Product Description
-------------------
This latest instalment to the best-selling Final Fantasy series
incorporates the theme of love into an RPG story-line of epic
proportions. The Final Fantasy VIII world comes to life in a
dazzling display of digital artistry as lifelike characters and
seamlessly integrated CG animation are enhanced with Dolby
Surround Sound technology. With Analogue Controller (Dual Shock)
and PocketStation compatibility.
.co.uk Review
-------------
SquareSoft has always had a sure-fire 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
Fantasy 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. --John
Cocking
P.when('A').execute(function(A) {
A.on('a:expander:toggle_description:toggle:collapse',
function(data) {
window.scroll(0, data.expander.$expander[0].offsetTop-100);
});
});
Manufacturer's Description
--------------------------
In Final Fantasy VIII's nameless world, soldier training schools
known as Gardens exist. The privately owned Gardens are unrelated
to any government or organisations, although they make
their money from sending their graduates to join forces
the world over. However, each Garden also has special squads
known as SeeD, formed from groups of graduates chosen for having
abilities beyond those required for standard duty.
At the Balemb Garden Academy, a new SeeD cadet called
Squall Leonhart is quickly earning himself a reputation as an
overly serious loner with the other recruits. That is, he does
until he encounters Rinoa Heartilly, a beautiful free-spirited
girl who forces him to question his own anti-social ways.
Unfortunately, before he has time to dwell on these thoughts, his
squad is called into action to deal with the nation of Galbadia
who have become increasingly hostile of late. Is this irrational
behaviour connected to the mysterious sorceress that has recently
been seen with the country's president?
So begins a tale of love, war, friendship and self discovery
that captures the high drama of a film with stunning CG
cinematics and combines them with an exceptional RPG experience
in true Final Fantasy tradition. The innovative Junction System
places the development of the various characters under your
control as you determine how their magical abilities will evolve
and improve throughout the game, essential for victory over the
legion of enemies you will encounter on your journeys.
This, the second Final Fantasy title for PSone, is a seriously
worthy addition to the series that offers an emotionally charged
storyline, memorable characters and scintillatingly deep
gameplay.
See more ( javascript:void(0) )
- Features an epic story line and a massive new world to explore.
- Dozens of hours of game play plus numerous side quests and minigames.
- Improved graphics engine provides lifelike characters and motion-captured animation.
- All enemies can be attacked with beautifully animated Guardian Forces.