The Look
To me, it seems that FFVIII, has more of a �modernized� feel to it. For example, the characters don�t look like normal FF characters. They look like ordinary people. In the past, you have always had people, and occasionally a few monsters, but they always had an extraordinary look to them. Like Barrett in FFVII, a massive black guy with a gun on his arm, or Umaro from FFVI, a freakin� Sasquatch. Also many elements within the game such as cars, machine guns, astronauts..etc. I don�t know, it just feels like someone else made the game, not SquareSoft.
The Magic System
FFVIII features a new system called the Junction System, which would allow you to equip different commands while in battle. It was ok, but what really bothered me was the elimination of magic spells and MP. How it works in FFVIII now, is you now have a Draw command which allows you to �steal� a certain number of magic spells from enemies. So, if you draw from a monster, you can draw 5 fire spells. So now you attack with fire, but only 5 times. You can stock your magic spells but can only carry so many. Sorry, but I�ll stick to my MP and Ethers.
In The End�
Of course, as every new FF title comes out, I fork over whatever it costs to have it, even if it means selling my kidneys. FFVIII isn�t any different. It�s a great game, but it has its flaws. It seems SquareSoft tried a new direction, but didn�t really get the response they were hoping for. I have to admit, out of all the Final Fantasys, VIII is probably my LEAST favorite. Still good, just not legendary material, as the other FFs have been. I give Final Fantasy VIII a score of 8.75.
8.75