FINAL FANTASY VIII

85%
Game Brain Score Based on 4,444 reviews
  • story
  • music
  • graphics
FINAL FANTASY VIII Game Cover
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In Final Fantasy VIII, players follow a group of young mercenaries with special abilities called "Guardian Forces." The game features a complex love story and a battle system that allows for drawing magic from enemies and customizing weapons. The plot revolves around a fictional world with advanced technology and a segregated society, threatening by a powerful sorceress.

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Reviews

85%
Audience ScoreBased on 4,444 reviews
story652 positive mentions
grinding241 negative mentions
  • Engaging story with memorable characters and emotional depth.
  • Unique junction system allows for extensive character customization and strategy.
  • Nostalgic experience with great music and visuals for its time.
  • Poor controller support and unintuitive controls make gameplay frustrating.
  • MIDI soundtrack is a significant downgrade from the original music.
  • Level scaling and grinding mechanics can lead to tedious gameplay.
  • story1,733 mentions

    The story of Final Fantasy VIII is a polarizing aspect among players, with opinions ranging from praise for its emotional depth and character development to criticism for its convoluted plot and pacing issues. Many appreciate the romantic elements between Squall and Rinoa, viewing it as a compelling coming-of-age narrative, while others find the story's twists and time travel mechanics confusing and poorly executed. Overall, the game is recognized for its ambitious storytelling, memorable characters, and a rich soundtrack, making it a nostalgic favorite for many despite its flaws.

    • “The story and the characters are amazing, and I'm willing to die on this hill.”
    • “The story had me feeling a deep sense of sentimentality at times, and I think this game is underappreciated in this aspect.”
    • “The story is engaging, if somewhat generic, but they genuinely tried to mix it up.”
    • “The story is so bad and poorly written that, that alone makes the game unplayable, unenjoyable and pure hot garbage.”
    • “The plot of the game also just feels so weird to me, so much happens yet it feels like nothing really happens until the end of the game.”
    • “The story becomes an absolute trainwreck after disc 1, with an incredibly forced and sappy love story, and very confusing time shenanigans.”
  • music1,208 mentions

    The music in the PC port of Final Fantasy VIII has received overwhelmingly negative feedback, primarily due to the replacement of the original soundtrack with low-quality MIDI renditions. Many players express disappointment, stating that the MIDI music detracts significantly from the game's atmosphere and emotional impact, which was originally enhanced by Nobuo Uematsu's orchestral compositions. While some users have found ways to restore the original music through mods like "Roses and Wine," the necessity of modding to achieve the intended audio experience has been a major point of frustration for fans of the series.

    • “The soundtrack, composed by Nobuo Uematsu, complements the story with memorable tracks like 'Eyes on Me,' which became a classic in its own right.”
    • “Final Fantasy VIII has what I believe to be the best soundtrack in the series.”
    • “The music is one of the few things even haters of this game can't argue with, but it's piercing at best in this port.”
    • “The music in this game is, for the most part, so phenomenal that I find I can easily listen to it even today, when we are so spoiled with orchestrated versions of popular gaming tracks.”
    • “The music is completely messed up and is a messy shell of its PS1 counterpart.”
    • “The music is a definite highlight, particularly the ominous villain themes involving piano and Latin chorus.”
  • graphics644 mentions

    The graphics of Final Fantasy VIII have received mixed reviews, with many praising the game's stunning cutscenes and character designs that were groundbreaking for its time. However, players note that the overall graphics have aged poorly, appearing blocky and outdated compared to modern standards, despite some enhancements in the remastered version. Many recommend using mods to improve the visual experience, as the original graphics can feel disjointed and inconsistent when mixed with updated elements.

    • “The visual aesthetic and design of the game is simply gorgeous; few Final Fantasy games, let alone industry games, come close to the unique and beautiful style of the world and environments.”
    • “Final Fantasy 8 produces some of the best visuals in the franchise, showcasing stunning environments, character designs, and CG cutscenes which are a feast for the eyes.”
    • “The graphics remastering gives a texture smoothing effect that still feels faithful to the original release and removes the super pixelated non-anti-aliased look in the PS1 version.”
    • “Unfortunately, using only the generally recommended graphical mods, I got both frequent crashes and graphical errors upon alt-tabbing, meaning I could only play it in its original state.”
    • “I can't say I love the remaster; it makes elements of the graphics feel mismatched and disjointed from each other and just generally feels pretty half-assed.”
    • “The graphics are outdated now as it was released on PS1.”
  • gameplay581 mentions

    The gameplay of Final Fantasy VIII is a polarizing aspect, with many players finding the junction and draw systems both innovative and frustrating. While some appreciate the depth and customization these mechanics offer, others criticize them for being overly complicated and tedious, leading to a steep learning curve. Overall, the game presents a unique blend of traditional turn-based combat and experimental mechanics, which can either enhance or detract from the experience depending on player preferences.

    • “The junction mechanic adds a unique playstyle that makes the game a lot more customizable. I love being able to decide on what stats get the biggest boost on a character.”
    • “Released in 1999, the game challenges players with intricate gameplay mechanics and a storyline that delves into themes of love, time, and memory.”
    • “The gameplay mechanics, especially the junction system, offer deep customization options, allowing players to fine-tune characters' abilities by attaching magic to stats.”
    • “The mechanics are overly complicated, the gameplay is wonky and brutally punishing, and the story is so asinine it hurts.”
    • “The gameplay doesn't quite complement it; I feel like it would have worked better with FF7's materia system where the other party has their own stash of stuff and you don't need to worry about re-junctioning them.”
    • “The gameplay is just plain bad.”
  • grinding245 mentions

    The grinding aspect of Final Fantasy VIII is widely regarded as tedious and often frustrating, primarily due to the game's unique junction and draw systems that require players to repeatedly extract magic from enemies. While some players appreciate the depth and customization these systems offer, many find the necessity of grinding for spells and managing character stats to be a chore, especially since enemies level up alongside the player, making traditional grinding for levels feel pointless. Overall, the game presents a mixed experience where grinding can be minimized with strategic play, but it remains a significant and often criticized element of the gameplay.

    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “No grinding needed; enemies level with you.”
    • “The sheer amount of grinding is insane.”
    • “The junction system could have been, but its reliance on this tedious draw system to be effective kills whatever potential it has.”
    • “The draw system makes the entire game endless farming of magic to junction to your characters and oh, you better not use magic, because it makes your stats worse as you use it.”
  • emotional63 mentions

    The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by its deeply developed characters and their complex relationships, particularly the protagonist Squall's journey from isolation to connection, which resonates with players. Many reviewers noted the game's ability to evoke strong feelings, with several citing moments that made them cry, especially during poignant scenes like the ending. The combination of a touching narrative, beautiful music, and rich emotional depth creates a compelling experience that leaves a lasting impact on players.

    • “His journey from reluctant hero to leader is compelling, and his evolving relationship with Rinoa Heartilly, a spirited resistance fighter, forms the emotional core of the game.”
    • “The story is an emotional ride full of excitement, romance, comedy, and suspense.”
    • “With very well-developed characters and hours of cut scenes, FF VIII delivers an epic and emotional ride.”
    • “Boring story, boring characters (minus Laguna), and a terrible magic system kills this game.”
    • “If you die or forget to steal the guardian force, prepare to do that entire 30-minute boring story sequence again.”
  • character development53 mentions

    Character development in Final Fantasy VIII receives mixed reviews, with many praising the depth of the main characters, particularly Squall and Rinoa, while criticizing the lack of development for the supporting cast. Some players appreciate the emotional connection and relatability of the protagonists, but others feel that the overall character arcs are thin and poorly paced, leading to a less engaging narrative. Despite its visual and gameplay strengths, the game is often seen as falling short in character development compared to other titles in the series.

    • “Character development is abundant, and the empathic bond between the player and Squall was given tons of thought.”
    • “The story and character development is beautiful and it's why I'm drawn back into the game time after time.”
    • “I'll start off by saying Squall has to be one of the best characters I've seen in a long time and the character development of Squall over the course of FF8 is nothing short of spectacular.”
    • “Of the 6 playable characters, 4 are basically non-existent, and character development for Squall and Rinoa is really thin.”
    • “Its story lacks any meaningful character development outside of the two protagonists, and its pacing is all over the place, always rushing to take you to the next plot point.”
    • “Another problem is how everyone except Squall and Rinoa have close to no character development, and you don't really get to learn their motivations; their past is some terrible plot point that I'm sure even people blinded by nostalgia can admit is just really cheap.”
  • stability39 mentions

    The stability of the game has received mixed reviews, with many users reporting significant bugs, crashes, and control issues, particularly in the PC port. While some players experienced smooth gameplay without major problems, others faced frequent freezes, graphical glitches, and unresponsive controls, leading to frustration and the need for restarts. Overall, the game's stability appears to be inconsistent, with a notable number of players deeming it a "buggy mess."

    • “It runs great!”
    • “Load times are much faster as compared to the PlayStation version, and the sounds are intact with no glitches for me.”
    • “The PC port runs great and has a few extra features like the magic booster for those who aren't worried about the challenge.”
    • “Awesome game, always was, still have the original PS1 discs and memory cards with saves. However, this version of the game is buggy. I've had random crashes and buttons randomly stop working on both the controller and the keyboard, causing me to lose progress and have to repeat sections because I couldn't save the game.”
    • “The interface is buggy, and there's no way to quit without force-killing the running game.”
    • “This is just a terrible, buggy port.”
  • replayability35 mentions

    Overall, the game is praised for its high replayability, with many players appreciating the multiple choices in dialogue that alter cutscenes, diverse gameplay mechanics, and engaging side quests. The inclusion of mini-games, particularly the card game, adds to its replay value, making it enjoyable for both new and returning players. While some reviewers note limitations in character development and plot clarity, the game's immersive experience and nostalgic charm contribute to its lasting appeal.

    • “I think this is the first FF game where you get multiple options available to pick in text boxes that alternate the cutscenes, giving this game replayability, and that's gotta be my favorite aspect of the game.”
    • “Ff8 is one of those few games that brings replayability because you can literally play it any way you like.”
    • “This kind of ridiculous 'any strategy can be made to work' can arguably give the game a lot of replay value, though I'll likely not go back for more.”
    • “Also, the game is fairly replayable (up to a degree of course, it's still a 4 PS1 disc game at the end).”
    • “The replayability is high because the card mini-game it comes with is so good even by itself without the rest of the game.”
  • humor33 mentions

    The humor in the game is described as a mix of intentional and unintentional moments, with characters often providing comedic relief through their quirky interactions and absurd situations. While some find the writing childish and lacking compared to previous installments, others appreciate the blend of humor and seriousness, noting that it enhances character development and story engagement. Overall, the game features a variety of funny moments, from goofy character designs to hilariously broken gameplay mechanics, contributing to a memorable experience.

    • “I like how the world is populated with goofy, funny characters that Squall just has to react to.”
    • “It’s fun to see the characters get saved by a contrived object that came out of nowhere, it’s fun to laugh at how cartoonishly bad the villain is, and it’s hilarious as well as existentially mortifying to analyze just how comically absurd the mid-game plot twist is.”
    • “But that funnily adds to the fun... seeing just how many different ways you can break the game and how you can turn a near impossible boss fight into a one hit kill every time is hilarious!”
    • “The writing is childish in a way that it's boring and painfully unfunny, especially compared to VII's, which could be goofy and really weird but was always charming and compelling in the end.”
    • “The humor falls flat and feels forced, lacking the cleverness and wit that would make it enjoyable.”
    • “I found the jokes to be repetitive and uninspired, making it hard to stay engaged with the story.”
  • atmosphere26 mentions

    The atmosphere of Final Fantasy VIII is widely praised for its unique blend of emotional depth, stunning art style, and a soundtrack that enhances the game's mood, transitioning seamlessly between calm and tension. However, some players feel that the use of MIDI soundtracks detracts significantly from the overall experience, diminishing the game's rich atmosphere. Despite these criticisms, many reviewers still regard the game's atmosphere as a standout feature, contributing to its timeless appeal.

    • “FFVIII has a really strong atmosphere, which is quite unique from previous games in the series.”
    • “The soundtrack is amazing, the story is awesome, and the overall atmosphere of the game is great.”
    • “The music was given great attention as it gives off the atmosphere of the game's mood, from one moment of calm and serenity to another of tension and haste, from a comedic setting to a sorrowful gloom of emotion.”
    • “This game is like an atomic fart that has remained within the atmosphere and people have gotten so accustomed to the toxic smell that they start to think it's good.”
    • “They were just lazy with this and it really takes a toll on the game's atmosphere if you don't use a mod for it.”
    • “This game changed out the original soundtrack for a midi version that makes the game lose its atmosphere to a large degree.”
  • optimization23 mentions

    Overall, the game's optimization has received significant criticism, with many users reporting frequent crashes, stuttering, and poor frame rates, particularly on the PC version. While some players noted that the game runs smoothly on certain systems and looks better than the original, the lack of proper controller support and performance issues detract from the experience. Recommendations lean towards playing on consoles for a more stable performance.

    • “Personally, I'd recommend PlayStation, as the performance was flawless.”
    • “The game runs smoothly on just about any PC and looks amazing.”
    • “Does not make my laptop hot, and it runs smoothly!”
    • “I have had several issues with crashing and other performance problems.”
    • “One of the worst optimized games I have played.”
    • “However, my experience I've had thus far (I don't think I've even reached disc 2 yet) is that this PC version's performance is really bad.”
  • monetization6 mentions

    The monetization aspect of the game has been criticized as a cash grab, with users lamenting the introduction of microtransactions in what they perceive as a lazy port of a classic title. Reviewers express nostalgia for the past when games were sold as complete products without additional ads or payments, highlighting dissatisfaction with the current trend of monetization practices.

    • “A blast from the past, complete with microtransactions!”
    • “Lame ass half done cash grab.”
    • “I miss this kind of games; in those days you went to the store, bought your game, and it had everything without further ads or extra micro-payments. You just played as much as you liked, explored, and had fun.”
    • “After all, it's a lazy port and a quick cash grab by Square.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

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Play time

43hMedian play time
49hAverage play time
10-80hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 16 analyzed playthroughs

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