Standing Up For Final Fantasy VIII

by Dan Highwind 

Before I get started with my editorial, I'd like to apologize for my format last week. Seeing as how it was my first editorial, it's probably looked upon as a common first mistake. Ok, on with the editorial!

Final Fantasy VIII is an RPG that's been getting a lot of crap from some of the so called "RPG Purists". Final Fantasy VIII (which will be reffered to as FFVIII from here on) is in fact a great title in the Final Fantasy series and deserves the proper recognition! In this editorial I'm going to put my foot down and defend FFVIII. Like it or not!

I'll first start off with a subject of FFVIII that has really, and I mean really taken a beating. That's the battle system. Now, I know some of you out there really hated the Junction System. People thought it was too complex, or too repetitive. I think that this is not true! FFVIII's Junction System is one of the most intuitive battle systems out of all the FFs! The ability to mix and match different spells that you've "Drawn" out of your enemies is a uniques idea, which I think could be used a little more often in other RPGs. It's amazing how with just a little bit of planning and strategy, how you can create a character who is a physical powerhouse, and at the same time be a magical powerhouse as well. Now, I do admit that drawing spells does get a little tedious after a while, but you just have think positively! I always tell myself "Just a few more of this spell,! c'mon...it won't take long!" Just be positive, and don't worry about time! After all, how can you enjoy an RPG if you're looking at the clock every five minutes?

Another aspect of FFVIII that has taken a lot of hits is the story. Many people have said things like "The story is weak," or, "There's no character development!" I guess some of these people must have not been paying attention while playing. FFVIII is full of character building, and plot threads that interwine with each other. The story is strong. The love story aspect is really a stand out, it may seem absent but look deep enough and it's there! I mean look at all that Squall and Rinoa went through! Their relationship starts off a little topsy turvey, but after Rinoa gets possesed, they begin to realize how special each one is to one another. By the way, a love story can be a good love story, even if no one says "I love you," after all, actions speak louder than words!

As you can see FFVIII is a top notch RPG and FF! You just have to look deeply (don't hurt your head! ;)). If you take the time to really analyze all that FFVIII has to offer you come to the same conclusion as I have. That conclusion being that FFVIII has been lamb-basted by the critics, and "RPG Purists". If your opinions differ from my mine drop me a line here and tell me what you think!