After many years of absence from the unstoppable barrage of re-releases and ports of Square Enix, we finally got a remastered version of Final Fantasy VIII for PC and all consoles. The VIII is the best version of the game has ever been in existence.
The Remastered version looks better
And my opinion is that this Remastered version is even better than the original game. I did notice the comment trend on YouTube saying that the graphics in the debut video trailer of the game is just the same. But I can surely say that they are not. Remastered version maintains the fuzzy backgrounds of the original game. But it has better 3D models which are just like butter for my eyes.
I think the reason behind that comment trend is that the Remastered version is not on the same graphical level with the FF VII Remake version. But the thing is that it is not Remake, it is a Remastered (clearly in the title). But we also need to take into knowledge the origin of those comments, though. Way back in 1999, when Rinoa said to Squall that he is the most handsome guy, we RPG lovers could barely notice his hideous pixelated face with our CRT TV. Back then, there was also no concept of a meme, and how would this scene becomes one.
I love it
Back then with the game - after about three hours of playtime, it hooked us up completely. I was so immersed in the game that Rinoa fill up all the space in my imagination. I knew that Squall is a handsome guy. I remembered him in the opening movie of the game. I had probably seen that opening for around 90 times.
Final Fantasy VIII (FF VIII) Remastered maintains the barely animated and fuzzy JPEGs background. It also keeps the same aspect ratio. Moreover, it keeps the full-motion quality video from the original. Plus, it offers us new lovingly, wonderfully 3D models. Geometry speaking, these are identical with the one in the original game. But with a much superior texture detail which is just like butter to our eye.
My experience
When I first tried the Remastered version, I didn't even recognize the game. Ten years after the original release, I enjoyed it again to the fullest. This game takes on lots of bizarre risks with its plots, structures, and game designs.
The creators of the franchise usually talk about the desperation anecdote which they based the franchise on. According to the legend, Squaresoft had only enough money to make one more title. Their entire fate was up to that game.
FF VIII launched 2 years after FF VII stirred up the worldwide market. Back then, Squaresoft was working on the next 3 FF games. It was also producing and financing a feature film based on the game series. This ambition level is sometimes I haven't seen again with the modern-day game studios.
Final Fantasy XI, X, and IX plus the feature film were all flops. Thus, FF VIII was destined to be the game coming out after FF VII.
Now looking back at that history 20 years after, I admire the creative risks of the game deeply. It has reinvented the game once more right before the aw and ah of everyone.
Fully enjoying it
I have to admit it, back then I was young and I just kinda rush through the original game. It was difficult for me to feel Squall the protagonist. He is one of the first characters we meet in the game, a strong-man-wannabe young protagonist. With him is an older teacher who sees clearly through his shell and mocks him right on. That just somehow felt embarrassing, like when you read your old writing.
Replaying the title, so far for it has been wonderful. I have been able to fully enjoy the game that I used to be frowned at back in 1999. The combat in the game features an amazingly brave default level of simplistic and game-designerly urgency that was waiting for me to enjoy it again.
Triple Triad, the mini card game is also amazing. Especially the theme music still stunning as always.
Final Fantasy VIII
For those who have never played this game. Final Fantasy VIII tells the story of Squall Leonhart and the other members of SeeD as they fight through Galbadia's empire rule to prevent Queen Edea from fulfilling her final goal. The game may start slowly, but if you take the time for the story, you will really enjoy how Squall and Rinoa's love story ends.
There are many surprises and shocking revelations. Many people say that FF VII has the best story, but for hardcore fans, Final Fantasy VIII is much better than that. It does not have the humorous melody of Final Fantasy IX, and the sinister storyline of Final Fantasy VII. But Final Fantasy VIII is in the combination of love, politics and of course magic.
Remastered version
The combat system in the Remastered version has not changed. It is the same Active Time Battle system comes with FFVII and FFIX. Each character in the battle will have a time measure, and it will fill up, then you will have turns to attack. It sounds tedious to those who have never played any game in the genre before. But an absolute blessing for the fans.
The FF VII Remastered will come to PS4, Nintendo Switch, PC, and Xbox One on the 3rd of September. Six days short of the original title's 20th-anniversary release. It comes will the appropriate price tag as well: The number of cents the same its anniversary (19.99 dollars).
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