Final Fantasy VIII: Difference between revisions
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Final fantasy 8 is a piece of shit game and anybody thinks that it is good should be shot and buried alive with their mother |
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{{Infobox CVG| title = Final Fantasy VIII |
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| image = [[Image:Final_Fantasy_VIII_Japanese_box_art.jpg|131px]]<br> |
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[[Image:Final_Fantasy_8_ntsc-front.jpg|131px]][[Image:Final_Fantasy_VIII_European_box_art.jpg|131px]] |
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| developer = [[Square Co., Ltd.]] |
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| publisher = <div style="white-space: nowrap;">[[Square Co., Ltd.]] <small>(''Japan'')</small><br />[[Square Electronic Arts|Square EA]] <small>(''North America'')</small><br />[[Sony Computer Entertainment|SCE Europe]] <small>(''Europe/Australia'')</small> |
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| designer = Hideki Naganuma |
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| engine = |
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| released = <div style="white-space: nowrap;">[[February 11]], [[1999]] <small>(''Japan'')</small><br /> [[September 7]], [[1999]] <small>(''N. America'')</small><br /> [[October 27]], [[1999]] <small>(''Europe'')</small> |
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| genre = [[Computer role-playing game|Role-playing game]] |
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| modes = [[Single player]] |
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| ratings = [[Entertainment Software Rating Board|ESRB]]: [[Image:ESRB_T.png|12px|T]] Teen<br />USK: 12+<br />OFLC: M15+ |
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| platforms = [[PlayStation]] |
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| media = 4x [[CD-ROM]] |
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| requirements = |
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| input = |
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}} |
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{| class="infobox bordered" style="width: 23em; font-size: 90%; text-align: left;" cellpadding="3" id="win_infobox" |
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! colspan="2" style="font-size:110%; text-align: center; background-color: #ccccff;" |'''Microsoft Windows version''' |
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|- |
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| colspan="2" style="text-align: center;" |[[Image:Final_Fantasy_VIII_Windows_America.jpg|131px|North American Windows version cover]][[Image:Final_Fantasy_VIII_Windows_Europe.jpg|131px|European Windows version cover]] |
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|- |
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! style="background-color: #ccccff; white-space: nowrap;" | Publisher(s) |
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|[[Image:Flag of the United States.svg|22px|United States / North America]] [[Eidos Interactive]] |
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|- |
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! style="background-color: #ccccff; white-space: nowrap;" | Release date(s) |
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|[[Image:Flag of the United States.svg|22px|United States / North America]] [[25 January]] [[2000]] |
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|- |
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! style="background-color: #ccccff; white-space: nowrap;" | Media |
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|5 [[CD-ROM]]s |
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|- |
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! style="background-color: #ccccff;" | System requirements |
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|[[Windows 95]], [[Pentium]]-class [[central processing unit|CPU]], 32 MB [[Random access memory|RAM]], 8X [[CD-ROM]] drive, [[DirectX]] 6.1 |
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|- |
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! style="background-color: #ccccff; white-space: nowrap;" | Input |
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|[[Computer keyboard|Keyboard]], [[mouse (computing)|mouse]], or [[joystick]] |
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|} |
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'''''Final Fantasy VIII''''' ([[Japanese language|Japanese]]: ファイナルファンタジーVIII ''Fainaru Fantajī VIII'') is a [[computer role-playing game]] created by [[Square Co., Ltd.]] for the [[PlayStation]] and [[Microsoft Windows]]-based [[personal computer|PCs]]. It was the eighth installment of the ''[[Final Fantasy]]'' series, and the second installment of the series to be released for the PlayStation, as well as the second installment to be [[porting|ported]] to Windows. Three weeks after its release in [[1999]], ''Final Fantasy VIII'' had earned more than $50 million [[United States dollar|USD]] in sales, making it the fastest selling ''Final Fantasy'' title to date. To date, ''Final Fantasy VIII'' has sold over 8 million units worldwide, and some sources report it to have surpassed Final Fantasy VII as the best-selling Final Fantasy at present. (See below for additional information). [http://www.ffonline.com/news/news.php?article=2000-01-27] |
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==Gameplay== |
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''Final Fantasy VIII'' is a further development of the RPG engine seen in its series predecessor ''Final Fantasy VII'', and comprises three main modes of play: the world screen (a fully 3D visual where the player may navigate freely across the scaled-down gameworld), the field screen (one or more 2D pre-drawn backgrounds representing a location such as a town, with overlaid 3D characters under player control) and the battle screen (a fully 3D visual of a discrete location such as a street or room, where a fight between the player and enemy parties takes place). A menu driven interface drives the mechanics of the game, and it is in these that various departures for the series occur, most notably in the comparative deemphasis on traditional weapons and armor, and in the Draw/Junction [[Final Fantasy magic|magic system]]. ''Final Fantasy VIII'' was also the first game in the series to introduce a "collectible card"-based [[minigame]], named [[Triple Triad]]. |
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===Junction system=== |
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This new system revolves around summonable monsters, called [[Summon magic (Final Fantasy)|Guardian Force]]s (GFs). A character must have a GF assigned to them ("junctioned") before he or she can use the standard ''Final Fantasy'' battle command abilities, such as ''Magic'' or ''Item''; only ''Attack'' can otherwise be performed. While previous ''Final Fantasy'' titles used a pool of magic points (MP) consumed by each spell to limit magic use; in ''Final Fantasy VIII'', spells are "drawn" from enemies or special Draw Points, and then consumed one at a time. GFs also allow characters to "junction" these spells to their own statistics for significant bonuses (a doubling of the base stat is not uncommon). Because of the sheer flexibility and depth of this system (combined with the ability to draw unlimited stocks of a spell from a single enemy), it is possible to build one's party up to incredible levels of power fairly early into the game and, in most cases, inflict much more damage than the GF itself. This alternative use of GFs (previously, summoned creatures were used almost exclusively to deliver a single devastating attack) was a major departure for the series. Statistic Junctioning replaced the Armor class of previous Final Fantasies. While each character does retain a specialized weapon, that weapon cannot be unequipped, unlike previous games. A limited number of upgrades can be performed on each character's weapon to increase its power and effectiveness throughout the game (as well as alter its appearance), however. |
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===Limit breaks=== |
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[[Image:ff8-rinoa-angelwing.png|right|thumb|250px|Rinoa's second limit break, Angel Wing.]] |
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As in ''[[Final Fantasy VII]]'', every character has a unique special attack, called a [[Limit Break]], that is only available under certain conditions during battle. Unlike the previous game, limit breaks become available randomly every time a command is issued during battle, provided your character's current health is below 32%. As the character's health depletes, the probability of accessing that character's limit break increases. Alternatively, the magic spell "Aura" increases the probability of limit breaks appearing regardless of a character's remaining hit points. In the original Japanese version of the game, these moves were called "Special Arts," shortened to "Special" in the Status Menu. They were renamed "Limit Breaks" in the North American, European and Australian versions of the game. |
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===Experience levels=== |
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As in most role-playing games, and in most previous installments of the ''Final Fantasy'' series, [[experience point]]s are awarded following successful battles. If 1000 experience points are accumulated by a character, that character gains a "level," which increases that character's statistics. Unlike previous ''Final Fantasy'' games, however, the levels of enemy encounters are calculated based on the level of player characters. In other words, the higher the level of the player, the higher the level of the random monsters the player encounters. Higher level enemies are capable of dealing and taking more damage and may have new and stronger attacks available. However, increase in stats as a result of "leveling-up" is minuscule compared to the stats boost one gains from the Junction system. Some players take advantage of this fact to avoid leveling up, so enemies will remain weak while the characters will get stronger as better magic and Junction abilities become available. |
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The Guardian Forces themselves also gain levels and win Ability Points (AP). APs are used to learn special abilities and when a specific ability of a specific GF has enough AP, it becomes available for any character to use. Also, when a GF is summoned regularly by the same character, it will take less time for said character to call the GF. In addition to all of that, when a GF is summoned, the player will get the chance to boost up the power of said GF. By pressing select and rapidly hitting the ''Square'' button on the PlayStation controller, a number in the lower right hand corner of the screen will increase. Not all GFs have this ability, however. |
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==Story== |
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{{spoiler}} |
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Roughly seventeen years after the great war that consumed the world (known as the second Sorceress War), the balance of power and peace is on the brink again. During the Sorceress War, an evil tyrannical Sorceress managed to seize control over the powerful nation of Esthar and wage war on the rest of the world. Only barely did Esthar and the world save itself and manage to expel this dictator and seal her exotic power for good. The nation of Galbadia emerged from the ashes of the Sorceress War into a major military power in the world, occupying its neighboring nation of Timber. |
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Galbadia's President Deling, who has held virtually unlimited power since the Sorceress War, is stretching his grasp once again, invading the last independent nation on the Galbadian Continent, Dollet. Pleading for aid to help fend off the invaders, an elite military academy known as "Garden" dispatches their mercenaries -- known as "SeeDs" -- super soldiers trained for the purpose of one day destroying the Sorceresses once and for all. Within days, SeeD soldiers arrive on the beaches of Dollet with the goal of stopping the next world war before it begins. One of the soldiers dispatched is a young cadet named [[Squall Leonhart]]. |
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A rather cold and emotionless individual, Squall's only concern is duty. While the Garden's SeeDs succeed in halting the Galbadian advance and force a restoration of peace, it becomes a reality that this was just the tip of the iceberg. It appears a new Sorceress named Edea is the mastermind behind the entire invasion. She later kills Deling and takes direct control of Galbadia, turning it into an imperial dictatorship. Squall's old rival from his cadet days, Seifer Almasy, defects from the Garden and betrays his comrades by joining with Edea. Seifer quickly establishes himself as commander of the Galbadian Army and 2nd in line next to Edea. A ruthless and effective tactician, Seifer becomes the "iron fist" of Edea's empire, waging her war. |
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Already bearing a scar from a duel with Seifer from his earlier days, Squall must become the commander of SeeD and face Seifer once again, this time not to decide petty disputes, but to decide the fate of the world. The true and mysterious origin of Edea must be discovered if SeeD is ever to finally destroy the sorceresses and bring balance to the world. Indeed, Edea is merely a tool for a greater power known as Ultimecia, who wishes to achieve Time Compression for mysterious reasons. With all hopes of peace destroyed, Squall must abandon his shell to protect the friends he never expected to have and become the leader he never wanted to be. |
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==Characters== |
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{{main|List of Final Fantasy VIII characters}} |
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Most of the major characters of ''Final Fantasy VIII'' are students, and later SeeDs, of Balamb Garden. Chief among them is [[Squall Leonhart]], a quiet young man with a reputation of being a solitary loner. His fellow SeeDs include [[Quistis Trepe]], [[Zell Dincht]], and [[Selphie Tilmitt]]. [[Irvine Kinneas]] also joins the group, but despite the fact that he was trained at a Garden like Squall and his friends, (albeit [[Garden (Final Fantasy VIII)|Galbadia Garden]] instead of [[Garden (Final Fantasy VIII)|Balamb Garden]]) Irvine is also a [[sniper]]. The final primary [[playable character]] is [[Rinoa Heartilly]], the daughter of a powerful general of the Galbadian Army. Rinoa is a member of the Forest Owls (not its leader, as is often misinterpreted), a resistance movement fighting against Galbadian military power. She enlists the aid of Balamb's SeeDs in her efforts, and falls in love with Squall. The relationship between Squall and Rinoa is one of the central themes of the game. [[Laguna Loire]], [[List of Final Fantasy VIII characters#Kiros Seagill|Kiros Seagill]], and [[List of Final Fantasy VIII characters#Ward Zabac|Ward Zabac]] are playable characters in the "past scenes" in the game. |
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[[Seifer Almasy]] is the rival of Squall, even a SeeD candidate, who later will become an ally of Sorceress [[List of Final Fantasy VIII characters#Edea Kramer|Edea Kramer]], primary enemy of SeeDs. |
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{{endspoiler}} |
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===Other appearances=== |
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* Characters from ''Final Fantasy VIII'' have made cameo appearances in four other games: Squall (although he asks to be called Leon) and Selphie (but as a child and with a different personality) are encountered in ''[[Kingdom Hearts]]'', Squall is a [[secret character]] in ''[[Chocobo Racing]]'', and Squall and Rinoa are playable characters in ''[[Itadaki Street Special]]''. Squall also appears randomly (yet rarely) in the title screen of the [[PlayStation]] [[porting|port]] of ''[[Final Fantasy VI]]''. |
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* [[Gilgamesh (Final Fantasy)|Gilgamesh]], a recurring villain from ''[[Final Fantasy V]]'', reappears as a [[summon magic (Final Fantasy)|Guardian Force]] in ''Final Fantasy VIII'', with a possible oblique reference to the earlier game taking place in an "alternate dimension." |
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* Seifer, Fujin, and Raijin appear in ''[[Kingdom Hearts II]]''. However Fuijin and Raijin's names have been changed to Fuu and Rai respectively. Also returning in ''Kingdom Hearts II'' is Squall (still renamed Leon) and Selphie, who is considerably older from her previous appearance. |
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==Locations== |
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[[Image:FFviii_world_map_1.gif|right|200px|Map of the world]] |
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{{main|List of Final Fantasy VIII locations}} |
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''Final Fantasy VIII'' takes place primarily on a large, unnamed world, which has one moon. The planet comprises four major landmasses: the largest covers most of the eastern map, and includes a northern polar region; a large secondary continent lies to the west, and contains a large proportion of the game's places to visit. The remaining two landmasses are smaller and mostly desolate: the southernmost is long and thin, and the other, a short distance north, is the broken remains of a continent that underwent an impact event, in fact it could more accurately be seen as an archipelago. A number of larger islands flesh out the game world, and a smattering of off-world locations round out the game's playable areas. |
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==Reception and criticism== |
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{{NPOV-section}} |
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Like ''Final Fantasy VII'', ''Final Fantasy VIIIs'' fanbase is gigantic. The [[back-story]] produced by the game's writers is believed to be substantial, with the segments used in the game merely the tip of the iceberg. Like with ''Final Fantasy VII'', some aspects of the characters' backgrounds, as well as the political and historical settings of the game, are not fully explored, leaving much open to interpretation and extension. The majority of fanart and fanfiction based series is divided between the two most popular of the games included- Final Fantasy VII and VIII. |
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Significant differences in the gameplay of ''Final Fantasy VIII'' from previous installments in the series (such as the "draw" and "junction" systems) have made it one of the more controversial games of the saga. Furthermore, these changes led to a diverse reception toward ''Final Fantasy VIII''; many of the fans praised its changes while others disliked them (hence the term "mixed reactions"). |
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''Final Fantasy VIII'' sold between 150,000 to 200,000 copies (between $7.5 million [[United States dollar|USD]] to $10 million in sales) on its first day in the [[United States]]. By the end of its first week, it had sold 400,000 copies or $20 million in sales in the US. In Japan, ''Final Fantasy VIII'' sold 2.57 million units in its first four days on sale. |
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In October of 2004, several gaming magazines, such as ''[[Computer Gaming Magazine]]'' and ''[[PC Gamer]]'', reported that ''Final Fantasy VIII'' had surpassed ''[[Final Fantasy VII]]'' for title of the Best-Selling ''Final Fantasy'' released. Since the numbers were so close, these claims have been disputed and are currently under careful scrutiny for confirmation. |
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==Musical score== |
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[[Image:Ff8sd.jpg|thumb|right|Cover art for the Japanese soundtrack]] |
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[[Nobuo Uematsu]] composed and directed [[Final Fantasy VIII Original Soundtrack|the soundtrack for ''Final Fantasy VIII'']], which was released on four [[compact disc]]s by [[DigiCube]] in Japan, and by Square EA in North America. Additionally, a special [[orchestra]]l [[arrangement]] of selected tracks from the game, performed by [[Shiro Hamaguchi]], was released under the title ''[[Fithos Lusec Wecos Vinosec: Final Fantasy VIII Orchestra Version|Fithos Lusec Wecos Vinosec]]''. |
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The score is best known for two of its songs: "[[Liberi Fatali]]," a [[Latin]] [[choir|choral]] piece that is played during the introduction to the game, and "[[Eyes on Me]]," a [[popular music|pop song]] performed by [[China|Chinese]] singer [[Faye Wong]]. The latter song was released as a [[CD single]] in Japan and ultimately sold over 400,000 copies, making it the best-selling [[video game music]] disc ever released in that country until the release of "Hikari" by [[Utada Hikaru]] for ''[[Kingdom Hearts]]''. |
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==External links== |
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{{wikibooks}} |
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*[http://finalfantasy.wikicities.com/wiki/Category:Final_Fantasy_VIII ''Final Fantasy'' Wiki category list for ''Final Fantasy VIII''] |
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*[http://na.square-enix.com/games/ff8/ Square-Enix's Official Final Fantasy VIII website] |
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{{FFVIII}} |
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{{Final Fantasy series}} |
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[[Category:Final Fantasy VIII| ]] |
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[[Category:PlayStation games|Final Fantasy 08]] |
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[[Category:Windows games|Final Fantasy 08]] |
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[[Category:Eidos Interactive games|Final Fantasy 08]] |
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[[Category:1998 computer and video games|Final Fantasy 08]] |
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[[Category:1999 computer and video games|Final Fantasy 08]] |
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[[es:Final Fantasy VIII]] |
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[[fr:Final Fantasy VIII]] |
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[[it:Final Fantasy VIII]] |
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[[ja:ファイナルファンタジーVIII]] |
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[[pl:Final Fantasy VIII]] |
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[[pt:Final Fantasy VIII]] |
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[[th: ไฟนอลแฟนตาซี VIII]] |
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[[zh:最终幻想VIII]] |
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[[sv:Final Fantasy VIII]] |
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Revision as of 17:28, 30 January 2006
Final fantasy 8 is a piece of shit game and anybody thinks that it is good should be shot and buried alive with their mother