Final Fantasy VIII Beta

Japanese Release - Feburary, 1999
USA Release - September 1999
Sony Playstation
4 CD- ROMs

PC Release - 2000
System Requirements -  Windows 95 Compatible system, Intel compatible CPU, 200 MHz processor, 32 MB RAM, 8 MB 3D Accelerator card, 8X CD-ROM, Direct X 6.1, DirectSound and DirectMusic Compatible Sound Card ***(Requirements are greater to use Software Renderer)***
5 CD-ROMs (Including installation Disc)

      The future of storytelling

Expectations were low for Final Fantasy 8, since it seemed that all of the new Final Fantasies would lack gameplay. However, FF8 proved those players wrong. Final Fantasy 8 was Square's 2nd guinea pig, which offered a completely new and interesting type of gameplay, while mixed with an incredible storyline focused around love and war. All of this is introduced with graphics that GREATLY surpassed even Final Fantasy VII.

Final Fantasy 8 offered tons of unique gameplay ideals. Armor, and accessories are gone in this game. There are weapons, but they are remodeled instead of bought. Monsters get stronger as you level up. Money is gained by salary. Magic is drawn from enemies and the world, and each spell has their own stock amount, there are no distributive magic points. Statistics are raised through junctioning magic. Abilities are gained from junctioning guardian forces. It's somewhat confusing and annoying, but it really is a neat idea that Square developed. But it is highly unlikely that a system like this will return.

The storyline of FF8 greatly revolves around Squall, the hero of the story. Through the game, you'll get to see his thoughts, and you can even start to predict what his actions will be. It shows his evolution, and how he feels about others. It also deals with love. FF8 offers the first big time love story since FF4. This Final Fantasy also has a theme similar to that of FF7, but this one goes above and beyond and features the kind of things you'd see in Star Trek. Yep, this Final Fantasy is completely futuristic, even past our own time.

Although the game isn't necessarily that long, it is fairly challenging, especially later on in the game, since the monsters you fight at level 10 are the same ones that give you trouble at level 90. There are very few battles that are really easily won in this game, and levelling up really doesn't improve your party as drastically as it did in previous games.

The graphics are nuts in this game. When I played this game, I was stunned that the Playstation could spawn anything this great. Not only are the FMV's lifelike, but the polygonal characters are very real looking, and all of the other NPCs in the game walk around, talk, and look real doing it. The graphics of this game put Final Fantasy VII to great shame :)

If you have interest in the Final Fantasy series at all, then I suggest you play this. Don't yell at me if you're disappointed though :) It's a very different game when compared to the linear series, but it's changes may prove a whole new experience for you, and the storyline is enthralling.