Final Fantasy Compilation
Final Fantasy VIII - Introduction / Story / Main

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Story

final fantasy viiiGalbadia, Balamb and neighboring countries have lived in peace for nearly two decades. The three military academies or gardens of the planet have successfully trained generations of elite mercenaries. These soldiers or SeeDs take on contracts in various regions, protecting weaker communities. Now, as this year's graduate students of Balamb Garden prepare to take their final exam, war begins to cast its shadow over he land.

final fantasy viiiDriven by an evil sorceress, Gallbadian forces invade neighboring countries and threaten to spread their rule of tyranny throughout the world. A small group of friends from Balamb Garden set out in a seemingly hopeless quest to contain the evil spreading from Galbadia. As they plunge into adventure, a drama of epic proportions begins to unfold. right or wrong, friend or foe, nothing seems as clear-cut as it should be. The young SeeDs are caught up in a struggle that will change them forever...

Review

final fantasy viiiSquaresoft has always had a surefire hit when releasing any of their Final Fantasy titles, and Final Fantasy VIII should be no exception. The basis of a good RPG (role-playing game) has always been the story; spectacular graphics are secondary. Final Fantasy VIII's involved and interesting storyline is filled with great twists, well-developed characters, suspense, and romance. As an added bonus, the graphics are beautiful. Everything--from the low-lit jazz club to the steam-filled railroad tunnels--is gorgeous and perfectly sets the mood and tone of a scene.

The game mechanics are standard fare for an RPG: acquisition of items and spells, turn-based combat, experience points earned in combat allowing advances in levels. From exploration to battles to dialogue, Final Fantasy VIII has it all. However, Final final fantasy viiiFantasy VIII falls to that great weakness of RPGs: random battles. While necessary for advancing in levels, the battles occur with such frequency that they can grow annoying, making for a tedious game experience. The epic storyline spans four discs--over 40 hours of gameplay--and is based around a mercenary cadet who finds himself caught up with an underground rebel faction. He winds up in a plot to assassinate the sorceress who has just seized power from the president. You could complain of limited replay value, but this gripe is of no consequence: the game is such a satisfying experience, it doesn't require replay. Final Fantasy VIII is easily worth both the hype and the wait. You can't buy a much better game.

Review by John Cocking

Release Dates

Platform: Playstation
ESRB: Teen
Players: 1
Discs: 4
Media: CDROM
Final Fantasy VIII October 27 1999
Final Fantasy VIII February 11 1999
Final Fantasy VIII August 31 1999


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