Can they possibly top this?
Written: Jun 15 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Simply a superior game, the best of the Final Fantasy series in every aspect
Cons: Slightly complicated game system with many changes from past Final Fantasy games
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| QueenLyssa's Full Review: Final Fantasy VIII for PlayStation 1 |
Squaresoft had an incredible hit with Final Fantasy VII and has somehow managed to surpass it with the latest installment, Final Fantasy VIII. Having had the game since its US release and played it multiple times, I can assure you that Final Fantasy VIII is the best investment you can make in RPG games.
The graphics and animation in FF8 set a new industry standard with fully proportioned characters in all modes and 3d feel. Shifting camera angles in battle give the sensation of watching a movie and make the 10,000th battle as visually interesting as the first. The animation sequences are simply breathtaking, worth saving multiple spots in the game so you can repeat them. The soundtrack is well-scored to match the different moods of the game.
The dialogue translation for FF8 is the best in the whole Final Fantasy series, direct and entertaining. 'Flashback' stories are no longer long segments you get glazed eyes going through, they are interactive segments you play through or kept short and stimulating. Dialogue changes with the choice of party members so on replay you can get a completely different conversation by choosing a different party. The pacing is excellent, with few places where you rush through dialogue to get back to the action.
The plot is action packed with lots of twists and turns and plenty of mystery, and followed through so you're not left wondering when you get to the end of the game. The romance plot is less sappy than Squaresoft's usual and much less of an intrusion on the rest of the storyline.
The characters are a varied mix of personalities and have the depth we've come to expect from Squaresoft. The main character, Squall, while troubled, has a harder edge to his personality than past Squaresoft heroes. Irvine, a late party character, is perhaps the most interesting, key to plot development and the source of several extra dialogue points when played. Quistis is a strong female character who nonetheless manages to not lose her femininity. Humor is handled with scenes from minor characters like Biggs and Wedge.
The system is a bit more complicated to figure out, but after a battle or two you get the hang of it. Key items and Guardian Forces, the sources of abilities for the characters, are hidden in puzzles and battles that are a challenge just to find in the first place, much less conquer. The game-within-a-game of Triple Triad provides a fun little break from RPG to strategy cards.
All in all, Final Fantasy VIII is a game you'll play over and over again to find something new, a rollicking adventure from Disc 1 through Disc 4. The only question is, how are they going to beat this when Final Fantasy IX comes out?
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
QueenLyssa
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Member: Lyssa Jaraba
Location: Riverside, CA
Reviews written: 64
Trusted by: 19 members
About Me:
It's good to be queen.
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