timber is so sweet and quaint that it's cool. If I ever become a multi-millionaire, I will build a replica of Winhill and live there, it's enough to make me cry. And Esthar is amazing, incredible.

Of course, the Gameplay is essential, and utterly complex and powerful, challenging and fun. Very deep and pure, complementing the story perfectly.

The set pieces are brilliant - the SeeD exam, the Garden war, the Space sequences, the Lunatic Pandora... and Ultimecia's Castle gives me chills whenever I see it.

Final Fantasy 8 goes beyond gaming, and becomes your life. My hat is off.

Outstanding and unprecidented!!

[megajake · 9/10 · 19 September 2000]

Final Fantasy VIII is the apex of fantasy RPGs. Not only does it take place in a world we can believe and understand (a somewhat futuristic world that is fairly peaceful but still militarized), but it features characters we can feel akin to, for the first real time in the FF Series. These characters are very real; they have problems, ambitions and fears. They love and hate. They experience real hope and true despair. Final Fantasy VIII is truly the last great love story of the 20th Century... a story for the ages.

A powerful masterpiece

[BrokenNotesMusic · 9/10 · 22 September 2004]

Squaresoft's (now Square-Enix) highly anticipated "Final Fantasy VIII" released in February of 1999 in Japan, and later in September 1999 for the United States and Europe. It got mixed reviews, but one thing is for certain, it definitely was a starting map for the way games are done today.

The first time I played this game, I was totally blown away. It's also become one of my most treasured and beloved games of all time. The romantic and emotional storytelling the game presents is superb, and will definitely leave its mark on you forever. This game is so incredible, that you might actually break into tears at the end.

Telling the story of lone wolf Squall Leonhart, who is looking forward to joining an elite military organization named SeeD. His life takes a drastic change when he meets the warm-hearted and gentle Rinoa Heartilly. However, this developing friendship is attacked when an evil sorceress named Edea gets involved into the lives of The World, with her own plans that could shift the balance of power everywhere. SeeD is dispatched to eliminate her, which is where Final Fantasy VIII begins.

Featuring music by the astonishing and refreshing Nobou Uematsu, which will simply blow you out of your shoes. Adding to the game's soundtrack is Faye Wong's "Eyes On Me", which holds a special place in my heart and is the song which got me into Faye's music. An underrated Final Fantasy game, in which deserves a big round of applause. Two big thumbs up.

A Convincing Tale About Courage, Trust, Friendship, and Love

[IrisNo11 · 10/10 · 4 October 2000]

Squall Leonhart, a courageous young man, who gets his training skills at the Balamb Garden. Because of his lack of trust in anyone, Squall isolates himself from everyone in the Garden. His excellent fighting skills soon makes him a SeeD, an organization who goes against the sorceress, who soon comes into the picture and tries to destory and take over the world. Now it's up to Squall and his new friends to try to stop the sorceress from destroying the world. Yet that's not all - soon Squall learns the meaning of true friendship and surprisingly - LOVE. And who is Laguna Loire and Ellone?

Joining Squall in his great adventure are:

- Quistis Trepe - the SeeD instructor who, like Squall, suffers from loneliness, and becomes an older-sister figure to Squall and the other SeeDs

- Zell Dincht - a fun-loving SeeD who loves wild and risky adventures, and is one of the best fighters in the Balamb Garden.

- Selphie Tilmitt - a SeeD with a cheerful, spunky, and bouyant attitude who also has great fighting skills like Squall and Zell.

- Irvine Kinneas - a ladies man originally from Galabia Garden (Balamb Garden's rival Garden), and sharpshooter who soon has a thing for Selphie, yet secretly has a sensitive and caring nature.

- Rinoa Heartilly - the princess of the Timber Owls, an anti-government orginazation who calls for the Seeds for help, who at first had a brief fling with Balamb Garden bully, Seifer Almasy, but soon falls helplessly in love with Seifer's arch rival, Squall.

All I can say about this game is "WOW!"

Can you believe the life-like graphics and animation on this game? Some say that "Final Fantasy VIII" is the weakest of the sagas (because of it's storyline), but I loved the storyline! The storyline is mostly, I think, based on life...explaining how a gifted lonewolf like Squall could learn to open up to his friends and the girl of his dreams especially. This story a long life lesson for all loners who feel isolated, and Squall's personality is an important part in the story and how his attitude changes, is even more important.

As you read the dialogue, you can easily see what each of the characters are feeling...whether it's love (i.e. Squall and Rinoa), fear, courage, hopefulness (i.e. Zell and Quistis), sorrow, or happiness (i.e. Irvine and Selphie).

Not to mention, the dialogue can also be pretty hilarious. Seifer's comment on Zell and Squall for example:

"This is great! I have a chicken-wuss and a guy who just reached puberty in my squad!"

"Final Fantasy VIII" is the first FF game I ever played, but on the other hand, it's very easy to. A LOT easier than "Final Fantasy VII". I even beat the Omega Weapon, which is the toughest monster on the game. Plus, the plot and storyline isn't as difficult as the 7th.

Final Fantasy VIII has the best animation and kind of crosses over into new technology for video games and even Japanese Animation! :)

TIPS: **Squall and Zell are the strongest fighters in the game** and **Squall, Zell, and Rinoa have the best limit breaks** And DON'T FORGET to get **AURA** magic, and DO NOT spend it all in one battle - or you'll be SORRY!!!!

Bold, controversial masterpiece

[MissSimonetta · 9/10 · 9 February 2015]

Final Fantasy VIII (1999) has always been a polarizing game. It's narrative style and game play mechanics were so different from previous entries in the series that it was bound to be a matter of taste with hardcore fans. However, I feel this title, the series' black sheep (okay, until XIII), is among the best RPGs ever created.

The junctioning system is not perfect; yes, drawing magic can be tedious. But I think the system on the whole is a neat way to customize characters. With some more reworking, the junction and draw system could be amazing. I also liked the way summons were utilized as something other than glorified spells.

Though many seem to despise him, I think Squall Leonhart may be the best written FF protagonist. His psychology and worldview sync well with his back story and the game's themes of the need for companionship and love. The other characters in the party are all fascinating in their own ways and grow in complexity, though sadly a few are not given as much development as they should have been.

The love story of Squall and Rinoa, while maybe not "the last great love story of the 20th century," is sweet and effective. A little cheesy at times, but that's part of what makes them an appealing couple.

Of course, there are flaws. The narrative gets convoluted toward the end. There is a certain plot twist that is never fleshed out enough and comes off as trite. The draw system gets tedious. The gun blade is a silly concept, sure. Still, nothing is ever perfect, even great art, which I firmly believe this game to be, mock me for it or no.

There's so much more I could praise: the soundtrack, the world-building, the stunning (for 1999) FMV sequences, and the Triple Triad mini game. The story and rich characterization of the protagonist alone make FFVIII a game in desperate need of re-evaluation.

"All Existence, denied!" Always was nothing but a shining gem of a game to me...

[Foreverisacastironmess123 · 10/10 · 17 September 2017]

I was sorry to hear of so much hate for this game because I myself never disliked it in the least, I think it has a fearsomely distinct and special charm, atmosphere and aesthetic that's entirely its own and that has always set it well apart from the other games in the series, for better or worse as it turns out.. I think the reason that so many took such a strong dislike was simply because it had the gall to follow in the wake of FF7 which had been such a gaming revelation at the time and whatever this game was, it was certainly a world apart from FF7! However, although they're both well deserved 10/10 games in my book, I do personally like this one slightly better because I was at a certain age where I could appreciate the experience of the game in a certain special way, and this just had more of an impact on the young me and I definitely found it to be the more rewarding and enriching gaming journey, it was one of the best I ever had. Before it even properly came out I knew I'd love it after I played a demo from a magazine that had the early part of the game where you flee the scary robot spider on it. It was decidedly a much more lighthearted affair than FF7 had been, and the world it presented was visually a lot more clean and bright and much less gritty in comparison. The main theme of eight seemed to focus more on the emotional aspects of the story and characters, with running themes of loss, militarism and ultimately, the good old fashioned power of love transcending all time and space to rise triumphant above all! I was hooked on this one right from when I first played it and I was so enchanted by the style and look of it right from when you wake up in the infirmary and are free to walk around Balamb Garden and hear the first of many beautiful and emotive musical themes that truly breathed such life and magic into it all. I played this game like a maniac in my day, sometimes I played it all night through to the next day, and it's so embarrassing to say (But what the hey!)but I remember how when it struck midnight on December 31st 1999, I was quite busy battling it out with Ultimecia's final form! The young cast of cadet soldiers for hire were a little annoyingly pretty but they were a good group to get behind and all had their moments as you progressed through a story that starts with a few small skirmishes against a neighbouring more warlike academy and ends with you fighting a power-hungry villainess from the far future who's been possessing her magically gifted predecessors from the past present and future in a complex scheme to change and absorb all time and reality into herself to become a bizarre goddess whom you slowly conquer in one truly epic cosmic battle after making your way through her freaky interdimensional Gothic castle!! It's a fantastic journey that you go on even if some of the plot points get a little hazy and confusing, such as the powers of Elone and the whole Laguna Loire thing.. And Squall, while never exactly what you could adequately describe as a likable protagonist or indeed a hero, at least does slowly grow and change a little into a character that you at least understand a bit more as it slowly dawns in his thick self-centred head that he actually does love the fair waif Rinoa! I love all the finicky sequence where she's floating in space and you have to try and catch her, it's so poignant and moving, and the music always made me a little misty-eyed. And so this game, the most sensitive of the Final Fantasy games, is one that I still love and has a very special place in my heart, as it's a great moving and magical classic and will always be that to me. X

No matter how time passes, it will always be a classic that cannot be erased.

[finalfantasywillneverend · 10/10 · 7 October 2019]

I believe that everyone can't describe the excitement when they beat Ultimecia. Lost , lonely ,sad , together ,the most romantic kiss .The picture we will never forget .

This is the most classic game in my memory , FF8 tells us, People can never be alone and alive, We need friendship , we need to trust , we need love.Even if someone like Squall meets a lively and lovely girl like Rinoa , he will become afraid of loneliness .

Eyes On Me I don't know how long I will listen , maybe forever? I want to know , what do you feel when you listen to this old song? If someone asks me what RPG game is worth a try , I will definitely not hesitate to answer Final Fantasy 8 . Yes, because I really love this game very much.

As the years progress, this particular FF stands taller

[Aaron1375 · 9/10 · 31 August 2014]

When I first played through this particular Final Fantasy game, I enjoyed it a good deal, but at the same time there were aspects that disappointed me about this one. However, over the years, this one has become better and better...especially when one compares it to Final Fantasy XII and XIII. The story and game play crushes those two games, so while they look prettier, this one is by far a more enjoyable gaming experience. The graphics are not all that bad either, as it looks a lot better than the beloved part VII of the series as this one was designed solely for the Sony Playstation, while part VII was initially being designed for the Nintendo 64. The leveling in this game though, does take some getting used and there are aspects of the story that could be improved on, this one is still miles ahead of the previous two Final Fantasy games I have played (XII and XIII).

The story has a young mercenary named Squall beginning his final training to become a full fledged member of the mercenary group SEED. He is joined by a man named Seifer and Zell and later on by Selphie. They join a conflict already in progress and Squall along with Zell and Selphie are promoted to full fledged SEED members and are soon tasked with their first mission, to aid a small rebel group against the Galbaldian army. This group is led by a girl named Rinoa whom Squall meets earlier at a ball, and soon the two begin quarreling constantly. However, a very dangerous threat looms on the horizon as the Sorceress Edea seems to be gaining in power and envisions a world of death. Squall soon learns the true nature of SEED, to combat the sorceress, and soon he and his childhood friends will try to stop this threat and the even darker threat looming in the future.

This FF is different in that fighting monsters and leveling up is not necessarily the way to go. One soon finds out that when the characters level up, so do the monsters. Instead, one must learn to junction magic to increase their stats. This FF also features probably the least diversified cast of characters in any FF game. Sure they are all cool, but they are also all the same age and there are no cats riding moogles or rat knights that are featured in the previous and next games. There are other quirks that make this one a bit unique, and overall they do work.

So this one is a very good Final Fantasy game. I enjoy part VII better overall; however, I do have to admit I like the ending to this one better because they actually show you what has happened to your group. The group of characters could have been a bit more unique, but while they are all human, they are still different in their own way. The story is pretty good and while the villain in this does not have nearly the presence of Sephiroth, she does make a much tougher final boss! And finally, this game features one of the best things ever in limit breaks. The previous game had its version and the next one has its own, but this one was by far the most awesome! Take your HP low and proceed to destroy your foes!

The Best Game of All Time

[RaspberryWaffles · 10/10 · 5 November 2009]

Let me start out by saying that I grew up with Final Fantasy and (even though I dislike most of the games, especially FFVII) the PS1. I had played and beaten FFVII and hated every bit of it. I thought the dialogue was cliché and poorly written, the backgrounds kindergarten crayon-style looking and the overall game play to be very boring. As a kid I got FFVIII for Christmas, played it and beat it. It took me over a hundred hours to do it, but I did it! That was the most intriguing part though! Every other game I had ever played was beaten in a couple of hours and barely played again. Final Fantasy VIII gave me something I had never seen before in a video game...a challenge.

Not to mention epic beauty and dialogue that still fascinates me today. When I was maybe thirteen or so I lent this too a friend and he lost the third disc so for a long time I was replaying the first two discs or just crushing Ultimecia as best I could in the finale of the game. I had the PS2 at the time and spent a lot of time playing Tekken Tag, Devil May Cry and the GTA games. Yet I always kept the PS1 hooked up...until it broke. Also, my copy of FFVIII which I received the year it was released (1999) was in pretty haggard condition. Unfortunately I was without my favorite game for about four or five years! One day while speaking with a friend, he mentioned he had found a working PS1 emulator for the PC. What did I do? I found the PS1 emulator and pirated every FF for the PS1. Illegal yes, but totally necessary for a FF addict. Plus the PS2 FF's left a bad taste in my mouth, all of them missing the greatness which was FFVIII. Being eighteen at the time when I started to replay FFVIII I was more intelligent and had a better understanding of how all the junctioning worked (when you're ten years old and just looking for fun this can prove to be the most confusing thing ever). Playing it again I was brought back in time; the epic beauty, the to-this-day unparalleled cut scenes and the infinite possibilities with junctions and GF's (Guardian Forces). I always have wondered why they never brought that aspect back to any of the later FF games. It was what made the series unique instead of MP which always runs and you never have enough ethers for the last battle!

Now, being nineteen years old and having played some of the finest RPG's out there like Oblivion, Fallout 3, and Star Wars KOTOR. Being nineteen and having played some of the finest action games out there like Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time, Call of Duty, and Batman: Arkham Asylum. This is still the greatest game I have ever played. A video game epic on a level that no PS3 or Xbox 360 insert has achieved. With a love story that feels real and that actually moves you and evokes your emotions. Characters that live in a world of fantasy but are similar to people we all went to school with and an ending that deserves GREATEST FINALE OF ALL TIME AWARD! If you have never played this game, go out and get it now! Or played it and just rushed through it so that you'd be able to say you played all the FF games, play it again! You will not be disappointed when you take a hundred hours and play this game straight down to the bone core and suck all the marrow out of it.

Best Game Of All Time.

I ejoyed this game. I personally think it is the best Final Fantasy so far.

[falco37 · 7/10 · 3 March 2001]

Final Fantasy VIII was, in my opinion, one of the best Final Fantasys to date. The graphics were great, plot line was interesting, system of play was better than any one FF I have played, Characters were interesting, and the entire game played out like a movie. If you crave an action RPG this is the game to play.

Fail Game is Fail

[Roxasneo44 · 1/10 · 3 February 2010]

Before I completely tear apart this abortion, let me come out and say that this game should not be praised at all. Whoever applauds Square for this game isn't experienced in (a) the world of writing or (b)the field of video games. Now, I've been playing RPGs for quite some time, and I know a tasteless game when I see one.

Graphics: Much like that of FFVII's style, Final Fantasy VII's graphics are 3-dimensional. However, there are still so many flawed aspects. For example, the characters are deprived of facial expressions. (2/10) Sound: The musical collection of Final Fantasy VIII veers away from the norm. Although the theme of this installment was a nice touch, the rest of the soundtrack was bitterly mediocre in comparison to that of its predecessors. (4/10) Plot: Do I really need to explain how dull this game is? I suppose so, then. -sigh- Well, after the first disk, you're left with a cheap plot. In reference to the events, I'll put them in order from 1 to 5.

1 - The supposed genius--Squall--becomes a SeeD along with his moronic friends.

2 - Squall meets his apparent girlfriend, Rinoa, and drifts away from the interverte-lifestyle little by little.

3 - After totally pwning the insipid blob (Edea) and her lackey (Seifer) Squall realizes that his job applies to murdering the sorceresses of this wretched fantasy.

4 - After beating Edea's butt again, Ultimecia controls Rinoa's fail!Mary-Suish body.

5 - Squall and friends gain control of their Sue and beat Ultimecia's butt. Yeah, I said butt again. =OOOO That's about it. The developers decided on tying in some other events . . . but that idea kinda died. R.I.P. Good idea? (1/10) Playability: Remember the Junction system? Do you ever recall the amount of time that you spent spamming your character's stats with efficient spells, such as Ultima or Aero. But to punish these actions, you must first equip your faithful GF to any of the characters. How long does this process take again? Fifteen to twenty minutes at least.

In fact, the Junction system is so time-consuming that you resort to actually turning off this game after this process is completed. The gameplay isn't stimulating, as well.

Value: Relatively low.

Overall Rating: 1/10 I hope that this review will fix the crappy rating that this game scored. :D

One of the best RPGs ever

[23skidoo-4 · 25 November 1999]

While some might bemoan the lack of traditional RPG cliches in FFVIII, I applaud the designers for taking this game one step higher. Gone are the stupid-looking cartoon characters that ruined much of FFVII for me - instead, we have well-rounded, interesting characters. This is almost more a movie (or perhaps mini-series) than a game, perhaps. But I felt rewarded by an entertaining and interesting story, interesting places to visit, and last but not least, beautifully rendered graphics. If this is the future of RPGs, then bring it on.

Arguably an improvement over it's iconic predecessor in many ways, to me, "Final Fantasy VIII" is the Masterpiece of the PSX "Final Fantasy" trilogy...

[TedStixonAKAMaximumMadness · 10/10 · 14 November 2012]

This review may be something of a controversy for those who read it and are familiar with the iconic trilogy of "Final Fantasy" games released on the Sony Playstation between 1997-2000. (Entries VII, VIII and IX) Simply because of the nostalgic love many people have for its immediate predecessor, "Final Fantasy VII." But in honor of my 100th review this year (my first time reaching such a number of reviews in only one year), I am going to give my honest opinion on "Final Fantasy VIII", my personal favorite of the trilogy. And it is a game that I feel, more-or-less, still holds up over a decade after its initial release.

Centering on a theme of love, "Final Fantasy VIII" is arguably a quantum-leap forward over the prior entry in many ways, bringing forth vastly improved graphics, sound and interactivity.

The story focuses on our lead hero, Squall Leonhart, a lone-wolf teen-aged cadet at the military academy Balamb Garden. Haunted by his past, and unwilling (or perhaps afraid) to put his trust in others, Squall may seem callous, but is actually a rich, deep character. Together with his former instructor Quistis, hot-headed fellow student Zell and spunky school-girl Selphie, Squall is at first sent on several missions by the academy, before being drawn into a much deeper conflict and storyline.

Sent with his team by the academy headmaster to help a small resistance group, Squall encounters Rinoa, the other lead character in the story. And throughout the tale, both Squall and Rinoa are pulled towards each other as they slowly fall in love. But the treacheries of the world, including the rise to power of an evil Sorceress and the betrayal of Squall's rival Seifer, may not only tear apart Squall and Rinoa, but may lead to the destruction of the known world.

Graphics/Visuals- 10/10 For their time, these were among the finest graphics available on a console title. From highly detailed pre-rendered backgrounds, to characters far less blocky than prior 3D entries, to some arguably movie-quality pre-rendered FMV sequences, the visuals of this game were marvelous. Although they haven't aged well, the design is still remarkable even today. For their time, the graphics/visuals were a perfect 10.

Sound/Music- 10/10 As was the case for the previous entry, there is no real voice-over work to speak of, and outsides of battles, sound effects are very limited. However, the sound effects presented are much more true-to-life, and less "cartoonish" than in VII. Also, the score by Nobuo Uematsu is remarkable, touching, and gorgeous. It was one of the first video game scores to sound as good as a Hollywood soundtrack.

Control- 10/10 There isn't much to say when it comes to the control category. The game is controlled through simple navigation over maps and through (fairly) simplistic menu-navigation. And it's simple, concise and to the point, so the controls are pretty much ideal.

Story- 8/10 The story is the one category where I cannot give this game a perfect score. And it is for the same fundamental reason I listed in my review for "Final Fantasy VII"- inconsistencies and leaps within the tone and style of the storytelling. While the story and characters are very compelling (I personally found Squall a far more compelling character than Cloud), there are many points where the story takes leaps in terms of logic and tone. (Without spoiling anything, there are some major twists and turns that seem pointless and out of left field.) However, despite it's faults, the tale is still compelling and memorable, and it is a good story over all.

Overall, though, to me this game is a perfect 10. I don't know exactly why, but this game is just compelling, fun and all-in-all, a vast improvement over the already fantastic previous entry.

I'm giving "Final Fantasy VIII" a perfect 10.

A jewel alongside FF 7,9 and 10.

[anthonyaugustus3333 · 10/10 · 22 April 2012]

Having the best soundtracks of all Final Fantasy games, this game really takes us high.Its story is reasonable and thrilling.Regarding its RPG elements,they are simple and interesting:Drawing magics from enemies and place them onto your characters's statistics.Characters are not that remarkable, but that's not a problem since the game focuses on their friendship and Squall and Rinoa's love.

Four Cds filled with action scenes and remarkable soundtracks.It's far better than FF 13 which is tooo long and has less things to be done.For each CD there's a marvellous end that will undoubtedly make you claim to know what will happen next.

This is not a boring game as some says, it does deserve to be played.Buy on PS store or burn a CD for PS1/PS2.Its opening scene is breathtaking, the best opening for game I've ever seen.

One of the most entertaining, fun, and visually exciting RPG games out there

[SatineEvenstar · 10/10 · 13 May 2001]

The story focuses on a group of Garden (Military Academy) students, who become SeeDs. Their mission is to protect the world from an evil sorceress, Edea. Along the way, the team made up of 17 year olds (Squall Leonhart, Rinoa Heartilly, Irvine Kinneas, Selphie Tilmitt, Zell Dincht, and Quistis Trepe) must now fight against former classmates Seifer Almasy, the sorceresses Adel and Ultimecia, and find themselves going back in time in dream-like states, as a mysterious man named Laguna Loire. Who Laguna is the entire point of the game. So I won't tell you...

Final Fantasy VIII is, what I think, is one of the best RPG games ever. The Full Motion Videos in the game are so detailed and clear that they look almost real. The characters all have they're own personalities that separate them from each other. I personally think that the main character, Squall Leonhart, is very attractive, but the others aren't ugly either. :) The Junctioning System was, at first, pretty confusing...but you get used to it fast. With four discs full of missions, long lost memories, enemies, and new cities, you're definitely going to be entertained. Parts of the dialogue will make you cry, laugh, get confused or frustrated, and especially wonder. I would highly recommend this game if you love RPG games. I can almost assure you that as soon as you start playing this game, you'll be hooked.

The Best ever computer game!

[zidane-4 · 10/10 · 19 August 2000]

What more can I say, the title should say it all. It is going to be good as they can be as soon as you see the final fantasy brand, you can be guaranteed a good game. But VIII is more than a good game, if it was a movie, it would be the best movie, a T.V. show, the best T.V. show and the best computer game. Don't get me wrong it has it faults ( watching the G.F. sequences up to 12 times trying to beat a particularly hard boss is SO boring, but I know a lot about final fantasy, and this is much better than anyone would usually say. Ignore people who may put it down and see for yourself. I felt genuine emotion during the game, and although RPG may tend to have limited life-span, i.e. once you've finished it with every item, you don't comeback. FFVIII breaks the rule. I genuinely felt for Squall, Rinoa and his friends, and there is nothing that can beat this game. Miss it at your own risk!

The Best RP of ALL TIME!

[Amaye14 · 10/10 · 13 April 2002]

Final Fantasy VIII is, by far, the best game I have ever played. The realness of the characters is astounding. I am in love with all the guys, especially Squall and Seifer.

The storyline is phenomenal... Seifer and Squall are two rivals attending Balamb Garden, run by Headmaster Cid and NORG. Their teacher, Instructor Quistis Trepe, is later relieved of her teaching duties and becomes a SeeD, along with Selphie, Squall, and Zell.

Laguna is the father of Squall, the SeeD.

That is all

Give the game a chance with an open mind

[Sldreams · 10/10 · 6 October 1999]

I have to grant at the start that this game is quite different from the other Final Fantasys that i've played (all but #5). Every game goes through an evolution, and this is the case with this one. One of my favorite changes is the Salary system. Many people complain, but be honest: How many dragons, or mechanical weapons carry a pouch of gold, or gil? I mean, really, where would they put it? How are they going to spend it? This makes no sense. Plus, with the characters actually having an occupation, they should get paid for doing their job. They are mercenaries. Mercenaries get paid. Simple. I think it is a refreshing change.

It would be pretty hard to dispute the fact that the graphics are beautiful. They are. The CG scenes are the most incredible i've ever seen.

I'm a guy, but somewhat of a romantic at heart, so i was overjoyed when i learned that this was going to be a love story. The sole problem is: I don't like the girl in the love story. She bugs me. Squall, on the other hand, i can accept. He's a cold bastard at times, but seems to undergo a lot of development. And if you think about it, he's only 17. So is everyone else, except the adults, Edea and Cid.

I do have problems with the magic system. I like the Junctioning of Summoned Monsters (or Espers, or GF, whatever), but the magic thing bugs me. Personally, i'd prefer to go back to FFVI where you learn spells from the Esper.

Everything is an experiment, and i'd get tired of playing the exact same game over and over, so i like the changes, and i love the Card Game...this is the single coolest side quest in a game ever.

To sum up...I love this game. It is a worthy addition to the Final Fantasy family, and i'm looking forward to conquering it (on disc 4 now)

Stunning, Exciting, and Touching

[Chibichasechan · 9/10 · 30 May 2007]

Final Fantasy VIII, about a man named Squall who is SeeD and attends Balamb Garden, the smallest island in the entire world of FF8. As the game moves on and develops every second, the player gets more involved with the characters, and learns new things about them every step of the game.

For example, it had stroke me odd when I did find out how the party lived in a small, worn-down orphanage in the country of Centra, fighting, playing, and doing normal child day stuff with their guardian, Matron, and their sis, the one and only... Ellone.

And then later it moves on to defeating the mighty sorceress of the future... Ultimecia, fighting off all her guardians in her titanic castle of hers, that takes about a few hours to complete, and weave through one of the greatest maze and puzzle in all of the final fantasy games, since Final Fantasy XII. Until you learn that Squall almost loses his life as he fights back his memories and love for the only person he cared for, Rinoa.

That was one of my favorite parts of the game, the part when Squall must risk his life to protect the women, even throwing himself in space with nothing but a simple space suit, and nothing to land on, or to go to, to have those last moments together in love. But they were lucky, for if you played the game you would know.

But nothing in the game, not even it's own storyline, can compare to the simple game of cards. Triple Triad I believe it's called. I spend hours and hours on end trying to get every rare card in the game, and my favorite card is defiantly the Squall card, and it is depressing because you get it so late in the game. Eventually the card game evolves in the Plus and Same rule as it spreads like a virus all over the world, taking in one town and city at a time. But don't think of it as a bad thing, it just makes the card game more fun and exciting and gets you to the edge of your bed wondering what is going to happen next.

But it gets even better, and many people would agree with me about the junction system. Now this is what makes this game the most weird and awkward Final Fantasy in all the series (well not until the Sphere grid and the license board were introduced in FFX and FFXII.) It's because of the Junction System that makes the game interesting, instead of the boring level system in all of the other games. Here you don't need levels to be strong, you need good GF's, which are very strong also. Leveling up in the game isn't a bad thing, but it is defiantly not needed, and I know that there are probably 1000 other comments about this on the site but i'm going to say it again anyway. The Junction system RULES! Like think about it, who could have EVER thought about this wonderful new system? You draw your magic from enemies instead of MP which you worry might run out, you don't need to level up so you don't even need to spend countless hours training your characters to a certain level, and even the people you don't use in your party can become just as strong as you if you switch the junctions between people. Then it doesn't stop there, you can junction your magic to increase certain Stats and Abilities, and your GF is like a person in itself.

Now, I can either talk more the Junction system, which would definitely go over the limit of words in this comment, or I can actually do some of my work in Business class which I am sitting in right now. Well, try the game, love it, and play it again, definitely worth it!

Final Fantasy VIII is one of the best RPGs available for any system, you -must- play it!

[Mike-Gillis · 10/10 · 29 January 2000]

Although there are quite a few people out there who think that FF8 isn't quite right, compared to the previous seven, this RPG is amazing graphics-wise, amazing gameplay-wise, amazing story-wise, and amazing in every other way. There are a few deviations from the traditional Final Fantasy line, but if you're new to video games or RPGs this won't hamper you a bit. If you've played them all, then you know that FF7 was just as deviant. This instalment has deep characters, a wonderfully great and twisted plot, and will absorb you for weeks on end. Squaresoft has made this one a trend-setter, just like every Final Fantasy before it. If you only play one RPG this millenium, make it this one. Unless, of course, Final Fantasy IX is out.

Teen Romance meets Final Fantasy

[zhyates · 7/10 · 16 December 2022]

Final Fantasy VIII is even more of a departure from the traditional Final Fantasys than the previous entry. Focusing on a core of young heroes, the narrative is allowed to be constructed in a way that showcases the struggles young men and women face as they come into adulthood.

The cast of Final Fantasy VIII are unique within the series, all of the main six are all teens within only a year apart in age. The modern and academia tone established early on is really refreshing from the gloomy and depressing Midgar that opened Final Fantasy VII. The main cast and even NPCs function within school factions: Loners, cliques, the administrators, and characters behave accordingly. The main character often vocalizes his internal frustrations and commentary regarding all manner of situations, making him to be believable as a character. We get to witness events that radically change the main character, as well as the other members, into more rounded and importantly "real" characters. The other playable and secondary characters also carry weight and bear meaning into the story.

While I enjoy the first half of Final Fantasy VIII's story, the second half of the game overcomplicates the narrative. Given the elements that were already present in Final Fantasy VIII's lore up until the point, it seems like an unnecessary inclusion; or it was the intended endpoint that they had little concept of reaching. While the story does suffer immensely from narrative haphazardness, the lead character literally carries the burden and emotional weight of the story, so while the events are jumbled, the emotional strength is still poignant until the game's conclusion.

Where Final Fantasy VIII struggles is the mechanics regarding gameplay. The junction system is an expanded Esper equip from Final Fantasy VI, but taken to a degree that actually dissuades the player from utilizing spells outright. The junction system runs COUNTER to the design of the game, where enemy levels scale to that of the player party; meaning you can junction in significantly higher powers without the need of scaling level, making battles insanely trivial.

Triple Triad is perhaps the best side content in a videogame. As stated before it is very easy to break the gameplay, and Triple Triad not only provides fantastical rewards for playing, but can be done so extremely early in the game. The other side content also serves to enrich the overall lore and story of the game, with only a few exceptions that are arbitrary filler that is also easily missed.

In context of its primary core of characters, Final Fantasy VIII is relatable to the experiences of a youth struggling to make sense of the world as it's forced upon them. The card game is fun to use as a means of breaking the gameplay apart. But it's shortcomings and really haphazard second half make it an experience I couldn't recommend more than once.

Worst game ever

[teresaclohessy-41477 · 1/10 · 14 November 2015]

This game is a curse to the world, I just don't know why critics and gamers alike absolutely love it. I said I would never play this game in a million years but I then changed my mind. Even if you haven't played the game, you don't have to play it to know the storyline and you don't have to play it to hate it.

I played this game and I absolutely hated it. The storyline is atrocious, although many people said it was brilliant. The game play is so repetitive that it almost drove me insane. The six main characters are just stereotypically whiny teenagers. The game is absolutely full of clichés and mainstream critics thought it was original?! The only redeeming qualities of the game are the cutscene animation and the music.

Final Fantasy VIII is terrible. 1/10