I just beat FFVIII! Here is my review.

[Rinoa-Ultimecia true]

Ok, so I completed FFVIII, which marks lucky number three in the FFs I've beaten so I want to review it.

First let me start by saying that I had somewhat of a hard time getting into this game. I started at least three times never got past the Fire Cavern, until now.

Graphically, the game was awesome for its time. It's obviously outdated now, but even so the FMVs still impressed me.

The gameplay of FFVIII is one of its most controversial aspects, but I must say I was quite satifisfied with it. Once I got the hang of it, the Junction system was a joy to use. Two downsides: magic was pretty much useless in the battlefield (except for support magic like Aura and Protect) because it was junctioned to your stats and second it made the game easy. I can safely say this is the easiest FF I've played. Even Omega didn't give me that much trouble. As for sidequests, the game didn't have many others aside from the card game, but it was awesome so no biggie.

Now the story is a mixed bag. I loved the relationship between Squall and Rinoa and how it developed, but the Ultimecia-time compression subplot left much to be desired, mainly because Ultimecia felt like tacked on villain just because the game needed a villain, but she had no motivation whatsoever.

The characters were great. I liked their personalities, especially Irvine's. Each of the characters brought something new to the table when they were introduced, so they complemented each other nicely.

Overall FFVIII gets a B-

I want to hear everyone's opinions

i believe square expected us to think that rinoa is ultimecia which is what I firmly believe

[kratoscar2008]

BEST FF EVER POINT. Reason? i dont need one whatever reason i have im sure people will bash at me or something like that so why bother

[klauss]

I've just started playing FFVIII, still on D1, getting close to finishing that disc. I just remembered how long the old FFs were, it's crazy! But I still like it. The junction system does require some getting use to, but it's not bad once you get the hang of it, although at times it can be somewhat bothersome and confusing when junctioning magic (IMO). Nevertheless, I too, am still impressed by the graphics for its time, the FMV is still breathtaking.

I do have a problem with Squall though, I don't really like his coy 'too-cool-for-school' attitude, but I guess during that period of FF games, the protagonists did tend to stick to that traditional personality. I'll still see this game through though.

[Omegadruid]

I've just started playing FFVIII, still on D1, getting close to finishing that disc. I just remembered how long the old FFs were, it's crazy! But I still like it. The junction system does require some getting use to, but it's not bad once you get the hang of it, although at times it can be somewhat bothersome and confusing when junctioning magic (IMO). Nevertheless, I too, am still impressed by the graphics for its time, the FMV is still breathtaking.

I do have a problem with Squall though, I don't really like his coy 'too-cool-for-school' attitude, but I guess during that period of FF games, the protagonists did tend to stick to that traditional personality. I'll still see this game through though.

Im sure that when you find the reasons for his behaviour you will actually sympathize with him. Also if you want help junctioning magic to each stat pm me! I can give you some advice and make the game a piece of cake for you.

[kratoscar2008]

I've just started playing FFVIII, still on D1, getting close to finishing that disc. I just remembered how long the old FFs were, it's crazy! But I still like it. The junction system does require some getting use to, but it's not bad once you get the hang of it, although at times it can be somewhat bothersome and confusing when junctioning magic (IMO). Nevertheless, I too, am still impressed by the graphics for its time, the FMV is still breathtaking.

I do have a problem with Squall though, I don't really like his coy 'too-cool-for-school' attitude, but I guess during that period of FF games, the protagonists did tend to stick to that traditional personality. I'll still see this game through though.

Dont worry if this game excells on something is in Squalls character development.

[Cyanista]

So, when you say you finished it, does that mean you did everything? Because I had a real tough time with the 'queen of cards side quest' (%$#& random law!) I'm not proud to admit that I ended up skipping that one...

[Shinra Spy]

I've just started playing FFVIII, still on D1, getting close to finishing that disc. I just remembered how long the old FFs were, it's crazy! But I still like it. The junction system does require some getting use to, but it's not bad once you get the hang of it, although at times it can be somewhat bothersome and confusing when junctioning magic (IMO). Nevertheless, I too, am still impressed by the graphics for its time, the FMV is still breathtaking.

I do have a problem with Squall though, I don't really like his coy 'too-cool-for-school' attitude, but I guess during that period of FF games, the protagonists did tend to stick to that traditional personality. I'll still see this game through though.

I totally agree! I just beat FFVIII for the first time last week (I skipped it back in 1999 as I was just entering high school and I was also too-cool-for-school XD). I definitely disliked Squall's overall 'tude, but I admit I enjoyed watching his character development over the course of the game. And yes, I agree the FMV was quite impressive for its time, especially considering the amount of time between its release and its predecessor, FFVII.

Like the OP, I also gave the game a B/B-. There were some aspects of the game I really liked (the love story *fangirl swoon*, GFs and junctioning), and several elements that I disliked (holes in the plot, unanswered questions, the whole leveling up BS). Definitely not my favorite FF, but I still had fun.