FINAL FANTASY VIII Remastered

The last remaining PlayStation-era Final Fantasy title to get a remaster has arrived on Switch.

75%Game Brain Score

story, graphics

grinding, stability

71% User Score Based on 2,456 reviews

Critic Score 79%Based on 26 reviews

Platforms

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About

In Final Fantasy VIII Remastered, players join the elite mercenary force SeeD to fight against the tyrannical Republic of Galbadia and its sorceress ruler, Edea. With enhanced features such as battle assist options, game speed boost, and max levels for GFs and spells, this game offers a customizable RPG experience for both new and returning fans. The product is a remaster of the original Final Fantasy VIII.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

FINAL FANTASY VIII Remastered screenshot

71%

Audience ScoreBased on 2,482 reviews

story219 positive mentions

grinding111 negative mentions

The remastered version features improved character models and a nostalgic storyline that resonates with long-time fans.
The addition of quality-of-life features like 3x speed and no random encounters enhances the gameplay experience.
The game retains its classic charm and offers a unique junction system that allows for deep character customization.

The remaster is criticized for its lack of updates to backgrounds and overall graphical fidelity, making it feel like a lazy port.
Frequent crashes and performance issues, particularly with frame rates, detract from the overall experience.
The junction system can be confusing and tedious, leading to frustration for new players unfamiliar with its mechanics.

story
763 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
29%
65%
6%
The story of Final Fantasy VIII is a polarizing aspect among players, with many praising its ambitious themes of love, friendship, and personal growth, particularly through the character of Squall. However, it is often criticized for its convoluted plot, uneven pacing, and reliance on complex mechanics like the junction system, which can detract from the narrative experience. While some players find the story engaging and emotionally resonant, others feel it lacks coherence and depth compared to other entries in the series, leading to a mixed reception overall.
- “The story is captivating and has a direction while still allowing for a somewhat open world map.”
- “The story, centered around Squall Leonhart and his companions, has moments of brilliance but often suffers from uneven pacing and underdeveloped characters.”
- “The story is complex and engaging, never a dull moment or empty filler.”
- “The story was convoluted and not presented in the best way, but got pretty wild by the end with some timey-wimey stuff that I didn't actually hate.”
- “The gameplay has more problems to it than I care to write about, the story relies on the player accepting a whole lot of unknowns, deus ex machina, and unexplored concepts being the basis for the main plot.”
- “The plot was convoluted and poorly paced and poorly explained.”
graphics
395 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
19%
76%
5%
The graphics of the remastered version of Final Fantasy VIII have received mixed reviews, with many players appreciating the updated character models and improved textures, while criticizing the blurry backgrounds that remain largely unchanged from the original. Some users feel that the remaster lacks a significant graphical overhaul, leading to a jarring contrast between the enhanced characters and the outdated environments. Overall, while the remaster offers a nostalgic experience with some visual improvements, it falls short of expectations for a comprehensive graphical update.
- “Final Fantasy VIII Remastered brings a much-needed graphical upgrade to the classic game, with character and monster models completely revamped in full HD.”
- “The graphics look better than ever, and the music is excellent.”
- “The remaster does a great job updating the graphics, and it's a noticeable difference compared to the original.”
- “The graphics are horrible for a remaster.”
- “The graphics looked no different to the original; in fact, the background and the fur on Squall's coat looked really bad.”
- “Do not waste your time or money; the graphical upgrades are a joke. The character models have been slightly improved, but the backgrounds for a good part are still the same low quality.”
music
323 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
38%
59%
3%
The music in Final Fantasy VIII is widely praised, with many reviewers highlighting it as one of the best soundtracks in the franchise, often comparing it favorably to other entries like Final Fantasy VII. Nobuo Uematsu's compositions, including iconic tracks like "Eyes on Me" and "Liberi Fatali," are noted for their emotional depth and ability to enhance the game's storytelling. While some players express disappointment with technical issues in the remaster, the return of the original PS1 soundtrack is generally seen as a significant improvement over previous MIDI versions.
- “The music is memorable, one of the best of all the Final Fantasy games.”
- “The most important aspect is the soundtrack; it's among the best in the franchise.”
- “The music is fantastic as well, as it tends to be with Final Fantasy, and worth listening to separately.”
- “The music is subpar for a Final Fantasy game.”
- “I expected more for 20 bucks, and at least thought they would put in voice lines and update the soundtrack (which they didn't).”
- “The music is still MIDI, so it sounds tinny and poor, and even the computer in the classroom where you get the first two GF's hasn't even been touched.”
gameplay
320 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
21%
71%
8%
The gameplay of Final Fantasy VIII is characterized by its unique junction system, which allows for extensive character customization but can be confusing and cumbersome for new players. While some players appreciate the innovative mechanics and the integration of card games like Triple Triad, many criticize the clunky user interface, tedious combat, and the reliance on the draw system for magic, which can detract from the overall experience. Overall, the gameplay is seen as a mixed bag, with some enjoying its depth and others finding it frustrating and unbalanced.
- “The core combat mechanics are pretty interesting; though it can take some time to get used to, once I realized how they worked, they were easy and really empowering to use.”
- “The junction mechanic is quite innovative and allows a lot of freedom in customizing your character, but organizing your characters through several nested menus is quite a task in itself.”
- “The gameplay gets some time to get used to, but once you fully grasp the junction system, it becomes amazing, as I've never experienced a JRPG with a more customizable system than FF8's.”
- “The gameplay has more problems to it than I care to write about. The story relies on the player accepting a whole lot of unknowns, deus ex machina, and unexplored concepts being the basis for the main plot. The side quests are either annoying or incredibly abstruse, enemy variation is extremely low, parts of the UI are very confusing to a new player, and a lot of mechanics are practically used only once or twice before they become obsolete or just not used again, despite obviously having originally been meant as mechanics to be used a lot more.”
- “The gameplay is unbelievably slow and grueling.”
- “The junction system is simply put awful, and gameplay-wise it just feels like characters don't matter when you just swap the GF around, like materia in VII.”
grinding
113 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
1%
1%
98%
The remastered version of the game introduces helpful features like a 3x speed boost, which significantly alleviates the tedious grinding associated with the magic drawing and junction systems. While some players appreciate the ability to bypass much of the grind, others find the core mechanics still require substantial effort and can be punishing due to enemy level scaling. Overall, the grinding experience is mixed, with many players feeling that the quality-of-life improvements make it more manageable, though the underlying systems remain complex and time-consuming.
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “The necessity of drawing spells from enemies to stockpile magic can become tedious and disrupt the flow of the game.”
- “Enemies get stronger as you level up, essentially punishing you for level grinding.”
- “The junction system is probably the most tedious way to level up ever conceived.”
stability
34 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
18%
82%
The stability of the game has received mixed reviews, with many users reporting frequent crashes, audio and visual glitches, and performance issues, particularly when using the speed-up function. While some players have experienced smooth gameplay without major problems, others have found the game to be buggy and unplayable at times, leading to frustration and recommendations to seek the original version instead. Overall, the remaster appears to have significant technical issues that detract from the experience.
- “But playing at normal speed, the game runs great and any crash issues that others have reported seem to get resolved simply by pausing the OneDrive sync.”
- “It plays smoothly and is bug free.”
- “It's super playable, with no glitches (so far).”
- “Game still has a lot of technical issues that cause graphical glitches and crashes even early on into the game.”
- “But don't risk buying this port: it's buggy, crashes, and if you're unlucky like me, you'll find out the game is unplayable halfway through your run and, therefore, not be eligible for a refund because it happened after more than 2 hours of gameplay.”
- “Game is buggy... the framerate randomly collapses, I'm using the newest drivers and no other game has any issues... it can't keep 60fps in menus (sometimes it just locks to 50), 30fps on field/world map (it keeps going to 15-23) and the battle fps of 15 won't stay there also, battle menus are too slow too!”
optimization
30 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
10%
63%
27%
The optimization of the game has received significant criticism, with many users reporting poor performance, including broken framerates and stuttering gameplay that hampers the overall experience. Despite some improvements in visuals and customization options, the remaster is often described as poorly optimized, with performance issues persisting even on high-end systems. Overall, players express disappointment, feeling that the game was inadequately ported and not ready for release.
- “Mechanically speaking, there is a lot of customization and optimization here.”
- “I was over the moon that the characters and enemies got retouched textures and models, and the game had been given some bug fixes and an optimization pass or two over the original PC release.”
- “Better performance, better models, better audio, OST soundtrack, and smoother transitions.”
- “The framerate is likewise not improved, and in some cases I swear the performance is even worse than the previous PC port.”
- “This game was poorly optimized, poorly ported, and the obel lake side quest will break your controller as you constantly run around hammering the A button to find the items.”
- “If that's not enough and you want a performance-based reason, this game runs like garbage.”
humor
30 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The humor in Final Fantasy VIII is widely praised for its clever dialogue, memorable character moments, and quirky scenarios, such as Zell's hotdog arc and Laguna's comedic mishaps. Players appreciate the blend of humor with character development, particularly how the game's offbeat tone contrasts with its more serious themes. While some visual inconsistencies in the remastered version lead to humorous situations, the overall comedic elements significantly enhance the game's charm and enjoyment.
- “A lot of quirks are well done, jokes are funny and still land, the idea to show the thoughts of the main character instead of just the spoken dialogue adds so much to each scene.”
- “Zell and his hotdog arc, Laguna getting the cramps, Rinoa's handmade train model, Squall's serious tone in contrast to every hijinks going around him, etc. So many memorable moments that made me laugh and enjoy the vibe of the game.”
- “The world-design, character-design, monster-design, music, and sense of humor are also important to my repeated enjoyment of Final Fantasy VIII.”
emotional
28 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by its heartfelt moments, engaging romance, and character development, often evoking strong feelings and even tears from players. While some find the story touching and deep, others note that the convoluted mechanics can detract from the overall experience. Despite mixed opinions on gameplay, many agree that the narrative's emotional highs make it a memorable and impactful journey.
- “Mathematically it’s an 8/10 but I’m giving it an extra 1 so 9/10 because it made me cry…”
- “The story really took off towards the end with a highly emotional ending.”
- “The story is touching, deep, and interesting.”
character development
27 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
59%
30%
11%
Character development in Final Fantasy VIII is generally praised for its depth and the gradual growth of characters, particularly Squall, who evolves from a closed-off individual to someone who learns to rely on others. While some characters exhibit strong backstories and interactions that enhance their development, others are seen as less engaging or somewhat bland. Overall, the game offers a satisfying narrative experience, though some players feel that more character development could have further enriched the story.
- “Really good game that has a dope story with dope characters and satisfying character development.”
- “One of the wackiest stories in FF, if not in JRPGs in general. I personally really liked the story; the characters are also great, especially Squall. Seeing him mature as a person and grow from someone who is very closed off to learning that he isn't alone and can count on others is really satisfying, although his character development is a slow burn.”
- “His character development was great, and I really liked how he slowly grew to open up by the end of the game.”
- “I know a lot of people criticize the game for its corny character development.”
- “Though none of them are particularly dislikeable, they are rather bland and don't show much character development.”
- “This same conflict occurs within Squall's character development: his obtuse and complicated inner dialogue often gets 'washed out', or confronted, by the real situations he faces and the real people he loves and leads.”
monetization
27 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The monetization aspect of the game has been overwhelmingly criticized as a "lazy cash grab," with many reviewers expressing disappointment in the minimal effort put into the remaster compared to the original. Players feel that the game exploits nostalgia without delivering quality, and they recommend avoiding it in favor of the original version. Overall, the sentiment is that the pricing does not reflect the product's quality, making it a poor investment.
- “Lazy dispassionate cash grab from Square Enix, plus consistent crashing on some scenes (which I managed to get around by turning on and off the 3x speed).”
- “This isn't really a remaster, just a quick cash grab playing off people's nostalgia for an amazing classic.”
- “It deserves all the criticism it is getting; all the issues that people list point to a lazy 'remaster' that is just clearly a cash grab.”
replayability
14 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
21%
58%
21%
Overall, the replayability of the game is highly regarded, with many players appreciating the enhancements like 3x speed for story quests and various quality-of-life improvements. The junction system and mini-games, such as Triple Triad, add depth and encourage multiple playthroughs, although some players note that the game can feel lengthy. While the game has its issues, particularly with framerate in certain areas, the potential for mods and updates may further enhance its replay value in the future.
- “But that, therein, holds the appeal and value in replayability.”
- “I love everything about this game - the story, the world, the monsters, the replayability with the GF/junction system, the party members.”
- “Honestly, FF8 is probably the easiest Final Fantasy game I've played, but it also has a lot to offer in replayability from the junction system alone, as well as for people who love card games with the game called Triple Triad.”
- “Honestly, FF8 is probably the easiest Final Fantasy game I've played, but that's not bad. The game has a system in place where it bases enemies off your level, so if you can stay low level, the game is easy. However, it also has a lot to offer in replayability from the junction system alone, as well as for people who love card games, as there is a game called Triple Triad which I think a lot of people like more than the main game.”
- “That being said, this game might be more playable in the future when mods have fixed it. The PS1 version still has the best analog controls, and the 2013 PC version is the best version on Steam (if you're using mods).”
- “Not even your remasters are playable!!”
atmosphere
7 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
14%
43%
43%
The atmosphere of the remastered game is highly praised for successfully reviving the nostalgic feel of the original, enhanced by high-resolution graphics and the inclusion of the original PS1 music, which significantly contributes to the emotional experience. Players appreciate the attention to detail in maintaining the original design elements, such as fonts and backgrounds, which collectively create an irreplaceable mood that resonates deeply with long-time fans. Overall, the remaster strikes a balance between modern improvements and the cherished atmosphere of the classic game.
- “I'm happy to say that this version was exactly what I was looking for: to revive the atmosphere of the game I played when I was seventeen years old with my PSX, with a graphic improvement adjusted to the modern era.”
- “Because the new version has a feeling, or atmosphere that is lost from the original one.”
- “This port has the original PS1 music in it, which to me makes a big difference in the game's atmosphere (as opposed to the other one that has MIDI).”
- “Since I was looking to revive the original atmosphere, there is nothing better for me than the original backgrounds, made by the guys who created the game.”

79%Critics’ scoreBased on 27 critic reviews

Buy FINAL FANTASY VIII Remastered

20h Median play time

20h Average play time

8-37h Spent by most gamers

*Based on 15 analyzed playthroughs

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