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 $12.99
Lowest New Price: USD $13.14

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:

• A revolutionary new Battle System has been created to add more customization to your characters by way of the Junction System. The latest features such as Dolby Surround Sound, Pocket Station compatibility and CG movie integration have also been incorporated into this masterpiece, making this title a showcase in technological game advancements. Format: PSX Genre: RPG (VG)/ Rating:&nbs

Product Description
A revolutionary new Battle System has been created to add more customization to your characters by way of the Junction System. The latest features such as Dolby Surround Sound, Pocket Station compatibility and CG movie integration have also been incorporated into this masterpiece, making this title a showcase in technological game advancements.

Format: PSX
Genre: RPG (VG)/
Rating: T - Teen
UPC: 662248999043
Manufacturer No: 9758
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

REALLY REALLY GOOD! (2009-02-25)
I loved this game right off the bat, the first time I played it. It has a really good beginning, awesome music, and graphicx that are a step up from Final Fantasy 7 (tho FF7 was a HUGE step up from the previous games). So here's what I have to say about the game:

--It is a long game. You don't need to do everything, obviously, but 60-70 hours is not an unrealistic expectation

--The story is a little confusing because there's a lot of time-travel talk about people going to the future to stop a sorceress who goes into the past, possesses another person from the characters' present, and... yeah. But it's good. Also it's a good love story if you ask me--it's right up there with the stories of FF9 and FF10.

--You don't use MP. Instead, you "draw" magic (and occasionally summon monsters) from enemies.

--Yes, the summon scenes are long--but that's because the game is giving you the chance to "boost" the monster's attack. (I think you hold Select and rapidly press Square, watch the box in the corner, and stop when there's an x in the box)--but don't quote me on that.

--There are a lot of random battles and they do get a little annoying after awhile.

--The boss fight music is AWESOME! Actually, all the music in this game is awesome. Except sometimes the regular fight music. I've found myself stopping playing the game just to hum along with the music. Not a good strategy for a boss fight, :-P but it seriously is that good.

--The characters are pretty well done; their costumes are neat and not too outrageous, and there's a pretty good level of humor throughout the story too, even during the end scenes. So if you have never played this game, I seriously suggest you give it a try. Thank you for reading this.

FFVIII OWNS! (2009-02-13)
Final Fantasy 8, next to FF7 is probably one of the best games I've ever played. I recommend everyone give this game a try!

Different, but great (2009-02-12)
Although I STILL have not finished this game (due to people erasing my saves, messed up copies, and losing memory cards), this is one of my favorite entries in the Final Fantasy series for a number of reasons.

-The magic junction system, although frustrating at times (excessive Drawing), is very innovative
-Drawing Summons from bosses is brilliant
-No need to manage a ton of different armor/accessories
-The card game was the best addition to the genre, especially with the added element of modding the cards into items (despite the annoying rules that can creep their way in)

Although there are many other things that I like about the game (the story, well rounded characters, actually engaging battles, etc.), these are the main things that set this game apart for me. I was disappointed when FFIX oversimplified the card game (and yet, complicated it with the cards having HP and levels and whatnot) and the switch from a card game to that annoying water sport in FFX. I like the traditional elements in other FF games, but such breaks from the norm as FFVIII and FFXII make me giddy for the lack of the repetitious, for something unique within familiar trappings. Tonberry? Check. Summons? Check. Mix of sci-fi and fantasy? Check. Cid? You betcha.

A great entry in the series, and far too often dismissed/overlooked.

Different but good (2009-02-10)
While Final Fantasy 8 may not be your typical image of a ff game because of its more modern era and setting and the use of cars it is still a great game. Many people may not like it because its not your typical ff and goes against the grain so to say by having these elements along with many others like no MP the abilty to drastically modify any character the way you would like, and stats being raised by juncitoning, etc. Yes square has continued the ff7 theme of trying new things but overall i believe it was a success. the game is still very fun to play for a true ff lover and has a good storyline. If you would rather play the typical ff pre modern era game then go and play ff9 and quit complaining about this one if you dont like it its YOUR problem not ours.

Classic (2009-01-24)
I usually hate games where you have to run around a lot and get into 4534 battles every two minutes, but FF8 is definitely worth playing. The turntable battle style makes it stay interesting, and the use of Aeons to protect you when you're in a stitch. The graphics are great considering it's a PS1 game. I'd consider getting the game guide a long with the game, it helps a lot. I didn't and I haven't played in a while so I completely forgot what I was doing or where I was going, and talking to characters didn't really help, aha.

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Product Information and Prices stored: February 28 , 2009, 10:46