Is this game romantic?

[Spooniest]

Now, it's easy for me to say that the romance in FFVIII doesn't cut the mustard. It certainly ain't no Romeo and Juliet.

But I wonder if I'm being fair. I'm a pretty embittered cynical vicious prick about romance. I've never been in a relationship that went well, period, not even my marriage.

If I drop all pretense of "sophistication" or "aesthetic criticism," the very simple question remains:

When Squall decides to tell Esthar to shove it and springs Rinoa from her impending imprisonment, and they embrace for the first time (the moment teased in the intro, and in fact the logo), do I feel anything?

Related: Being a musician myself, I have to say that I don't agree with popular opinion about "Eyes On Me." Its cadences do hint at a non-native English speaker having written it, but am I allowed to play judge and jury over other cultures? Is it mere arrogance to say that because it isn't "To Make You Feel My Love" by Bob Dylan, that it's a bad song?

In short, I suspect that this love story is maligned not because it's poorly done, but because of the distaste gamers have for anything that tries to be sweet.

[Jinx]

no

[Spooniest]

Why not

[Shorty]

Yes, it is.

[Pumpkin]

Yes, very.

[Spooniest]

Are we a bit uncomfy going into detail about this subject?

We're adults now, people...some of us are even starting to get old (namely, me)!

[Jinx]

I just don't think an emo asshole and an annoyingly needy bitch falling in love is romantic. The only thing they have in common is that they're completely unlikable.

FFVIII is romantic in the exact same way Twilight is romantic.

[Scotty_ffgamer]

I do think Squall and Rinoa's story is romantic. They might not be the most likable characters (especially in the beginning), but I think they develop throughout the story, both as people and in their feelings for each other. I think the main issue between the two of them is just that they are pretty immature. One of the main reasons for that is just that they are still in their teens. I can see why people may not view them as romantic due to that, but the development of their relationship really touched me when I first played as a kid.

Even if you don't view their relationship as romantic, I do think Laguna and Raine's relationship is much more realistic to a more mature love. Their story seems very romantic to me.

I love Eyes on Me, but I recognize that it isn't that great of a song musically. Sort of symbolically, it is very fitting though, especially considering it was written by Julia about Laguna (Julia being Rinoa's mom and Laguna being Squall's dad). This could of course make people think that the song is less romantic just in the fact that Laguna and Julia's short relationship is very fleeting and a lot more immature than Laguna and Raine. It could be very easy to see that connection and think that Squall and Rinoa will probably have a more fleeting relationship. You could also interpret it as showing that Squall and Rinoa were meant for each other, sort of destined to meet.

[Mercen-X]

I just don't think an emo asshole and an annoyingly needy bitch falling in love is romantic. The only thing they have in common is that they're completely unlikable.

FFVIII is romantic in the exact same way Twilight is romantic.

Have you seen beautiful creatures? While I don't think the plot is all that much better, I think the relationship plays out better than the Twilight one and I would probably like Twilight more if Bella had been so strong. Stephen King said it best: Harry Potter is about confronting fears, finding inner strength and doing
what is right in the face of adversity. Twilight is about how important it
is to have a boyfriend. Disclaimer: Stephen King never actually said this. While he thinks Meyer is a bad writer, and theorizes the success of Twilight pertains mostly to young girls who aren't yet ready to deal with the full swing of adult romance, this quote was actually stated by an Andrew Futral who also suggested only fat girls like Twilight.. Ref

[Sefie1999AD]

FFVIII definitely felt romantic when I was 14 or so and originally played the game. That doesn't mean the love story was realistic or well executed, though.

FFVIII is romantic in the exact same way Twilight is romantic.

Still a better love story than Twilight... sorry, couldn't resist.

[noxious.sunshine]

Meh. It's romantic. Squall falls in love and is willing to go all out to protect her - whether she's good or evil. That bit is romantic.

[Pumpkin]

adjective1.of, pertaining to, or of the nature of romance; characteristic or suggestive of the world of romance:a romantic adventure.


2.fanciful; impractical; unrealistic: romantic ideas.


3.imbued with or dominated by idealism, a desire for adventure, chivalry, etc.


4.characterized by a preoccupation with love or by the idealizing of love or one's beloved.

5.displaying or expressing love or strong affection.


Number 2, 3, 4 and definitely apply. Squall goes out of his way to save Rinoa on several occasions. There love starts suddenly and heats up quickly. He idolizes her in a lot of ways. Etc.

[Spooniest]

I think I meant more of a connotative definition of romantic. Like, would you play this game with your significant other in the way you'd watch The Notebook.

[Pumpkin]

I think I meant more of a connotative definition of romantic. Like, would you play this game with your significant other in the way you'd watch The Notebook.

Absolutely. Especially since its my second favorite Final Fantasy and its his favorite :P.

But yeah I find it romantic and I get invested in the love story.

[noxious.sunshine]

I freaking -loathe- The Notebook.. Or any other kind of mushy garbage people create these days.. Ick. *shudders* (aka almost anything with Rachel McAdams in it minus The Hot Chick & Mean Girls). They have cooties, I think.