So I played FINAL FANTASY VIII For The First Time...

[@rahim6852]

I’m going to be honest, this is my favorite final fantasy game

[@Mr.Genesis]

Same.

[@CLONE_IX]

Ditto

[@frankhalgas3798]

Chef's kiss.

[@jrmillerfilms]

I'm just curious, was this your first final fantasy as well? Because my favorite final fantasy is FFIX. But that was also my first. And my two best friend's favorites are their first experiences with Final Fantasy as well.

[@steveozone4910]

@@jrmillerfilms 7 was my first FF game. But 8 is still my favourite.

[@solidskullz5736]

Some things about final fantasy 8 didn’t work quite as well as some had hoped, but it definitely has its place in series. It gave us triple triad and of course gunblades

[@daoyang223]

The gun blade lol I liked Squall though

[@terrycruise-zd5tw]

more like gayblades. triggering the gunshot on melee was so gay and buggy compared to similar mechanics from paper mario

[@badmeetsevil6163]

Guns have no place in FF brah

[@Bevtone]

Except for all the guns hahaha ​@@badmeetsevil6163

[@drownthepoor]

@@daoyang223 Did you know he's based on Charlie Sheen? And Seifer is based on Sheen's brother Emilio Estevez(from the Might Ducks movies).

[@spacepan]

When I told a friend that I thought Squall was too whiny and emo, he responded by saying "well how would you feel in his situation?" and this just radically altered my perspective. Squall owes NOTHING to anyone. He's a literal child soldier thrust into a conflict that makes no sense. The best example to think of is right after the ball scene when Quistis brings Squall to the training ground at night. She is abusing her authority and absolutely should not be putting her student in a position like this. How unbelievably inappropriate and awkward this is (it's a makeout spot!).. but unless you actually stop and remind yourself that Squall is a person, a 16yo orphan child (and what if he's autistic? No one knows because no one cares, all I know is fuck him for not charging into war fervently enough and wow how dare you not be emotionally vulnerable also!), and his teacher is just dishing out all her laundry onto him then having the nerve to judge him for not responding how she wants or whatever, then weirdly people just go through this game and think "it's so weird that Squall is so emotionally distant". That's the most normal and relatable thing about him!

[@MrLightlike78]

Omg this ^ Seriously, Squall is a mercenary surrounded by the most incompetent people ever, that give him flack for not being more emotionally available in incredibly dire situations.

[@LouisLitt369]

I love how you put this

[@GreyfauxxGaming]

oh Squall def has a touch of the Aspies.

[@Love1isall]

I guess he didn't play FFX that main dude whatever his name was, was the most annoying, whiny protagonist ever.

[@nialllappin4159]

​@@Love1isall Star player of the Zanarkand Abes!!!

[@Thenewbagman]

Squall starts opening up slowly. During disc 2 and especially after all the Rinoa incident during disc 3. He starts to care not only for Rinoah and his partners but he learn to care how to care about his Garden. At the end of the day its a traumatized child overwhelmed for the situation.

[@steveozone4910]

Well yeah his mum (Raine) was killed when he was young and his dad Laguna was off fighting Esthar, so he ends up in an orphanage. Then his big sis ( The neighbours kid from next door) was taken, so he thought she'd run off. No wonder he has scars 😂. You can see all the Bullet holes in Ellone's house from where her parents were killed for not handing her over to Adel.

[@CLONE_IX]

I'm usually with Matty on these things, but here I was thinking: "Did he actually play further than disc 2?" All of the characters are very well written in my opinion.

[@Vanity0666]

​@@CLONE_IXRinoa is poorly written and has no character

[@haroldnecmann7040]

​@@Vanity0666...

[@Vanity0666]

@@haroldnecmann7040 hey don't take it from me, that's why she doesn't show up in Kingdom Hearts according to Nomura himself

[@shinotenchi]

Laguna isn't just the president of Ishtar, he is Squall's father. That's where the connection of the dream segments came from, and Rinoa is Julia's daughter. Which is why 'Eyes on me' is such a beautiful song...

[@saltysantos]

THis comment!

[@HaloReachAr0und]

Idk how Marty missed that lol

[@mimmikibilly]

Are they falling in love when their parents didn't persevere? I have a hard time playing ff8, so I wouldn't mind further explanation 😅

[@BatLB]

@@HaloReachAr0und the whole review shows that the dude has no clue what he even played. It was pathetic to listen to the nonsense.

[@BatLB]

@@mimmikibilly rinoa is the daughter of Julia, the pianist. Squall the son of Laguna. Where Laguna and Julia were never meant to be, Squall and Rinoa found each other.

[@matts8715]

FF8 is definitely the most deserving of a remake in the style of FF7. Not only does the story fit more with the remake changes, it would solve a lot of the misconceptions and misunderstandings people have of the characters. One of my favorite FF games. Also they do flat out say Laguna is Squall's dad. Talking to Laguna's party when you meet him proves that.

[@jarde1989]

No lol FF6 and FF9 need a remake wayyy before FF8 gets one

[@night2501]

@@jarde1989 this is the thing, unlike FF6 and FF9, FF8 was highly experimental, I would say FF8 needs a remake like the one FF7 is receiving, maybe on a smaller scale, because the game needs a lot more cleanup and has aged a lot more poorly would love to see a remake of FF6 and FF9 but they do not NEED it as much

[@steveozone4910]

After FF7 remake, I don't trust them to do FF8 justice 😂

[@thisismistertom]

@@night2501 took the words right out of my mouth. this point exactly.

[@somerandomguy9891]

Well, they're going to make FF9 after FF7... maybe 8 comes next.

[@KBXband]

I love it because it puts you directly in charge of managing their stats. Anyone can be what you want them to be

[@elidasilva5558]

Some people still arent ready to accept that Final Fantasy 8 is great

[@Bevtone]

Meanwhile ill only accept that it is

[@jagermeisterhots]

Lol if you over look the 90% of the game that is flawed, sure.

[@HandsomeLongshanks]

​@@jagermeisterhots "90% of the game is flawed" Like what? The story? The mechanics? The game play? The graphics? What is flawed about it? And don't give me what you didn't like, that's not a flaw, that's personal opinion. Tell me what actually is functionally flawed about the game. I'll wait.

[@Ideataster]

@@HandsomeLongshanks I enjoyed the game, but the magic system was pretty flawed with Draw. Most battles also boiling down to summoning GF + mash square for the end game was also pretty rough. Plot wise the ending is easily one of the most confusing and lack luster experiences I had in an FF. Felt very aimless most of the game, and then it ended on a big mess toward the end that I'm still unsure wtf even happened. The "Hey we were all orphans together" thing was so unnecessary and weird. It was experimental, and that's respectable, but it's a lesson learned by Square. That said? I liked a few of the characters that had development, the music is quite good, and the time flashback sequences were at least interesting.

[@StoneyWoney]

​@@HandsomeLongshanks The skill system isn't developed to the end. It has nice experimental ideas, but I got overpowered BY ACCIDENT. That never happened to me in a game before. FF8 was so easy its fights became boring, thanks to the broken skill system. Probably because the team didn't have enough time to flesh it out. The story looks promising on paper, but isn't developed to the end. Scenes play out in a very weird and sometimes even incomprehensible fashion, almost as if a little kid was playing with dolls, without a plan. And then there are these unnecessary plot twists that don't resolve anything because nothing was building up to them or gained from them (like the amnesia part). Probably because the team didn't have enough time to flesh it out. Dialogues are hit or miss and the characters aren't memorable. Could be due to translation problems. Or could be because the team didn't have enough time to flesh it out. The unfinished characteristics of FF8 stand out even more, being released so shortly between the well-rounded FF7 and FF9. I think the game being rushed made the experience way worse than it could have been. A remake could tackle all the problems though.

[@miguelangelcote9168]

Squall is a very well written character, especially for his time, and I love you get to see his thoughts in real time, and how he develops through the game

[@lindenstromberg6859]

Yeah, I forgot to mention that in my post, but Squalls internal thoughts being seen in the game was a very interesting addition to the game. I also really liked in FF8 how you could walk past various people and catch them in conversation without you actually talking to them. As an introverted person myself, I really attached to that part of his character.

[@BP-dn9nv]

He suffers from what I call the Holden Caulfield effect, meaning he's a well written character that people hate because they see too much of themselves in them. Other suffers are Shinji Ikari from NGE and Sansa Stark from Game of Thrones.

[@lindenstromberg6859]

@@BP-dn9nv That's an insightful analysis. I didn't think of things that way. I always thought that writers often like to write flawed characters, but many readers/viewers are both judgmental and easily annoyed by characters with flaws. But I think what you're saying makes more sense.

[@bigkahuna7581]

It’s a great way to develop character while also keeping him more reserved. I also like how as the game progressed he started talking out loud more than he did internally

[@JustinSmith-ve4oh]

I feel like you missed so much. Laguna being Squalls father. Seifer idolizing Laguna growing up because of the film, he poses the same way. So many connections to family and generational trauma, how connected the characters were. It isn't perfect, and the losing memories and coming together moments could have been more memorable but this is one of the most ambitious FF stories and certainly one of the most emotional if not the most emotional.

[@GampoEC]

Never looked into it, but I remember Squall was supposed to be dead and dreaming in the game

[@jomarmandingiado9244]

Kitase said that wasnt true and he had been stabbed in the shoulder area, thank god. Cause like imagine if the plot was, it was all a dreaaammm, pretty dumb@@GampoEC

[@JustinSmith-ve4oh]

theyve offically said this isnt the case but would explore that concept potentially if the game was ever remade@@GampoEC

[@warlocksm1]

@@GampoEC That was just one of the fans theories.

[@japan100100]

@@GampoEC That was a fan theory that was turned down by the creators lol.

[@futureidol83]

FFVIII was the game that made me a gamer. I had to secretly buy a used Playstation at the mall Gamestop because my parents were very anti-gaming. FFVIII was the first game I played on it and I was enthralled and became obsessed with JRPGs from that point on. I still think the cut-scenes in this game are the best of the time period and the opening credit sequence is one of the greatest of all time. Oh and the music is just spectacular! Squall will always be my favorite FF protagonist. His distaste for everyone and everything gives me life. Oh and the gun-blade is just the most badass weapon ever. The story is so multi-faceted and mysterious and I love the crazy mix of futuristic landscapes, trippy dreams, evil sorceresses, and gothic fantasy. I adored the triple triad game and the GFs/summons are breathtaking. The game also has some really memorable funny moments. It may be an unpopular opinion but I thought Zell was hilarious and his limit break was so much fun. And as far as antagonists go, Seifer is one of the best (I actually bought an enamel pin that depicts a face that is half Squall/half Seifer with crossed gun blades behind it, it's so freakin' cool). I will always hope they do a full remake of it, but since it's so divisive, I doubt that will happen. And I also might be completely biased because the game has such sentimental value to me and I smoked a lot of pot in high school.

[@greencastle337]

I never worried myself with the level scaling honestly when you use the junction system efficiently you still end up more than strong enough regardless of your level

[@csmith3248]

To be fair you can exploit the game by not levelling up and enemies including bosses will remain on your low level and you can boost your stats through the junction system

[@PikaLink91]

@@csmith3248 That's the thing though, I didn't get the junction system.

[@williansnobre]

@@csmith3248 You can Card most enemies so you don't get EXP but do get AP and you can turn the cards into magic items that can be refined into magic for the Junction, it makes the game ridiculously easy.

[@csmith3248]

@@williansnobre Yes I did that many times and broke the game You can stay on low level until you gain cactus and Bahamut GF and get a free Rosetta Stone and you can level up two characters at a time with 4 stat bonuses and easily max out your stats

[@t-rod4456]

@@PikaLink91well it’s meant to be played without knowing about the scaling system and every in and out of the junction system until you master it later on. On the other hand, ff’s like 7 can be broken simply by doing a little bit of grinding, the game becomes super easy. Maybe that was in their mind when they designed this system.

[@Zbzdz10]

There are some very small references to the effects of GFs on people who junction them losing their memories but it just wasn’t talked about enough during the lead up to the basketball court. If they ever do a remake they can easily remedy this, have conversations where people ask squall and other party members about where they grew up or their childhood, and have them get hit with some kind of mental block, have them discuss it and brush it off as the GFs effecting them. The plot device of GFs causing memory loss is fine as a concept but just needs to be built up and developed along the way much more than it is in the original

[@joxidearmageddonator882]

Yeah i agree. There's quite a lot of small scenes they could have added to prop up the mental block concept. Maybe like meeting someone at the beginning of the game then meeting them again and treating them like a whole new character and the other person being confused at not being recognized. Like the bit with Nida but done better haha

[@ssii77]

Totally agree. There was too little foreshadowing for this element of the plot. It was a twist without the appropriate plot setup to make it feel both surprising and inevitable, which are the hallmarks of a good twist. The execution of this plot device in the game felt more like a deus ex machina style intervention to make the other pieces of the plot make sense. Namely, the fact that (most of) our main cast didn’t recognize each other in adulthood, despite having grown up together. A few seeds (get it?) of foreshadowing on this topic would make it fit much more seamlessly within the story, and feel less like an intervention on behalf of the writers, who wrote themselves into a corner.

[@GreyfauxxGaming]

They did this better in FF Type Zero with memories and how effected story. I think they'd do lot better this time around.

[@BessieRiggs]

How crazy would it be in a remake to see characters actively losing their memories as their GF usage increases. The story implications would be massive.

[@KyleS.1987]

Nowadays I can see the flaws in it, but I'll never love another game like I loved FFVIII when I was 13.

[@Loofty777]

They mention GFs impact your memory disk one on the terminals in the first classroom. Irvine is from a school who doesnt use GFs which is why he remembers everyone at the orphanage.

[@patriotsfan122480]

I was going to mention this. However, it’s a super easy miss since you have to actively check the terminals on your own (something we were imo more used to doing 20-30 years ago compared to now). Plus just stepping in, even if you did go and read it, there’s still a lot of other things you’re trying to pick up (mostly the combat system) that will make you forget. In a second or third playthrough it clicks more while exploring. That being said, for a number of reasons, this story still felt rushed and unfinished and like they were basically throwing everything at the wall and seeing what would stick. I get why now, this was the first time these guys were truly making a game of their own without Sakaguchi’s direct involvement, and so they were in a sense just throwing everything at the wall and seeing what sticks. Gun-blade? Awesome! Let’s make em teenage mercenaries, that sounds cool. Oh, let’s also tell this story about Squall’s dad too to help fill this in. How about we use GF’s instead of the usual combat system too, and throw the instructions in the help menu for later, cause tutorials are lame! And by the way, we’ve got two years to develop this, start to finish, so let’s push this sucker out the door, whether it makes sense or not 👍🏼 I do think there’s a lot of good there that, if the team had more time, would have developed in a better way that would have connected with players more. If it got remade, similar to 7 Remake, I think it would feel more complete than the game that’s currently available.

[@Some_Guy_87]

@@patriotsfan122480 Yeah, at a Q&A where they were asked about a certain theory about the game it was mentioned that "one of the writers might have had that idea", so it really sounds like they just had a bunch of writers who were not even fully aware of each other's ideas, which fully explains why the game slowly turns into this mess.

[@patriotsfan122480]

@@Some_Guy_87 I remember listening to Resonant Arc going over old interviews before they did a play along of the game a few years ago. There was a lot going on in the background. But I also remember the timeframe in which a lot of these games used to drop (basically almost every year or every other year) which was great for us as consumers, but had to be hard on the development team back then, especially as technology was evolving. Like Matty mentioned here, the graphics look great, especially compared to VII which had a mix-match of the 3D art style and chibi’s and such, but thats because they had learned from VII and taken that forward. It’s all really interesting to think about and look back on.

[@scarletteshadow]

Final Fantasy VIII is my favorite game of the franchise. VII is next, then VI. I have never understood why people hated on this game! It is the first game I ever 100%, I have 100% games since then, but this game will always be special in my heart because it is the first game I had to know every inch of...Thank you for making this video! SUBBED!

[@DrtyTetsigen]

You have to remember, Irvine remembers because he wasnt using GF before the party. So him not pulling the trigger makes so much sense.

[@choirjones]

Right?! This guy gives Irvine crap for not pulling the trigger, then talks about the infamous basketball court scene where Irvine is the only character that remembers their childhood, but he doesn't put the pieces together to realize that's why he couldn't pull the trigger. I remember playing this for the first time over 20 years ago and feeling completely blown away by that reveal.

[@hihosh1]

@@choirjones Same I couldn't believe how amazing it was when you find out why Irvine couldn't do it and you start thinking about other moments in the game

[@armorvil]

@@hihosh1 Yeah, like his "Selphie, we're destined to be together!"

[@aphelion_parallax]

Such an easily missable detail. Irvine knows who he's shooting. He's shooting their mom. If they remake the game, I hope they change the dialogue so that it hints a bit more as to why he's saying that he can't shoot.

[@OmarO_721]

One thing I like about the plot was the entire conflict is pretty much a predestination paradox. Ultimecia learns about her prophesied defeat at the hands of SeeD, which triggers a series of events that leads to her and Squall being transported to the past, where they meet a young Edea. Ultimecia transfers her powers to Edea before dying, then Squall gives Edea the inspiration to create SeeD, and pretty much shape his own destiny. And this where the prophecy comes from, which Ultimecia learns of in the future, and then it loops 🔁

[@lindenstromberg6859]

Interesting, I never considered the loop, because I thought there were two sorceresses left of the lineage, Adel and Edea. But how about this, two timelines: The first timeline had Adel go down the lineage until reaching Ultimecia. Ultimecia starts playing with time and inadvertently warns the past, which creates SeeD to deal with her. Timeline 2 - the time loop, SeeD (Squall) junctions with Laguna via Ellone's powers, and he defeats Adel, locking her away for all time. But Ultimecia still exists because in the future, she compresses time, and dies in the past giving her powers to Edea, who then pass them to Rinoa, and so on down to Ultimecia in the future.

[@FF8FansChannel]

It's not a loop, just predestination paradox as you said. Squall was born only one time, as Ultimecia is born in the future and dies in the past one time, the events occurs one time for each character, it is not a loop of events that continues happening 😁

[@drownthepoor]

@@lindenstromberg6859 Did anyone else find Adel to be extremely man-like? I found it hard to believe that was a female Sorceress. It reminded me of that movie Stargate with Ra who was very feminine, and yet was a male. I was transphobic even as a child.

[@lindenstromberg6859]

​@@drownthepoor I always assumed she used magic to mutate herself into an 18-foot tall titan with lots of physical power.

[@Finozzi96]

@@drownthepoor your comment was good until the cringy woke line at the end of it

[@nixilaas8071]

Squall is a very accurate depiction of a young person dealing with trauma stemming from issues caused by abandonment, that's why he seemed externally cold/distance. And of course the game is going to confuse you if you forget sis aka ellone exists, like you've done. She links the present and the past with people whom she was close to (squall at the orphanage and the man who literally raised her, Laguna)

[@MetalgearLuke]

You know, I'm going through a rough time in my life, but your video brought me some joy. I appreciate your approach to classic game reviewing.

[@ozdeveraux2082]

It’s unfortunate to see yet another review of VIII that doesn’t take into account the subtext of the game. Square certainly took a risk with VIII in which they don’t give all the answers blatantly. They trusted their audience to look a little deeper at the story and what’s happening and not to rely quite literally what’s happening on screen. Does it go kind of off the wall, crazy…a bit. But VII goes to space and IX goes to a different planet, it always surprises me that people will excuse those two for doing nutty things when they don’t AT ALL imply it could happen and VIII tells you almost from disc 1 that there is a lunar base and that Adel is there. The Raganorak also is shown way earlier in the game. But I get the criticisms of VIII but I wish someone would attempt to analyze it with the same good faith that they do VII or IX. It’s a very great game and has a really profound story

[@kevinricherson888]

How could you expect Irvine to pull the trigger on the woman who is essentially his mom?

[@blastedmcgraw152]

I remember loving this game when it first released. I loved playing a Final Fantasy game that looked so realistic. It had some of the best music I'd ever heard, arguably the best mini game ever, and it had a cool story and world. The draw magic system was a huge change and I think even back then that mechanic made or broke the game depending on your tolerance for it. I was in my early 20's and had a lot more tolerance and patience for stuff like that than I would today, which is why I've never chosen to go back and revisit this entry. I'll live out my remaining years with the fond memories I have of this controversial game. Great video, Matty. Happy Holidays to you and everyone else reading this!

[@potatoesandgravy7021]

Since this was my first FF, it holds a special place in my heart. I see my own bias though, and if i played it for the first time today, i probably wouldnt like it too much. Ff9 is still my fave, but FF8 is in my top 5 favorite FFs for sure.

[@drownthepoor]

I love IX and VIII, but VII is my first love. And as P.P. Arnold tried to warn us long before that wench Sheryl Crowe: The First Cut IS The Deepest.

[@mothcub]

I feel like your interpretation of Squall is really simplistic. He is shown to care deeply about the characters and everyone's situation, and it's not just just that he's distant and standoffish (which of course, he is), but that he's been repeatedly put into a leadership position - and when Rinoa is scared after she brings the amulet to Edea, he's not comforting in the way she would want him to be, yet he's strong and provides this stability in that moment, so they get through it together. You can see some kindness in the scene even though he's still maintaining his trademark emotional distance. idk when people call him "emo" I always just think you heard other people say that and it made it so you didn't really think more about what the narrative is communicating about him. That said, it's fine for you to not respond well to the character. I just think there's so much more to him!!

[@steveozone4910]

Irvine didn't pull the trigger because he was the only one who remembered Edea was their Matron. The sorceress was basically his mother. Another easter egg is Amnesia Greens. It makes you forget abilities GFs have learned. Another way to show they make you forget? There were actually 3 Ragnaroks. There's a cut scene you get when you speak to Laguna, that explains the Adel backstory. It shows the 3 ships is how they launched Adels prison into space and how the lunar base was built to watch over her prison. After the mission the Ragnaroks became unresponsive and were lost around the station. kzbin.info/www/bejne/m6LPdWhqiJd9nc0si=iqWmfOwjqY4MhOJJ Here is the cutscene. A lot of players actually miss it the first time around. So Laguna basically defeated Adel and that's how he ended up as President of Esthar.

[@FF8FansChannel]

I've always believed that Irvine wasn't aware of the true identity of the Sorceress Edea before confronting her up close. Even though he remembers the orphanage, I don't think he knew 'Matron's' name, precisely because everyone referred to her as 'Matron'. He probably only noticed the resemblance when he fought her up close and then researched to uncover the truth. And 25 years later, I'm still convinced of this: Irvine doesn't pull the trigger because he can't handle the pressure, which is understandable given his youth and the weight of a mission that could alter the "history of Galbadia and the entire world". Once he discovers the Matron's identity, Irvine chooses to discuss it with the others so they can collectively make a crucial decision, as now adults, without regrets: to knowingly fight against 'Matron'. Considering these nuances, Irvine's character gains even more significance.

[@steveozone4910]

@@FF8FansChannel I like my theory better because it uses Foreshadowing. Also Irvine Definitely knew her name was Edea Krammer, he says so later in the basketball court at Trabia. Did you also notice the goof during that scene? The float Edea is on is clearly facing backwards when Irvine shoots! You can see Squall drive straight towards it and it's facing away from the shot, yet when Irvine shoots he hits Edea front on 🤣

[@FF8FansChannel]

@@steveozone4910 he knows her name but just when they are in Trabia. Also Kramer is Cid's surname. So Irvine gets to know her name only after they got to know about Cid and Edea's marriage. Which is revealed by NORG after the first assassination attempt. Yeah the scene of the shoot was strange. Maybe Seifer and Edea somehow manage to turn the wagon after the shoot 😂

[@steveozone4910]

@@FF8FansChannel Who knows really it's all fan theories. Like the Laguna/Squall stuff.

[@FF8FansChannel]

@@steveozone4910 you mean the stuff that they're father and son? No that's not fan theory 😁

[@senwod75104]

Gotta respect this games ambition, following the crazy success of FF7 they could have played it safe. Modern games often refuse to take risks and innovate on tried and tested models, but at least here they (literally) tried to shoot for the stars.

[@BareBandSubscription]

Is it really necessary to rant about “modern games”? Are modern games _really_ any less commonly innovative than previous eras of video games? Every generation was riddled with trends and “played it safe” many times over.

[@FF8FansChannel]

I agree, that's why this game is still considered epic and is played and replayed 25 years later, even though it's criticized, especially if compared to FF7.

[@MistyKathrine]

Yeah it definitely tried a lot of things, some of them worked, some of them didn't. They followed it up with a much safer title with Final Fantasy IX which was better received and generally a lot more liked.

[@ry2950]

7:33 The motorcycle soldier getting cleaved during the massive fight has always been one of my favorite moments in gaming as a kid playing this game.

[@crispyguilt1]

Bro. I don’t know why. But I’ve never really payed attention to that. But holy shit, I clicked your time stamp with a “what is he talking about face”, then switched real quick to 😲!!!!

[@killakenny517]

Never noticed that. Hilarious

[@Mr.Genesis]

I absolutely love this game. Its been my favorite game in the franchise my whole life

[@PhillyTJ]

Too difficult to play

[@Mr.Genesis]

@@PhillyTJ i was literally 8 and got past most parts it aint that bad

[@alexlight4178]

Its the best one.

[@PhillyTJ]

@@Mr.Genesis I'm 39 graduated from Michigan State in 2007 and the junction system is too complicated so I stopped trying last yr 😂😂

[@terrycruise-zd5tw]

its ok to have bad taste, youre the reason why people with good taste also exist as opposition to you

[@drunkendelver1966]

Final Fantasy VIII is a game that requires multiple playthroughs and/or A LOT of digging through lore to get a handle on the plot. A good chunk of the things that seem to come out of nowhere, like the memory loss explanation via GFs and the existence of NORG are hinted at extremely early in the game. Where? At Squall's classroom terminal. There's also an entire information section in the tutorial menu (sort of like the datalog from XIII) explaining different aspects of the world, like why monsters come from the moon. There's missable dialog from NPCs about an ancient god named Hyne who created humans and has a direct connection to sorceresses. There's just A LOT of information that the game doesn't tell you up front. Maybe Squaresoft wanted to encourage multiple playthroughs, but what most people get out of it is confusion without a second look. I applaud the worldbuilding, but the execution sadly feels misguided.

[@benabaxter]

If people like Dark Souls world building, this seems to be in the same category, just years ahead.

[@karlhungus6689]

First of all, SPOILERS…….I love how the story never explicitly tells you that Laguna is Squalls father. But after multiple play throughs it becomes more obvious. That’s why to me the best part of the story is the sad love story between Laguna and Julia…..since Laguna is Squalls dad and Julia is Rinoas mom- they can never love and be together otherwise Squall and Rinoa would never be born. The story is actually really deep.

[@briancook7645]

This comment makes me think of how interesting it could have been if the story was about Laguna and Julia going back and fourth in time but everything not being able to be together because as you said, then Squall wouldn't exist. But that's not what happens. So although you gave me something new to think about, I'm a bit curious about your take.

[@megapixel2004]

This was my gateway RPG. Played it in highschool and realized there was a whole genre out there I didn't know existed. I actually still have my copy with the receipt from the purchase in the game case.

[@GoeTeeks]

So um, a few things. Laguna is Squall's father. This is confirmed, though there's no direct mention of it in the game, there are strong hints (if you talk to Kiros and Ward in the Ragnarok after Laguna briefs you about the plan to defeat Ultimecia they both allude to Laguna being Squall's father and Raine being his mother). This also makes Ellone Squall's half-sister. Squall in discs 1 & 2 has the attitude of being realistic in the outcome of things. He says things like getting your hopes up is bad, reality isn't so kind, saying positive things is just for reassurance. He's also a dutiful soldier who (very reluctantly) accepts his leadership role of SeeD when it is thrust upon him. He tosses all of that aside in Disc 3 when he leaves to take Rinoa with him to find Esthar, though. He abandons his duties, friends, mission all to attempt to find a way to save her, and even admits (to an unconscious Rinoa but mostly the audience) that he actually cares about what other people think of him, so he tries to be as cold as possible to shut them out. But it's really the moment he throws himself out into space to save Rinoa that his character development takes the biggest leap. He has no plan, no hope, just a burning need to save her. They're pretty lucky it worked out. And yeah, he has a bit of a relapse and shock moment when Rinoa is taken and the others have to snap him out of it. So when he rescues Rinoa and finally gives her the hug she wanted when they reached the Ragnarok, that is the completion of his character arc. This is the type of game that makes a lot more sense on a second play through. Things make more sense when you realize Cid and Edea knew Squall was the one who was destined to take out Ultimecia. Ellone and Squall being taken to an orphanage shortly after Laguna leaves and Raine passes away is the main reason Ellone was trying to change the past. You see Garden Attendants repeatedly interrupt Cid and call him away "for a meeting" as a means to keep him from getting too close to his students and keep him as a figure head so Norg could keep control of Garden at the beginning of Disc 1. Irvine is hesitant to shoot Edea because she's his matron, and he doesn't tell the party about their past (he kind of tries to at first) because up until the basketball court scene, he doesn't really get a chance to. They're either preparing to assassinate their Matron (and if he's the only one who remembers that, perhaps that's a good thing?), escaping a prison, separated due to the missile crisis, or trying to get Garden out of Fisherman's Horizon and encourage Squall to open up to them. He's probably wrestling with the decision to let them know that Edea was their former Matron the entire time and it's not until the basketball court that he finally decides to tell them everything. (I do find it weird that Seifer suddenly remembers this as well, and also somehow 'knows' that they all remember by the end of Disc 2, though).

[@njalsand133]

At one point it is said, but it's totally possible to miss

[@Redroomjjgfd]

I loved this game but sometimes I think there's just some pretty bad game design regarding information. I wonder how good it would be with a remake or a souped-up remaster.

[@worldbreakerhank3889]

Yea the story of this one took me multiple tries to not only understand but appreciate. For example I didnt understand why Ultimecia could send herself back in time yet needed Elone to get farther back. Then the realization that she was actually only making use of a machine that could only return to the point it was activated really blew my mind a bit.

[@Hexumonium]

Yeah, FFVIII is weird. I love it. And the garden battle was the coolest thing I had seen in a video game for a while. It gave me chills. And I interpreted Squall's development as a lone wolf who becomes a leader. And a lover.

[@Viper4ever05]

That battle scene was fucking epic. One of my favorite scenes after Invading Dollet

[@drownthepoor]

@@Viper4ever05 It's one of the high-points of 8. 7 has the two Weapon attacks on the cannons.

[@rc59191]

This is definitely my favorite Final Fantasy game next to 10 and 7. That card game you can play was really addicting.

[@lindenstromberg6859]

I played the first ten Final Fantasy games this year, all on the Nintendo Switch. I began with the Pixel Remasters before continuing on with the HD remasters of 7, 8, 9, and X. Final Fantasy 4, 6, 8, and X stood out to me the most. And, of the NES games, I found 2 to be the most enjoyable. It seems I have a preference for the even-numbered titles. Final Fantasy 8, in particular, left me with the best memories, as I found its game world more captivating than the others. Regarding gameplay, I view the XP system as a vestige of the older Final Fantasy games. For me, the primary purpose of battling is to defeat enemies, gather loot, and craft it into usable items and magic. Collecting AP for the special skills on the Guardian Forces (GF) comes second, while gaining XP isn't a significant focus. I thoroughly enjoyed character building in Final Fantasy 8, making it one of the most enjoyable character-building systems in an RPG for me, reminding me a little of The Witcher 3, which is my all-time favourite game. FFX would be a close second for the FF series. Having multiple options for building characters isn't a flaw; it provides flexibility in acquiring magic. Personally, I enjoyed alternating between gaining cards, crafting them into magic, collecting magic on the map, and defeating enemies to collect loot for magic. While I did use drawing in the opening hours, I'm happy that there were other options, because I hate drawing. After the first few hours I only used the skill on one character to GFs and the occasional rare magic spell - actually, just one, as I did load up on a spell called Aura. I played a lot more than likely most people would play, as I became engrossed in customizing GFs with scrolls to transform my characters into god-like beings. Consequently, when I finished the game, I crushed the end of the game-similar to my experience with other Final Fantasy games, except for FF5, which had a frustratingly slow leveling up process. I only counted the one battle with 3 stages, not millions or whatever and it didn't kill any pacing of the game - and this isn't exactly odd for a Final Fantasy game, as FF6 ended the game with a five stage battle. It's a tradition that started with (if my memory hasn't crashed) FF4 which had a two stage battle. The story in Final Fantasy 8 didn't seem crazy to me. It bears some resemblance to FF4, where instead of Zeromus on the moon controlling Golbez, it's Ultimecia in the future controlling Edea. Laguna's role as the President of Esthar is coherent; he led the revolt overthrowing the sorceress Adel and confining her in stasis in space. Ultimecia's attempt to unify her lineage with Adel's, seeking godlike power to remake space and time, is a central theme. In fact, I'm wondering if maybe the story and gameplay were different in the original FF8, because what you're describing is often similar, but not what I played. Maybe the Laguna storyline was cut down in the original version of the game, I believe what I played was kind of like a Director's Cut. But I'd recommend playing the HD Remaster on Nintendo Switch to get the full experience. Anyway! Exploring the world map reveals additional bits of the story. The sorceresses' connection to the God Hyne, who waged war against humanity in the distant past and was split into multiple pieces, including the sorceresses and guardian forces, adds depth. This narrative resembles the one in Final Fantasy Legend 2 (SaGa 2), where the Goddess Isis was split into magicite, spreading around the world, turning users into gods of different worlds. Moving on to my favourite aspect of FF8-the world itself. I enjoyed the dynamic Balamb Garden, with its evolving setting as the story progressed. The characters would say different things, discussing current events, some people would leave the Garden, others would die. Then there was the blog maintained by Selphie if you logged into the school's network, it provided a unique perspective on world events. I loved the different aesthetics of cities, reminiscent of historical settings, along with the beautiful town music, created an enticing game world. The Shumi tribe, often referred to as "aliens," and the corrupt Norg added depth, with the Shumi's arctic village standing out as one of my favourite locations in any game. The civilization is built on top of the ruins of hyper advanced civilizations, and uncovering those ruins and how some of the surviving technology is used, really added to my enjoyment of the world as a whole. In summary, Final Fantasy 8 is my favourite, with Final Fantasy 6 a close second. FF8's ambitious scope and expansive world made it stand out for me. While I could have finished it sooner, the additional content and exploration opportunities extended my playtime to around 75 hours. Currently, I'm focused on working through major Mega Drive, SNES, and Playstation 1 RPGs after completing Gameboy and NES classics. Maybe one day, I'll delve into FF11-16, excluding the online ones.

[@saltysantos]

you definitely need to play 16 and 12. And 14 is one of the best games ever made. I know its an MMO but the story is just 10/10

[@lindenstromberg6859]

@@saltysantos Will do. I was planning on playing 12 next. I guess if I enjoy 12, 14, and 16 it will continue my preference for the even numbered FF games.

[@bestbigbros1102]

@@lindenstromberg6859what’s your take on ff7? No love? Lol

[@lindenstromberg6859]

@@bestbigbros1102 I actually like it quite a lot, and I might even consider an exception to that "I like the even numbered FF games" statement I made above. But, while every FF game has parts I don't particularly enjoy, FF7s has long stretches, mainly around the last 25-30% of the game with the whole Ancient Ruins, City of the Ancients, Cloud in a coma areas. That said, I absolutely love everything up until Costa Del Sol. Between Costa Del Sol and Rocket Town, I still love most of the game, but there are sequences I'm less interested in (like the Dyne stuff, which I like in theory/on paper, but not so much in practice). But ignoring all the stuff I didn't enjoy, I'd say, overall I like FF7 quite a lot, and some of my favourite scenes and locations in an FF game are in that game. It's the game that breaks my rule. I'd also add that I don't dislike the odd numbered games, probably best to say that merely like the others more, relatively speaking: I like FF7 better than FF2 for example, but FF7 came out WAY later.

[@wodensthrone5215]

FF7 shits on FF8 in every way, nothing is more iconic in final fantasy than the opening of ff7, to its music, to Sephiroth being an absolute, manipulative and memorable villain because he's not 100% wrong about humans and what we do to the planet. He's got one of the most iconic boss themes and the moment at the very end where it's cloud and Sephiroth with the different camera shots followed by an Omnislash is peak gaming.

[@justinread7954]

8 is amazing glad you were able to experience it. I beat it when I was 12 no issues but I think as gaming has evolved into the same few games reskinned with slight skill/mechanic variations we've forgot how diverse games used to be. The story is weird but that's final fantasy baby.

[@QStorm321]

My favorite Final Fantasy and in my top three favorite games ever, so it's always good to see some coverage on it. I adore the characters, gameplay and Disc 1 is incredible.

[@TheBlayner]

Getting a strategy guide with every Final Fantasy game was a ritual for me. Completed the purchase. Same with souls games. I have a guide for FF4 to FF15. Only souls game I don’t have a guide for is DS2. Coincidentally the only souls game I haven’t beaten. The sekiro and bloodborne guides are so nice.

[@Bevtone]

Guides, the vinyl collection of video game's

[@maulressurected4405]

@@Bevtone I still have most of mine from Final Fantasy 7-10. Still even have the physical copies in good condition. Silent Hill 1, Final Fantasy Anthology, 7, 8, 9, and 10 never had any intention of selling or trading them.

[@NoeLoFi]

Final fantasy 8 is my favorite as an adult, growing up it was always the 13 series since that was my introduction to final fantasy alongside dissidia, something about the world, the characters and how relatable squall is to me just gets me, that and I played through the entire game while tripping on acid so 😭

[@KingKarrot]

I played through the final dungeon on acid 😂🤣

[@StewNWT]

Your favourite FFs are 8 and 13?? Are you… insane?

[@NoeLoFi]

@@StewNWT I just said 13 was my introduction so of course they were my favorite and 8 is great so nah, pretty sane

[@bestbigbros1102]

@@NoeLoFiyou need to play more final fantasies. 13 is one of the worst ones, 8 is amazing

[@bestbigbros1102]

@@NoeLoFitry 6,7,9,10

[@UncleYohta]

what i remember about FFVIII: -EB (electronics boutique) putting that opening FMV on display at all hours of the day at the mall. -the assassination scene (that ice spear's a lotta damage) -space scene with eyes on me

[@chaddon7685]

There seems to be a lot missing from the Squall analysis. He literally jumps out of a spaceship to save Rinoa. There's also more to his feeling of loss than him missing his sis. He can feel the loss of his memories and friends, too. Also.. it's not a coincidence all the orphans are part of this... Cid was married to her after all.

[@armorvil]

Yep, I also tend to think that, at the time of Ultimecia's death, Edea and Cid learned that Squall was the leader and was accompanied by Zell, Quistis, Selphie, Irvine and Rinoa, AND that he was romantically involved with Rinoa. It would explain why Cid accepted Rinoa's request for SeeD and sent those 3. Plus if Zell, Quistis, Selphie and Irvine were informed at some point that Squall's destiny was to become a leader, get with Rinoa and be the one who will lead them to victory, it would also explain a lot of their behavior during the game : everyone accepting him as a leader and helping in trying to get Rinoa and him together (well, aside from Quistis... ...maybe she didn't accept that Squall was fated to be with Rinoa, being in love with him, so still tried her best to seduce him).

[@AsaelTheBeast]

@@armorvil This is almost exactly what happened. Edea learned squalls story when he went to the past and she inherited Ultimicia's power. It's why Squall was selected as leader of Balamb Garden. It's why Rinoa's request was accepted. Essentially, Squals fate was decided.... By future Squall..... Before young squal even knew wtf was going on. And the Kramers, Edea and Cid, did everything in their power to make sure those kids would be able to meet their destinies. I mean, do you think Cid got involved with that Dickhead Norg for funsies? Even the use of GF's makes a ton of sense when you consider that thier ultimate destiny is to slay a sorceress in the future. What better force for defeating a sorceress than a group using GF's which devour magic to strengthen the user?

[@Haveafastbath]

Matty nooooo! Haha I loved FF8 I played it when it came out. I was like 15/16 at the time so I really did enjoy it at the time. I loved everything about it and even plying it back multiple times years later I still love it. The junctioning I didn’t even understand in my first playthrough until pretty much the very end castle haha. However I do see the flaws too but I think ultimately it holds up as a brilliant game from its time. It’s probably my second favourite FF game. I remember genuinely tearing up during the squall/rinoa space section. And man Ultimecia’s castle was awesome! Glad you played it! :)

[@KingKarrot]

My favorite game of all time, Squalls journey is just so relatable to me

[@andytpatt]

8 is one of my top favorites, especially as you get some of the hidden story context scenes and are able to piece together some of the otherwise out-of-place elements.

[@Elbravo264]

It's crazy watching the reactions to this game. I played it at launch and if not for that I never would have touched a final fantasy game. I was a teen at that time and maybe that was why I really understood how Squall was relatable in all of those situations. Has anyone thought about him just being insecure? Sure, he proves to be extremely powerful but to an insecure kid he is always thinking there's something out there even more powerful. Sure, Rinoa and Quistis are romantically interested but that is hard for an insecure kid to notice. He was abandoned and was literally taught to be strong despite that. How do you build that strength? By not cultivating those relationships. Let's be honest some of us have had the situation where a girl is practically throwing herself at you but you don't notice it because your head is elsewhere. You realize more about what you should have said or done AFTER you made the wrong decisions. This entire approach to Squall's decision making made sense when you look at it from that perspective. I was mad when he didn't say the right things at times too but after Rinoa became unresponsive and ALL he could think about was HER I completely understood. Sometimes you don't know you love it until it's gone. Losing Rinoa like that made him push past the insecurities and say "I don't care if it hurts I'm going to get her back." Arguably one of the most human characters in FF history. I loved the literal months it took me to finish this game. The story was so compelling. I didn't have any issues with the memory loss reveal because it is sprinkled in conversations and if you read the notes at the beginning of the game when you access your desk it LITERALLY talks about it. Also the people who are talking about it were employees of Garden which BTW was foreshadowing the whole conflict behind Master Norg's shady business practices. My only with this game was the whole Laguna side story. It felt like there wasn't enough happening in the game to know what happened to Laguna. Even with that problem all I am saying is that I may have not had the conversation with the random NPC that has the information that puts it all together. That's the kind of game this is. Still the best FF by far in comparison to them all. That junction idea was meant to keep you on your toes and draw everything to the max. I'm over 40 and I still have arguments with my friends about who had the strongest Squall. If you have max strength with Flare junctioned but also have 100 death spells as an elemental attack then You are not afraid of any random encounters. I didn't worry about anything until that underground research lab came along in my search for Eden. So much fun I wish I could wipe my memory and play it again.

[@dsoprano13]

I actually loved the gameplay. I played this as a teen and figured it out without the internet. There is nothing more amazing than equipping your sword with 100 deaths.

[@officialzack23]

So glad to see you play this game. Final Fantasy 7-9 are three of my favorite games of all time and I think 8 doesn't get the credit it deserves alongside the others from its era.

[@Chelaxim]

None of the Final Fantasy games that are sandwiched between two other games on the same console ever get recognition.

[@remyheart27]

Irvine being scared to pull the trigger was such a great moment for his character.

[@VaioStreams]

Honestly? This was my favorite one. Seeing Squall grow throughout the game was actually a joy to watch. they happen slightly, and aren't always noticeable, but it happened often enough. I thought them tieing the GFs into why they don't remember was a fun twist and at that point, It really felt like the "Fantasy" was back in Final Fantasy. All the crazy that happened. the WTF moments felt like I was really in another world. I wish other FF games went off the rails the way this game did, instead of laying out everything at the start. I get why people didn't like it. but I loved it. Same thing with FF13. I actually really enjoyed the story. the only thing that put me off from 13 was the battle system.

[@tarum4153]

At the beginning of the game on Squalls Computer there is a article about the G.Fs and the memory lost effect. That was a great foreshadowing

[@AleksandreMzhavia]

My favourite Final Fantasy, my favourite cast, story, music and the world.

[@lindenstromberg6859]

The world of FF8 is something I think shouldn't be ignored when assessing this game, to me, its easily the thing this game does best - the different cities, and the new civilization built on top of the high tech ruins of an ancient one. While it's not the first FF game to do this (even FF1 did this along with FF4, 6, and X), it did it the best and most expansively. But the cities, I could easily live in Shumi Village, Balamb, Winhill, and Esthar... imagine going to school at a Garden?

[@NickyNightHawk]

I was gifted this game on my 10th birthday for the original PlayStation.. the four discs and whole booklet was so cool I loved this game so much.. Still do.. I know I'm a little late to comment but at this time I'm playing Ff7 rebirth and Muah!! *Chef's kiss* it's a masterpiece.. have fun hunters!

[@dreamer6737]

My all time favorite gaming experience, FF8 is crazy good.

[@RFortnox]

This was my first FF and my favorite and this is my absolute favorite, glad you were able to experience it

[@Yogurthero212]

One of my very first experiences with video games was playing ff8. When I was about 5 my sister and I would play my older brother's save file while he was away, using up all of his magic. By the time he realized he was so upset he quit playing it altogether and never played another final fantasy. Good times 🙃

[@Thirstycactuar]

"My name is Cloud" "Why, is it because you rain on everyone's parade?" "No those are called Squalls"

[@BrokerCast]

I love the game, I think it's my 4th or 5th favorite FF game. For me it's just behind 7, 6, 10 and maybe 12. But everything you're saying here is still valid. I like Squall a lot, but like you said about him being in Kingdom Hearts, he's really cool in Kingdom Hearts. I feel like I cut the character slack in FF8 because I played KH first. I know they're different continuities and they're not connected at all, but playing KH before FF8 helped for me because I knew Squall was actually a good guy in the end. Squall in KH is definitely written to be an older version of the character.

[@kurtdewittphoto]

My favorite Final Fantasy game. I was a senior in high school when it came out. I remember naming Rinoa the same name as my crush at the time lol. I really identified with Squall.. I was surprised years later to find so many people hating on it online.

[@guruthosamarthruin4459]

The first time I played it, I also thought the whole "we grew up together, but forgot" aspect was absurd. But, on a replay, I realized that they mention very early on that using GFs causes memory loss. Of course, that still doesn't account for the astronomical chances that they all just happened to end up travelling together.

[@gothichellokitty]

yesss. glad youre getting back to old jrps/rpgs matty. i havent been watching retro rebound as much lately because of the anime games ive no interest in, but i will definitely come around to hear whag you think of any old rpgs/jrpgs and classic games. thanks for the content as always!

[@gothichellokitty]

to be clear, i like anime games, just not things like dbz, naruto and p much all shonen jump really lol. u do u tho!

[@CompleteProducer84]

This game has one of the most under-appreciated pieces of video game music ever: the Fire Cavern Theme

[@CoreyPB33]

Wish I could agree with you, but I played this when it was new and I loved every second of the game. As a 10 year old, I didn’t really understand the junctioning system or knowing that the leveling system was scaling with the enemies. I was young and it confused me. But everything else was amazing. And now I love the junctioning system. It’s still my other favorite in the series along side FF7.

[@Charsept]

7, 8 and 10 are my favorite FF games. I'd love to see 8 remade. Or really any turn based FF game remade. And properly remade.

[@Spr1ggan87]

The actual Laguna side was cut and never made it to release, originally Laguna was supposed to get half the game with his own overworld, etc, while leading the resistance against the other sorceress. Instead we get a few playable parts with him and then what was supposed to be his entire side of the game was reduced to him telling Squall a summary of his activities.

[@rhast57]

Zell is great in combat. He's incredibly fast and his limit break is good. However, he needed more character development and back story to make using him more enjoyable

[@nicolasjonasson4820]

Besides the music and the light hearted humor, it's the humanity of the characters in this world that I love so much. So so real.

[@Demon1987AS]

It’s just a fantastic game of its time. You can’t play it as a man in your 30s and critique it like a game from today. If you’d played FF8 as a 13 year old like most of us, the story issues aren’t really issues. FF8 is elite, and I’d love them to create a concept for a game where you junction resources you can draw or win from enemies to make yourself stronger. Also… Triple Triad is the greatest mini game ever.

[@Redroomjjgfd]

I do agree 100% but I feel like you can say that about damn near half of all the games in this series, or at least in discussion I hear it about 50% of every FF game. EDIT: forgot to add- triple triad is superior to all for real

[@sonic114798999]

I keep hearing people say that 7 was normal, but 7 was just as bonkers. There are clones that aren't clones, you also go into outer space for equally silly reasons. Sephiroth was never there, it was Jenova the whole time. WTF is going on with the life stream.

[@Mikraver]

Exactly! Most of the people aren’t aware that Sefiroth only appears at the very end of the game. No wonder more subtle stuff like Laguna being Squall’s father flies over their heads completely

[@virtualbunksie5117]

I was 11 at launch, and ff8 was simple to me, honestly it wasn't difficult. A bit tedious having to draw with every character. Even at 11 I knew to unlock card mod, I knew to convert spells and tools to magic and knew how to get powerful quick. But it wasn't until ibwas 12/13 and on my like 3rd playthrough I switched to saving everything and using what I needed and when for ultimate weapons and the side quests.

[@mothcub]

[characters travel to space in a futuristic video game] this guy: ummmm square enix are you HIGH????!!!

[@jeremyhall2727]

I love ff8..it will always have a special place in my heart. It was the first RPG i really got into too. It made reading fun again. Before i played it when i was in 6th grade..i haven't read anything for fun in a one year. Only if i had too for school. Besides for that stuff; i really enjoyed the story & turn base combat. Man i liked the story

[@xammo1518]

I just beat this Friday night for the first time. It was a good game and the junction/ triple triad I appreciated more than when I didn’t understand as a kid. Been working on finishing all of the single player numerical titles and only have 4 and 5 left! Btw big fan of the channel and these breakdowns! Glad to see you’re enjoying a bunch of old classics!

[@solutionxero]

this is the first RPG i ever played and it changed my life

[@WizArtChelo]

Same for me ❤

[@ge0metr1xx]

not my first RPG but it did change my life and I play it every year. Some nights, after a few bottles of wine, I revisit the Eyes on Me video's here on youtube and sob away while I read the comments from other mid aged men who also weep while listening to that song. This game has left an emotional impact on many people.

[@first-law-fantasyabercromb7308]

21:35 its actually mentioned at the beginning of the game that the GFs cause memory loss (but its only when reading a missable document)

[@karenlowe9283]

I loved 8, coming off from my fave game which was 7, the music was stellar, the characters iconic, the story may have gone over my head as a youngling but I love just the epicness. I may have spent forever at fisherman playing the band scene and listening to it

[@Jaze2022]

I actually resonated with squall. He wasn't the guy who cared about no one. He didn't smile not because he hates everyone. He was an introvert who had a sad life. He just wanted to be left alone. Not everyone wants to be around whacky, giddy people. Again that doesn't mean squall hated them.

[@faolheamh8422]

The key thing to remember when it comes to the romance between Rinoa and Squall, particularly how rushed it seems, is that they're teenagers. Teenage romances are quick and awkward like that

[@yannispirou101]

That happens rarely lol. Also, for a story that emphasizes on "love" as a theme, you'd expect the "love" part of the story to be well written and believable, not rushed.

[@faolheamh8422]

​@@yannispirou101 See: Romeo and Juliet

[@rotcehb]

The biggest crime and mistake that Final Fantasy VIII commited was being released after VII. No matter how good or amazing, people will forever hate it because it's not VII and it took a very different approach to 7. I'm not downplaying the problems the game has (it's very convenient that the ONLY characters that use GF, our main party, have memory loss. Or how underwhelming Ultimecia is) but the game is unreasonable hated because the junction system isn't that friendly.

[@Bevtone]

Allot people wouldn't admit it but that's 100 percent

[@statesminds]

FF8 gets a lot of hate and I don’t think it deserves it

[@avising8574]

FFVIII despite all the flaws, is truly something special within the entire final fantasy franchise. Plus come on Squall is so cool, and that intro brings chills!!! Squall and Cloud are my fav protags!

[@Game-slayer69]

Mr Marty sir! Laguna is squalls father. It’s in option dialogue that you find this out.

[@DomMcDon]

I played this as a kid when it released and replayed it a couple of years ago... this is the MOST accurate review I have ever heard of it.

[@Omilogic]

Man, this game takes me back. It’s one of my all time favorite final fantasy games. I remember playing it up in my room back in 2000-2001 in middle school when I got this game for my birthday that year. It definitely hasent aged well for sure, but you could do some badass things with the junction system. I definitely agree with you that the game is clunky. I’m glad you had a chance to play the game. And tripple triad is the shit. I play the mobile game they made as well as I love playing it in final fantasy 14. I’m glad they added it to that game.

[@d18p]

I've seen a lot hate from this masterpiece of a game IMO 8 is the best in the series, ppl who hate this gem seriously doesn't really know how to play the game. you can make this game hard or easy depends on the players skill level.

[@SeabeeMerbitz]

FF8 was actually my first FF game as a kid. I must have been 9 years old when I first played and omg the junction system was so hard to figure out 😂😂😂 but loved always upgrading weapons, limit breaks, and farming/drawing magic. It’s one of my favorite games they ever did!

[@PaulieWalnuts13]

Squall is definitely the most relatable FF protagonist for me

[@ZeljkoAnzulovic]

Man, Sqall was in love with Rinoa from the first moment he saw her. Love this game so much!

[@michaelangello1]

Sensational game. Would love a remake. I think it's the most cinematic of all the retro FF games.

[@Reeupmvp]

You said everything I was thinking about FF8. Everything. Good video

[@johnfinklestein6910]

FF8 is certainly in my top 5 favorite games from the series

[@jasonwoods694]

The gun was a freaking sword 🗡️. Done. Good stuff.

[@2Laze]

I played this game several times when it first came out and would always grind heavy to have amazing stat boosts and junctions in the early game, and I never felt the game was too hard with the scaling, even when I was in the late 80's or early 90's in the end game. Maybe it's because I understood the junction system, but the game is definitely not too hard when scaled up. Grind to your heart's content if you feel the need and have JRPG experience. 😁

[@fabledpaladin]

Idk if anyone already said this there are a million comments but if you read the original translation squall isn’t a asshole cause they changed a lot but you dont get that in the US version, great video tho 👍

[@HappyNBoy]

I played VIII when I was 11 or 12. I was perplexed just about the entire time. I don't think I ever actually finished it... Just got too hard and too complicated and the plot started going off the rails. I think it was beautiful and evocative at the time, and easily one of the coolest looking and most interesting gameplay I'd ever seen as a kid... But I'm glad to see that even as an adult it's an overwrought experience. When I played X a few years later it was more my speed, and even now, going on 20 years later, that's still a first rate experience that I can still recall a lot from. VIII, while enjoyable at times and really unique and impressive in its style and scope, is just too... Complicated. I think it makes for a great piece of video game history, and ideas and aesthetics and plot lines and character-archetypes and game mechanics from it ought to be mined and reforged into future games. There's a huge wealth of ideas in there, but it feels unfocused and underdeveloped in the back half, like they had too many mechanics and story elements on their big white board and had to tie them all together and were too proud to erase anything. I hope people who grew up with it find ways to take inspiration from it and reuse ideas it left uncooked in '99, but I don't have an abiding need to go back to it a quarter century later.

[@cykurosaki1337]

Got introduced to the FF characters via KH too, and I’ve been a fan of the FF series ever since.

[@apex0824]

Anytime a game is too tedious to play, I'm immediately out.

[@brizzlex1919]

You are probably great in relationships 💀

[@Roxxxxxxxbottttter]

FfVIII is phenomenal. Great presentation, good memories. One of the best!

[@Lazyworker123]

I just love how ridiculous this game is. It’s my favorite in the series even though it’s definitely not the best. This also has one of the best soundtracks and FMV’s.

[@wallcity318]

Mine too, i'll gladly die on that hill. It took a bold step forward. It also had a futuristic gothic feel to it which i really got into. I would def love a FFVIII REmake

[@Vanity0666]

I think 13 executed on every "miss" square enix release from the late 90s

[@Walamonga1313]

Best OST for sure, which is incredible considering so many other FFs have amazing soundtracks

[@Vanity0666]

@@Walamonga1313 man i'm gonna sound like a broken record but 13 got that locked up too

[@funicon3689]

@@Vanity066613's music is very good and underrated, but i dont think it has as many amazing songs as FFVIII