Yeah. I find most players who are put off by the game for whatever reason end up lumping it down as all-out bad with no redeeming qualities. Very few things haven't done something well. I actually think FF8 does a lot well.Originally Posted by Bolivar
That's a very ill way to look at it
Anyway, my list:
Best: Honestly, the atmosphere. Especially at the beginning of the game. I feel like FF8 has the most chillin' pacing in the whole series. I mean right off you can explore the school, head over to Balamb for some sweet architecture and scenery. In most RPGs, the quiet beginnings usually lead up to a big disaster and the player always is anticipating the change of tone. Not FF8. Chillin'. Even IX's amazing opening has momentum to it that makes it more in line with something like VI or VII. Now, I'm not big on the world traversal in VIII (because they kind of cart you around and you never get the feeling of actually traveling the world and judging your progress by the terrain covered) but I just like how the game gives you instructions and then just is kind of like, 'well let me know when you've done it'. It contrasts well with the 'event' scenes like the parade or the train heist.
Worst: The fourth disc (minus awesome final castle). I can endure terrible plot twists and shaky characterization, but I absolutely hate when exploration-heavy RPGs cut off access to locations as the game winds down. Once you go through Time Compression or whatever it is, everything feels very empty. There really is only one thing to do but I like being able to do everything up to the final boss, leave and do some shopping in my favourite town, and then come back for a world-ending fight. Is it so much to ask? FFIX has this cop-out too, but not to the extent VIII does. (PS: I know why they do it, but that doesn't mean it doesn't suck for me as a player)
Reply With Quote