FINAL FANTASY VIII - REMASTERED
" Classic adventure RPG with deep story and strategic combat but outdated background graphics "
FINAL FANTASY VIII - REMASTERED Review
FINAL FANTASY VIII - REMASTERED revisits a beloved JRPG classic with a mix of nostalgia and modern enhancements. The game retains its core identity, featuring a complex story centered on Squall Leonhart and his comrades navigating a world blending futuristic technology with magic. The narrative explores themes of memory, identity, and relationships, particularly the romance between Squall and Rinoa, delivering an emotionally resonant experience.
Gameplay revolves around the unique Junction system and turn-based combat, offering strategic depth and customization. Quality-of-life improvements such as autosave and adjustable battle speed help modernize the experience. However, the remaster's visual upgrades are modest, with character models improved but backgrounds largely unchanged, leading to mixed reactions.
Technical issues like occasional crashes and lack of widescreen support detract from the experience. Despite this, the iconic soundtrack and enduring gameplay mechanics keep the game relevant for both veterans and newcomers.
Highlights
The remaster is praised for its deep, character-driven story and mature themes that set it apart from typical RPGs.
Players appreciate the strategic Junction system, which allows extensive customization and experimentation.
The improved character models and polished audio, including the memorable soundtrack, enhance the game's atmosphere.
Quality-of-life features like autosave and faster battle speeds make the game more accessible.
The emotional core, particularly the romance and character chemistry, remains a standout aspect.
Criticisms
Many players found the graphical remastering underwhelming, criticizing the unchanged blurry backgrounds that clash with updated character models.
Technical issues such as game crashes and lack of widescreen support frustrate users.
The story pacing and some plot elements are considered confusing or uneven.
The combat system, especially the Junction mechanics, is seen as dated and sometimes tedious.
Some feel the remaster lacks sufficient enhancements, calling for a full remake instead.
Pros
- • Deep, emotionally resonant story with strong character development.
- • Strategic and customizable Junction system enhances gameplay depth.
- • Quality-of-life improvements like autosave and 3x battle speed.
- • Polished character models and refined textures improve visuals.
- • Iconic and memorable soundtrack elevates the experience.
- • Engaging romance between main characters Squall and Rinoa.
- • Classic Final Fantasy elements preserved with modern tweaks.
Cons
- • Background graphics remain blurry and outdated compared to characters.
- • Game suffers from occasional crashes and technical glitches.
- • Lack of widescreen/fullscreen support limits visual appeal.
- • Story can be confusing and unevenly paced at times.
- • Junction system and combat may feel tedious or overly complex.
- • Remaster lacks significant visual upgrades or new content.
- • High encounter rate can become frustrating during missions.
Rating Criteria
The mega-hit RPG, FINAL FANTASY VIII returns! This Steam® version features new graphical enhancements and a whole host of options to customise your gameplay experience.