FINAL FANTASY VIII REMASTER REVIEW - Happy Console Gamer

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  • Опубликовано: 10 июл 2024
  • Final Fantasy VIII remastered review is a role-playing video game developed and published by Square for the PlayStation console. Released in 1999, it is the eighth main installment in the Final Fantasy series. Set on an unnamed fantasy world with science fiction elements, the game follows a group of young mercenaries, led by Squall Leonhart, as they are drawn into a conflict sparked by Ultimecia, a sorceress from the future who wishes to compress time. During the quest to defeat Ultimecia, Squall struggles with his role as leader and develops a romance with one of his comrades, Rinoa Heartilly. The remastered version was released for Microsoft Windows, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One in September 2019.
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Комментарии • 1,2 тыс.

  • @andywilde559
    @andywilde559 4 года назад +384

    I played this 20 years ago and it was mind-blowing for me. 20 years later and a lot of people say it's not a good game. I can't understand that, it's still one of the best games ever made in my opinion.

    • @epiclight858
      @epiclight858 4 года назад +14

      Some people don't like to play old games although they are some of the best

    • @qwerty6789x
      @qwerty6789x 4 года назад +7

      still better that all those modern MTX infested games.

    • @andywilde559
      @andywilde559 4 года назад +14

      @@epiclight858 That's totally fine, we all grew up with different games.
      I also think that only because a game is "old" shouldn't qualify it to be rated lower.

    • @possumlodge5368
      @possumlodge5368 4 года назад +15

      I can understand peoples gripes. The game encourages hoarding and not using magic, and it does take a bit of time to understand the junction system , then when it finally clicks you realise how broken it is. I love this game, but they tried a lot of things that didn't make it past this title.

    • @andywilde559
      @andywilde559 4 года назад +12

      @@possumlodge5368 I don't know, but this is what I hear/ read from the majority right now but back in the day nobody was complaining about the drawing magic system. We all loved it. For all I can say is, that it feels like a thing that gets suddenly pushed by the internet but a lot of people maybe didn't even propably play this game. Also, Final Fantasy always introduced new features in every game that were not taken over to the next game. Not because they weren't good, but because they always wanted to create something fresh. And I definitely think that "hoarding" is an essential part of a lot of RPGs.

  • @viniciusnascimento1993
    @viniciusnascimento1993 4 года назад +263

    FFVIII was my first RPG on PS1, i loved this game very much and the opening cinematic is EPIC, for sure my favorite intro of all Final Fantasy games.

    • @MrKingPotato
      @MrKingPotato 4 года назад +3

      My first Final fantasy was 7 on the ps1.. but I played on the ps2 system

    • @justanotherrandomontheyout4791
      @justanotherrandomontheyout4791 4 года назад +3

      VIII was also my first rpg and I loved it nuff said

    • @adamdam
      @adamdam 4 года назад +2

      Exactly the same experience for me and before I had It my mother's work mate at the time offered her final fantasy 7 and 8 (amongst other games) for me to have for free and I turned down the final fantasy cause I didn't know what it was or cared (I was only like 9 at the time lol) then I got it as a gift later and then was hooked on turned based rpgs and grinding senselessly after experiencing this game,not knowing what the hell I was doing!

    • @fionasorenson95
      @fionasorenson95 4 года назад +2

      Omg this was my first rpg as well! Haha

    • @grandmaster1004
      @grandmaster1004 4 года назад

      Same, love this game. It's very special to me.

  • @joset814
    @joset814 4 года назад +51

    When the balamb garden music sounds for the first time... It's just nostalgic as hell to me.

    • @HappyConsoleGamer
      @HappyConsoleGamer  4 года назад +13

      That is the music that always gets me too!

    • @Skellotronix
      @Skellotronix 4 года назад +5

      Makes you melt and want to stay.

    • @tonamaradiaga1882
      @tonamaradiaga1882 4 года назад +5

      José T i almost cry every time

    • @jjjvvv123
      @jjjvvv123 2 года назад +1

      My favorite video game song ever

    • @VinnyRetro
      @VinnyRetro 2 года назад +1

      Recently was feeling nostalgic and put the soundtrack album up on spotify. I could see in my head all the things you wen through in that game by listening to its music

  • @jahipalmer8782
    @jahipalmer8782 4 года назад +31

    This game traps my soul. If I start playing it, I just keep playing it forever. Btw: I just bought the remaster. I love it.

  • @HolyHadou
    @HolyHadou 4 года назад +213

    "Its never gonna look better than this."
    Modding Community: "You underestimate my power!"

    • @Phantom_Zer0
      @Phantom_Zer0 4 года назад +17

      Whitney Asante - i've seen the hd mods and they look better, even the backgrounds look better.

    • @Taikaru
      @Taikaru 4 года назад +15

      @@Phantom_Zer0 AI Gigapixel is a miracle. It can beautify backgrounds and even FMVs that had long eluded other improvement techniques!

    • @HolyHadou
      @HolyHadou 4 года назад +4

      @@Phantom_Zer0 I heard there's some sort of learning algorithm the modding community used to upres all the backgrounds. Not sure why the developers didn't use it but cest la vie.

    • @brosplit
      @brosplit 4 года назад +4

      This FF models definitely better. FfVIII modders only playing with textures, not polygons.

    • @AnamanaCh
      @AnamanaCh 4 года назад +4

      He said "We're never going to get it better". As in, Square Enix will likely never release something better. Mods look amazing, but this is out of context.

  • @The_RadicalOne
    @The_RadicalOne 4 года назад +47

    Johnny, this is my favorite game in the series. I know some people don’t like the junction system, but this game has some amazing story and characters. Anyone remember the Space scene in this game? So touching.

    • @John_Nada_
      @John_Nada_ 4 года назад +3

      Hands down best FF

    • @jboo8966
      @jboo8966 4 года назад

      *Amazing* characters? Name two.

    • @QueenViolet8
      @QueenViolet8 4 года назад +2

      The. Characters were well written I thought squall was so emo back then. Good times getting up a HR early to play before going to school.

    • @The_RadicalOne
      @The_RadicalOne 4 года назад +2

      QueenViolet8 squall was pretty bad until disc 3. I thought they did a great job with him

    • @marianelatovar9500
      @marianelatovar9500 4 года назад +5

      @@jboo8966 sure! Squall, Zell, Selphie, Rinoa, Irvine, Seifer, Quistis, Laguna, Kiros, Ward, Edea :)

  • @bennywarren9870
    @bennywarren9870 4 года назад +32

    This game taught me how to read😂
    The junction system is so overpowered once you learn how to use it. I loved it when i was a kid and I was drivin to increase my ability to read in order to play it.

    • @donut132
      @donut132 4 года назад

      I never understood it lol but my ps1 died before i finished it... I remember going into a desert place with a dome building something about a nuke

    • @codekhalil6437
      @codekhalil6437 4 года назад +1

      That is very cool that it taught you how to read. Square should know about this!

    • @bennywarren9870
      @bennywarren9870 4 года назад +3

      @@codekhalil6437 yeah I was a kid with ADD and I was struggling to read because it wasn't fun. My friends had gotten into final fantasy games and we're telling me the cool stuff you could do in them. Well I wanted to do the cool stuff and talk about slick strategies. If I was going to do that I was going to have to learn how to read better. After that game my reading comprehension increase by a large margin.
      .
      their game was final fantasy 7 I could only find final fantasy 8 so that's the one I played and that became my favorite and we all became mortal enemies on who's better squall leonhart or cloud strife

    • @bennywarren9870
      @bennywarren9870 4 года назад

      @@donut132 along with boosting certain stats depending on what magic you junction.
      .
      It also makes it so you are pretty much casting the spell every time you connect a hit. For example. I equip 99 deaths to squall. so every time I did a physical attack I had a super high chance of one shouting anything that wasn't immune or resistant to death. But with that much death equipped. I barely did any damage to imps.

    • @TheFeezy777
      @TheFeezy777 4 года назад +2

      @@bennywarren9870 cant wait to junction 100 Ultimas and 100 Holy😊😊😊

  • @FRCB
    @FRCB 4 года назад +24

    FF8 was the first RPG I ever played and the reason why I love RPGs.

  • @DerNapalus
    @DerNapalus 4 года назад +116

    All i need now is a HD remaster of Final Fantasy Tactics, Brace Fencer Musashi and Vagrant Story. Dreams........

    • @Thwompapotamus
      @Thwompapotamus 4 года назад +7

      Oof. Brave Fencer and Tactics and FF8 were my favorite RPGs on ps1

    • @dannyg88
      @dannyg88 4 года назад +6

      That would be awesome. Tactics has been re-released a couple times but Vagrant Story deserves one too. A gem from that era. Also Brave Fencer Musashi was a very fun game even tho my friends made fun of me for liking it lol.

    • @pr0xy87
      @pr0xy87 4 года назад

      Parasite Eve? YOU'RE A FRAUD!!! 😛

    • @brandonwhittaker85
      @brandonwhittaker85 4 года назад +3

      Xenogears and Chrono Cross!

    • @mrsisterfister6647
      @mrsisterfister6647 4 года назад

      Yes I effing agree my brother

  • @Space__Burrito
    @Space__Burrito 4 года назад +60

    FF8 has one of the best soundtracks of all time praise be to lord nobuo uemastu

    • @GenghisWanghis
      @GenghisWanghis 4 года назад +4

      It does, for sure, but Uematsu has said FF9 was his favorite or most fun to score and I think you can really tell that while playing

    • @cameronholtan3407
      @cameronholtan3407 4 года назад +1

      @@GenghisWanghis Final Fantasy IX's soundtrack is one of my favorites.

    • @Destroyer_13
      @Destroyer_13 3 года назад

      FF4,6,7, and 8 all have the best FF soundtracks.

  • @Alamyst2011
    @Alamyst2011 4 года назад +11

    "Eyes on me" Had not heard it in 20 years. When it played during the first dream I gave a little cry.

    • @carltasticdrew9633
      @carltasticdrew9633 4 года назад +1

      That Julia playing the piano never fails me to get me in tears. It's so good that it doesn't need a remake.

  • @swsgaming4878
    @swsgaming4878 4 года назад +29

    You forgot to mention the best part about the game... Triple triad. That was one of the best mini games in any FF by far.

    • @Relic_cileR
      @Relic_cileR 4 года назад

      I would dare say that it’s the only FF mini game I enjoyed!

    • @Thwompapotamus
      @Thwompapotamus 4 года назад +2

      The song was great alone

    • @rodoromero
      @rodoromero 4 года назад

      I tried it yesterday without watching the tutorial as I thought I recalled how to play it, and I was swiftly defeated. Then I read the tutorial, and same result. I read it again and same result. What the heck happened to me though all these years? LOL

    • @omegaweapon116
      @omegaweapon116 4 года назад

      I lost all my cards in Triple Triad my first playthrough. I started saving my cards for card modding

  • @indeimaus
    @indeimaus 4 года назад +75

    FF8 is the best FF OST for sure, even though FF7 is my favourite I can't deny its soundtrack

    • @joncliffmckinley5868
      @joncliffmckinley5868 4 года назад

      you are 100% correct. Blue Fields forever

    • @Armoured.Goomba
      @Armoured.Goomba 4 года назад

      The opening is the best in the series

    • @GenghisWanghis
      @GenghisWanghis 4 года назад +3

      FF8 is far from my favorite FF, but it has some of my favorite music. I think FF9 has the best OST and Nobuo Uetmasu has said it was his favorite to score as well and I think you can really hear that it was throughout playing the game.

    • @Direwoof
      @Direwoof 3 года назад +2

      I'm partial to teh FF tactics soundtrack but yeah I love some of the songs on 8.

    • @esquiredan2702
      @esquiredan2702 3 года назад +1

      @@Armoured.Goomba Problem is FF8's opening jumps all over the place and doesn't seamlessly transition into the scene. It's almost a trailer for the story.
      FF7 has a cinematic opening that transitions right into the thick of an action sequence.
      Both are great in different ways, but to say 8 has the best in the series is a bit much IMO.

  • @Spider_Mike023
    @Spider_Mike023 4 года назад +39

    I watched my older brother play through 7. Loved it. He went overseas after and I saw this game on the shelf at EBgames and had to buy it and play it myself. Was my first FF purchase and I loved it.

    • @SpaceCattttt
      @SpaceCattttt 4 года назад

      And now you're going to buy it again so we can have the first 6 games released as well.

  • @Mysta_G
    @Mysta_G 4 года назад +11

    This is my favorite FF of all time. I will never forget playing it for hours at my cousin's house on his bunk bed. So happy it finally got remastered. 😁

  • @Relic_cileR
    @Relic_cileR 4 года назад +7

    I played this after VII (loved VII) back in the PS1 days and I was one of the few who loved VIII more than VII.

  • @kingkarrot9304
    @kingkarrot9304 4 года назад +70

    This is my favorite game of all time! Thank you for giving it some love!

    • @supernes64eaa86
      @supernes64eaa86 4 года назад +4

      Yes this is my phantsy star 1.🙂

    • @billyrigby4839
      @billyrigby4839 4 года назад +2

      AMEN!!!! I love the remaster, just to play the game again and dive into it after all this time

    • @MrEvodio65
      @MrEvodio65 4 года назад +1

      It deserved all the love but its ok.

  • @lazeegai2014
    @lazeegai2014 4 года назад +151

    Now that we have Final Fantasy 8 HD.... How bout working on Chrono Cross HD. Yes Square-Enix?

    • @rashadwilliams267
      @rashadwilliams267 4 года назад +8

      This NEEDS to happen

    • @Markm658
      @Markm658 4 года назад +8

      wild arms or legend of legaia

    • @miscalotastuff733
      @miscalotastuff733 4 года назад +14

      How about a cross and trigger combo release.

    • @oasisbeyond
      @oasisbeyond 4 года назад +2

      @Bubblegum Crash Don't think the same dev's are doing these, just small little teams.

    • @tahirwhite1
      @tahirwhite1 4 года назад +6

      Chronic trigger before cross

  • @Alan_Chapman
    @Alan_Chapman 4 года назад +1

    How can I forget leaving campus for lunch on Thursday, September 9, 1999 to completely ignore getting lunch and instead go straight to purchase Final Fantasy VIII. It was the same day the Dreamcast launched. We couldn’t resist playing on the Dreamcast demo unit the store had set up, but man I couldn’t wait for the weekend to come so I could just dive into FFVIII. Great memories.

  • @stefflee4501
    @stefflee4501 2 года назад +4

    I bought the copy for the nintendo switch yesterday. And my impression was :
    HOLY GOD! THIS IS SO GOOD!

  • @blindmanai6957
    @blindmanai6957 4 года назад +6

    I was at the right age for the story from FF8. Because I was too young to care about plot holes and cliches, I enjoyed just about everything FF8 had to offer. What's always stuck with me though is the song Breezy. Balamb Garden, the Triple Triad theme and even Dollet are songs that are burned into memory. To this day I still stream the OST while at work as its just got so many bangers.

  • @sonic0424
    @sonic0424 4 года назад +27

    I adore FF8. Got it on day one back in 1999. I was 14 at the time. I bought this one on the Switch eShop this morning before work and now I'm playing it.
    PROTIP: The first GF abilities you should learn are all the Mag-RF (Magic Refine). It allows you to create spells from items. This means LESS drawing!

    • @SpaceCattttt
      @SpaceCattttt 4 года назад

      I was 22. Old enough to be your father.

    • @myworms
      @myworms 4 года назад

      Got mine day one as well. 9/9/99

    • @ShouldOfStudiedForTheTest
      @ShouldOfStudiedForTheTest 4 года назад +3

      @@SpaceCattttt You became a father at 8?

    • @SpaceCattttt
      @SpaceCattttt 4 года назад

      @@ShouldOfStudiedForTheTest Yes. And you're the result. I probably should've mentioned that earlier.

    • @ShouldOfStudiedForTheTest
      @ShouldOfStudiedForTheTest 4 года назад +1

      I was born in 1732, you were born in 1977. Doesn't quite work well.

  • @grandmaster1004
    @grandmaster1004 4 года назад +4

    This game changed my life, I simply adore it. I'm bummed there isn't a physical release, but that's okay. Any FF8 love makes me so happy. I will play through this again on normal speed eating up every bit of story, music, and battle.

  • @hurotiz
    @hurotiz 4 года назад +4

    pro tip: you don't have to draw. When the game first starts and you get control of your character, the terminal in front of you can be accessed and will give you 2 GF's, Quetz and Shiva. if you go into the GF menu, you can make your GF's learn certain abilities. The first one you want quetz to learn is refine thunder magic. Shiva can learn Refine Ice magic. you will get refine fire magic shortly. The only time you need to draw is for certain GF's from bosses, you can refine all your magic much more efficiently than by drawing. =)

  • @RickxDogg
    @RickxDogg 2 года назад +4

    I started my first walkthrough last night. Played for about two hours, so far I'm enjoying the game

  • @ngu0061
    @ngu0061 4 года назад +6

    I always enjoy when Johnny tells us of past stories.

  • @Lakrymatur
    @Lakrymatur 4 года назад +2

    I remember highly anticipating this game and playing the demo over and over imagining how awesome it would be, and I even had it pre-ordered along with the BradyGames strategy guide. Honestly I was not a huge fan of how the game turned out, but I had so much hype going into it that I was able to push through and finish the game. Back then I just wanted more Final Fantasy, and my love for the series was enough to keep me playing even though it was an odd installment especially for the time.

  • @cedricrenard9195
    @cedricrenard9195 4 года назад

    My friends and I had just the same experience!!! I brought over the intro on disc or usb (it's been so long!) to my two best friend's house and we watched the intro over and over and over thinking that this was the best intro sequence ever. We couldn't get over how realistic they made it. Pure nostalgia.

  • @brettguyer3736
    @brettguyer3736 4 года назад +5

    FFVIII was a more complex game than FFVII...you could technically make a "build" with the junction system. Some people just didn't "get it". Especially back then.

  • @MDK22420
    @MDK22420 4 года назад +4

    I love how u tell stories about the games and how they relate to your past. I especially like hearing that 1 about ur ex. Remember u telling Andrew in the ff series talk and it was hilarious.

  • @zachnewman3795
    @zachnewman3795 3 года назад +2

    I still got my original copy from Square on Playstation, and this is the FIRST Final Fantasy game I was introduced to so from there my expectations were set. I always liked the draw system even the time it took as it meant I didn't have to rush through and could power up.
    The remastered version was a blast from the past and fun to enjoy again.

  • @hoganshairline4175
    @hoganshairline4175 4 года назад +9

    In absolute awe of that collection behind him

    • @jeremypoani6840
      @jeremypoani6840 4 года назад +1

      Back in '99 I had my Playstation connected to a VCR so I could record the FMV scenes.

  • @dizzy11523
    @dizzy11523 4 года назад +75

    Greatest music and greatest character design, Edea.
    Will download revisit.

    • @Seiferboi
      @Seiferboi 4 года назад +1

      I keep reading/hearing that Edea was originally supposed to be in FF7 as an enemy.

    • @Space__Burrito
      @Space__Burrito 4 года назад +2

      @@Seiferboi yes same as fujin and raijin they all were supposed to be in ff7 I think fujin and raijin were members of the Turks I think

  • @JulianThursday13
    @JulianThursday13 4 года назад +41

    I might be one of the few people who liked the draw system.
    A quick tip: Use the party member with the highest magic points for drawing.

    • @hurotiz
      @hurotiz 4 года назад +7

      Or you can just learn the Refine magic skills for each type from your GFs and get 100 magic stores for each character for 5-10 magic stones each which drop from almost every creature.

  • @codekhalil6437
    @codekhalil6437 4 года назад

    @10:39 perfectly timed. Nice editing there John hahah

  • @tahirwhite1
    @tahirwhite1 4 года назад +1

    Great review Johnny! I remember playing this game on ps1 as well. I remember growing up and wanting to become a seed and living in and attending balamb garden. College was the closest experience I had but this game was very special to me. I can’t wait to play the remaster.

  • @ryancoleman9840
    @ryancoleman9840 4 года назад +3

    I discovered Final Fantasy in the form of IX. Fell in love with it and wanted more! Discovered I owned a demo disc for VIII and booted it up. It was the storming of Dollet mission, and I recall thinking it bizarre that there were cars in the street. Coming straight from a medieval world and going to a science fiction setting was strange, but it didn't put me off any. I fell in love with the game, the characters and the combat. I played that demo about three times! I asked all of my friends if they had copies of VII and VIII but no-one did. Eventually I found copies of both in gamestation (a now defunct chain) for £25 each! Which was a massive amount of money to a thirteen year old kid. Luckily my Auntie saw how much they both meant to me and offered to buy them to 'sell' to relatives so they could gift them me as a birthday present. My birthday was months away but I couldn't say no to this! I don't think I ever tore of wrapping paper quite so hastily as I did that morning. My parents had got me a second hand ps2 for that birthday and I did not want to go to school that morning! My Auntie just ended up gifting me VII and VIII herself bless her, and the absolute cherry on the top though was she had also picked up the newly released Final Fantasy X for me. I don't think I ever have been so spoiled to date! And it was a massive conundrum as to which title to start playing first!
    Of the three ps1 titles, VIII ended up being my least favourite. But it's with no small amount of anticipation that I await for a quiet weekend where I can play this remaster. It has its cons but it has a helluva lot of of pros!

  • @Zenzuu
    @Zenzuu 4 года назад +27

    Chrono Cross HD, Vagrant Story, Chrono Trigger, Xenogears Remasters and also bring back Parasite Eve please 🙂

    • @TheFeezy777
      @TheFeezy777 4 года назад +2

      Dont forget legend of dragoon!

    • @Davidsworldtravels
      @Davidsworldtravels 4 года назад +1

      Xenogears with the story fully built! And not just shortcut

    • @DanTheMan908
      @DanTheMan908 4 года назад

      Spot on mate 👌

    • @ngoduy3110
      @ngoduy3110 4 года назад

      Chrono Cross would be the top of my list for a remaster.

  • @almuhaaajir
    @almuhaaajir 4 года назад +1

    Man, I like your stories and memories of classic games so much. Reminds me of the good old times.
    Even though I played 8 at the time, I haven't appreciated it until I played latest entries in the series. Looking back, I can't help but believe that Sakaguchi was the soul of FF and Uematsu was its heart. You can't just take someone else's vision and execute it as well.
    Anyway, be Happy always.

  • @colbyrodriguez1134
    @colbyrodriguez1134 4 года назад

    Great review! This is one of my favorite games of all time, although I admit it's probably not considered the best FF. I still have my tattered strategy guide I used to carry around at school! Will probably buy this around Christmas as a gift for myself. Thanks for the positive videos, really appreciated when compared to constant complaining on other reviewers' channels!

  • @markusvhane5087
    @markusvhane5087 4 года назад +3

    Pre-ordered, tried this morning before going to work, now I can't wait to go home and play...

  • @devinreed21
    @devinreed21 4 года назад +4

    Final Fantasy 8 is my favorite FF ever. I never beat it though, so I’m super excited to get this and finally beat it!

  • @zickarjay
    @zickarjay 4 года назад

    The love song in the last credit is heart warming.

  • @tylordstevenson
    @tylordstevenson 4 года назад +2

    I started playing FFVIII for the first time about a month ago on PSVita. I was confused at first but I was really getting into it after a few hours. My Vita's save data corrupted so I will definitely get this on Switch. Awesome review HCG! Love your stories.

  • @Heavymetalrille
    @Heavymetalrille 4 года назад +5

    I loved FF8, i have so many great memories from before and when it came out, great experiences from a really good game, a solid game. I am happy to see this finally happen and i would love to play it again. The cutscenes and animations blew me away back then, graphically it was a big leap for games and the Final Fantasy series, people seem to forget about that, but it was BIG!. Still dream of seeing a HD-remaster and release of the first Silent Hill, wish it could happen. If not, damn it, a hardcore back to the basics remake, i'll take anything as long as it's Silent Hill. Why squander it all, let it decay and waste away, i still have not gotten over what Konami has become and their betrayal, just pure madness! Damn it, i feel like crying..... :(

  • @CompleteProducer84
    @CompleteProducer84 4 года назад +3

    I downloaded the FF8 intro cinematic too! I think I found it on Limewire or Soulseek? Unless they weren't out yet, I forget. It remains my favorite Final Fantasy cinematic to this date.

  • @yeahyeahyeah0yeah
    @yeahyeahyeah0yeah 4 года назад +1

    Got it at release when I was 16, super hyped following having found my favourite game of all time in FFVII 2 years earlier. Loved it. FF was always about the story, characters, journey and music for me. High on nostalgia personally but highly recommended still today. I fired up the remaster last night!!

  • @christophershotton5056
    @christophershotton5056 3 года назад

    John. I love watching you videos. I never played this back in the day. Ive picked it up with a few other games discounted on the UK switch eshop. Happy Christmas to you and your family

  • @Revz8bit
    @Revz8bit 4 года назад +13

    I still have my original FFVIII box also! :)

  • @Kaiser499TV
    @Kaiser499TV 4 года назад +6

    I hope we get a Remake on the PS5.

  • @evangelian007
    @evangelian007 4 года назад +2

    It's great to have remasters of Final Fantasy 7-10(plus X-2) for the Switch. I do hope we get remasters of the final Fantasy 1-6, put the 8 bit and 16 bit FF games for the NES switch online/Snes switch online and or at least a collection compilation.

  • @Billyisyourdad
    @Billyisyourdad 4 года назад

    Greetings from Ottawa! I think this is the most fair review of FFVIII I've ever seen. Good on you bud.

  • @jumaanecabrera8091
    @jumaanecabrera8091 4 года назад +7

    ...10 minutes later..."Are we going to do something else?" L2+R2 Escape! ESCAPE!

  • @RPD91
    @RPD91 4 года назад +3

    My first Final Fantasy. For that reason alone, it's one of my favorite RPGs.

  • @TheDansonT
    @TheDansonT 4 года назад

    I go back and rewatch The Spoony One’s review of this game every few months, truly classic RUclips

  • @UDSlusher
    @UDSlusher 4 года назад

    That experience of watching the preview trailer in awe mimics my own

  • @michaelmcclelland9876
    @michaelmcclelland9876 4 года назад +16

    Ironically, I was someone that kind of hated this game initially (mostly due to gameplay mechanics). Still, I played it all the way through and learned to weirdly love it! Something about the story, characters, music, strong mini-game (triple triad), and of course the cinematic presentation for the time I felt was unrivaled.
    FF8 will ALWAYS be a special game in my heart, and I'm so happy they finally re-released and remastered it (FINALLY). Thanks for the review Johnny!

  • @genki23
    @genki23 4 года назад +6

    You should make a video of you telling stories like this about games from when you were younger

    • @beastofdarknesss5822
      @beastofdarknesss5822 4 года назад +1

      Hahaha was thinking the same happy console gamer review = happy gaming story time

  • @jb0258
    @jb0258 4 года назад

    Man with this and then the grandia collection a couple weeks ago, I REALLY don't know how I'll finish all these games lol. I mean, I'm still playing grandia 2 (beat the first one a few days ago). This is such a great time for older jrpgs and can't get enough of it :)

  • @kmojnihu8
    @kmojnihu8 4 года назад

    The only time you really have to draw is during boss fights to get GFs. Almost all magic can be obtained through GF abilities with pretty minimal effort. I really like the draw system because it really is pretty optional. If you want to be completely OP you can take the time to draw grind all of the magic.
    Great video though man. I love your positive outlook and how excited you get.

  • @catatonic165
    @catatonic165 4 года назад +47

    The only FF game ive never played and im so hyped to finally be able to!

    • @kayvanraamsdonk
      @kayvanraamsdonk 4 года назад +3

      Enjoy :)

    • @supernes64eaa86
      @supernes64eaa86 4 года назад +2

      I play it when i was 14 im 33 now.☹

    • @kibaakuma5172
      @kibaakuma5172 4 года назад

      How’s FF12?

    • @Phantom_Zer0
      @Phantom_Zer0 4 года назад

      Pikachu with a Keyblade - FF12 plays like an mmo(ish) game, it has a very different gameplay but it's still good, the soundtrack is not as good but it is from a good composer too, watch some reviews of ff12 international zodiac (i think that's the name of the best version).

    • @jamesroman9576
      @jamesroman9576 4 года назад +1

      @@kibaakuma5172 FF12 is fantastic! Definitely one of the best.

  • @interghost
    @interghost 4 года назад +4

    I love the old PS1 FF games. However, I always find they never live up to the memories I have of them. So that said I will miss this I guess ;)

  • @lankylemon8555
    @lankylemon8555 4 года назад +2

    Sadly I missed out on this game when I was young, I'm looking forward to getting this and having my first experience with it soon

  • @OffTheCuffGaming
    @OffTheCuffGaming 4 года назад

    Great review Jon thanks my wife appreciated it. Maybe I can get her to play it now and have all the feels I did 20 years ago!

  • @joejefferies7209
    @joejefferies7209 4 года назад +12

    I would love to see Suikoden 2 on Switch. I'm not gonna lie, y'all. Final Fantasy has got too much shine. Please, Konami. Make it happen. Or a remake of the game. Have the guy who played as the voice of Urien from Street Fighter 5 to play as Luca Blight.

  • @Juoo
    @Juoo 4 года назад +37

    Great review as always. I love Final Fantasy 8 can't wait to play it but first i must beat Astral Chain.

    • @corey2232
      @corey2232 4 года назад +3

      Don't get your hopes up, this review is VERY misguided in nostalgia. Objectively it's a very poor "remaster." It's just a re-release with update characters models, that's it. Poor frame rate (15 fps in battles & in FMVs), no widescreen, no analogue controls, censored dialogue, blurry backgrounds... essentially just the Steam version that already existed but with sharper character models. That's literally it.

    • @stickyrice5943
      @stickyrice5943 4 года назад +1

      @@corey2232 Thanks for the heads up, for me i just happy they port it to PS4 so i could just play it at the console that i play most of the time

    • @stickyrice5943
      @stickyrice5943 4 года назад +1

      Nice Astral chain the game that made me think should i get a Switch or not lol

  • @deathnyx
    @deathnyx 4 года назад +2

    The first FF I played, good memories...
    Glad SE didn't forget about it especially now that is its 20th anniversary. Imo One of the most underrated games ever.

  • @sufamidan1006
    @sufamidan1006 4 года назад +2

    I never acknowledged it as being anything but a masterpiece back in the day. It’s been a good few years since I played it, maybe 15 years but I adore it.

  • @kayvanraamsdonk
    @kayvanraamsdonk 4 года назад +22

    Happy console gamer: We never gonna have it looking better then this.
    Modder: hold my keyboard.

    • @b3z3n14
      @b3z3n14 4 года назад +4

      and when that happens i will buy it, till then i'll stick to my original steam version with mods :)

    • @Phantom_Zer0
      @Phantom_Zer0 4 года назад +2

      Aryzens Journey - when that happens? it already exists and it looks better, i'm not hating, i'm just telling you that ff7 and ff8 already have HD mods that look better, look it up.

    • @b3z3n14
      @b3z3n14 4 года назад +1

      @@Phantom_Zer0 did you read my comment? I will stick to my original steam version "WITH MODS" I will buy the remaster if they end up modding that too, i have ff7 seventh haven installed and all mods on ff8, qhimm is a good place to be. How you'd get confused over my comment idk lol

    • @Phantom_Zer0
      @Phantom_Zer0 4 года назад

      @@b3z3n14 - I misunderstood, I thought you meant this unmodified steam version.

    • @b3z3n14
      @b3z3n14 4 года назад

      @@Phantom_Zer0 xD

  • @gamerjema243
    @gamerjema243 4 года назад +5

    FFVIII was the first Final Fantasy I ever tried, back in my childhood. It was also my first RPG, and it got me hooked on both. It defined my future in gaming, so to speak. Man, I had my 32d birthday yesterday, and I completely accidentaly discovered that the remaster was released the very same day. Let's just say I knew what my birthday present to myself yesterday would be. ;p

  • @squareff255
    @squareff255 4 года назад

    Great video. You’re so engaging to listen to, man. Thanks! Loved FF8. First one I ever played. I had SEEN VII first, and loved it, but PLAYED VIII first. It’s great.

  • @MarceloKamui
    @MarceloKamui 4 года назад

    Awesome review! It's always nice to see someone who enjoyed the game xD I did too, can't w8 to get home and play the remaster today!

  • @JudgmenTaichi
    @JudgmenTaichi 4 года назад +3

    Time to finally finish my FFVIII journey. My cousin broke Disc 2 when I first got it and my parents wouldn't buy me another copy so I haven't played it since.

  • @Vic2point0
    @Vic2point0 4 года назад +5

    The Draw system is actually a great idea. It basically just replaced the option of level-grinding with draw-grinding, if you will. If you want to become overpowered, you can even draw 100 of every spell! But it's much better than level-grinding because of how customizable and all out avoidable it was. You didn't have to do it. In fact, I have a playthrough here on RUclips proving that you can get through the entire game without drawing a single spell.

    • @ajing00
      @ajing00 4 года назад

      Level grinding was completely taken off for this game actually since the enemies scale with your level. The Draw system is not a bad idea, just a bit half baked. Because of how functioning works, it's always better to equip the magic and never use them aside from a few magics. It's a bummer that they completely threw this idea away rather than refining it. I looked at it kinda how job changes in FF3 felt like, a nice idea but not implemented well, then they refined it in FF5.

  • @cosmicimmunity
    @cosmicimmunity 4 года назад +2

    Omg yes the music is nostalgia! FF7, FF8, FF9, Parasite Eve 1 and 2 have the most memorable music back in the PS1 era which will probably always be my favorite console.

  • @kerrydustin3996
    @kerrydustin3996 3 года назад +1

    When this game was released, I was new to the RPG genre and only played ff7 up until that point. I had no idea what I was doing and managed to make it to the battle with Adel on disk 3 without drawing, learning magic, leveling up stats. That was my breaking point and it wasn’t until I got a starayahy guide that I finally understood it. After that I breezed through the game.
    Overall it’s a great game, great story, and.Great memories.

  • @Footender
    @Footender 4 года назад +4

    Looks like if FF VIII was on the Dreamcast. Not bad

  • @ASMRinGames
    @ASMRinGames 4 года назад +5

    This is the perfect opportunity for me to finally play it for the first time. It always seemed so interesting to me, but Square Enix acted like this game didn't exist until now.

    • @devinhenderson5765
      @devinhenderson5765 4 года назад

      Be prepared, you may or may not like The Junction System. When you get the tutorial for it, take it however much you can and just simply look it up on RUclips as someone will clearly and precisely explain it.

  • @EvanYoungMusic
    @EvanYoungMusic 4 года назад +1

    Fisherman’s Horizon’s music was amazing... brings me back to the 90s...

  • @georgielockhart6686
    @georgielockhart6686 4 года назад

    Ive been having an absolute blast playing this non stop! Im on disc 2 and 22 hours, half my team has their ultimate weapons already. And with the boosters drawing is literally so fast it is not tedious whatsoever.
    My tip is to learn card mod from Quezecolt and play alot of cards because even early game this can help you procure end game items for upgrading all your weapons. Cheers.

  • @gureguru4694
    @gureguru4694 4 года назад +12

    my childhood remastered. when life was easier. hope someone makes a summon compilation vid with this one.

    • @grandexporter
      @grandexporter 3 года назад

      Ff8 made those years of life worth living...

  • @rockvault3284
    @rockvault3284 4 года назад +6

    I’m loving the FFVIII Remastered version

  • @baddragonite
    @baddragonite 4 года назад

    The Demo for this game was the first experience with Final Fantasy I had when I was a little kid. Loved Fantasy and RPGs ever since

  • @nullburner8702
    @nullburner8702 4 года назад

    Nice to hear all the stories from your past and all, but I wish you would have talked more about the tech stuff, such as frame rate and stuff.
    You said the new remastered version is based on the pc version, right? So does this mean the volume button for the music is missing, just like it was on the pc version back in the days? (The ps1 version had this button).

  • @dbradford259
    @dbradford259 4 года назад +6

    The font bothers me. I love this game over all the rest FF game minus FF Legend on gameboy even though that's not really a FF game.

  • @Nintality
    @Nintality 4 года назад +5

    Imo THE BEST in the series, FFVIII is amazing. Love everything about this game 👌

  • @apollolancer78
    @apollolancer78 4 года назад +1

    I played FF8 20 years ago duringmy full time military service at camp. It brought back lotsa nostalgia. I agree about the music, I was so deeply fascinated by the music. However I am intrigued there are actually new music added to the game which didn't appear on the original before. I love the character designs, not so much about story nor combat moves, but their unlimited usage of GFs was astounding. Let's do a remake of VIII

  • @l337z0r
    @l337z0r 4 года назад +1

    The trick to enjoy Final Fantasy VIII today is to remember to take it on its own terms, just allow yourself to immerse into the experience -- as you did all those years ago -- and turn off the rational part of your mind.

  • @Icky240
    @Icky240 4 года назад +5

    The draw magic never really bothers me. What bothers me is having the monster level up as you level up too.

    • @Davidsworldtravels
      @Davidsworldtravels 4 года назад +1

      That was so awful. After getting everyone maxed out on ff7 I did the same for ff8 and just constantly got my ass kicked. Really lame.

  • @khaled00962
    @khaled00962 4 года назад +3

    for magic you can make it without drawing, play card and won allot and transfer these cards into items, then use the ability from some GF to make magic from these items, I always finish my first CD with full high level Magic for all my characters, this game is so easy when you know what you doing.

  • @cosmicimmunity
    @cosmicimmunity 4 года назад

    This was my favorite Final Fantasy and my first FF back in 1999/ early 2000s. I love how you brought the original case. Just like you I also have the original PS1 copy. Nice shirt btw!

  • @VlaunBurtlecraft
    @VlaunBurtlecraft 4 года назад

    The only problem I have with the backgrounds being blurry is that some of the characters are just static images within the background and are also blurred in some portions of the game. So you have situations where the remastered characters clash harshly with the static characters. I'm not sure what would have to be done for them not to clash but kinda wish square found something to do to fix that.

  • @theflyingninja1
    @theflyingninja1 4 года назад +8

    Oh man, I miss classic RPGs. This was truly the golden age.

  • @markusvhane5087
    @markusvhane5087 4 года назад +13

    I wish they'd made it true wide screen. Not stretched. I mean true real wide screen.

    • @corey2232
      @corey2232 4 года назад +2

      And make it have a consistent frame rate... If you're going to cap it out at 30 fps, even on PC, at least make it hit 30 fps at all times. Dropping to 15 fps in battles is a joke for a "remaster" of a 1990's game.

    • @lachlanh7911
      @lachlanh7911 4 года назад

      The only way that would be possible is to get the original scans and hope that they were wide enough.

    • @Jeremiah2304
      @Jeremiah2304 4 года назад

      They couldn't make it 16:9 because the original FMV and backgrounds were made in 4:3 aspect. They would have to remake everything from the ground up to accomplish

    • @lachlanh7911
      @lachlanh7911 4 года назад

      Super Rookie yep exactly. You can either stretch or crop to make it widescreen. Both would destroy the experience. To remake it all in ps1 graphics would be a waste of time for square. The only way you are going to see some big graphical changes is if they remake the game completely like they are doing with 7. I think 8 deserves the same treatment but I don’t really know if it’s popular enough to get it. I can dream I guess.

  • @KaskelotenZebbe
    @KaskelotenZebbe 4 года назад +1

    I remember seeing the intro with my friend when we were at the game store 20 years ago. We thought Squall killed Seifer :P.
    Later, when I actually played the game, I was really frustrated with the combat system, the junctioning, drawing, summons and all that. But when re-played the game after I beat it, I finally understood it and then I started to love the game. I really liked the characters, locations, Triple Triad and the sidequests. Some design choices never grew on me though, like the boring grey UI, being locked out from the world on disc 4, some of the music and some character arcs. Still, it has a soft spot in my heart and I will always applaud the team for being very brave with it, striving so much to make it different to Final Fantasy VII and original.

    • @WardenOfTerra
      @WardenOfTerra 3 года назад +1

      The combat system is trash in this game. It's literally spend 30 minutes drawing maximum magic, and then auto-attacking. So boring.

    • @KaskelotenZebbe
      @KaskelotenZebbe 3 года назад

      @@WardenOfTerra Well, it wasn't fun the first time I played it. Second time around, I put all my Ultimas on strength and gave Ifrit with the strength upgrades to Squall. It helped a lot.

  • @jasminebrady7077
    @jasminebrady7077 4 года назад

    Love this review and the positivity ❤️

  • @voltz15
    @voltz15 4 года назад +5

    Next Chrono Cross with optional scanlines.
    Have original copy btw.

  • @chrisgilliver1
    @chrisgilliver1 3 года назад +9

    I'm replaying it for the first time in 20 years (or so), and it's way better than its reputation suggests. The writing is genuinely wonderful (despite the twist) with a cast of characters that are hugely likeable, including Squall. The music is really evocative and I miss those PS1 era pre-rendered backgrounds. Yep, this is definitely one of my favourite Final Fantasies and better than every mainline game that followed except IX.

  • @masterrhyno
    @masterrhyno 4 года назад

    This is my favorite ff game, i really hope it does well enough for them to consider a full remake. I really dont feel that the story is as crazy as people make it seem, i think a lot of people miss out on the backstory and the hidden lore bits and it makes them miss out on some of the more mystical aspects of 8. I've talked to people that enjoy the game that didnt even know about the god Hyne, or that the GF side effects are listed at the beginning of the game. I really hope people take the time to explore a bit and seek out the hidden world lore because its really cool

  • @thomasj.9686
    @thomasj.9686 4 года назад

    The cheat/QOL change I wanted for them to add in the most is anything that makes drawing magic less tedious. Maybe boost the number of magic drawn per command/draw point by 10 or so. Or even get a 100 instantly per draw point. Sadly, this is a missed opportunity.