Final Fantasy VIII - Part 2
0I was so excited to play Final Fantasy VIII after VII that I borrowed a Japanese copy before I had a SCART TV, and navigated through Disc 1 without knowing what was being said and with no understanding of junctioning - quite an achievement. I didn't care, it was even visually stunning on a 16 inch CRT TV with only RF input in black and white. I don't think anything has really touched FFVIII graphically on PS1, and I was simply blown away the first time I was able to enjoy the UK release in full colour. The music is among the best in the series too, with some of the boss themes being infectious headbangers - Thanks again, Nobuo.
As ever, this Final Fantasy tries something new - relying on GF (summon creatures) that can learn stat boosts (for speed, HP, attack, etc) that you can junction magic spells to - the more magic or more powerful the magic you have, the higher your stat. You obtain spells by drawing them from your enemies - or draw points found around the map. A mechanic that people pretend is difficult to use, but it's really quite simple. On the downside, it is very easy to trivialise a good portion of the game and take the challenge away with the smallest amount of grinding - even if the enemies level with you.
The story is a mixed bag, ranging from engaging and exciting to boring and predictable or absolutely nonsensical as it unfolds. You play as six teenagers (5 of which are students of an organisation called Garden, learning to become mercenaries called SeeDs, and 1 a resistance faction's leader named Rinoa) who are swept up in a hostile government world takeover - which as the story unfolds is revealed to be the masterplan of a sorceress that you must stop at all costs. The story almost flatlines with dull cheddar in several places - but when it's good, it's really really good. Unfortunately it's one of the series weakest stories - maybe not III or XIII weak, but not far off.
The real star of the show is the minigame, Triple Triad. Despite the peril that the world is in, Squall always finds time to have a quick game to build his deck - and rules are gradually added as you trot the globe (though some are painful). This minigame has not been bested until Final Fantasy VII Rebirth gave us Queen's Blood. It's such a joy to play that Square produced a run of physical cards.
#ps4 #finalfantasy #nukeboxharris #twitch #finalfantasyviii #series
Broadcasted live on Twitch -- Watch live at / nukeboxharris
Other Videos By Nukeboxharris
| 2024-08-29 | Final Fantasy VIII - Part 15 |
| 2024-08-29 | Final Fantasy VIII - Part 14 |
| 2024-08-29 | Final Fantasy VIII - Part 13 |
| 2024-08-29 | Final Fantasy VIII - Part 12 |
| 2024-08-29 | Final Fantasy VIII - Part 11 |
| 2024-08-29 | Final Fantasy VIII - Part 10 |
| 2024-08-29 | Final Fantasy VIII - Part 9 |
| 2024-08-29 | Final Fantasy VIII - Part 8 |
| 2024-08-29 | Final Fantasy VIII - Part 7 |
| 2024-08-29 | Final Fantasy VIII - Part 6 |
| 2024-08-28 | Final Fantasy VIII - Part 2 |
| 2024-08-22 | But didn't he burn books? | nukeboxharris on #Twitch |
| 2024-08-12 | Resident Evil 3 - Part 3 |
| 2024-08-12 | Resident Evil 3 - Part 1 |
| 2024-08-12 | Resident Evil 3 - Part 4 |
| 2024-08-12 | Resident Evil 3 - Part 6 |
| 2024-08-12 | Resident Evil 3 - Part 7 |
| 2024-08-12 | Resident Evil 3 - Part 2 |
| 2024-08-12 | Resident Evil 3 - Part 5 |
| 2024-08-02 | Jacksons may be closer than they appear | nukeboxharris on #Twitch |
| 2024-07-27 | Enter The Matrix - Part 2 |