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Final Fantasy VIII Genre Publisher Developer Release Date Role-Playing Game Squaresot Squaresoft 9/9/1999 When I first got Final Fantasy VIII September 1999, I was really happy because I expected a lot of great things from it because of how good Final Fantasy VII was. The first thing that caught my eye was the fact the movie graphics looked clear and just plain awesome. The game graphics were a nice improvement over the polygon styled FF7. The storyline involves the main character Squall. He and his friends (classmates, transfer students, and even his instructor) at Balamb Garden and everyone (except the instructor) are wanting to become SeeDs who are dispatched around the world offering services (just think of mercenaries) as well as having to fight the Sorceress whom is the main villain in this game.... So cut a long story short.....this one girl (Rinoa) comes wanting SeeDs to help them out. Basically as time goes on a love story between Squall and Rinoa forms. Final Fantasy VIII introduced quite a new things to the Final Fantasy series as well as the whole genre of role-playing games The magic spells got renamed...so instead of the typical Fire, Fire 2, Fire 3 name....the renames basically replace the last letter with -ra (for a level 2 spell) or -aga (for a level 3 spell) The junction feature allowed you to take certain abilities (item,draw,gf,mug etc.) and equip them to your characters three main slots (attack is always an option). You could also take the spells that character has and junction them to a stat to increase it. (100 curagas would really help your hit points vs. 100 curas or 100 cures) To earn your magic in the game, you have to use the Draw command. Each enemy has a few spells that you can draw and you can either use the magic instantly....or stock it in your collection for later. You can also use abilities to refine items into spells or other items. How I like the concept of being able to make your own items/spells with what you have. It can make the game way to simple early on (I mean you shouldn’t have your main characters strength almost maxed out at the halfway point of disc 2. I've played the game to the point where I’ve basically mastered the system) Mastering Triple Triad (the card game) is a different story as I have yet to fully master that game. I am truly thankful for the change of soundtrack to have more of a real sound (the music tracks fit the game) versus the FF7 basic tracks. The Limit Break system got a change. If you remember in Final Fantasy 7 your limit break would ONLY be available after taking so much damage that it charges the gauge. This time around you limit break comes when your HP are low (you know when the numbers are in yellow) You can control when the limit break comes by pushing the circle button which not only doubles as the character switch button (during an active battle) but maybe give you the limit break. If the limit break does not come, you can push circle again. If you have a few Aura spells then cast those on your character which gives him/her a more than likely chance to do a limit break regardless of hit points. Squall is the only character who has a chance to do bonus damage during a physical attack. If you push R1 at the right time, you'll activate the gun part of his gun blade which fires a shot off to the enemy while slashing. This is the only Final Fantasy game that where the enemies level up with you which means not only you can draw higher spells, but the enemies will be a challenge. (Trust me; you'll know what I’m talking about on the Island Closest to Hell and the Island Closest to Heaven. One of the biggest draw backs to the game is that unlike your typical RPG, leveling up doesn't mean anything since all of your stats is based on what the GF (Guardian Force - Think summon from Final Fantasy 7 or Aeon from Final Fantasy X) has [strength-J will allow you to junction a spell to your strength, there’s also magic, vitality (defense) spirit (magic defense) speed, luck, evading (ability to doge attack completely), hit (ability to hit the enemy) ] As I mentioned above (it'll be in italics )Your characters get a level up at 1,000 EXP earned. You hook your spells to the stat you want to junction too and you get an increase. The only real purpose to level up in the game really is to get the better spells The game overall even though at points can be easy....otherwise is solid and a good addition to the Final Fantasy series. The game also brings back your typical Final Fantasy elements (riding the chocobos) but none the less a good buy. However; if you play it well enough, it will be just a walk in the park. The Display The Noise The Wiring The Core The Boomerang Overall 8.5/TD> 9.3 9.0 8.5 8.8 9.1