by Jay "THE FLEA" Wade
The Final Fantasy saga continues with all new characters in Final Fantasy VIII!
Just like the past Final Fantasy games, FF8 does not continue where FF7 left off.
It's actually vary little like FF7.
The new hero is Squall a serious SeeD Soldier who uses a GunSword for a weapon.
In his many quests he'll find many characters who will help him in his missions. Each character has their own unique style and weapons.
Also you play a side quest from time to time of new characters that appear in Squall's (and others) dreams.
One of the big changes in the new Junction System where you have to customize your character with Magic, Guardian Forces or GF's (Summons) and Abilities.
You also have no MP, instead you draw magic from enemies or from discovering draw points.
The way you earn money is also changed. Instead of killing monsters for money, you get a salary from SeeD. It will raise as your rank rises.
And instead of buying upgraded weapons you have to find the parts to make them before you can buy them. (this can get a little frustrating but you'll find all the items needed in time) The GF's also have to gain experience point for it and you to earn new abilities.
The GF's are great to watch but can get a little repetitive.
One of the best new features in this game is the Card game. In your quest you can turn monsters into cards then play them in a card game. If you ever played Magic it's similar to it. There's some cards that are a real challenge to find.
The graphics in this game are by far the best ever seen in a Playstation game.
Beautiful FMV that's blends into the actual game with little or no loading time in between.
The characters and backgrounds are all well designed and look like something out of every era.
Final Fantasy VIII is more of a Sci-fi RPG then a classic fantasy RPG.
But that's what make's it great, It's like nothing else out there. Is it overall better then FF7?
In some area's yes in others no. I love both Final fantasies and it's really hard to compare the two.
This game is definitely one to buy.
PUBLISHER: SQUARESOFT
GRAPHICS: 10
SOUND & MUSIC: 10
CONTROL: 9.5
SECRETS: 10
ORIGINALITY: 10
FUN & REPLAY: 10
OVERALL: 10