Final Fantasy VIII

GUN SWORD.

One of the few turn-based RPGs I've seen to completion. Perhaps it was the junction magic system, or the Triad mini-game, or the blockbuster in-game music and cutscenes. But I think there is something very, very true to the FF8 creepypasta about Squall's current... state. Within the highly internalized narratives of RPGs, it's a crazy disturbing subtext that crazy works, and the game sticks with me as a result.

The dialog comes off as awkward and unnatural, the plot is a total mess, and the junction system is tedious to grind for. On the other hand, the game is still visually interesting, especially around the final levels. I was never into Triple Triad, but I could see the appeal in that mini-game, which was far better than any of the mini-games in FFVII.

Great Game

An ambitious but uneven RPG with a killer soundtrack (Liberi Fatali!), gorgeous cutscenes, and Squall’s "...whatever" charm. The Junction system is innovative but grindy, and the story veers into soap-opera absurdity (amnesia? Time compression?).

Mechanically the game is a little disjointed - junctioning is wonky and a few boss fights notwithstanding, most fights are somewhat flat. Thematically, this is possibly one of the most engrossing worlds Squaresoft ever published and its soundtrack is easily one of the greatest works of game audio ever made. Overall, some areas are a slog but the dark, abstract, and often times humorously cliche story is well worth a play through.

JUNCTION MY ASS *20 page tutorial about how to junction ass comes up*

Pretty splendid in its heyday.

I expected more.

An amazing world with beautiful towns soaking in atmosphere enhanced by an incredibly strong soundtrack. Cool missions that really nail the feeling of being involved in a large scale battle or attack on a city. The card game implemented throughout the game is arguably the greatest minigame in history. Sadly all this good stuff is let down by a weak battle system, slowed down by unskipppable summons, the easily broken junction system, the unlikeable main cast and utter mess of a story.