Final Fantasy VIII Review

Final Fantasy VIII, the eighth instalment in the renowned Final Fantasy series, hit the PlayStation console with a bang, leaving an indelible mark on the gaming landscape. This expansive game redefined the role-playing genre with its immersive storyline, captivating graphics, and innovative gameplay. The following review delves into the various aspects of Final Fantasy VIII, discussing its strengths and weaknesses.


The Final Fantasy franchise is a titan in the RPG domain, setting the standard for all other games in the genre. With its seventh iteration, Final Fantasy VII, the series made a triumphant transition into 3D, garnering impressive sales and critical acclaim. Final Fantasy VIII, however, strove to push boundaries further still.


Final Fantasy VIII's graphics are undeniably its most salient feature. The game swapped the low-polygon characters of its predecessor for realistic high-polygon models that seem increasingly lifelike.

Character Animation

The character animation in Final Fantasy VIII is nothing short of extraordinary. The in-game sequences and pre-rendered cutscenes are so meticulously crafted that they could easily be mistaken for real-life action.

Design and Aesthetics

Final Fantasy VIII's aesthetics are a masterclass in design. The game combines elements of fantasy and science fiction, offering a unique yet recognisable world brimming with surprises. The overall production design is consistently impressive, keeping players engaged as they navigate through the game's many scenes.



The Final Fantasy series is consistently lauded for its exceptional music, and Final Fantasy VIII continues this tradition. The game's score adds a great deal of emotional impact to the cutscenes and in-game events, making the gameplay experience even more immersive.


Final Fantasy VIII introduced a novel magic system, veering away from traditional RPG mechanics. Instead of characters gaining spells through experience, they "draw" spells from enemies, allowing any character to cast virtually any spell. This system, while complex, allows players to customise their combat strategies to a great extent, adding a layer of strategy that RPG enthusiasts will appreciate.

Guardian Forces

Characters can be "joined" to entities known as Guardian Forces, powerful elemental beings that bestow a variety of abilities on the characters they're connected to. These abilities range from fundamental combat skills to more arcane capabilities, such as preventing random encounters.

Spell Casting and Combat

One of the game's major criticisms lies in its spellcasting mechanism. The Guardian Forces' attacks, while visually stunning, are time-consuming, which can make even minor battles tedious. This issue highlights a need for either a change in the RPG gameplay style or a simplification of battle animations.



The storyline of Final Fantasy VIII, though apocalyptic, is more character-driven than its predecessors. The game follows a group of young cadets who form part of SeeD, an elite mercenary force. Their adventures and struggles form the core of the game's plot.

Character Development

The main character, Squall, is a moody and abrasive character, making him difficult to empathise with. His love interest, Rinoa, appears to be drawn to him despite his aloofness, which could lead players to question the depth and authenticity of their relationship.



Despite its shortcomings, Final Fantasy VIII is a groundbreaking addition to the RPG genre. Its stunning visuals, intriguing storyline, and innovative gameplay mechanics offer an engaging experience for players. While it may not appeal to everyone, there's no denying that Final Fantasy VIII has left an indelible mark on the world of gaming.