A Disappontment (Final Fantasy VIII (PS))

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Product:	Final Fantasy VIII (PS)
Date:	09/10/03 (8 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great graphics, Long-lasting

Disadvantages: Fails to live up to the standards, Storyline is awkward

After the international success off Final Fantasy VII in 1997, FF8 was sure to sell well no matter what. TV shows and magazines went out of their way to get first glances, and to test play it, and it is a good and long game.

The problem is, it fails to capture the feel or playability of the previous title. Its more realistic approach detracts from the fun graphics of its predecessor, while a lot of the new concepts (junctioning magic for example) seem needlessly complicated.

The basic story of FF8, an RPG (roleplaying game) in which you control a party of characters through missions and fights, is that your fellow training cadet-type people are on a continent that is at war with another. Over time, the story turns to more magical characters such as the apparently evil Sorceresses. In terms of storyline, it has the necessary action, fantasy and love stories to make it an FF game, but none are done too well. In fact, the final twists in the plot make it completely different and the first couple of discs seem a little meaningless. The parts of the game that thrust you into playing completely different characters are also not very enjoyable, and this takes far too long to be resolved. In the meantime, you're wondering when you'll be able to use the guys you want to again.

The characters aren't too impressive. The main character, Squall, never progresses from the loner college guy. Everyone is pretty one-dimensional, and there are a couple of very chldish, annoying characters (Zell and Selphie) who detract from the enjoyment.

There are some people, like my brother, who think this is one of the pinnacles of gaming, but it's not too original or even enjoyable. If you like games like the FF series, you will want to play this, but possibly only the once. It is very long however, and as such is great value for money.

Summary: