Final Fantasy VIII

Final Fantasy VIII

Binding : Video Game
ProductGroup : Video Games
Manufacturer : Square Enix
Brand : Square Enix
Label : Square Enix
Publisher : Square Enix
Model : 9758
Platform : PlayStation
Studio : Square Enix
ReleaseDate : 2003-06-30

List Price: USD $19.99
Lowest Used Price: USD $8.99
Lowest New Price: USD $13.19

Price is accurate as of the date/time indicated. Prices and product availability are subject to change. Any price displayed on the Amazon website at the time of purchase will govern the sale of this product.

Features:

• Squall, a member of an elite military team, is forced into a conflict beyond imagination
• To survive he must contend with a desperate rival, a powerful sorceress and his own mysterious dreams
• Contains realistic detailed characters and background graphics
• A breathtaking musical score enhances game play
• Another great edition of the Final Fantasy series of games

Product Description
Pending
Editorial Review
SquareSoft has always had a sure-fire hit when releasing any of their Final Fantasy titles, and Final Fantasy VIII should be no exception. The basis of a good RPG (role-playing game) has always been the story; spectacular graphics are secondary. Final Fantasy VIII's involved and interesting story line is filled with great twists, well-developed characters, suspense, and romance. As an added bonus, the graphics are beautiful. Everything--from the low-lit jazz club to the steam-filled railroad tunnels--is gorgeous and perfectly sets the mood and tone of a scene.

The game mechanics are standard fare for an RPG: acquisition of items and spells, turn-based combat, experience points earned in combat allowing advances in levels. From exploration to battles to dialogue, Final Fantasy VIII has it all. However, Final Fantasy VIII falls to that great weakness of RPGs: random battles. While necessary for advancing in levels, the battles occur with such frequency that they can grow annoying, making for a tedious game experience.

The epic storyline spans four discs--over 40 hours of gameplay--and is based around a mercenary cadet who finds himself caught up with an underground rebel faction. He winds up in a plot to assassinate the sorceress who has just seized power from the president.

You could complain of limited replay value, but this gripe is of no consequence: the game is such a satisfying experience, it doesn't require replay. Final Fantasy VIII is easily worth both the hype and the wait. You can't buy a much better game. --John Cocking

Pros:

• A story to beat all stories
• Characters worth caring about
• Hey--it's from SquareSoft
• Stunning animations

Cons:

• Too many random battles
• Combat is, as always, turn-based and offers minimal excitement
• Weak souls might give up after two or three discs of play

Customer Reviews

Pretty Good! (2009-05-28)
This game is pretty good, and is very different from previous Final Fantasies. The equipment system from previous games is almost completely gone, and has been dwarfed by the new magic and summon systems. It's tricky (and somewhat difficult) when you first start out, but it gets easier. The storyline can be a bit confusing though, which can take away from the fun. Some features are missing from the PSOne version too which also takes away from the fun, but a cheat device can easily fix that problem. It's still fun though, despite its shortcomings.

Futuristic/Science Fiction/Nirvana (2009-05-15)
I recently started this game from the beginning with a friend, and i have got to say this is the best RPG out there. Blasphemy you say? with the exception of the final fantasy series every rpg nowadays has become cartoony. I don't know about you, but i hate anime, whenever i see the cover of a game with a cartoon looking character i cringe. Thats why i hate xbox 360's rpg catalog. If you want a COOL game, and what i mean by cool is an mature complex story then get this game. If you want a stupid child's game; have fun with games like eternal sonata (360).

Battle System- 5 stars Classic old turn based strategy with a hint of slot based turn system.
Junctioning system- Cool unique system that lets you max out your stats early in the game (disc 3 of 4) but takes a LOT of time.
Story- One of the most complex stories i have played in an RPG aside from xenogears (i know i said i hated the anime...i really got annoyed of the cut scenes).

In the spirit of The Simpsons: Best. Game. Ever. (one of them at least) (2009-04-23)
Final Fantasies are amazing games in nearly all respects (the newer ones developed by Square Enix being the exceptions). When Squaresoft was the creator, it successfully and undeniably created worlds and stories that are unforgettable and classic. Final Fantasy VIII is just one example of its creations, and it possesses a plot unlike any game found on today's 3rd generation consoles. Second perhaps only to its successor (though most would argue its predecessor), the game weaves a plot of action, intrigue, good and evil, humor, and mystery in a fashion only Squaresoft could provide. Though its story includes a little bit of everything, VIII is first and foremost a love story. In my opinion it is even more so of a love story than VII, and perhaps equally as much as the next in the series, IX.

The main criticism aimed at VIII over the years has been that its "Junctioning" system is too complicated and takes too long to learn. I say that although this is true, the system provides the player far more freedom in the capabilities of the characters. The game is definitely not one for impatient gamers who don't want to bother putting in the time to fully understand the beauty of the Junction system, or who do not want to sit through its incredibly long and satisfying plot/story.

With graphics arguably the best in its time, gameplay better than most of the RPGs thrown carelessly out of developing studios today, an actual tangible, gripping storyline with characters that are lovable and funny, and the reputation of one of the greatest series ever created to back it up, Final Fantasy VIII is a classic RPG that will undoubtedly survive the test of time, and perhaps can only be outdone by its successor (IX).

Hours of Fun (2009-04-15)
This game will give hours of fun and enjoyment. You can explore a large world with interesting characters and storyline or take a break from adventuring to play the fun mini-card game Triple Triad. An excellent addition to the FF series. Plays well on PS1, PS2, and PS3. Only 4 stars because there are a lot of special items and spells that can be missed if you are not careful, but, there is still (as of 2009) an active online community to help with trouble spots.

One of the best RPGs I've ever played. (2009-04-06)
This game is really amazing. It is a thrilling story that you can play over and over again. It is really a love story filled with a lot of action, so if you don't like love stories... watch out. It has complex characters and really intense situations. The junction system is something you just have to get used to; it's bad at first, but it gets a lot better. The graphics aren't wonderful, but it is worth it to get this game, anyways. The opening is simply amazing and really hypes you up for the whole story. There are a lot of unexpected twists that I would have never guessed at the beginning, so you definitely won't be bored. It's worth the money, and the game really isn't that expensive on Amazon, so go for it. If you don't like it, you can probably sell it back for the same price you payed(or for more) somewhere since it is such a popular game. So why not try it out?

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Product Information and Prices stored: June 10 , 2009, 05:38