(Big word) I think the graphics developers got a bit carried away with the end of the intro FMV when Squall Starts to hug(eguh...I hate that word) a girl. Come on lads, It was just 2 lads in training for god's sake! I'm no 'graphics hunter', but yeah, the graphics were cool, don't get me wrong. I've just started buying the Final Fantasy Series and so far, I've got 6,7,8 and 9 so I know what I mean when I say FF8 is good but I prefer 9. (Whoops, I'm reviewing 8! Look out for my review of 9 in the future) I'll tell you something, 'There's a Final Fantasy for everyone, apart for very unpatient people', 8 is for those who liked Metal Gear solid as it goes into Squall becoming a SeeD so he can be assigned Missions, as with the majority of FF games, it uses ATB(Active time battle), If you want a guide on how to read your battle screen and what all the numbers mean, goto my FF9 section on Wardy's connections(Link above). It's easier than FF9 so it's a good one to start out with I think as it's got a huge tutorial section that tells you how to Junction GF's etc... Now I'll tell you what I think of the main characteristics of the game:
Graphics: 9/10
Excellent graphics, Attack using Quezacotl and feel like god! When in all range mode, the camera doesn't half spin quickly though.
Sound: 9/10
A lot of games tend to be 'Bass deaf' or too toney. FF8 isn't afraid to show what your tv's sound system is made of. I've got my Stereo hooked up to my tv so the effect is great.
Plot: 6/10
When I said 'there's a Final Fantasy for everyone', This plot doesn't match my wants but I must admit I enjoyed some of the sections and battles.
Battle program: 8/10
The battle program is the part when the battle mode commences and runs until it finishes. It's different to some of the other FF Games because your ATB Gauge stops while a character (Regardless of wether it's a member of your party or not) executes a command. I found this quite distressing as it stopped me from entering commands therefore the computer would win the battle, until it started to fill again and I was happy again. Despite that, the battle program is quite good.
Overall: 7/10
I enjoy playing this game, I really do! But the reason why theres some marks taken off is that I despise some of the games where the camera swings too much but despite that the plot was alright, the battle program is cool, graphics were excellent, musical score is also powerful. FF games are excellent for having a good musical score. Well, there you go, That's what I think of FF8. If you think I'm being far too soft or quite harsh, E-mail me or RichB at the below addresses.
My E-mail address: [email protected]
RichB's E-mail address: [email protected]
This was last updated 21/5/02. Nikon is going to do an FF9 review soon.
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