DC Live! Final Fantasy VIII, Part 1 Livestream
After some delays I’m finally able to fulfill the request to play Final Fantasy VIII. If you’re a long-time reader of this blog, you’ve probably noticed that we’re fans of Final Fantasy. Between us we’ve played nearly every game in the series, especially the pre-PlayStation 2/3 titles. Personally, I’ve jumped between the numbered series on various consoles. Of the PlayStation 1 titles, Final Fantasy VIII is the only Final Fantasy I haven’t played. I actually own a copy I picked up on a whim at a gaming convention. Despite having not played, I do know that between arguments with friends and discourse about the game, it is generally polarizing. Either you like the FFVIII’s Draw & Junction system or you don’t. I have no idea where I will fall.
Final Fantasy VIII was released in 1999, about two years after the very successful Final Fantasy VII. Expectations for the game were high and FFVIII would go on to sell over a million copies during the first week of release. By the end of the year, the game would sell over six million copies worldwide. Since then it has gone on to sell over nine million units worldwide. A generally high reception to FFVIII accompanies its record-breaking sales. Graphically, the game was a major upgrade in comparison to FFVII. Development began on the game in 1997 and the team learned a lot about CG cut scenes and real-time polygons since FFVIII’s predecessor. Over 20 years since its original release, the game still looks fantastic– even before the 2019 remaster.
The Draw & Junction system is usually one reason why this game is disliked by so many Final Fantasy fans. Director Yoshinori Kitase explains the team wanted to try something unconventional in terms of gameplay mechanics. The ability to draw out magic spells from enemies and the environment, and equip them was meant to add an element of strategy and increase player freedom. You can thank or blame Hiroyuki Ito for this element in lieu of of traditional stat gains via leveling.
No matter where I fall on the debate with FFVIII, my time with it will be interesting. For this livestream I’ll be playing the remaster on PS4 instead of my original PS1 copy. (I’m told the quality of life changes will save me a lot of frustration.)
Join me at 6PM Eastern, 5PM Central on our Twitch Channel as I explore Final Fantasy VIII for the first time ever.
As always, a recording of the stream will be archived on our YouTube channel and embedded below.
About The Author
Angela
Executive Editor | Angela has had an addiction to video games and cartoons since she was young and impressionable. She enjoys writing long articles about these subjects and whatever else catches her eye. Mastodon
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There are so many things that can be said. But you just have to experience them. 🙂
So far the game is interesting. Great music, great graphics, fascinating story. The battle system seems a bit complicated, but having folks in the Twitch chat give me pointers helps a lot. I’ll have more thoughts as I play more of the game.