FINAL FANTASY VIII

85%
Game Brain Score Based on 5,362 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.

  • PC
  • Phone
  • Windows
  • Tablet
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

85%
Audience ScoreBased on 5,362 reviews
story800 positive mentions
grinding292 negative mentions
  • The game features a unique junction system that allows for deep character customization and strategy.
  • Final Fantasy VIII has a compelling story with relatable characters and emotional moments.
  • The soundtrack is considered one of the best in the series, enhancing the overall experience.
  • The PC port suffers from poor controller support and requires a Square Enix account to play.
  • The draw system can be tedious, requiring players to grind for spells and manage magic stocks.
  • The story can feel convoluted and lacks character development for many supporting characters.
  • story2,083 mentions

    The story of Final Fantasy VIII is a polarizing aspect among players, with many praising its emotional depth and character development, particularly the romance between Squall and Rinoa. However, it is also criticized for being convoluted and filled with plot holes, especially in the latter parts of the game, leading to mixed feelings about its coherence and pacing. Overall, while some players find the narrative engaging and memorable, others view it as a chaotic and poorly executed tale that detracts from the gameplay experience.

    • “The story is engaging, if somewhat generic, but they genuinely tried to mix it up.”
    • “The story is captivating and the difficulty is at least a notch up from final fantasy 7, which in my opinion was way too easy.”
    • “The story is very well crafted, but the plot holes that are complained about are legitimate complaints.”
    • “The story can be very convoluted, and if you miss talking to a certain person, you can miss out on the information you need to tie it all together.”
    • “The story is so bad and poorly written that it alone makes the game unplayable, unenjoyable, and pure hot garbage.”
    • “The plot is a mess; one minute we're in school, the next we're in space.”
  • music1,484 mentions

    The music in the PC port of Final Fantasy VIII has received significant criticism for its low-quality MIDI soundtrack, which many players feel detracts from the overall experience and nostalgia associated with the original PlayStation version. While some players appreciate the compositions by Nobuo Uematsu, they express disappointment that the remastered version does not include the original orchestral tracks, leading to a recommendation for mods like "Roses and Wine" to restore the classic soundtrack. Overall, while the music remains a highlight for many, the quality issues have left a sour note for a substantial portion of the player base.

    • “The soundtrack, composed by Nobuo Uematsu, complements the story with memorable tracks like 'Eyes on Me,' which became a classic in its own right.”
    • “The music is amazing, and even without voiceovers, the story is a good read.”
    • “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 is an abomination.”
    • “This port destroys nearly all of the original music and replaces it with terrible low quality audio.”
    • “The music is completely messed up and is a messy shell of its PS1 counterpart.”
  • graphics766 mentions

    The graphics of Final Fantasy VIII, while groundbreaking at the time of its release in 1999, have aged significantly and are often described as dated by modern standards. Many players appreciate the nostalgic charm of the original visuals, particularly the pre-rendered backgrounds and cinematic cutscenes, but note that the remastered version offers only minor improvements, with character models receiving some upgrades while backgrounds remain largely unchanged. For those willing to use mods, there are options available that can enhance the graphics and overall experience, but the game's original aesthetic still holds a special place for many fans.

    • “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 are great for the time that it was made, and the cutscenes still look nice today.”
    • “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 understandably poor given it's a 20-year-old game.”
  • gameplay688 mentions

    The gameplay of Final Fantasy VIII is characterized by its unique junction system, which allows players to equip magic to enhance character stats, offering deep customization but also introducing complexity that can be off-putting for newcomers. While some players appreciate the innovative mechanics and the freedom they provide, others criticize the tediousness of the draw system and the scaling of enemies, which can lead to frustrating experiences. Overall, the gameplay is a divisive aspect, with many praising its depth and originality, while others find it cumbersome and less enjoyable compared to other entries in the series.

    • “The gameplay mechanics, especially the junction system, offer deep customization options, allowing players to fine-tune characters' abilities by attaching magic to stats.”
    • “While its unconventional gameplay and intricate story might not be for everyone, it offers a unique and memorable journey for those willing to embrace its quirks and depth.”
    • “The gameplay is engaging and allows for a lot of experimentation, making it a rewarding experience for players who enjoy complex mechanics.”
    • “Not recommended because system updates are needed (saving takes more than a second and you can't even differentiate sound effect vs music volume bars), enemies level scaling up with your level has always been and will always be a stupid mechanic, and the GF system is an overcomplicated mess.”
    • “The mechanics are overly complicated, the gameplay is wonky and brutally punishing, and the story is so asinine it hurts.”
    • “The gameplay is both somewhat obtuse (for those trying to play it unspoiled), and completely breakable (for those who know what they're doing).”
  • grinding296 mentions

    The grinding aspect in Final Fantasy VIII is widely criticized for its tediousness, primarily due to the draw system that requires players to repeatedly extract magic from enemies to enhance their characters. While some players appreciate the depth of the junction system and find grinding for spells rewarding, many others feel it detracts from the overall experience, making battles feel unnecessarily prolonged and frustrating. The game's level-scaling mechanic further complicates grinding, as enemies level up alongside the player, often rendering traditional grinding efforts ineffective.

    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “No grinding needed; enemies level with you.”
    • “The sheer amount of grinding is insane.”
    • “The draw system necessitates tons of grinding, although this can be offset to some extent by the refinement system.”
    • “The junction system encourages you to spend lots of time farming spells from monsters and then punishes you for casting those spells.”
  • emotional76 mentions

    The emotional aspect of Final Fantasy VIII is widely praised for its deeply touching narrative and character development, particularly the evolving relationship between Squall and Rinoa, which serves as the game's emotional core. Players report experiencing a range of emotions, from joy to heartbreak, with many citing the game's music and poignant moments as key factors in their emotional engagement. Despite some criticisms regarding pacing and certain character arcs, the overall sentiment is that the game offers a compelling and memorable emotional journey that resonates with players long after they finish it.

    • “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.”
    • “The love story between Squall and Rinoa was nothing short of heartwarming, as was the camaraderie between all of the party members.”
    • “Genuinely awful, boring story that goes nowhere with subplots that result in nothing changing in the already lackluster story, mystery plot elements that are just dropped and have no reason to be in the story after the first draft.”
    • “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 development65 mentions

    Character development in Final Fantasy VIII receives mixed reviews, with some praising the depth of Squall and Rinoa's relationship while others criticize the lack of growth for the supporting cast. While the game features stunning visuals and engaging gameplay, many players feel that character arcs are often shallow or poorly executed, leading to a disjointed narrative experience. Overall, the game is noted for its strong emotional connections with certain characters, but it falls short in providing comprehensive development for the entire cast.

    • “The narrative tackles themes of love, friendship, and self-discovery, weaving together a web of compelling relationships and intense character development.”
    • “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.”
    • “The plot doesn't make sense, there's no character development, the dialogue makes me cringe sometimes, and the mechanics feel like it's actively trying to make my game as inefficient as humanly possible.”
    • “Of the 6 playable characters, 4 are basically non-existent, and character development for Squall and Rinoa is really thin.”
    • “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 and their past is some terrible plot point that I'm sure even people blinded with nostalgia can admit that it's just really cheap.”
  • humor46 mentions

    The humor in the game is a mixed bag, with some players finding it genuinely funny through quirky character interactions and absurd plot twists, while others criticize it as childish or unintentional. Many appreciate the blend of humor and seriousness, noting that the characters often provide comedic relief amidst emotional moments. Overall, the game's humor is seen as a highlight for its ability to evoke laughter, even if not all jokes land successfully.

    • “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!”
    • “Absolutely the worst music of any Final Fantasy game I've played, atrocious FMV cutscenes, constant interruptions with awful dialogue and unfunny jokes.”
    • “The writing is childish in a way that it's boring and painfully unfunny, compared to VII's where it could be goofy and really weird but never not charming and compelling at the end of the day.”
  • stability45 mentions

    The stability of the remastered game has received mixed reviews, with some players reporting a smooth experience free of major glitches, while others have encountered frequent crashes, unresponsive controls, and various graphical issues. Many users noted that the PC port is particularly buggy, leading to frustrations such as freezing during gameplay and problems with controller input. Overall, while some players enjoyed a stable experience, a significant number found the game to be a "buggy mess," detracting from their enjoyment.

    • “It runs great!”
    • “The PC port runs great and has a few extra features like the magic booster for those who aren't worried about the challenge.”
    • “Load times are much faster compared to the PlayStation version, and the sounds are intact with no glitches for me.”
    • “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.”
    • “A horrible, buggy mess of a port.”
  • replayability43 mentions

    Overall, the game is praised for its high replayability, with many players highlighting the variety of choices, side quests, and character interactions that encourage multiple playthroughs. The inclusion of different gameplay mechanics, such as the card mini-game, further enhances its replay value, making it a favorite among fans of the genre. While some reviewers noted limitations in character development and plot clarity, the overall consensus is that the game offers substantial replay opportunities, appealing to both new and returning players.

    • “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.”
    • “The replayability is high because the card mini game it comes with is so good even by itself without the rest of the game.”
    • “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.”
  • atmosphere31 mentions

    The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its unique blend of emotional depth, engaging environments, and a fitting soundtrack that enhances the overall experience. While some players appreciate the rich world design and character development, others criticize the impact of the MIDI soundtrack on the game's ambiance, suggesting that it detracts from the original atmosphere. Overall, the game is noted for its strong narrative and emotional resonance, making it a standout in the series despite some technical shortcomings.

    • “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 really suits the atmosphere you're in, and is simply beautiful!”
    • “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.”
  • optimization24 mentions

    Overall, the game's optimization has received significant criticism, with many players reporting frequent crashes, stuttering, and poor frame rates, particularly during key moments like summoning. While some users noted that the game runs smoothly on certain PCs and looks better than the original PlayStation version, the general consensus is that the PC port suffers from serious performance issues and lacks proper controller support. Recommendations lean towards playing on the original console for a more stable experience.

    • “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.”
  • monetization7 mentions

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

    • “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.”
    • “Wow... once again another quick cash grab.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

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Play time

63hMedian play time
459hAverage play time
11-100hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 22 analyzed playthroughs

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