Final Fantasy VIII

Once in a very long while a game comes along and pushes the capabilities of a home gaming console beyond everything that has come before. Even more surprising is when that game is on the oldest console that still has a heartbeat, the Sony PlayStation. It's not surprising however that this game is Squaresoft's highly anticipated, epic new RPG Final Fantasy VIII.

Once in a very long while a game comes along and pushes the capabilities of a home gaming console beyond everything that has come before. Even more surprising is when that game is on the oldest console that still has a heartbeat, the Sony PlayStation. It's not surprising however that this game is Squaresoft's highly anticipated, epic new RPG Final Fantasy VIII.

Eight Is (More Than) Enough
This latest installment in the most popular video game series in history (sorry, Mario) is a wonderful achievement not only in story and game play, but also in graphics and animation. All of this becomes even more impressive when you realize it's being accomplished on a technologically obsolete 5-year old game console. The story begins with Squall Leonhart, a SeeD cadet, readying himself for the exam to become an officer. You then begin meet the large cast of characters which includes classmates, instructors, officers, outsiders relying on SeeD's assistance, and many more from around the densely populated world created in FFVIII. The plot thickens and the action elevates for a whopping 4 discs of anime-style adventure full of drama, adventure, emotion, and humor at levels usually reserved for movies and rarely achieved in a video game. But unlike a movie, make sure you pay attention to the story and characters, because this is a fully interactive adventure with numerous options, and you can arrive at any number of different goals in a variety of ways.

But what is most stunning about this game is the graphics, including pre-rendered environments that blend seamlessly with the game graphics, the stunning Guardian Force animations during battle sequences and the hands down most beautiful and highest quality FMV sequences that have ever been seen within a game. Gone are the cartoony characters of FFVII - this time they appear much more realistic, like in Parasite Eve. The game is worth playing just to marvel at the graphics, yet it offers so much more.

Conjunction, Junction, What's Your Function?
There are also changes in game play including new levels of character customization and magic spells that aren't learned or purchased anymore - you draw them from your opponents and at specified points throughout the game. The character customization is provided through the Junction system, which allows you to choose abilities and powers to augment each separate character's Guardian Forces and magic library. This expands game play even further as two different players may end up using completely different approaches to building up Squall's powers or any of the other main characters.

FFVIII remains similar to the previous games in the series with the familiar turn-style combat, an easily navigable menu system, and another glorious musical score and sound effects, which further enhances the cinematic feel of the game. But get your reading glasses because you are going to have to read more lines of dialogue then most 500-page romance novels.

And The Winner Is...
If FF8 were a film it would win the best picture Oscar, if it were a book it would get a Pulitzer Prize, if it were a scientist it would get the Nobel Prize ? you get the idea. This game is a must for all RPG fans, and so brilliant that all gamers should take notice. Just make sure you have enough time set aside to make it worth your while.

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