Your 2024 Guide to Mastering Final Fantasy VIII
- Introduction and recommendation of Final Fantasy VIII
- Advice on choosing the right version of the game
- Drawbacks of the Remastered version
- Benefits of playing the original version
- Importance of understanding the unique Junction System
Final Fantasy VIII: A Classic Worth Revisiting
First introduced in 1999, Final Fantasy VIII, while not receiving the same level of critical admiration as its predecessor, Final Fantasy 7, has nevertheless carved its own niche in the hearts of many fans of the franchise.
Whether you're considering trying it out for the first time, or you've recently revisited Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth and want to experience another chapter from the franchise's history, Final Fantasy 8 is definitely worth your time. This is due to its innovative battle and character spec systems and an enigmatic storyline that still leaves many questions unanswered.
Choosing the Right Version
In 2019, Final Fantasy 8 was remastered with a new version for Switch, PS4, Xbox One, and Steam, which is also playable on PS5 and Xbox Series consoles. This version is generally a good choice, but there are a few things to be aware of.
Remastered Version: A Few Caveats
One of the key issues with the Remastered version of Final Fantasy 8 is the lack of support for analog control for movement. While you can use the left thumbstick to move Squall and your party around, the characters can only move in eight directions, not seamlessly following the analog stick as the game did in its original PlayStation launch.
Another oddity in the remaster is inconsistent character models. While all the main characters have received significant upgrades, some NPCs still look as if they were from 1999, resulting in a slightly uneven presentation.
Gameplay Options
Like other Final Fantasy remasters and reissues, FF8 Remastered allows for speeding up the game’s animations, avoiding random encounters, and setting your HP and Limit Break to max, sometimes referred to as 'god mode,' although it won’t make you invincible.
Opting for the Original
For these reasons, some may prefer to play the original Final Fantasy 8 on the original PlayStation (or via emulation) instead of the Remastered version. The analog movement and more consistent visual presentation make it a better choice in some opinions. However, the remaster remains a solid way to experience FF8.
Most importantly, unless you’re planning to mod the game on PC, it is strongly advised to avoid buying the original PC version on Steam (the one without the Remastered label in the title). Without going into detail, this version has many issues and is not the ideal way to experience the joy that is Final Fantasy 8.
Learning the Game: Use the Tutorial!
Final Fantasy 8 includes a very helpful tutorial in the game’s menu. If you're confused about how any of its systems work, be sure to give it a read.
The Junction System: A Unique Combat Feature
Final Fantasy 8's combat system, known as the Junction System, has been a topic of much discussion over the years. While there are many ways to describe this system, "conventional" certainly isn’t one of them. It's a unique feature that sets this game apart, and understanding it is key to enjoying the game to its fullest.
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