Final Fantasy VIII

 PlayStation
User Score
8.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 1236 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,043 out of 1236
  2. Mixed: 119 out of 1236
  3. Negative: 74 out of 1236
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  1. hongosan
    Sep 11, 2014
    0
    how is this rated so highly it befuddles me its the worst Console or handheld FF game by Far lets get one thing right i like powering up in RPGs like most players do and this robs me of that [ it punishes you for leveling up] that that bad RPG /

    i Have play game with odd Leveling systems but this as one of the worst and the magic system is the worst in    how is this rated so highly it befuddles me its the worst Console or handheld FF game by Far lets get one thing right i like powering up in RPGs like most players do and this robs me of that [ it punishes you for leveling up] that that bad RPG /

    i Have play game with odd Leveling systems but this as one of the worst and the magic system is the worst in any rps i have ever played since you cannot use you powerful magic i do not like party based RPG that disallow mages in you Party im sorry that is a bad mark on the game

    this has the worst Side quest in FF history Triple Triad Just Hateful    … Expand
  2. elitefour
    Jan 9, 2014
    6
    Im sorry
    i really tried to like this game
    but i cant. its too bored,too repetitive the gameplay is slower than final fantasy vii the graphics and the soundtrack are amazing!!!! but the plot is too simple to me,i mean students who tried to save world of a future witch? the dialogs are bored and corny like Titanic or Twilight the characters are not deep and impressive than Final    Im sorry
    i really tried to like this game
    but i cant. its too bored,too repetitive
    the gameplay is slower than final fantasy vii
    the graphics and the soundtrack are amazing!!!!
    but the plot is too simple to me,i mean
    students who tried to save world of a future witch?
    the dialogs are bored and corny like Titanic or Twilight
    the characters are not deep
    and impressive than Final Fantasy VII (I hate Zell and Quistis)
    they are too simple and cliche
    but i have to admit that its a masterpiece and i undesrstand why people like it
    so,
    Go ahead And Enjoy this jewel man!!    … Expand
  3. sufflaminandus
    Jun 16, 2019
    1
    Square Enix recently announced Final Fantasy 8 Remastered. Good news, now new generations will have an opportunity to acquaint themselves with the most boring video game ever created on planet Earth.

    Aside from being a JRPG which is automatically puts score into 1-3 range, FF8 introduced a brand new Junction System, a revolutionary mechanic, that completely removed equipment system    Square Enix recently announced Final Fantasy 8 Remastered. Good news, now new generations will have an opportunity to acquaint themselves with the most boring video game ever created on planet Earth.

    Aside from being a JRPG which is automatically puts score into 1-3 range, FF8 introduced a brand new Junction System, a revolutionary mechanic, that completely removed equipment system (goodbye exploration), made the game ridiculously imbalanced (easy), and introduced idiotic spell grinding. I could forgive failed attempt to bring something new to the table but the story (which is usually a strong suit of FFs) just make me say no. The most insipid, unnatural, unbelievable, unrelatable romance I have ever seen spiced with regular Japanese theme of friendship realized in the most generic way possible narrated through tremendous amount of ‘cutscenes’ you cannot skip. Indeed, if you suffer from insomnia FF8 is the game just for you: the amount of content that can easily put a player into deep slumber is tremendous.    … Expand
  4. FogCityRoller
    Mar 14, 2015
    3
    This is truly the most overrated Final Fantasy game in existence. The characters and story are all fairly uninteresting and you spend most of the game wishing one of the other characters was the protagonist. The controls are fussy and the world feels more futuristic than fantastical. While it will always have that segment of the FF population that thinks it is the best thing since slicedThis is truly the most overrated Final Fantasy game in existence. The characters and story are all fairly uninteresting and you spend most of the game wishing one of the other characters was the protagonist. The controls are fussy and the world feels more futuristic than fantastical. While it will always have that segment of the FF population that thinks it is the best thing since sliced bread, I'd rather play Final Fantasy I (which was mediocre even for its time).… Expand
  5. DragonKnightofFinalFantasy
    Feb 15, 2004
    6
    A mockery of Final Fantasy but not bad the battle system is pretty crummy though and none of the girls are hot I mean look at Questis she is 18 but looks like she's 30!But the story is good and it is Final Fantasy so you still feel like you're having a pretty good time. Go buy FF7 instead.
  6. Anebriate
    Jan 15, 2014
    5
    It does not compare well at all to the Squaresoft masterpieces of its era, but in the end, it's still a decent game.

    If you absolutely must complete every game in the series, you'll find that there are far worse hurdles to overcome than Final Fantasy VIII (like XIII, for instance), but don't expect its quality of design and storytelling to live up to some of the others. The plot is    It does not compare well at all to the Squaresoft masterpieces of its era, but in the end, it's still a decent game.

    If you absolutely must complete every game in the series, you'll find that there are far worse hurdles to overcome than Final Fantasy VIII (like XIII, for instance), but don't expect its quality of design and storytelling to live up to some of the others.

    The plot is convoluted and a bit too convenient at times, and nearly all of the characters are tiresome cliches. The game really throws you for a loop when you suddenly take control of a completely different cast with no context whatsoever, but I came to care about Laguna's plight far more than I ever did about Squall's, which I think says a lot.    … Expand
  7. Derringer
    Dec 23, 2015
    0
    Please. Please somebody explain to me why is this game considered as a "legendary game" if it is so boring and linear. Nowadays there are even better gameboy rpgs than this one! You dont have so much choice in what to do and when to do it or where to go. You always use the same weapons and the same attacks. I just finish the disc one by the way. So painful, boring and unnecesarily long.
  8. ThatRetroGamer
    Mar 16, 2014
    0
    This game is just awful. Final Fantasy 7 may be a pretty bad game, but it's Ocarina of time compared to this one.Sucks that I hate this one more than FF13. Where 7 had potential and blew it, this one had no potential at all and is just a piece of crap.
  9. vgmkyle
    Jun 7, 2017
    10
    Final Fantasy VIII is a masterpiece, and this game should be remade because it's highly misunderstood, but misleading as well. I dare you to try beating the game like any other rpg; it will be challenging because this very advanced AI levels up with you, and with better stats, or how about this insane rule spreading of triple triad? The game also is never overly cheery like the lame JRPGFinal Fantasy VIII is a masterpiece, and this game should be remade because it's highly misunderstood, but misleading as well. I dare you to try beating the game like any other rpg; it will be challenging because this very advanced AI levels up with you, and with better stats, or how about this insane rule spreading of triple triad? The game also is never overly cheery like the lame JRPG crap you see now, FFVIII has a tone of its own and it clearly aims to be different from the rest and succeeds to this day.

    Better than FFVII? It's a weird argument because how you can question the incredible quality of FFVI-X? We were spoiled back then. If VIII returned I would be happy because gamers would get to see what it was about, and how bloody well this game has held up over the years.    … Expand
  10. AlessioP.
    Oct 6, 2009
    2
    This game sucks. No, this is not trolling-this game REALLY sucks. The combat system is annoying and unnecessary complex and the story is full, i really mean it, full of plot holes. Basically, and dont worry you are not losing anything learning it now, its the tipical evil dude which, for no reason but being evil (truly-no motivation) want to fuck up everything. The heroes final plan? Let This game sucks. No, this is not trolling-this game REALLY sucks. The combat system is annoying and unnecessary complex and the story is full, i really mean it, full of plot holes. Basically, and dont worry you are not losing anything learning it now, its the tipical evil dude which, for no reason but being evil (truly-no motivation) want to fuck up everything. The heroes final plan? Let her do it and destroy everything. Oh, man.... Bu, the most valuable part of this game (beside the graphics-top notch for a ps1) is being the inspiration for the spoony' reviews of it. Go watch a couple of it-1000x times better than this crappy game… Expand
  11. moricetimeofwar
    Jul 19, 2014
    4
    this game is a deception of the great name of Final Fantasy. First, the game is the most boring of all final fantasy, boring character, boring story who takes you forever to start. During the fighting, all you do is draw, draw draw draw draw to retrieve the magic enemies so there no more magic bar. improving the character system is one of the worst I've ever seen. I do not recommend thisthis game is a deception of the great name of Final Fantasy. First, the game is the most boring of all final fantasy, boring character, boring story who takes you forever to start. During the fighting, all you do is draw, draw draw draw draw to retrieve the magic enemies so there no more magic bar. improving the character system is one of the worst I've ever seen. I do not recommend this game to anyone, take FFVII instead which is much more fun with its system of materia. In short, Final Fantasy VII >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Final Fantasy VIII and you can even add an exponential.… Expand
  12. StephanieR.
    Apr 22, 2008
    0
    One word.. Boring!! Stopped at Disc 2.
  13. RicochetPhoenix
    Apr 28, 2013
    8
    There is not much I can say about this review that The Spoony Experiment didn't cover, and there are big problems here...but the pros outweigh the cons and I really enjoy this Final Fantasy. It's not on par with classics like 4-6, 7, or 9...but it's a good game.
  14. drlowdon
    Jan 6, 2020
    9
    The eighth main instalment in the long running RPG series, Final Fantasy VIII follows a group of young mercenaries, led by Squall Leonhart, as they are drawn into a conflict sparked by Ultimecia, a sorceress from the future who wishes to compress time.

    Often compared unfavourably to Final Fantasy VII, which many would still consider the best in the series, this is a fantastic game in    The eighth main instalment in the long running RPG series, Final Fantasy VIII follows a group of young mercenaries, led by Squall Leonhart, as they are drawn into a conflict sparked by Ultimecia, a sorceress from the future who wishes to compress time.

    Often compared unfavourably to Final Fantasy VII, which many would still consider the best in the series, this is a fantastic game in its own right. Anyone that isn’t a fan of these old school JRPGs will still be put off by the usual random encounters but with it’s deep combat, epic story, endless secrets to discover and (what were at the time) fantastic graphics this remains one of the best in the genre to this day.    … Expand
  15. SnowDay
    Jan 9, 2015
    9
    Easily one of the most perfect RPGs I have ever played. An enthralling story and epic characters like Squall Leonhart and Edea Kramer make the game more than memorable on the obsession scale.
  16. AlienSpaceBats
    Mar 11, 2013
    7
    I loved the story and (most of) the characters, but at times, I hated this game. Final Fantasy VIII has a nice (albeit nonsensical) story, with a cast of characters led by one who mopes so hard he gives Shinji Ikari a run for his money. Boasts impressive use of the technology at the time with beautiful music (as ever), but game mechanics are unfortunately broken (eg. not obtained A or B?I loved the story and (most of) the characters, but at times, I hated this game. Final Fantasy VIII has a nice (albeit nonsensical) story, with a cast of characters led by one who mopes so hard he gives Shinji Ikari a run for his money. Boasts impressive use of the technology at the time with beautiful music (as ever), but game mechanics are unfortunately broken (eg. not obtained A or B? Can not pass C), suffers from "how the hell was I supposed to know that?" syndrome and the junction and GF systems are poorly explained and unnecessarily confusing to begin with.… Expand
  17. Carlitoxic
    Mar 20, 2012
    8
    A surprising RPG with impresive and beautiful images, precious musical and interesting history. The best intro of all Final Fantasy. But... the combat system is bad and bored and the history has holes. Ok, FFVII is perfect, FFVIII not, the Squall´s game has several faults, but it can be called Final Fantasy.
  18. SwitSwat
    Nov 9, 2014
    9
    The three PS1 FF games are all amazing. I would consider this one the worst out of those 3, though... And no, it's not because of the Junction System. Overall, the story was pretty weird and the battles didn't feel as fun as it did in the previous game, FF VII... And a lot of the characters are ----- towards each other. Nevertheless, it's a great game and any FF fan or anyone who wants toThe three PS1 FF games are all amazing. I would consider this one the worst out of those 3, though... And no, it's not because of the Junction System. Overall, the story was pretty weird and the battles didn't feel as fun as it did in the previous game, FF VII... And a lot of the characters are ----- towards each other. Nevertheless, it's a great game and any FF fan or anyone who wants to try FF should definitely pick this one up sometime.… Expand
  19. chronoT
    Sep 2, 2012
    8
    Not my favorite FF but not the worst either. This game is worth a play through if you are a fan of the series. Just be prepared to repeatedly sit through at least a 10 second cut scene every time you use a guardian force, which is definitely the most annoying aspect of the game and frankly the most annoying aspect of any good game that I know of. This is a large and somewhat challengingNot my favorite FF but not the worst either. This game is worth a play through if you are a fan of the series. Just be prepared to repeatedly sit through at least a 10 second cut scene every time you use a guardian force, which is definitely the most annoying aspect of the game and frankly the most annoying aspect of any good game that I know of. This is a large and somewhat challenging game, and the gardens are a cool concept just not my cup of tea for a FF game. Although annoying, for its time the cut scenes for the GFs look pretty cool but the character models aren't the prettiest to look at. I will admit though I think the Ragnarook is my favorite airship out of any FF games.… Expand
  20. Vandral007
    Nov 28, 2012
    8
    Still bored, so here's a review on a game that's 13 years old. If you've read my review on FFVII, you'll know I made a Final Fantasy pilgramage and played all the games from the main series, so my impressions of the game are fresh in mind. First, when I first played FFVIII I couldn't finish it. I couldn't put my finger on it at the time, but the game just didn't draw me in. I didStill bored, so here's a review on a game that's 13 years old. If you've read my review on FFVII, you'll know I made a Final Fantasy pilgramage and played all the games from the main series, so my impressions of the game are fresh in mind. First, when I first played FFVIII I couldn't finish it. I couldn't put my finger on it at the time, but the game just didn't draw me in. I did eventually beat it in my teenage years, but even then I didn't feel the same emotions from this game as I did with VII and IX. The story is very well crafted, but the plot holes that are complained about are legitimate complaints. I can totally understand the criticism of the characters too, but I'm a little more forgiving as it was Square's first attempt at attempting to flesh out "real" people. The magic system is quite a nice feature as far as junctioning goes, but the drawing system is a real pain (and yes, I know you can refine cards and items into magic, but that is just substituting one busy task for another). Combat is standard fare. If you haven't played the PS1 Final Fantasy's and are interested I would recommend VII or IX over this one any day of the week. Despite that, this is a piece of Final Fantasy history, and should be judged on it's own merits. It's not a bad game, it's quite good in fact. It's just the first in what I would lable the "sub-par" Final Fantasy's.… Expand
  21. OwtDaft
    May 10, 2018
    10
    + This is the best game ever made...
    + The story is very epic and has some really exciting moments in the story.
    + The characters have a lot of depth and develop a lot as the game progresses. + Squall starts off been very distant and quiet, you hear his thoughts and concerns and he grows. + Squall is often referred to as 'emo' but Squall isn't loud and whiny at all and is quite the    + This is the best game ever made...
    + The story is very epic and has some really exciting moments in the story.
    + The characters have a lot of depth and develop a lot as the game progresses.
    + Squall starts off been very distant and quiet, you hear his thoughts and concerns and he grows.
    + Squall is often referred to as 'emo' but Squall isn't loud and whiny at all and is quite the opposite.
    + FFVIII is one of the harder Final Fantasy games while at the same time isn't grind heavy.
    + The junction system is very complex and customizable and adds a lot of depth.
    - Magic is consumable. Though it's a necessary function of the junction system, it's not ideal.
    - You have to be aware of how to get the summons before hand as you can miss them.    … Expand
  22. DarkFlamesZM
    Feb 14, 2013
    9
    The story is pretty straight-forward. Unlike other FF games, there is no real good and/or evil. There are just two sides. It had many plotholes, sure, but it was entertaining... until disc 4... then the story really began to hurt my head. Anyway, get an emulator or a PS and give this game a shot, it's worth your time!
  23. Terikan
    Nov 20, 2014
    10
    If Final Fantasy 7 was one for the kids, FF8 was by contrast a story for the adults. The use of different time periods all converging together was something that cinema is still trying to replicate today, 15 years later. Just look at Interstellar. The concepts, themes, dialogue, and character design are all much superior in FF8 than in any other game in the series from 1 all the wayIf Final Fantasy 7 was one for the kids, FF8 was by contrast a story for the adults. The use of different time periods all converging together was something that cinema is still trying to replicate today, 15 years later. Just look at Interstellar. The concepts, themes, dialogue, and character design are all much superior in FF8 than in any other game in the series from 1 all the way until 12 where it was slightly outdone in certain areas.

    Perhaps inferior in certain munchkin gameplay areas, and an absence of overpowering combos, it was really only 7 and 12, and perhaps 9 that allowed sheer craziness in terms of power. I will however still concede that there are moments in several other franchise entries that are simply more fun to play through than in 8.

    The graphics at the time were light years ahead of where 7 was, and it featured a much more immersive world experience. Now the first playstation's 3D graphics look rather bad without extreme AA and other post-effects, but at the time it was amazing. And it's cutscenes were better than any other media form at the time could replicate. I could watch the intro over and over again and not get tired.

    The music of Final Fantasy 8 is the best in the series. There's no room for argument here, it simply is. Admittedly it falls short in energized boss music, but the rest of it is top notch.

    At the time of it's release, the genre was defined by 7. It's demographic was "all those who loved 7". So when that audience was exposed to something so different as 8 was, it was jarring and somewhat wasted on those gamers. It wasn't 7, so it wasn't as good. Most of those gamers never played 6, and most of them would never see any FF as good as 7. And at the time, the trend was the Japanese personalities, cliches, art style, dialogue, convoluted plot, etc. It's understandable that people would like 8 less. It simply wasn't trendy enough. But looking back as older adults, it's clear that it is a better game in many ways. It's graphics, story, characters, all hold up better with it's age than many other games in the series.

    Let's just talk story for a moment. Japanese games are notorious for making no sense and then having you fight in outer space at the end against a monster that has several phases, each crazier than the last. If you love that sort of stuff, great. But for the rest of us, a story that made sense, yet was still deep and full of intrigue, is and was a breath of fresh air. Outside of time-compression hanky panky near the end (which is still mild compared to weirdness in FF10 and FF7), it all makes sense without just being plain weird. Let's face it, even after crisis core, (which parts of it contradict things in ff7), 7's story in regards to cloud still don't really add up. And in 10, he's just a dream? What?

    Right now, there's forum posts full of people arguing back and forth about what actually happened in various FF games. Not so much with 8, and that is an accomplishment in the series.    … Expand
  24. Runa
    Apr 25, 2013
    10
    If the name of this game not be FF8. He can have better critics. Is a nice game and i really like it. The music, character, history... Is the best FF for me with the IX.
  25. Infielozo
    Oct 29, 2013
    8
    Aside from the obvious attempts at character duplication, this game was entertaining enough to keep you going, the story is not the best out there, but it does the Final Fantasy legacy justice. The mini game involving cards is very addictive, unfortunately it eventually becomes tedious with rule changes in different regions until you no longer care for it. The game felt messy at times,Aside from the obvious attempts at character duplication, this game was entertaining enough to keep you going, the story is not the best out there, but it does the Final Fantasy legacy justice. The mini game involving cards is very addictive, unfortunately it eventually becomes tedious with rule changes in different regions until you no longer care for it. The game felt messy at times, direction-wise and the battle system is a little annoying in certain areas, but overall it does great, so this is one to definitely try out.… Expand
  26. Kiatoto
    Dec 27, 2013
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Oh boy, This game... I remember back when I was young.
    When I was 3 my first game was FFVII and FFVIII, what Can I say about this childhood experience? Great! I love this game and everything about it. But, as a great game it does have some flaws.
    1. The Junction is very confusing, but at the mean time you'll get used to it.
    2) the Magic, since I played VII alot, this magic system and the draw system, is too easy, but hey that's my opinion.
    3)You need at least 1,000 exp to go to the next level, it's easy, but it's a pain if you need to level up the weak ones.
    4)once it's done it's done.

    But other than that, This is Impressive, and a Amazing RPG game, the story line is beautiful, and added some romance into it. The game is long as hell and you'll be playing it for at least 100-200 hours to beat it. And the Graphics are amazing for a PS1.Defentely an Amazing game, but VII is 35% better than VIII.    … Expand
  27. banda89
    Dec 31, 2014
    8
    The first FF that I played was this one, and to this day it's the most frustrating one, tedious as all hell, having to draw and create your own magic, it's music is not as good as other FF games but it has it good tracks.
    Story wise it's great, mind you it has some moments when you say REALLY!!! the whole GF mind erasing thing. But the characters are likeable, even Emo Squall, but what    The first FF that I played was this one, and to this day it's the most frustrating one, tedious as all hell, having to draw and create your own magic, it's music is not as good as other FF games but it has it good tracks.
    Story wise it's great, mind you it has some moments when you say REALLY!!! the whole GF mind erasing thing. But the characters are likeable, even Emo Squall, but what makes the story good it's the character development, you see everyone devolop, specially Squallwho evolves from this emo, introverted kid to a respectable and likeable leader who just wants to be with and protect the ones he loves.

    Junction system sucks, don't try to convince me that it's actually good once you get the hang of it, it's not going to happen. And once you understand it, it's OP as f#@K, but I ask myself this question why complicate things, when a simple equip menu would be more efficient (FF IX anyone?) It's more challenging than any of the other PS final fantasies and that's good, IMO VII and IX where a little too easy.    … Expand
  28. Noin007
    Jan 4, 2015
    8
    After VII, I've spent more time playing VIII than any other Final Fantasy. But, it's not a perfect game. A few of the characters are quite obnoxious, the card game... **** the card game. And the magic system is one of the worst in a Final Fantasy title.
    If you're a JRPG lover or Final Fantasy lover this is a must have.
  29. Ryndael
    Jan 4, 2015
    8
    Overall this is my favorite FF in the series.

    Story: 9 - One of the only storylines involving time manipulation that I haven't found multiple plotholes in. Characters: 6 - Squall is my favorite character of any RPG thus far, but the other five playable characters don't have much depth at all other than Rinoa. This is a story about Squall and Rinoa mainly, so the others get pushed    Overall this is my favorite FF in the series.

    Story: 9 - One of the only storylines involving time manipulation that I haven't found multiple plotholes in.

    Characters: 6 - Squall is my favorite character of any RPG thus far, but the other five playable characters don't have much depth at all other than Rinoa. This is a story about Squall and Rinoa mainly, so the others get pushed aside.

    Music: 10 - Some of the best music I've ever heard, favorites would be Man with the Machine Gun and Force Your Way.

    Battle: 7 - The junction system is pretty deep, but it's very tedious having to draw magic from everything. I like that the monsters level up with you, since that means you never have to spend time grinding and can just run through the game if you want.

    Depth: 8 - plenty of sidequests to do, and they all provide more depth to the world in general via backstories and wrapping up some minor plotlines. Also I found the card game a really fun distraction. The card game can provide some really major power boosts too by turning cards into Magic.    … Expand
  30. bliz008
    Jan 7, 2015
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Okay. I have not played all the games in the final fantasy series, most notably not FFVII, a game which many seem to compare VIII to (obviously). But when I read some of the reviews here on metacritic I thought that I could give my opinion. The story starts of great. You have a intresting story of schools that train these young adults to become some sort of soldiers or mercenaries, and everything is very well presented with nice looking cutscenes and nice in-game environments. And the music is, as expected from a FF-game, absolutely fantastic throughout the game.
    But after a while (after disc 1) the story starts to decline. The red thread is lost somewhere and at the end of the game you barely who the final boss is or even what is going on. I wasn´t really intrested in the end.
    The characters didn´t really apeal to me. I mostly found them to be annoying, but thats maybe just me.
    And while the combat and gameplay mechanics are unique, they are quite clumsy and pretty much disencourage you from using magic since it will make your characters base stats weaker. One mayor problem in my opinion is the fact that it is so easy to abuse the limits.
    A positive thing though is the minigames and side quests you can take part in, especially the card game. You feel really encouraged to collect all the cards and win over the best card players, something which FFIX failed with for me.
    My verdic would be that it´s an okay final fantasy game with obious flaws and I wouldn´t recommend it to someone who hasn´t played any other FF-games. But if you are hungry for more JRPGs from this era you could play this and might enjoy it.    … Expand
  31. HopelessVoice
    Feb 1, 2015
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. For all the bad rep this game sometimes gets, it is still a good game. The junction system is solid, although breaks the game when the player realizes just to draw 99 stacks of every spell which results in every employed character becoming overpowered as fudge. The limit breaks in this one are still gold although the way they are obtained was a bit of step back from VII; whereas VII made you complete a huge battle arena with difficult monsters and penalties, in VIII the limit breaks are far easier to obtain. The game still has the other ingredients; open world exploration, hidden islands, epic plot, epic score etc. Some may think that 7/10 is far too low for this game, but that's only because game reviews seem only to deal in absolutes nowadays. 7/10 is a good score, a good score for a good game. And that's what VIII is: small minor steps back from VII but hardly anything that would make it a bad game. VIII is a good game.… Expand
  32. tsakiym
    May 21, 2015
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I do not have to say anything. But i need to write one hundred and fifty characters. i think my score can describe it.................................… Expand
  33. 6oni
    Oct 15, 2018
    9
    (N)
    i like the concept of GF but It is rare that you are the only one who looks for them and finds
    only squall and d witches have a good design I dont like dat enemies hav infinite magic infinite enemies takes away realism too easy u cant skip summons cutscenes wixth its make d batles anoying(even in his time) nd d summons make a ridiculous damage as in all FFs contradictions nd    (N)
    i like the concept of GF but It is rare that you are the only one who looks for them and finds
    only squall and d witches have a good design
    I dont like dat enemies hav infinite magic
    infinite enemies takes away realism
    too easy
    u cant skip summons cutscenes wixth its make d batles anoying(even in his time)
    nd d summons make a ridiculous damage as in all FFs
    contradictions nd lame quests
    (+)
    step counter
    every 100 hours change the color of time
    gunblade absurd and cool at the same time
    music ,art, color palette
    limits are more interactive    … Expand
  34. Kezian
    Jul 30, 2019
    9
    Final Fantasy VIII is a great game ! Not as much as the previous one tough.
  35. BarelyLewd
    Mar 15, 2019
    7
    Not sure this one didn't do it for me, didn't care for the game very much back in the day, I did't care for the story or characters, but everything else was real decent, I can't give this one my seal of approval but most people enjoyed the game, and that's fine, I'm glad they did because they went on to make FF9, and I luv that game so much.
  36. camilo1010
    Nov 23, 2020
    0
    People usually say your first final fantasy is your favourite, yet this was my third and gosh it is good, its my favourite by a good margin, It has an excellent story and, the junction system, although not easy when you start playing this game, turns out to be an excellent system which leads you to and endlessly customizable experience.
  37. BasilZero
    Jul 26, 2016
    9
    Game: Final Fantasy VIII
    Genre: RPG
    Publisher/Developer: Squareenix/Squaresoft System: Playstation (PSX) Total Score: 88/100 Value Score: 8.8/10 • Story: 10/10 • Characters: 10/10 • GamePlay: 7/10 • Graphics: 8/10 • Sound: 9/10 • Music: 10/10 • Length: 10/10 • Replay Value: 6/10 • Player Value: 8/10 Pros +Great story, setting and characters +Unique battle system that    Game: Final Fantasy VIII
    Genre: RPG
    Publisher/Developer: Squareenix/Squaresoft
    System: Playstation (PSX)
    Total Score: 88/100
    Value Score: 8.8/10

    • Story: 10/10
    • Characters: 10/10
    • GamePlay: 7/10
    • Graphics: 8/10
    • Sound: 9/10
    • Music: 10/10
    • Length: 10/10
    • Replay Value: 6/10
    • Player Value: 8/10

    Pros
    +Great story, setting and characters
    +Unique battle system that brings forth challenge/difficulty that still makes it fun to play without getting frustrated
    +A Card battling mini game which can be played against different characters throughout the game

    Cons
    -Junction system may make people not want to use magic spells so to a certain extent takes away one aspect that many people love about the FF series
    -Quick Time Events (QTEs) which can be annoying at a few points in the game
    -Some cutscenes are done with the in-game sprites/visual which makes it look out of place
    -Enemies scale in level depending on party lv average
    -You upgrade equipment by trading items which can at times be annoying to find and end up being fetch quests
    -You have to complete certain conditions or do a multiple answer test to increase your ranking to make money/gil instead of the traditional fight enemies and win money method    … Expand
  38. iKen
    Apr 13, 2020
    9
    Played on PlayStation.
    Gameplay: GREAT.
    Story: GREAT.
    Graphic: GREAT.
    Music/Sound: GREAT.
    Dialogue: GREAT.
  39. KingDevil999
    Feb 19, 2017
    9
    The final fantasy with the protagonist i like the most, Squall is one of the best protagonists in the final fantasy series, he is way better than Tidus, better than Zidane(still like Zidane a lot) in a way and pretty much equal to cloud, the party is also memorable whoever i think if there were more humanoid characters like VII and IX would have been better, but still an epic story withThe final fantasy with the protagonist i like the most, Squall is one of the best protagonists in the final fantasy series, he is way better than Tidus, better than Zidane(still like Zidane a lot) in a way and pretty much equal to cloud, the party is also memorable whoever i think if there were more humanoid characters like VII and IX would have been better, but still an epic story with many memorable moments, one of the gems of the PS1 era, i personally think the two characters that fell flat were Rinoa and Seifer, Rinoa could have been an better heroine and Seifer is an boring character that i don't know why he is in the story to tell the truth, if you like classic JRPGS and Sci-fi with military settings, this is your game.
    Also want to thanks square for actually removing the supposed ''love triangle'' that was originally meant to be in the game, it would only bring the story down, wouldn't help at all and likely be boring to watch    … Expand
  40. Andante
    Jul 7, 2022
    10
    One of the best games ever created by man and possibly my all time favourite game soundtrack. I consider this game a diamond, a piece of genius
  41. Ardalan1
    Jan 26, 2023
    10
    Such an amazing game. The story, characters, world, music, and gameplay. It all works perfectly and I didn't even notice that I have spent 100 hours on this game. 100% recommend it.
  42. Kai82
    Nov 8, 2020
    8
    A good RPG that I enjoyed but has also much stuff that I hate. The prequel Final Fantasy 7 was a huge commercial success and also by fan acclaim so we all were curious what to expect next. Square did not play it safe and made many innovations except from the core turn based style. It is set in a different world and follows Squall Leonhart. He is a trainee in Balamb Garden were he isA good RPG that I enjoyed but has also much stuff that I hate. The prequel Final Fantasy 7 was a huge commercial success and also by fan acclaim so we all were curious what to expect next. Square did not play it safe and made many innovations except from the core turn based style. It is set in a different world and follows Squall Leonhart. He is a trainee in Balamb Garden were he is trained to be a SEED (=Mercenary / Agent / Soldier / Hired Hand / Problem Solver chose one if you like as there is an overlap). The beginning or introduction is his graduation exam. It is also the story of his classmates as they are drawn into something that will escalate into a far greater conflict and can change the world. It has political plots, power-struggles and the characters have much to endure or solve. The story itself is engaging and has some good twists but also some really bad ones. Same goes with concepts and ideas used in this game. Some are awesome and really interesting while others fail. It uses Guardian Forces (GF) a character can equip. These grant him/her powers like summoning them (You will do this very very often) access to abilities like draw (collect magic spells from enemies), use these as magic spells and link spells to stats to improve them, gain resistance or the spell effect at attacking. On paper this sounds interesting and it is so. However this has its limit. It takes forever to get the max number of spells especially early on and if you use linked spells you decrease your stats (Can later use an ability to transform some items into spells but it does not help much). The GF work well and level up, gaining new abilities and skills for you. There are some great combinations and later you can use items to forget and add new abilities. There are of cause some hidden once and you must draw some from enemies (boss battles) that can be missed. The GF are basically your only efficient method of dealing damage until you can raise your stats. Even the previous almighty Ultima spell is not that strong here. Also while I am at it. The game levels your enemies with your progress. You can actually get weaker by leveling up. If I would play the game again I would try to stay at the lowest possible level because linking spells to your stats gives a bigger bonus than leveling up in relation. You can do this with an ability that prevents random encounters and by transforming enemies into cards (Quetzalcoatl a GF you have at the beginning can learn it at the start of the game). An alternative would be to learn GF abilities that increase your stats at level up. I did this with 4 abilities onto a single character separately (Other party members were knocked out to not waste the level up bonus for them). While the later gives you huge advantages it is still weaker than a level 15 character with strong spells linked to the stats. Then there is a card game as side activity. I really enjoyed it and the struggle to get the best cards (GF and characters). However the rules can change from region to region and some are terrible. The random hand weakens you as your cards are chosen random and the plus rule destroys your numerical advantage but can also help you to humiliate much stronger opponents. Like I said the game is great but some ideas are not done well in all areas. Also you don't earn money through defeating enemies directly. You are an employee of Balamb Garden and get a salary. You can improve it by fighting many battles, tests or finishing some quests. I is difficult to stay at low level by avoiding fights and get a huge salary (decreases with no battles / too less fighting). While I am at it I give you some more advice. You get an item at graduation and should safe before you open it! Leveling up and linking abilities are critical as described above and I advice staying at a low level. Read a FAQ for missable content as some GF are missable. Use spells for linking that you do not use. Also you can increase the summoning damage by button pressing (Many overlooked this learnable feature). Back to the game. The graphics have improved drastically from the prequel and the soundtrack is great. I like the intro but must say that the “Eyes on me“ song gets repetitive after a while. I will also warn you about the protagonist. He is somehow socially awkward and you will often be annoyed by his behavior. However I enjoy his and Rinoas story;-). Overall this is a great game that hits more than it misses. I can argue that for everything it did well it added also something bad. Not the best Final Fantasy and not the worst. Liked many ideas that were never used again in follow up games. Try it if you like but be warned.… Expand
  43. evokings
    Apr 7, 2019
    10
    this game was awesome back in the day, wish they would remake it with modern graphics and all vary entertaining I loved the story, the music, and for the day the graphics were really nice, and some of it even holds up today, mainly the cut-scenes, but I have fond memories of this game.
  44. SalemSlade
    Apr 30, 2021
    10
    A lot of people missed the point of this game which is life is morally grey. Everyone wanted a stereotypical badguy you follow throughout as the hero.. Instead the badguy shifts and changes given the situation. Even goodguys become badguys. The point is to question authority, motivations, dogma, even memory to become better instead of being a complete tool and regretting it.
  45. EpicLadySponge
    Apr 24, 2016
    9
    It's games like these you have to keep looking aware of and because this is the first game I gave a Final Fantasy game a score that's not a 10, it's going to be different but this is unique like the other installments subsequent to this game.
  46. perkjl
    Jan 4, 2016
    8
    Highly underrated in my opinion. The battle system sticks out from the other FF entries and tries to do something a little more original than the traditional FF norm. It has it's flaws, but overall good. The world feels a bit more cheerful and not so depressing compared to FFVII's Midgar. Also, the visuals are some of the best on PSX, especially the blending of FMV's during gameplay. VeryHighly underrated in my opinion. The battle system sticks out from the other FF entries and tries to do something a little more original than the traditional FF norm. It has it's flaws, but overall good. The world feels a bit more cheerful and not so depressing compared to FFVII's Midgar. Also, the visuals are some of the best on PSX, especially the blending of FMV's during gameplay. Very cool! Underrated music and game in general.… Expand
  47. Barnes1987
    Mar 19, 2017
    9
    Quality game that will keep you going for weeks. One of the best Final Fantasy games with a step up in graphics from the previous game. Well worth a play through if you have the original Playstation.
  48. Sha2n
    May 9, 2023
    10
    A unique work, one of the best to date. This game will definitely enter the top, created by a diverse, experienced, versatile and not envious gamer. A legend for a real dreamer. From Gabranth with Love.
  49. GamecubeLover
    Aug 3, 2016
    10
    I played this game and has amazing visuals and one of the best gameplay mechanics ever seen. Final Fantasy is my 5th favorite video game series and for good reasons.
  50. iandbz1
    Nov 30, 2016
    10
    MY #1 favourite game of all time! Honestly I cannot get enough of this. It was the first Final Fantasy I played so yes I am always going to be a bit nostalgic. even after this long, I completely enjoy it any time I set it up for another run through of it. For a PS! game I was stunned with the graphics. Those summons looked so good and still hold up well today. Yes I know it may be a bitMY #1 favourite game of all time! Honestly I cannot get enough of this. It was the first Final Fantasy I played so yes I am always going to be a bit nostalgic. even after this long, I completely enjoy it any time I set it up for another run through of it. For a PS! game I was stunned with the graphics. Those summons looked so good and still hold up well today. Yes I know it may be a bit harder than some games to get your head around at first, but if you do and let that happen, it is a mesmerising gaming experience. Yes 7 was more popular and it is a great game too, so are many of the others, but 8 is often overlooked. If you give this a chance it is hard not to see the appeal of this game. Think it is time I start another run through of this now!… Expand
  51. Lime_Lioness_
    Jan 15, 2017
    9
    FFVIII has a Solid story line with the most realistically written cast of characters of the series.
    The Battle and Leveling systems, The Draw and Junction systems. are easy to take advantage of and can be easy to make your party very over powered early in the game.
    The graphics and Music are phenomenal with characters designed by Tetsuya Nomura and amazing composed soundtrack by Nubuo    FFVIII has a Solid story line with the most realistically written cast of characters of the series.
    The Battle and Leveling systems, The Draw and Junction systems. are easy to take advantage of and can be easy to make your party very over powered early in the game.

    The graphics and Music are phenomenal with characters designed by Tetsuya Nomura and amazing composed soundtrack by Nubuo Uemetsu. FFVIII makes a unforgettable journey that will positively stick with you for your money's worth in a good classic.

    While for Hardcore fans the realistic art styles and feel of the game's cast may have been a turn from FFVII
    Final Fantasy VIII offers more interaction with the cast and makes sure no one is left out of the story.

    The game play may confuse some at first but as said before it becomes much easier and much more addictive.    … Expand
  52. GreenSkullRider
    Jan 29, 2017
    10
    Mientras el mundo alaba lo que fue final fantasy 7 terminan omitiendo lo que significo final fantasy 8. para mi y muchos el mejor Final Fantasy de todos los tiempos, la historia de Squall, Rinoa, Zell, Irvine, Quistis, Selfie, Laguna, Seifer, etc etc es una oda grandiosa a las grandes novelas, una historia apasionante, de amor, venganza, olvido, de todo. las cinematicas de los G.F. SonMientras el mundo alaba lo que fue final fantasy 7 terminan omitiendo lo que significo final fantasy 8. para mi y muchos el mejor Final Fantasy de todos los tiempos, la historia de Squall, Rinoa, Zell, Irvine, Quistis, Selfie, Laguna, Seifer, etc etc es una oda grandiosa a las grandes novelas, una historia apasionante, de amor, venganza, olvido, de todo. las cinematicas de los G.F. Son brutales, o acaso alguien ha olvidado a Diablo? no. un juego que necesita un remake para que las nuevas generaciones disfruten de la mejor aventura de Square.… Expand
  53. marcelus
    Mar 17, 2017
    9
    As VII even as VI. You got to respect this was generational one of the Final Fantasy games that made people get interested in the franchise back in 1999. I played this game back then in Japanese all the way through CD4 then in english and then in spanish. The game protagonist may not be the best but the ride is full of lovely NPC's, the world is very beaituful and it has one of the bestAs VII even as VI. You got to respect this was generational one of the Final Fantasy games that made people get interested in the franchise back in 1999. I played this game back then in Japanese all the way through CD4 then in english and then in spanish. The game protagonist may not be the best but the ride is full of lovely NPC's, the world is very beaituful and it has one of the best Soundtracks on the whole FF story. Told even by people who didn't like it as an RPG much.… Expand
  54. JoseAn13Torres
    Mar 22, 2017
    7
    Un juego que para la época gráficamente era un portento, extenso como todos los Final Fantasy de la época y con uno de los mejores mini juegos de la historia de los videojuegos, lástima que siempre viviese a la sombra de Final Fantasy VII.
  55. mugsy
    May 9, 2020
    9
    Better than FF7 for me. It was a huge graphical leap and characters actually looked like real people which adds to the immersion unlike the LEGO figures from FF7
  56. Orcman66
    Jul 13, 2017
    10
    As an RPG lover, Final Fantasy VIII is my highest rank to measure how good a RPG game is. it has an extremely catchy story and playability, great characters, Cool GF's (Guardian Forces), you will fall in love with Rinoa or Quistis (if you are a dude), and will enjoy every detail of this awesome game. The real pleasure of this game is to finish it with 100% of completion to really enjoyAs an RPG lover, Final Fantasy VIII is my highest rank to measure how good a RPG game is. it has an extremely catchy story and playability, great characters, Cool GF's (Guardian Forces), you will fall in love with Rinoa or Quistis (if you are a dude), and will enjoy every detail of this awesome game. The real pleasure of this game is to finish it with 100% of completion to really enjoy everything this game will have to offer. Very advanced and complex for the time this game was released, and still haven't played any game as good as this one, not even another final fantasy. A piece of art in videogames.… Expand
  57. Necroatoan
    Jul 10, 2017
    10
    Final Fantasy 8 is the best stand alone story line in the series. Many of the other games required additional sequels to fully develop their story, but Final Fantasy 8 was self contained, with minimal plot holes comparatively. The story was amazing, but the ending seemed rushed. Triple triad was the best mini game of any Final Fantasy. Additionally Squall is my favorite protagonist of theFinal Fantasy 8 is the best stand alone story line in the series. Many of the other games required additional sequels to fully develop their story, but Final Fantasy 8 was self contained, with minimal plot holes comparatively. The story was amazing, but the ending seemed rushed. Triple triad was the best mini game of any Final Fantasy. Additionally Squall is my favorite protagonist of the series. Combat was fun once you had drawn all the magic you needed, but it is a shame that you could not cast that magic. Fortunately for me, I prefer limit breaks over magic, but I can see how the combat system annoyed many. The music was of course amazing, my favorite being Laguna's Battle Theme. Overall this game like the other great Final Fantasy titles had philosophical and symbolic parallels that are profound even today.… Expand
  58. auditbadger
    Nov 23, 2020
    7
    I think that this is truly a unique game and I would recommend that if you are a fan of this type of genre then I think you should give this game a try.
  59. Nathandrake240
    Oct 4, 2020
    7
    Good ideas just poorly executed, great ost, decent cast with little development outside squall but the gameplay and story is lacking with a tedious equipment system using magic and even more time consuming is drawing from enemies. The story gets ridiculous by disk 2 and has plot holes. The main villain's backstory and motives behind her goals are also unknown.
  60. Sailnir
    May 13, 2018
    7
    This game was pretty good. It honestly wasn't really good just because the story... well it was far more strange than other final fantasy games and that is saying something. It turned really weird near the end.
  61. Naedeslus
    Feb 18, 2019
    7
    Final Fantasy VIII had a lot to live up to when it came out. It came out of VII’s path since VII is arguably the best in the series, in my opinion, how can it even stand up to it? It does that quite fine.

    The story is a bit of a mess. The first two discs are actually fantastic. Once the second disc ends, it goes from a rather realistic war story to something downright weird. This is    Final Fantasy VIII had a lot to live up to when it came out. It came out of VII’s path since VII is arguably the best in the series, in my opinion, how can it even stand up to it? It does that quite fine.

    The story is a bit of a mess. The first two discs are actually fantastic. Once the second disc ends, it goes from a rather realistic war story to something downright weird. This is Square we’re talking about so that’s to be expected but the twists in the third disc are downright bizarre. They’re legitimate twists I would’ve never seen coming. There are good twists and bad twists with this game and unfortunately, after the second Disc, they’re worse than good.

    The game's ending will leave you confused and it’s not a bad ending, not at all but since the tone of the game changed so much after Disc 2, it keeps up with the overall oddness of the plot.

    What one thing the game does well is the characters. I enjoyed them. They’re an interesting bunch and while the protagonist seems brooding just to be broody he does improve. The development is some of the best I’ve seen in the series and they all are worthwhile. I loved the cast. The villains are also very good. They’re no Kefka, Caius, Kuja, Sin or Sephiroth but they gave the player motivation.

    The music is one of the best OST’s of the series. It’s really good. The sound effects are very well done as well.

    The gameplay, that’s an interesting topic. Some loved it. Some hated it. Some like myself felt it had good and bad points. The gameplay focuses more on drawing magic from the enemies. There are of course other ways to get it, including refining items from a card mini-game but drawing is the easiest I found. This can lead you to spend 10 minutes in a battle getting your stock to 100 to increase your power level. Leveling doesn’t really matter at all and enemies level with you. I found a good technique is to instead, combine a mix of refining with drawing a few spells here and there. It can be a huge pain if you want it to but it also gives the player flexibility.

    This system has drawbacks. It’s tutorial after tutorial and coming from the excellent Esper and Materia systems before it makes it less than ideal. It’s not the worst in the series but it is executed badly and could’ve been explained more. Also, the magic cap at drawing is pretty low. If it would’ve been increased the more you leveled, it would’ve made it more accessible.

    While I liked VII and IX more it’s not a bad RPG or a Final Fantasy game. It won’t be for everyone but if you’re open to trying something new, something more modern and that takes risks with its gameplay and story, give it a shot. You’ll probably find a lot to enjoy.    … Expand
  62. Leontorres7
    Nov 13, 2018
    10
    Legendary game, play it, this game changed my life for good, all I have for this game is LOVE.
  63. greninjaX
    Nov 21, 2021
    0
    possibly one of the worst RPGs I have ever played. the game is fundamentally broken and goes against everything an RPG should be. leveling up makes it HARDER. the junction system is awful, they try way to hard to be cinematic to the point it gets in the way of gameplay. the worst example being when they actually make you wait in an office for someone to arrive and talk to you. also, thepossibly one of the worst RPGs I have ever played. the game is fundamentally broken and goes against everything an RPG should be. leveling up makes it HARDER. the junction system is awful, they try way to hard to be cinematic to the point it gets in the way of gameplay. the worst example being when they actually make you wait in an office for someone to arrive and talk to you. also, the train part.… Expand
  64. sebastianali
    Nov 12, 2019
    4
    Final Fantasy VIII es el segundo peor Final Fantasy de todos después del After Years. Se maneja en hacer algunas cosas bien como el sistema de invocaciones y el de habilidades que en lo personal, creo que de todos los juegos es el mejor. Poder entrenar a tus invocaciones y que te protejan es algo increíble, al igual que como cualquier otro juego de la saga, la historia, gráficos y sonidoFinal Fantasy VIII es el segundo peor Final Fantasy de todos después del After Years. Se maneja en hacer algunas cosas bien como el sistema de invocaciones y el de habilidades que en lo personal, creo que de todos los juegos es el mejor. Poder entrenar a tus invocaciones y que te protejan es algo increíble, al igual que como cualquier otro juego de la saga, la historia, gráficos y sonido son casi de 10. Sin embargo, los puntos negativos que hacen que este juego no se gane un sobresaliente son el imperdonable sistema de magias, incluso peor que el sistema de materia del FF7, los niveles escalados para los mounstruos, los exámenes seeds, combates lentísimos, el disco 4 en su totalidad y una batalla final que puede llegar a durar 1 hora literal.… Expand
  65. SolarConker
    Jan 21, 2019
    10
    This game is amazing and I love it to bits and is a worthy successor to FF 7
  66. lidwang
    Mar 1, 2019
    7
    This game has a great start and middle. The soundtrack, animations and expansive world that you can explore plus the triple triad card game makes this game and experience to be had, but is a shame that is has to be in company of a clunky story and weird drawing magic system.
  67. coldnorth89
    Mar 11, 2019
    10
    The first Final Fantasy i played. Together with VII and X they are the best games in the series atleast in my opinion. The Story is great. The graphics were revolutionary for the standards of 1999. The battle system is a bit complex and its probably the reason why not everyone likes this game as much as for example VII or X. But this game has so many things that compensates it. Like theThe first Final Fantasy i played. Together with VII and X they are the best games in the series atleast in my opinion. The Story is great. The graphics were revolutionary for the standards of 1999. The battle system is a bit complex and its probably the reason why not everyone likes this game as much as for example VII or X. But this game has so many things that compensates it. Like the minigame Trible Triad for example. If you are a Rpg fan this game is a must have in your collection.… Expand
  68. Dingytheman
    Dec 13, 2019
    10
    Most epic story in a videogame ever with a superb soundtrack to match. I played it some 19 yrs ago during Christmas holidays. This game pulled me into its world like no other before or after. Loved every moment.
  69. Jaggythistle
    May 23, 2019
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is one of the most underrated Final Fantasy's, My first final fanastu was VII which I loved and still replay over and over 20 years later but Final Fantasy VIII is by far my favourite mostly because of its unique Junctioning and drawing magic system, it makes you earn your strength, well as long as you don't manipulate the queen of cards to gain tons of magic early game but if you play the game like its supposed to be you'll fall in love with the game play and storyline even with Squall being a wee emo dude it's still an amaaizng story this is an absolute must try.… Expand
  70. ArcCoat
    Jun 11, 2019
    9
    My real rating is 9.5
    This is one of my top final fantasy games.
    Unlike most players, I actually enjoyed the battle system A LOT. It looks bad and confusing at first, but once you understand how it works, it can become very fun and addictive, you even start looking forward to battles. The story is excellent, I really enjoyed it. The one thing that lowered the score for me (it could    My real rating is 9.5
    This is one of my top final fantasy games.
    Unlike most players, I actually enjoyed the battle system A LOT. It looks bad and confusing at first, but once you understand how it works, it can become very fun and addictive, you even start looking forward to battles.
    The story is excellent, I really enjoyed it.
    The one thing that lowered the score for me (it could easily have been a 10) was the fact that the character development was a little bit lacking. The characters seem a little bit superficial sometimes, but nothing to cry over, really.    … Expand
  71. togobogo
    Sep 9, 2022
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Everyone dies in the end and the bad guys win its is so bad its pañnful 5/10.1… Expand
  72. nachoespoz
    Sep 2, 2019
    3
    un juego que quise que me gustara pero lo termine odiando, solo rescato la música y los momentos con laguna, NADA MAS.
    lo malo; los personajes son desagradables, sin carisma y planos solo salvo a rinoa, un romance forzado, un villano patético como seifer, un villano final olvidarle, el juego es muy fácil si usas las invocaciones y la magia es un paseo el juego....y la magia ?.... MUY MAL    un juego que quise que me gustara pero lo termine odiando, solo rescato la música y los momentos con laguna, NADA MAS.
    lo malo; los personajes son desagradables, sin carisma y planos solo salvo a rinoa, un romance forzado, un villano patético como seifer, un villano final olvidarle, el juego es muy fácil si usas las invocaciones y la magia es un paseo el juego....y la magia ?.... MUY MAL el sistema de magia de este juego es un desastre, puedes tener magia de forma muy fácil y abundante, sin mencionar que puedes acceder a las magias mas fuertes desde la mitad de la partida, las invocaciones hacen el juego muy fácil. y la historia no es para tanto pero no es mala solo decente.
    no quiero ofender a nadie y respeto a la gente que le gusta este juego pero no puedo con el, me aburrí demasiado jugando a este titulo, lo termine porque era un final fantasy y porque quería que me gustara pero no pude.    … Expand
  73. Mahmoudragheb
    Dec 14, 2022
    10
    My number 1 game The most underrated due to the complexity and beauty of it's story
    Love it in every aspect and wish to see a remake
  74. ElObjetivo89
    Aug 17, 2022
    10
    La pieza central de la excelsa etapa de la saga en la primera Playstation. Otra obra maestra que se queda para siempre en el corazón del jugador.
    A nivel jugable cuenta con detalles mejorables, como el quizá excesivo peso de los GF y el tener que ver sus animaciones completas con cada ataque. El sistema de absorción de magias a mí no me gusta demasiado, aunque eso es criterio personal.    La pieza central de la excelsa etapa de la saga en la primera Playstation. Otra obra maestra que se queda para siempre en el corazón del jugador.
    A nivel jugable cuenta con detalles mejorables, como el quizá excesivo peso de los GF y el tener que ver sus animaciones completas con cada ataque. El sistema de absorción de magias a mí no me gusta demasiado, aunque eso es criterio personal.
    Nomura diseña en este juego y demuestra su enorme talento en dicho campo.
    Uematsu es un genio en plena forma.
    Un juego para la historia.    … Expand
  75. Robert88
    Nov 19, 2021
    9
    Great characters , amazing story , a lot of exploration and customization , the game mechanics are very detailed but can be overwhelming if the tutorial is not read properly though once you get the gist of what you are doing it’s a great system that takes time and patience to understand .(the tutorials in final fantasy 8 are extremely , extremely long .. the junction system you canGreat characters , amazing story , a lot of exploration and customization , the game mechanics are very detailed but can be overwhelming if the tutorial is not read properly though once you get the gist of what you are doing it’s a great system that takes time and patience to understand .(the tutorials in final fantasy 8 are extremely , extremely long .. the junction system you can literally read books about that gameplay mechanic alone ! … it can be overwhelming and complicated but simple when you get the basic idea ..all In all final fantasy 8 is a near perfect game I would give it a 10 .. way too much going on and way too people to fit in one story..… Expand
  76. DarkFireUmad
    Mar 19, 2020
    9
    De verdad, ojalá no tuviese su sistema de combate tan limitado y su nefasto sistema de enlaces, porque si no sería uno de mis juegos favoritos. Me ha encantado la progresión que hace Squall a lo largo del juego, brutal.
  77. Gamepro3093
    Sep 27, 2022
    1
    Terrible game! How this POS failure has defenders is past me. It’s about as horrid as the 13 trilogy and 15, it’s offspring but those abortions get far more criticized. The plot is a broken, horribly convoluted mess that’s MST3K material full of ginormous holes, astronomical coincidences and laughable plot twists , the characters aren’t interesting or very deep at all, the romance isTerrible game! How this POS failure has defenders is past me. It’s about as horrid as the 13 trilogy and 15, it’s offspring but those abortions get far more criticized. The plot is a broken, horribly convoluted mess that’s MST3K material full of ginormous holes, astronomical coincidences and laughable plot twists , the characters aren’t interesting or very deep at all, the romance is artificial in its entirety and gag inducing, the soundtrack is mediocre in general with a couple tracks that are actually really good, the gameplay “innovations “ are are pointless and get in the way of getting any possible fun out of this abortion by causing unnecessary frustration and tedium, the locations aren’t that interesting or exciting looking and Squall is a whiny emo prick who isn’t particularly fun or interesting and Lightning and Noctis seem to have regretfully borrowed a bit too much from him. One of the biggest mistakes to come out of this franchise. People wonder why this franchise has been struggling more than succeeding with its fans but Final Fantasy 8 is a big part of what caused this. Almost everything to come out of it was a bad thing before it was a good thing.… Expand
  78. Sitheral
    Jun 14, 2020
    9
    Its hard to be a Final Fantasy game right after Final Fantasy 7. But 8 with all its weirdness and flawed junction system is still incredibly interesting rpg that stands on its own. Together with 9, these three are always a joy to boot, full of content and clever ideas.
  79. JimPickens
    Sep 8, 2021
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. After finishing a game I like to see the general consensus, I find it helps to put my own opinions into words, as do these reviews, and I was shocked to find Final Fantasy VIII was a highly controversial game, and while I empathize with many criticism's given, I have to disagree that FF8 is anything but a masterpiece in story telling.

    Final Fantasy VIII tells the story of one loner 17 year old Squall Leonhart, a character full of angst and anxiety, he is a student mercenary at Balamb Garden, a school that teaches children to fight apparently, look FF8 is weird and it's not really about the story, it's about the characters, so if you don't mind, that's what I'LL focus on too. Apart from Squall we have Seifer, Kingdom Hearts fans will recognize him as the loudmouth jock with his two cronies Raijin and Fuujin, and yeah that's about right, he regularly gives out to both Squall and my son, Zell, I love Zell. Along for the ride is also Quistis, the professor with a confusing name, Selphie the character with the poorly aged name, Irvine, my husband, and finally Rinoa, the love interest and central character in terms of the big picture, because she is a sorceress, which is a big thing in FF8. Where the game shines isn't its big bombastic world threatening story like with Final Fantasy 7, or it's large ensemble cast like Final Fantasy 6, its about Squall and his relationships, and I think that's why so many can't get behind this game, they don't relate to Squall or simply don't like him, and if you don't like Squall, admittedly the game has little else to offer you.

    Squall is a difficult person, he's quiet, full of angst, and when he actually does open his mouth, it's usually to dismiss the conversation or to say something spiteful, but throughout the game we get little thought bubbles for Squall, showing us that he's really a deeply troubled young man, rife with anxiety and self doubt. A little ways into the story the characters believe a main character to have died, and while everybody else grieves, Squall sits alone quietly contemplating if they'd grieve for him, or if they'd even care. Later in the story he starts to open up, particularly to Rinoa, it's sweet, I think it's why their relationship works so well, Squall needs somebody to be his anchor, and Rinoa does that for him, they don't even like each other at first, but slowly they realize they're exactly what each other needs, Squall isn't afraid to call Rinoa out when she's acting like a brat and Rinoa keeps Squall grounded, and while it means Zell, Selphie and Irvine take a bit of a back seat, I think it's in service of a love story worth focusing on, which is something I find hard to find in media, video games especially.

    The actual story is... weird, it's about time travel and can be confusing, but what I have surmised is this. There once was an orphanage owned by a man named Cid and his wife Edea, there they housed the main cast we follow in the game, which was later turned into Garden, where the students were trained as SeeD's, the mercenaries that Squall is part of, the reason for this is because Squall went back in time to tell Edea she needs to create SeeD's so Squall can be strong enough to kill the main villain Ultemecia, this is a paradox, Squall can only go back in time to tell Edea to create SeeD's because of SeeD's existence but SeeD's can only exist because Squall went back, but there aren't just plot holes, there's contrivances too. Everybody forgets they grew up together because of the Summons in this game, Guardian Forces, and the GF's drain their memory, but Irvine remembers because he doesn't use GF's, why didn't Irvine say anything? He was embarrassed because he thought he was the only one who remembered... ok sure Irvine. It does give a cool little "OH" moment when you realize Irvine choked when going to shoot Sorceress Edea because he knows she's their old caretaker, but everything else is just weird and contrived. So time travel aside, Squall and Co. have to kill Sorceress Ultemecia to save the world or something, it doesn't matter, they succeed and the final shot is of Squall finally smiling, it's a sweet ending.

    Junction System is weird but just pay attention and it'll click eventually. That's all I wish to say about the Junction System at this moment in time.

    Gun to my head, I can't say FF8 is the best Final Fantasy game, nor the best PS1 era Final Fantasy game, but it's a damn good one, a touching love story, an interpersonal journey of learning to be ok and a pretty fun story if you don't think too hard about the time travel. Overall I love this game, and it's one I highly recommend, even if I'm forced to acknowledge its shortcomings, I love it all the same.    … Expand
  80. fallacies8899
    Jun 19, 2020
    5
    I was too disinterested in the fighting mechanics to learn them enough. Eventually I learned that I should have been using the draw spell more. The card game was what kept me going for so long. But when I realized I missed an opportunity to get a legendary or rare card, I lost motivation to continue. There should be a card game only mode, where you can advance the story just by winningI was too disinterested in the fighting mechanics to learn them enough. Eventually I learned that I should have been using the draw spell more. The card game was what kept me going for so long. But when I realized I missed an opportunity to get a legendary or rare card, I lost motivation to continue. There should be a card game only mode, where you can advance the story just by winning card games. then I'd give this game a 10.… Expand
  81. KyleATC87
    Jun 20, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I admit I am biased but this is my favorite game of all time. The junction system allowed the game to be as easy or difficult as I wanted. The combat was fun and rewarding. The story spoke to me like nothing every has. Squall slowly opening up over time to his friends as leadership is thrust upon him. The romance between Squall and Rinoa was cute and grew on me over time as they went on this epic journey to save the world. The cockpit scene in the Ragnorak even 20+ years still gives me chills. I could go on and on but this is a game I play every year and it never gets old.… Expand
  82. Onlyclassicvg1
    Jun 24, 2020
    8
    s un videojuego de tipo RPG desarrollado por Squaresoft en 1999 para el sistema PlayStation, aunque posteriormente salió una versión para PC. Es la octava entrega de la serie de videojuegos Final Fantasy y el primero en contar con un tema musical cantado para el juego. El juego costó en total para su realización unos tres mil millones de Yenes en Japón. A solo trece semanas de haber sidos un videojuego de tipo RPG desarrollado por Squaresoft en 1999 para el sistema PlayStation, aunque posteriormente salió una versión para PC. Es la octava entrega de la serie de videojuegos Final Fantasy y el primero en contar con un tema musical cantado para el juego. El juego costó en total para su realización unos tres mil millones de Yenes en Japón. A solo trece semanas de haber sido lanzado al mercado, Final Fantasy VIII acumulaba más de 50 millones de Dólares en ventas en los Estados Unidos.1​ Esta octava entrega de la serie a diferencia de la anterior, usa personajes enteramente realistas dejando parcialmente de lado los elementos fantásticos de la serie y es también uno de los pocos títulos que se aleja del esquema de… Expand
  83. DavieSl
    Oct 25, 2022
    10
    My favourite Final Fantasy and by far the best.
    Can still get lost in it's story after all these years.
  84. Rafarodfer
    May 18, 2023
    9
    An epic storyline accompanied by incredibly endearing characters, this game features a battle system that may not steal the spotlight but still delivers numerous enjoyable and strategic moments when facing challenging bosses.
  85. darknightserg
    Jul 3, 2020
    10
    Game of the year for 1999. Outstanding graphics and set pieces. Best soundtrack for the final fantasy series up to the psone era. Tons of locales and bosses. Love Squall.
  86. Mustachio
    Jan 13, 2021
    10
    Great story, great characters. The best FF in my opinion. I loved it from start to finish.
  87. nunosergiopais1
    Nov 1, 2020
    10
    alem do final fantasy x este final fantasy viii foi dos melhores....ainda até hoje que excelente e saudades
  88. Elite_Soldier
    May 16, 2022
    6
    The game is okay..................................................................................................
  89. sadsneaky
    Mar 26, 2021
    8
    the story is very good but the junctioning is very confusing and the world feels dead
  90. hector_bcn98
    Oct 31, 2022
    8
    Un sistema de materias y farmeo que arruina lo que podría haber sido una excelente secuela. Se queda en un notable, ya que los personajes tampoco están a la altura de lo que se venía. Que no se me malinterprete, es notable, deseo un remake, pero no es el nivel de VII y IX. La villana es un lolazo de manual.
  91. Dom007
    Mar 10, 2021
    10
    This is my 6th favourite final fantasy game and the fact I'm still giving it 10 says how good it is. The storyline is certainly on the weaker side in terms of final fantasy standard mainly because of how confusing it is, but it's still great because of its usual strong cast of characters. Although again it's probably not as good cast wise as 4,6,7,9 or 10. I also want to mention itsThis is my 6th favourite final fantasy game and the fact I'm still giving it 10 says how good it is. The storyline is certainly on the weaker side in terms of final fantasy standard mainly because of how confusing it is, but it's still great because of its usual strong cast of characters. Although again it's probably not as good cast wise as 4,6,7,9 or 10. I also want to mention its opening because it's on par with 6,7 and 9 for being the best opening in the series.
    The combat is certainly better paced than its predecessors, it doesn't feel overly slow or overly fast and it flows surprisingly well.
    Visually it's also superior to its predecessors especially in character design.
    The soundtrack is also brilliant even if I prefer 4,6,7,9 and 10 because of personal taste.
    The futuristic setting is really nice and whilst I definitely prefer the worlds of 4,6,7,9 and 10 I still like it because of this reason.
    The one thing I found to be pretty decent in FF8 was its side content which I found to be very strong.

    Overall whilst this game has some issues and certainly takes some steps back from 7 it's still a great game and one that should not be missed out on.    … Expand
  92. soahknam
    Feb 19, 2022
    9
    Right now, my review is based on my memories, as I played final fantasy viii when I was 16. at the time this game was spectacular. its gamplay is very good, the visuals and history and its music is the best. you can't die without having played this gem.

    GAMEPLAY: 9
    STORY: 9
    MUSIC: 10+
    VISUALS: 10

    PERSONAL SCORE >> A JEWELL
  93. ElevatorDreams
    Jul 4, 2021
    3
    Possibly the worst mainline final fantasy game to date. The combat systems while interesting end up being terribly broken. Any RPG where you want to avoid leveling up due to level scaling is a terrible RPG. You know you made a bad RPG when you spend more time playing cards than fighting battles.
  94. SuperClaudio64
    Feb 28, 2021
    10
    Il Mio Final Fantasy Preferito. Trovo che questo gioco abbia la migliore storia d'amore tra tutti i giochi che ho giocato, ha una trama molto fantasy e particolare, un ambientazione scolastica molto ben scritta e un concetto di favola ricreata in tempi moderni molto affascinante. Inoltre ha il migliore minigame tra tutti i Final Fantasy (Adoro il Triple Triad). è facilmente il mio secondoIl Mio Final Fantasy Preferito. Trovo che questo gioco abbia la migliore storia d'amore tra tutti i giochi che ho giocato, ha una trama molto fantasy e particolare, un ambientazione scolastica molto ben scritta e un concetto di favola ricreata in tempi moderni molto affascinante. Inoltre ha il migliore minigame tra tutti i Final Fantasy (Adoro il Triple Triad). è facilmente il mio secondo gioco preferito di sempre.… Expand
  95. lSAGGERl
    Mar 3, 2021
    10
    La mejor banda sonora de todos los Final Fantasy sin ninguna duda. Graficos impresionantes en la época. Buena historia y jugabilidad buena. Los enemigos escalaban segun tu nivel lo que daba un reto muy nivelado. No bastaba con farmear y subir de nivel como en otros. Obra maestra.
  96. ArthurWinters
    Jun 26, 2021
    9
    It had the potential to be the best Final Fantasy in history, but the storyline from the middle onwards takes a bad turn, falling into some banality. But it remains a videogames' icon, an exciting journey that a surprise for you will forget, a bubble full of love, both in the characters, both in the art design and both in the gameplay. it's the kind of game that you love to madness evenIt had the potential to be the best Final Fantasy in history, but the storyline from the middle onwards takes a bad turn, falling into some banality. But it remains a videogames' icon, an exciting journey that a surprise for you will forget, a bubble full of love, both in the characters, both in the art design and both in the gameplay. it's the kind of game that you love to madness even recognizing its flaws.… Expand
  97. QilBoy
    Sep 25, 2021
    4
    Final Fantasy VIII is a game with many problems, and most of these problems lie in the very fundation of this game's Combat: the Junction System. The Junction System is made up of many different new Mechanics: GFs, GF abilities, Consumable Magic and Magic Junction. GFs and their abilities are great: Summons can now give new abilities or improve the Stats of the character they are linkedFinal Fantasy VIII is a game with many problems, and most of these problems lie in the very fundation of this game's Combat: the Junction System. The Junction System is made up of many different new Mechanics: GFs, GF abilities, Consumable Magic and Magic Junction. GFs and their abilities are great: Summons can now give new abilities or improve the Stats of the character they are linked to, essentially becoming a new form of Equipment. They are just great, anything negative to note about them. The problems arise with the last two: Consumable Magic and Magic Junction.
    Making Magic a consumable item isn't a bad idea at all: It can lead to a new layer of strategy tied to resource management. Magic Junction isn't a bad idea either: by linking a type of Magic to a Stat, that Stat raises, and different types of Magic have different results on different Stats. It can lead to satisfying situational equipment, keeping players on their toes. But now, if you take these two mechanics, Consumable Magic and Magic Junction, and mesh them together, suddenly enormous cracks start to appear: players will collect as much new Magic as possible from enemies to enhance their Stats as much as possible, leading to hours and hours of mindless, tedious collecting. And in battle they will always hesitate in using Magic, to avoid hurting linked Stats, or maybe even avoid battles entirely (which begs the question of why are we playing this game at all if we actively wish not to engage in fights). Maybe avoiding Combat isn't an option, like in Boss Fights, and we are forced to use Magic linked to Stats. This leads to a very boring process, after Combat, where we need to check if now we have any other Magic to increase the Stat again.
    As you can see, Consumable Magic and Magic Junction weren't a problem individually, but as soon as they're present in the same game they actively hinder each other, resulting in extremely anti-fun gameplay full of tedious farming, battles that discourage the player from using their tools and constant boring micromanagement. In this spectacular failure of a Combat System, players are basically incentivized to simply spam GFs since using them doesn't require any resource whatsoever (There are bosses that are challenging enough to be entertaining, but they're few and far between).
    So yeah, gameplay is pretty awful, but there's a pretty substantial amount of good ideas and concepts sprinkled here and there, which help make the overall experience a lot less terrible.
    Firstly, there are many instances where the turn-based combat takes an Action-esque twist: requiring the player to press a button with the right timing, or powering up GFs by repeatedly pressing a button, or a Limit Break that asks players to input combos of buttons quickly, and many more. These are all extremely cool ways to keep the player's attention high outside the menus and add a bit of Action to the mix. A shame that later Final Fantasy didn't develop this concept.
    The world-map is also just as beautiful and full of secrets as it was in the last installment, giving plenty of hours of content to dig in after the main story. Also the level of details of the backgrounds and the quality of the soundtrack are once again great.
    But arguably the absolute best thing about Final Fantasy VIII's gameplay is "just" a minigame: Triple Triad. This card game is just perfect: simple, yet challening. The possibility to collect and catalogue every card also adds a layer of collectionism to the mix, and even if you don't like collecting for the sake of it, you'll be able to convert cards into items, and rare cards turn into extremely valuable items, so there's something to gain from this fun minigame for every type of player. Almost every single NPC in the world can be challenged, always providing a fun diversion from the monotonous gameplay and... messy plot. I think it's time to talk about the story of FFVIII.
    The story of FFVIII is rich of incredible locations, tremendously fantastical concepts and creative ideas to potentially craft a story even better than FFVII. And yet all of it, every single thing crumbles under some of the worst storytelling and character writing I have ever seen. Plotlines that are introduced with great emotional impact only to lead absolutely nowhere, inconstistencies and plotholes too huge to be ignored, romance between characters that have no chemistry whatsoever, vital plotpoints completely left unexplained and lastly an ending that simply doesn't make any sense. This is the story of FFVIII.
    There are many well directed emotional and epic moments, but they can't shine properly or be as great as they could've been because they're still part of this jumbling mess of a plot.
    Or, in other words: FFVIII is a bad game and an even worst story. What saves it from being straight garbage are some very good gameplay ideas, the incredible beauty of its vast, rich world full of secrets, and its soundtrack    … Expand
  98. CloudStrife05
    Aug 24, 2021
    9
    Very well done across 4 discs. Squall could take some getting used to but over all it was a very enjoyable game.
  99. LordPakos
    Sep 7, 2021
    10
    For me this game represent the best time of my life, and the feelings i had with this masterpiece will be forever locked in my heart. A must play.
  100. Jattaman
    Sep 30, 2022
    8
    Bellissimo e appassionante JRPG.
    Bella trama, grande longevità, colonna sonora fantastica.
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Awards & Rankings

9
#9 Best PS1 Game of 1999
1
#1 Most Discussed PS1 Game of 1999
3
#3 Most Shared PS1 Game of 1999

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
90

Universal acclaim - based on 24 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 24
  3. Negative: 1 out of 24
  1. GMR Magazine
    90
    Things were more "real" this time around. [Feb 2003, p.97]
  2. Gamestyle
    80
    Unfortunately while the game is graphically superior to FFVII, in terms of setting, story and controls it lags way behind.
    Read full review
  3. Absolute Playstation
    98
    Spanning four discs, this is a massive RPG. You can try and skate through it in 50 hours but can easily spend over a 100 hours playing if you decide to take on all of the side games, collect all of the Cards and experience all there is to experience from this game.
    Read full review
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