Just beat it for the first time since I was 9 years old last night.. I sat there at the credits and I think I finally came to terms with growing old(er). About to turn thirty and the same thing that brought me joy as a kid did it again. It really was magical. Lately I’ve been terrified of death after I started having some heart complications.. I started working out constantly, ate nothing but the healthiest foods, enrolled back in college to finish my degree since I dropped out, went to 3 different doctors that I really can’t afford. All out of fear.. it didn’t help with the issues, I fell into a deep depression and just said fuck it. Started eating like trash, never going outside. Still stuck with college thankfully. But I really really felt like I was giving up and for some reason I felt I had no control over it. I know it’s lame, and corny but I cried when the game finished. Something happened, just an unbelievable connection to my childhood.. and as soon as I was done and the credits finished.. I was ok.. idk what’s gonna happen but I’m content and I’m determined to be better. So many good memories, so many good friends, so much to do. Even if I live to 100 it won’t be enough, but I’ll be happy. Im determined to be. So yeah, thanks Final Fantasy 8 😅 Edit: I’m sorry for dumping all of that on random strangers but after I seen this video on my feed I just really wanted to share. Thanks guys.
The algorithm brought me here. FF VIII is one of my all time favorite pieces of media (not just video game) ever. I love this game so much and the deep story of love, that I named my only daughter Rinoa. Amazing job on this vid, I subscribed, and this is probably one of the few times I'm not annoyed with the algorithm.
A few things: the plot twist about everyones memory was brought up a few times, you just had to really be paying attention to everything to catch it before the reveal. There was an essay about the affects GFs had on memory on Squalls terminal in the classroom you could read, and also there were several NPCs you could talk to that would make comments like "don't you recognize me? We spoke like a day ago!" Or something like that. Then there's Irvine's behavior. At first he was acting up cause he was reunited with his childhood friends and because he wanted to pick up things romantically with selphie assuming they knew him. Then when realizing noone else was struggling with the fact that they're being ordered to kill essentially their own mother, he starts freaking out about it. Then he starts piecing together why they dont remember him. The other thing is the time compression. They didn't need Ellone to partially compress time to prevent it from being fully compressed. They just wanted her to use her power to send them to ultimecia because they figured the last thing she'd expect was a preemptive strike.
I agree that the plot twist isn't bad, and if you're someone like us (assuming we both explored everything because we'rethat OCD), it's not an issue. But I can say that making important exposition optional can ruin it for other people, and isn't the best approach. I also feel like some line delivery in disc one with Irvine could be changed to be something like "I just can't kill her," would hit harder and have more pay off with the twist later. I think the twists are great, but some sharpening of delivery could have been had . And I say this a person who has this game as my favorite of all time.
About amnesia. This "don't you recognize me?" thing is really debatable. Squall was an asshole and didn't want to have anything with other people. He had trouble just talking with them. So it's really hard to tell whether he forgot these people due to GF or he didn't pay any attention to the them in the first place. You know, he thought of almost everyone around him as being annoying. It would have been only natural if he just didn't try to remember them.
@@persona3rulez not entirely true. Squall put social and emotional walls up because of trauma and tried to keep people at arm's length so he never got attached and got hurt again, but he wasnt an asshole that just hated everyone and wrote them all off. This is referenced is game. In a game who's whole plot revolves around an "our main team are actually from the same orphanage and dont remember it" twist those instances of squall forgetting people he just met are absolutely foreshadowing that and not based on a misunderstanding of his character. Especially since it really starts hallening more and more often in disc 2 when you first get to fishermans horizon, which is not far behind trabia garden.
It was my first as well. While 10 remains my favorite, this was an amazing game. They got the most out of the graphic s for PS1!! Sound track was amazing. An A plus, for sure!!!
this is my favorite FF. love the story. I was stationed in DC and I remember spending weeks just going from work back to my dorm room and playing this only stopping to hit the chow hall or sleep or go to work. good times. if they made a live action FF, this is the one they should do.
This my fav ff game. I never played ff7. I was 11 when I first played this game and I loved it so much. Such great memories and amazing moments. It's like I never wanted the game to end. And when it did end. My life never was the same. But even after so many years I never beated the game without cheats.
I think FF8 came out at a time where most of us were in schools so the first arc of the game resonated more with us. I think the idea of a group of schoolies saving the world having adventures is a nice way to bond. Being in our student age perhaps was the most magical time to play this game. I can understand that some people who play the game later in life may find it a bit cheesy, but even so, the game has a very nice message about familial bonds and friendship, surprisingly, it’s less about romance when you dive deep into the story. I love the memory reveal part because that is when the characters find their resolves, which usually happens toward the end of other games, but FF8 made it happen early, and from there the later half of the game is all about them fighting to protect the family they have formed and put their resolve to the test, which I find very heart warming. Even the side quests carried a strong familial theme.
idk i was the type of cracked out kid to see a story i saw myself in and actually played it out in real life. unfortunately as a student at the time i wasnt inspired to go on a journey fighting evil sorcerers. a disappointment i still hold to this day
all great final fantast games share the same leitmotifs of innocence and love and passion overpowering the dark constructs of society. this one has it in spades
30:55 Some of these are absolutely answered in game. You just gotta dig a bit. A sorceress is an inheretor of Hyne. Essentially, Hyne was the creator diety of the setting- mankind rebelled against him defeated him and in return for his life, he promised half his power to mankind. Sorceresses are the inheretors of that power, passed from one generation to the next. The Gardens were refugee boats from the time of the Centra civ- basically, there was an ancient civilization that built, among other things, the city you find Odin in *and* Lunatic Pandora. Why they built the Lunatic Pandora is unknown- in fact, very little records survive from that time period. Essentially, imagine a world without monsters, and then billions of very strong monsters drop from the sky. Needless to say, there isn't a lot that survived from that time. Esthar later excavated the Lunatic Pandora under the direction of Adel and started to restore it, but never had the chance to use it. Well, considering how long it's been since you posted this, someone else might have mentioned it. Even if they haven't, you may not see this. Still.
This game will always have a place in my heart. Just like you, this was my very first FF and I'd always find myself going back just to scratch the itch, just to feel immersed when Balamb Garden and Fisherman's Horizon are playing. This game reminds me how life way back was much simpler. Nothing to worry about.. And I feel like I can always connect with people who've played this game back in their childhood. This game is very special.
In 2024 I couldn’t find a Video that really explains storyline and characters like this . All the other ones rush are just talk and don’t explain anything . This saved my life I swear
Im 33 and have also struggled with depression since adolescence. The Final Fantasy series has also been one of my comfort zones when things get rough. Thank you for being so open, vulnerable, and explicitly destigmatizing medkcal treatment for depression. Literally made me cry
This sums up my experience with FF7, 8 and 9, minus the American cultural/historical references and the bit with the male stripper. The feelings of passion and nostalgia you express are something I share. I don't like that they changed Squalls face/sprite in the remaster, but thankfully I still have the original on the PS1, and it definitely stands the test of time!
I’ve always wondered why FF8 resonated with me much more than FF7 when the mainstream opinion is the opposite. Your insight from the creators about trying to build a happy and vibrant world in FF8 rather than the usual dark ones explains that perfectly. Thanks for sharing!
I personally think the ff7 hype is bandwagon hype...4/5 claim 7 is best ...never played 8 ...but that is just from ppl I've asked myself witch isn't alot , I say this because I've tried 7 a solid 3 times with 20hours each , and I couldn't get into it..ff8 I hooked as soon as I started. It's still my favorite game to this day
@pinkin7five720 the junction system divides the fan base. That where the ff8 hate comes from. I didn't play 7 first, I was to young. So it's my first as well.
@@rommyremus9650 really? That was one of my fav parts , i didn't really understand until my 2nd play through , how ever ...the draw system not a fan of that was tedious if you want to focus on the junction, witch I did , and loved it felt like my training paid off , I was strong and absorbed alot , now that I think. About that's prolly included , (complaint of junction) that if u want to be strong have to junction and draw alot , and fun fact of Coincidence, iam wearing my ff8 shirt today :) good timing on your comment
They are both top tier FF in my opinion. I played both of them when they were released and loved both of them (13 when 7 came out and 15 when 8 came out). Then again I’m an OG final fantasy player, I had the original on NES
It’s wild, I played this game for the first time at the beginning of 2022 as an almost 30 year old, yet your points of nostalgia and comfort resonate with me for a game that I only played 6 months ago. Wonderful video!
18:30 actually there is an npc in garden you can talk to who mentions it. I think it’s one of Norg’s guys, and they say something along the lines of “don’t listen to those naysayers who claim that gfs can cause psychological problems” etc 22:00 Adel made the lunatic Pandora to use as a weapon against other nations. It’s why Esthar soldiers were excavating the giant crystal structure in the Laguna flashback.
Fun fact: Memory loss as a consequence is GFs is mentioned on Selphie's blog! So while it may not have been brought up as plot relevant, you can learn about this as early as before you get on the train to Timber. A lot of really cool lore can only be gleaned from optional text and dialogues like this, and some of it becomes incredibly relevant later on like the GF thing does.
FF8 is my favourite game so far too. I watched my uncles play this game back when it released, and it stayed with me since. I just finished playing this game, almost twice, and sincerely, I still love it so much 💖 GF causes memory lost is mentioned in one of the note in the class (you can access the note via Squall's learning pad/ computer). Also, when you realized that modding cards give you better magic earlier, you'll stop caring about drawing magic from monsters.
I'm a Spanish living in The Netherlands and today is my 31st birthday. I just saw this video and you've made my day. I'm so grateful that I could revive this great game again through your outstanding narration. Many times I think the world is a mess. As I millennial I lived through many crises... But when I see things like this video, they make me think that the world is an amazing place. This game has definitely touched me. I've been a gamer since a kid but this one has a special place in my memories. Its charm is beyond my comprehension. And the fact that a person (many in fact) from another faraway place in the world has the same feelings as me is really touching. I deeply thank you for this video and my best wishes to all FVIII fans. The world is as good as we make it.
I don't see many people talking about this game's special aesthetic and ambiance. For me, it gets downright scary, sendings chills down my spine, when Ultimecia looks at you through the 4th wall and shouts "GET OUT", or when Rinoa moves about in the space station like a zombie/ghost. I was terrified by Gerogero, and even the Dollet boss Elvoret. There is something about this game's aesthetic mixing military realism, cyberpunk, magic, and gritty monsters. It's a clusterfuck. It carries this mysteriousness through to the end, it remains enigmatic, and even when you understand the finer details of the plot, there are unanswered questions that continue to speak to the imagination (Griever, the Gardens, the end of satellite interferences...)
Me: (watches your Moral Orel video) Me: “That was great, wonder what else he’s got.” Me: (finds a video on my favorite Final Fantasy title) Me: “…..I see you’re a man of culture, then.”
FF8 is my fav game of all time. Your story with this game is almost identical to mine. This game changed my life, helped me accept growing up with the world around me..and made me think about where I wanted my life to go. Im eternally grateful to square for making this game…and to James for selling me his copy for 30$ thanks James! Please go play ff9!
I have played many FF games and 8 was not my first, but there is something about this one that speaks to my soul. Squall is my favorite main character in the series and I and a lot of people identify with him a lot. I believe if people would take the time to master the mechanics and invest time into the world, they will thoroughly enjoy the experience. To this day, it is the only game I have ever platinumed on PS4 which says a lot as I am not an achievement hunter my any means. Overall awesome game
It is a better overall game than FF7, at least for me. Unpopular opinion, but I feel like FF8 is more grounded. It is easier to identify with the character's struggles and motivations IMO. It's disappointing that FF8 didn't get the same recognition as FF7, (7 is a fantastic game, but highly overrated and the story is good, but not the best by far. Look at FF6 for the best storyline) At least FF8 is being introduced to many more people these days, and most are giving it the love it deserves 🙂
@@SuperFamiKing Yeah, Squall is more relatable than Cloud, both being stoic antisocial withdrawn males. Both games gave me encouragement to be a better person, come out of my shell, communicate more.
As someone who has beaten every mainline/non-mmo FF game, I was so happy to see you taking on this juggernaut of a series. You done did real good 👍 for real, fantastic job!
That bit about depression resonated with me quite a bit. I hope you are continuing to do well (This vid is my first encounter with you and your content so I dunno at all) and that life has treating you well.
I have the most cosy childhood memories of me watching my mum play FF 8 and being allowed to stay up late. My favourites of the series are 7, 8, 9 and 10 (with 8 and 10 being the best imho) You should probably really try 9 if you havent!
PS1 gave us the best FFs imo. My fav is 9 but 8 and 7 are amazing as well. 10 is great. But storywise, something about 9 and 6 just really drives me in and I cant explain
9 is AWESOME. Storywise probably my favorite after 8. 8 is still my absolute favorite. I never played 10-12. Liked 13 and 13-2, missed out on 13-3, never played anything after that. I don't like FF7 that much. But I played a shit ton out of it. Over 100 hours. I just don't like the story that much and the graphics are pretty laughable nowadays, but even compared to 8. I also don't like FF6 (3) at all, I have a SNES Mini. I tried playing it like 4 times now, once on emulator. Got like 4-5 hours into it and quit. It's boring, confusing and the combat is not fun at all... So there you have it. My very stupid but first hand experienced opinions....
I can very much relate. FF VIII and the first Gothic are the games that helped me through very tough times in the late 90s/early naughties. I was starting university, worked two or three jobs to sustain myself and had to earn a Latin certificate next to regular uni courses. Coming home to my tiny student room, booting up the playstation or pc and just taking a refuge from life was something I did almost every weekday. I now know I have ADHD and suffered from a slight burnout back then (which both came to haunt me a few years later with immense force). These games helped. A lot. They gave me room to breathe, to switch off the inner stream of monologues about stress and failure. Until today, these two games (and one or two later ones) are like coming home. I clicked on your video and was instantly transported to that small safe zone that was my crappy student sofa. Thank you for that. And be well. :)
Growing my own channel and working on a video for this game ..this is the first time I've come across your content and I loved it. Subscribed so much can keep up with your work. It's really good. This is my favorite final fantasy game.
Or it might be whichever FF was in your formative years. My first was X and then 7 then 8 (didn't finish) then 9. 9 is my all time favorite even though it was far from my first and at the tail end of my formative years.
I think it depends on how much of it you play. My first FF was 13, and I was an hour in before I put it down and never picked it back up. 15 years later I finally started playing through the franchise, and I’m really enjoying the first one and 7 (for very different reasons). I’m looking forward to trying out 4, 6, and 10.
That intro perfectly resonates with me a lot. I wasn't born when FF8 came out, and I only came to play it in 2021. But, ever since I started playing video games, and heard about FF (I used to say i hated rpgs back thenlol), when anyone said the name "JRPG", some images of a weird game I didn't know would rush my mind. And when I became a fan of FF, I really wanted to play 8, and when I did, I found a game that game from my mind. To me FF8 is the JRPG, more importantly, MY JRPG. I just have a weird bond to that game, as if it was always with me even tho it wasn't
This game was my first FF, and it will always have a special place in my heart. To me, it is the best game ever, for all the reasons you talk about and many more. I started playing piano again thanks to this game. Thank you for this video.
All your questions are answered if you check the computer in Squall's classroom seat, the sorceress, the para-magic, Esthar and the war, Lunar Cry (which is just a natural phenomena because all monsters come from the moon), even the mention of memory loss because of the use of GF. It makes sense that the history of the world and common knowledge of it is in the school archive. The name of the music composer is Nobuo Uematsu. And gotta correct something about depression, it is not just treated with medicine, there are levels of depression, people can't go directly to antidepressants or stronger medicine to treat it, they have to go first to a psychologist to diagnose it and work around it with therapy without meds, if it is diagnosed as severe then go to a psychiatrist who will give the prescription for the medicine as you go to therapy. I hope you are getting better with your depression and glad to hear you are doing great.
The editing is awesome, good job! This was also my first FF and i didn't finish it until a few years ago. My friends and i pretended to be Squall, Xell and Irvine in school, i think i was maybe 7 years old. I feel nostalgia for some games, but the feelings i get from FF8 are beyond that. I can't even describe them. This video and the memories it made me remember....
Very very well put, def a love letter to one of the most under appreciated FF of all time, thank you for doing this. I fell in love with the game when I was a teenager, right about the same age as the main cast. It has its flaws but the love story, time compression, soundtrack, character development will remain with me for the rest of my life, as dramatic as that sounds! I’m 32 now and I will forever cherish FFVIII, it’s still on my mind now and again, after all these years. Whenever I get the itch to play the game again, it takes me back to those days when I was just a teenager, playing the game for hours on end, level grinding and figuring out how the junction system works. My inner child feels euphoric whenever this game crosses my mind.
FF7 and 8 will both forever have a special place in my heart. Those both cause such an extreme sense of joy and nostalgia in me. So many hours spent on them both. I replayed them multiple times. FF 9 was alright but couldn’t hold a candle to the two before it. What I wouldn’t give to be able to play them again. Such a great video, keep up the good work 😌👌
I feel like you took the words out of my mouth this game is my life long true love , well done on explaining it right and making my day. I’m gonna go home and start the game all over for the 100th time now 😂
This is a great video. FF8 is one of my all time favourite video games and I discovered your channel because of your Moral Orel video - which is one of my favourite TV shows. I enjoyed your personal story about you playing FF8 several times to improve your mental health. I totally get it.
Awesome work, thank you. I came to watch 5 minutes, and watched the whole video. So much good memories with this game. Like you, the music and this game can help me when bad moments appear. It’s the same with FF7, 9 and 10, which I all played in my very young days. It’s something engraved deeply in my heart, but also in my personality. It’s part of me. I can remember the good old days with my parents and my brothers, just by hearing the music or watching such kind of content. Thanks again, I hope you’ll be ok with your depression.
Incredibly touching homage mate. Couldn't help but smile with the thought "this guy actually gets it!" many times throughout this. What a journey it was and what a world it was, for my innocent canvas of a 12 year old mind...Talk about ambitious! You really knocked it out of the park here mate. And you got yaself another sub! Cheers :)
Nice to see FFVIII getting some love. It's my all time favorite. Between the asinine story, to the banger of a soundtrack, summons that never make another appearance. (Doomtrain needs more love) I remember seeing the Waltz scene and thinking one day games will look like this and it'll be nuts. Aaaand now they do. Great video my friend. If it makes you feel any better I didn't junction any characters and made it to Adel. Had to go back and redo it. Though you should play the others. They all have a certain charm. And are great in their own way.
Despite the fact that Quistis literally walks you through the Junction system, I didn't have a clue about junctioning magic to boost stats or checking every enemy for Draw options until embarrassingly far into the game. For my first playthrough, that is. My second one, I would grind like an absolute madman to keep my stats as maxed out as possible, and my SeeD Rank at least steady.
Nice vid. Just a note.. Edea was their Matron, pronounced May-Tron. A matron is a word for a woman in charge of a school or similar establishment or like a head nurse.
See I know what a 'matron' is, but I've been pronouncing "Muh-Trone" since I was a kid and somehow the two things never overlapped in my mind. Two bits of knowledge, never the twain shall meet. Edit: spelling
@@Meromorphic I once misread Dynasty as Destiny and carried on calling the game "Destiny warriors" for years, never making the connection that I had obviously misread it, because every glance at the case was met with my brain screaming "Destiny". It happens to everyone at some point! 😂
how about Galbadia?? all these years me and my husband pronounced it like this “ Gal-Bae ( Bay ) - Dya 💁🏻♀️😅 i really dont feel pronouncing it as Gal-Ba-Dya 😅💁🏻♀️ idk it just didnt feel or sound cool pronouncing it like that but forgive me if thats my own pronouncing of the word since we really actually never heard how the makers from Square pronounce it since dialogues dont exists yet in a ff game back in the ps1 games💁🏻♀️
What a wonderful love letter this was. This was my first Final Fantasy, too, and I remember the countless hours I spent trying to figure out how on earth to progress as I had no guide or internet at the time. I can't believe it's been over 20 years already since I first played it, and at least a decade since I last finished it. You've mentioned so many things I'd forgotten about that I am definitely going to play it again soon. Being quite a bit older now and having a better understanding of the English language, I bet I'll find lots of things I never noticed before. I can hardly wait!
Thank you for opening up about yourself! And that was a nice retrosp... Love letter! I love the game as well and started it multiple times and finished it about 2-3 times I think.. Congrats on your job and rock on for the rest!
the game has so many little details that all point to artistic freedom and integrity. there is just so much heart and soul in these pre ps3 ff games it blows my mind
The best part of this entire video was the beginning where we see you with your family and you guys all look so happy. I hope you guys are all doing well and thriving. Great Vid dude.
I was 7 years when this game came out and it IS my favorite game of all time. Like you, I too come back to play this game as a comfort especially when I feel really down or overwhelmed by life. I wanted the song "eyes on me" to be my wedding dance song or my walking down the aisle song when I got married, but me and my wife couldn't afford a nice wedding caramony so we eloped insted. I think even when I am vary old and every one I know is gone, I will always keep going back to this game to keep me comforted and safe.
This video really resonate with me, 2000, 11 y.o., my big brother bought it and brought it home, never played FF7 before, didnt finish it first time I played… so many memories, I am playing right now, adult, finally understanding the junction (which I love), and trying different runs like not leveling at all, and refining everything I get my hands on. Such a great game.
Great video! Nostalgia hit me hard while watching, as FFVIII is my most played childhood game. Think I'm gonna play remaster today and IT'S YOUR FAULT (but in a good way, though).
This video is a gem, I have really enjoyed it! I have played and completed FFVIII long time ago and still to this day is my favourite FF. I remember struggling to complete the game and that guide you shown was a game changer..so many memories attached to this FF era, great job!
Trying to see if I left a comment already, but even if I did, who cares. This is one hell of a love letter to FF8. Such a well made, well written and narrated work of art. I can really feel your emotions about this game. Correction, this rite of passage
Guess this is a good time as any to leave this here: I got final fantasy VIII for XMAS when I asked for Final Fantasy VII. My mom's logic at the time was "extra number= better" and there was a PC Version to be fair of Final Fantasy VIII which i don't think ever existed for VII . A lot can be said about which one is better BUT the fact that she got this instead of VII and making this my first J-RPG is a gift. I absolutely loved the story, I was terrible at the game because at the time i kept grinding for levels which caused me to get my ass kicked. My understanding of the Junction system was limited to "junction to use the GF and magic". What I lacked in gaming ability, I made up for with resourcefulness. With my 56K internet connection I found trainer software that allowed me to not only max out my characters and all stats but give me an edge in battle (and still got my ass kicked multiple times to be fair) but that allowed to experience this story, the characters, the music. It was my only turn-based RPG and still remains to this day and I wouldn't have it any other way. I've enjoyed Final Fantasy VII remake and Final Fantasy XV in my grown-up years and I am hopeful that someday Square will decide on re-doing this game. However, I have no intentions of replaying the original. I want to keep that experience of the wide-eyed 14 year old, who was a loner, enjoying the story of Squall with whom I related heavily with intact. Thank you Final Fantasy VIII
As soon as I realized the enemies level up according to your characters average level I said "ok let's do this the east way" killed all my characters except squall so only he gained experience. He also got all the GF and all the good magic. As I was playing the Japanese version, I used a glitch that was only in Japanese to junction the same magic to multiple junction slots. After I got Ultima (paying a lot of money to get Ultimas in the shumi village) to 100 I junctioned them to everything (except speed, I think) Average levels and stats boosted to the max and level 100. Even then ultimicia was a bit of a pain, though not hard, just long.
Rock solid retrospective! VIII was my first FF experience and like you, I took a chance in the video game store, being the only game I'd likely be able to afford in months, maybe the entire year... but it sure as hell paid off though. An incredible game that left me with hundreds of unforgettable memories. Also side note: First time ever playing a (J)RPG and Selphie got KO'd during the first Dollet mission. Not knowing what phoenix downs were and thinking she was permanently dead for the rest of the game, I restarted from the beginning lol!
It's refreshing to see someone like me who appreciates FFXII as much as I do. That game has gotten some unfair treatment over the years. It was a game way ahead it's time and is an underappreciated treasure. You should do a video on it.
You hit the nail on the head with the references to shadow in light. So many things just waiting in plain sight. More like real life. I always resonated with this story, probably a lot for those reasons. Also, especially as an 11 year old myself playing this, I always identified more with Squall than other protagonists on a mental and emotional level. Love those 1st person thoughts in the game
Your story of how you got FFVIII is almost identical to the story of how I got FFVII! My dad took me to a shop here in the UK called Woolworths, I had asked him for a game and he said yes. FFVII must have just came out, it was number 1 in their top 10 chart. I chose it knowing absolutely nothing about it and having never played a JRPG before. And the rest is history, I fell in love with that game just as you clearly fell in love with this one! And yes this is an underrated masterpiece!
It’s always so cool how whatever final fantasy you play first always holds a special place in your heart for me 9 is the best game of all time most likely because it was my first
9 was my second, and to this day, the best game Ive ever played. 7 was my first so I biasly love it, but I love 9 and 8 more for some reason. 9 is just perfect with the exception of the card game wich definitely sucks big time Lol
Man ff8 was basically my first game too and today it's still something absolutely special to me. I hope they do what they did with ff7 and remake it, i'd love it to be revisted. But I'm surprised you havent played ff9, it's the only one i've played so far that I feel honestly matches 8 in the amazingness of the story, music, characters...
Congrats on the new job, dude. I hope it brings you lots of joy and fulfillment. Also, this was a truly wonderful video. Thank you for helping me to better appreciate this game.
I love watching videos like this. Confirmation bias at its finest. This game opened my eyes to so much and its refreshing to see someone feel completely the same. Well made video my friend.
Great vid. Final Fantasy VIII has always been one of my favorites. It’s nice to find someone likeminded. Instant subscriber! Keep up the great work. ❤❤❤❤
This is just what I need. An extremely biased view of this game (not joking lol). Someone who loves and is passionate about the game telling me why it’s so good. I am currently playing ffx and I’m loving it. It’s my first ff game ever. And of all the games…ff8 is the only other one that has caught my eye so far. The music, the way the characters look in game, the cutscenes, the vibe. I’m def gonna play it after ffx. And then probably ff7 eventually. I’m really excited to watch this video after my 5 minutes of viewing so far lol
Same here. This game really saved me during my knee surgery as a freshman in high school 😊 Also. How you feel about ffviii when you're down is the same feels I get with earthbound.
Cool video man, 8 is my personal favourite aswell I think for me it's the characters that really make like this game the most, and the music is so good.
ff8 was so personal for me . between teenage issues, squall's anxiety & depression, fear of loss, love & romance, the tragedy of loosing memories, regretting the past, fearing for the future....then through the game learning to trust people again after traumatic events, learning to love, and learning that the world is only worth saving for love. All the characters were so well written and felt so real to me I feel like coming away from ff8, after growing into an adult... it had WAY more life lessons than its predecessor.
Actually, memory loss from using the GFs is mentioned right the beginning of the game, if you access Squal's desktop pc and read throught the "Basics" xD Great vid
Thank you for your video. I think this game had a more complex story which really explores the more complex nature of life and love, despite its flaws. The rivalry between Squall and Seifer actually drew me in because it reminded me of my own brother, and our complicated relationship growing up. People talk about VII and Aries' death being a bold complex adult theme for a video game, and it is... for a console game at the time it came out (though, it is also kind of simple - a character dies, and is dead), but 'Eyes on Me' gets me every time to this day. A story of unrequited love, "My last night here with you? Maybe yes, maybe no..." , and that's a real feeling, maybe not as final or tragic as death, but certainly deeper in some aspects, as lives intertwine and sometimes we are forced to part ways with someone we care about or have feelings for. What it means to be a leader, trying to portray an image of strength, but the implication that it's okay sometimes to allow your emotions to show, "...darling so there you are with that look on your face, as if you're never hurt. As if you're never down." "...your tears if you're holding back, or pain if that's what it is..." Also the aspect of the performer, and the humanity. "How can I let you know, I'm more than the dress and the voice..." There are a lot of layers in the song alone... and the opening operatic music/scene is just kind of awesome. ...and of course many of the other characters and story elements. They included some very intricate human emotion into this game and some of the characters I think, and that's why it was compelling for me, even though I didn't like the junction system. Other FF games had tried including some of these more adult themes before, and have tried since, but this one stands out to me. I still would choose this game to play again, or 6, over the other FF games.
I played this game several times through when I was in middle school, and I don't remember half of it, and it made no sense to me! Thank you for clarifying stuff!
Not only FF8 is my favorite Final Fantasy, FF8 has my favorite final boss as Ultimecia. She was HARD for the first time and her different stages really felt like you are fighting against a really bad ass boss!! Also absolutely LOVE the final boss fight´s music!
Hey Bro... happened to me at the same age, in the same years,and this game got me for good.. Thank you for your love for the game. Your storytelling is just so funny😅😂.
ah, a fellow FF8 enjoyer
good
Just beat it for the first time since I was 9 years old last night.. I sat there at the credits and I think I finally came to terms with growing old(er). About to turn thirty and the same thing that brought me joy as a kid did it again. It really was magical. Lately I’ve been terrified of death after I started having some heart complications.. I started working out constantly, ate nothing but the healthiest foods, enrolled back in college to finish my degree since I dropped out, went to 3 different doctors that I really can’t afford. All out of fear.. it didn’t help with the issues, I fell into a deep depression and just said fuck it. Started eating like trash, never going outside. Still stuck with college thankfully. But I really really felt like I was giving up and for some reason I felt I had no control over it.
I know it’s lame, and corny but I cried when the game finished. Something happened, just an unbelievable connection to my childhood.. and as soon as I was done and the credits finished.. I was ok.. idk what’s gonna happen but I’m content and I’m determined to be better. So many good memories, so many good friends, so much to do. Even if I live to 100 it won’t be enough, but I’ll be happy. Im determined to be.
So yeah, thanks Final Fantasy 8 😅
Edit: I’m sorry for dumping all of that on random strangers but after I seen this video on my feed I just really wanted to share. Thanks guys.
Best game of all time. It's been 23 years and no game has even come close for me.
Chrono Trigger has been level for me, but yeah they're on their own plateau.
It would be so awesome if after FF7 they remake 8 .
I love this game even if it's terrible at times. Definitely wouldn't say it's the best game of all time but I wouldn't argue if you did
My all time favourite game too.
The algorithm brought me here. FF VIII is one of my all time favorite pieces of media (not just video game) ever. I love this game so much and the deep story of love, that I named my only daughter Rinoa. Amazing job on this vid, I subscribed, and this is probably one of the few times I'm not annoyed with the algorithm.
A few things: the plot twist about everyones memory was brought up a few times, you just had to really be paying attention to everything to catch it before the reveal. There was an essay about the affects GFs had on memory on Squalls terminal in the classroom you could read, and also there were several NPCs you could talk to that would make comments like "don't you recognize me? We spoke like a day ago!" Or something like that. Then there's Irvine's behavior. At first he was acting up cause he was reunited with his childhood friends and because he wanted to pick up things romantically with selphie assuming they knew him. Then when realizing noone else was struggling with the fact that they're being ordered to kill essentially their own mother, he starts freaking out about it. Then he starts piecing together why they dont remember him.
The other thing is the time compression. They didn't need Ellone to partially compress time to prevent it from being fully compressed. They just wanted her to use her power to send them to ultimecia because they figured the last thing she'd expect was a preemptive strike.
I agree that the plot twist isn't bad, and if you're someone like us (assuming we both explored everything because we'rethat OCD), it's not an issue. But I can say that making important exposition optional can ruin it for other people, and isn't the best approach.
I also feel like some line delivery in disc one with Irvine could be changed to be something like "I just can't kill her," would hit harder and have more pay off with the twist later.
I think the twists are great, but some sharpening of delivery could have been had . And I say this a person who has this game as my favorite of all time.
About amnesia. This "don't you recognize me?" thing is really debatable. Squall was an asshole and didn't want to have anything with other people. He had trouble just talking with them. So it's really hard to tell whether he forgot these people due to GF or he didn't pay any attention to the them in the first place. You know, he thought of almost everyone around him as being annoying. It would have been only natural if he just didn't try to remember them.
@@persona3rulez not entirely true. Squall put social and emotional walls up because of trauma and tried to keep people at arm's length so he never got attached and got hurt again, but he wasnt an asshole that just hated everyone and wrote them all off. This is referenced is game.
In a game who's whole plot revolves around an "our main team are actually from the same orphanage and dont remember it" twist those instances of squall forgetting people he just met are absolutely foreshadowing that and not based on a misunderstanding of his character. Especially since it really starts hallening more and more often in disc 2 when you first get to fishermans horizon, which is not far behind trabia garden.
Squall was not a complete asshole, most of the "whatever" he says are mistranslations from part of the team
@@leonvalentine3748 i never saw this reply but two years later someone else commented and I now see it and I couldn't agree more
This was my first and favorite Final Fantasy game. Hearing this first few notes of "Eyes on Me" always makes me cry.
Yeah its kinda sad. But on the other hand there was someone else there for them
Same
I heard this at a Japanese restaurant in Manhattan while drinking a toki (whiskey). Legit started to have tears run down my face Lol.
This was my second final fantasy but my all time favorite. It will always have a place in my heart.
It was my first as well. While 10 remains my favorite, this was an amazing game. They got the most out of the graphic s for PS1!! Sound track was amazing. An A plus, for sure!!!
this is my favorite FF. love the story. I was stationed in DC and I remember spending weeks just going from work back to my dorm room and playing this only stopping to hit the chow hall or sleep or go to work. good times. if they made a live action FF, this is the one they should do.
This my fav ff game. I never played ff7. I was 11 when I first played this game and I loved it so much. Such great memories and amazing moments. It's like I never wanted the game to end. And when it did end. My life never was the same. But even after so many years I never beated the game without cheats.
you love the story? Do you have brain damage?
I think FF8 came out at a time where most of us were in schools so the first arc of the game resonated more with us. I think the idea of a group of schoolies saving the world having adventures is a nice way to bond. Being in our student age perhaps was the most magical time to play this game. I can understand that some people who play the game later in life may find it a bit cheesy, but even so, the game has a very nice message about familial bonds and friendship, surprisingly, it’s less about romance when you dive deep into the story. I love the memory reveal part because that is when the characters find their resolves, which usually happens toward the end of other games, but FF8 made it happen early, and from there the later half of the game is all about them fighting to protect the family they have formed and put their resolve to the test, which I find very heart warming. Even the side quests carried a strong familial theme.
idk i was the type of cracked out kid to see a story i saw myself in and actually played it out in real life.
unfortunately as a student at the time i wasnt inspired to go on a journey fighting evil sorcerers. a disappointment i still hold to this day
all great final fantast games share the same leitmotifs of innocence and love and passion overpowering the dark constructs of society.
this one has it in spades
30:55 Some of these are absolutely answered in game. You just gotta dig a bit.
A sorceress is an inheretor of Hyne. Essentially, Hyne was the creator diety of the setting- mankind rebelled against him defeated him and in return for his life, he promised half his power to mankind.
Sorceresses are the inheretors of that power, passed from one generation to the next.
The Gardens were refugee boats from the time of the Centra civ- basically, there was an ancient civilization that built, among other things, the city you find Odin in *and* Lunatic Pandora. Why they built the Lunatic Pandora is unknown- in fact, very little records survive from that time period. Essentially, imagine a world without monsters, and then billions of very strong monsters drop from the sky. Needless to say, there isn't a lot that survived from that time. Esthar later excavated the Lunatic Pandora under the direction of Adel and started to restore it, but never had the chance to use it.
Well, considering how long it's been since you posted this, someone else might have mentioned it. Even if they haven't, you may not see this. Still.
This game will always have a place in my heart. Just like you, this was my very first FF and I'd always find myself going back just to scratch the itch, just to feel immersed when Balamb Garden and Fisherman's Horizon are playing. This game reminds me how life way back was much simpler. Nothing to worry about.. And I feel like I can always connect with people who've played this game back in their childhood. This game is very special.
In 2024 I couldn’t find a Video that really explains storyline and characters like this . All the other ones rush are just talk and don’t explain anything . This saved my life I swear
Dude you saying you never played the original VII was the most shocking thing i ever heard in a FF VIII review. I gasped.
lol 😂
Kinda nice to have an FF8 review that isn't just comparing it to FF7 though, which is what 9 out of 10 end up being.
@@bearsonwelles3407 Idk what could be more shocking though. Playing majora's b4 ocarina? Playing MGS4 before any other game in the series?
Im 33 and have also struggled with depression since adolescence. The Final Fantasy series has also been one of my comfort zones when things get rough. Thank you for being so open, vulnerable, and explicitly destigmatizing medkcal treatment for depression. Literally made me cry
This sums up my experience with FF7, 8 and 9, minus the American cultural/historical references and the bit with the male stripper.
The feelings of passion and nostalgia you express are something I share.
I don't like that they changed Squalls face/sprite in the remaster, but thankfully I still have the original on the PS1, and it definitely stands the test of time!
I’ve always wondered why FF8 resonated with me much more than FF7 when the mainstream opinion is the opposite. Your insight from the creators about trying to build a happy and vibrant world in FF8 rather than the usual dark ones explains that perfectly. Thanks for sharing!
I personally think the ff7 hype is bandwagon hype...4/5 claim 7 is best ...never played 8 ...but that is just from ppl I've asked myself witch isn't alot , I say this because I've tried 7 a solid 3 times with 20hours each , and I couldn't get into it..ff8 I hooked as soon as I started. It's still my favorite game to this day
@pinkin7five720 the junction system divides the fan base. That where the ff8 hate comes from. I didn't play 7 first, I was to young. So it's my first as well.
@@rommyremus9650 really? That was one of my fav parts , i didn't really understand until my 2nd play through , how ever ...the draw system not a fan of that was tedious if you want to focus on the junction, witch I did , and loved it felt like my training paid off , I was strong and absorbed alot , now that I think. About that's prolly included , (complaint of junction) that if u want to be strong have to junction and draw alot , and fun fact of Coincidence, iam wearing my ff8 shirt today :) good timing on your comment
They are both top tier FF in my opinion. I played both of them when they were released and loved both of them (13 when 7 came out and 15 when 8 came out). Then again I’m an OG final fantasy player, I had the original on NES
It’s wild, I played this game for the first time at the beginning of 2022 as an almost 30 year old, yet your points of nostalgia and comfort resonate with me for a game that I only played 6 months ago. Wonderful video!
How amazing that this game had the same impact on 11-year-old kids all over the world.
18:30 actually there is an npc in garden you can talk to who mentions it. I think it’s one of Norg’s guys, and they say something along the lines of “don’t listen to those naysayers who claim that gfs can cause psychological problems” etc
22:00 Adel made the lunatic Pandora to use as a weapon against other nations. It’s why Esthar soldiers were excavating the giant crystal structure in the Laguna flashback.
Libre Fatali still gives me chills, such an underrated masterpiece of a game
FITHOS
LUSEC
Underrated? Everyone thinks its the best FF track ever. And intro ❤
@@Victorcolongarcia maybe, seems like a lot of the youngins have never heard it
Fun fact:
Memory loss as a consequence is GFs is mentioned on Selphie's blog! So while it may not have been brought up as plot relevant, you can learn about this as early as before you get on the train to Timber. A lot of really cool lore can only be gleaned from optional text and dialogues like this, and some of it becomes incredibly relevant later on like the GF thing does.
FF8 is my favourite game so far too. I watched my uncles play this game back when it released, and it stayed with me since. I just finished playing this game, almost twice, and sincerely, I still love it so much 💖
GF causes memory lost is mentioned in one of the note in the class (you can access the note via Squall's learning pad/ computer).
Also, when you realized that modding cards give you better magic earlier, you'll stop caring about drawing magic from monsters.
I'm a Spanish living in The Netherlands and today is my 31st birthday. I just saw this video and you've made my day. I'm so grateful that I could revive this great game again through your outstanding narration. Many times I think the world is a mess. As I millennial I lived through many crises... But when I see things like this video, they make me think that the world is an amazing place. This game has definitely touched me. I've been a gamer since a kid but this one has a special place in my memories. Its charm is beyond my comprehension. And the fact that a person (many in fact) from another faraway place in the world has the same feelings as me is really touching. I deeply thank you for this video and my best wishes to all FVIII fans. The world is as good as we make it.
I don't see many people talking about this game's special aesthetic and ambiance. For me, it gets downright scary, sendings chills down my spine, when Ultimecia looks at you through the 4th wall and shouts "GET OUT", or when Rinoa moves about in the space station like a zombie/ghost.
I was terrified by Gerogero, and even the Dollet boss Elvoret.
There is something about this game's aesthetic mixing military realism, cyberpunk, magic, and gritty monsters. It's a clusterfuck. It carries this mysteriousness through to the end, it remains enigmatic, and even when you understand the finer details of the plot, there are unanswered questions that continue to speak to the imagination (Griever, the Gardens, the end of satellite interferences...)
Me: (watches your Moral Orel video)
Me: “That was great, wonder what else he’s got.”
Me: (finds a video on my favorite Final Fantasy title)
Me: “…..I see you’re a man of culture, then.”
Get out of my head
"It is not a cure. It is a comfort." Well said.
FF8 is my fav game of all time. Your story with this game is almost identical to mine. This game changed my life, helped me accept growing up with the world around me..and made me think about where I wanted my life to go. Im eternally grateful to square for making this game…and to James for selling me his copy for 30$ thanks James! Please go play ff9!
I have played many FF games and 8 was not my first, but there is something about this one that speaks to my soul. Squall is my favorite main character in the series and I and a lot of people identify with him a lot. I believe if people would take the time to master the mechanics and invest time into the world, they will thoroughly enjoy the experience. To this day, it is the only game I have ever platinumed on PS4 which says a lot as I am not an achievement hunter my any means. Overall awesome game
It is a better overall game than FF7, at least for me. Unpopular opinion, but I feel like FF8 is more grounded. It is easier to identify with the character's struggles and motivations IMO. It's disappointing that FF8 didn't get the same recognition as FF7, (7 is a fantastic game, but highly overrated and the story is good, but not the best by far. Look at FF6 for the best storyline) At least FF8 is being introduced to many more people these days, and most are giving it the love it deserves 🙂
@@SuperFamiKing Yeah, Squall is more relatable than Cloud, both being stoic antisocial withdrawn males. Both games gave me encouragement to be a better person, come out of my shell, communicate more.
Master the mechanic of junctioning powerful spells to STR and HP
As someone who has beaten every mainline/non-mmo FF game, I was so happy to see you taking on this juggernaut of a series. You done did real good 👍 for real, fantastic job!
Thanks man! I'm thinking about doing 12 next.
@@Meromorphic please do 12! 8 and 12 were my childhood games
That bit about depression resonated with me quite a bit. I hope you are continuing to do well (This vid is my first encounter with you and your content so I dunno at all) and that life has treating you well.
I have the most cosy childhood memories of me watching my mum play FF 8 and being allowed to stay up late.
My favourites of the series are 7, 8, 9 and 10 (with 8 and 10 being the best imho) You should probably really try 9 if you havent!
PS1 gave us the best FFs imo. My fav is 9 but 8 and 7 are amazing as well. 10 is great. But storywise, something about 9 and 6 just really drives me in and I cant explain
Definitely 8&10! I think ff8 or turok64 however was also 1 of the first games i remember going to gamefaqs 😩🥺
9 is AWESOME. Storywise probably my favorite after 8. 8 is still my absolute favorite. I never played 10-12. Liked 13 and 13-2, missed out on 13-3, never played anything after that.
I don't like FF7 that much. But I played a shit ton out of it. Over 100 hours. I just don't like the story that much and the graphics are pretty laughable nowadays, but even compared to 8.
I also don't like FF6 (3) at all, I have a SNES Mini. I tried playing it like 4 times now, once on emulator. Got like 4-5 hours into it and quit. It's boring, confusing and the combat is not fun at all...
So there you have it. My very stupid but first hand experienced opinions....
I can very much relate. FF VIII and the first Gothic are the games that helped me through very tough times in the late 90s/early naughties. I was starting university, worked two or three jobs to sustain myself and had to earn a Latin certificate next to regular uni courses. Coming home to my tiny student room, booting up the playstation or pc and just taking a refuge from life was something I did almost every weekday.
I now know I have ADHD and suffered from a slight burnout back then (which both came to haunt me a few years later with immense force). These games helped. A lot. They gave me room to breathe, to switch off the inner stream of monologues about stress and failure.
Until today, these two games (and one or two later ones) are like coming home. I clicked on your video and was instantly transported to that small safe zone that was my crappy student sofa.
Thank you for that. And be well. :)
Growing my own channel and working on a video for this game ..this is the first time I've come across your content and I loved it. Subscribed so much can keep up with your work. It's really good. This is my favorite final fantasy game.
Depression comes for many of us. FF and it’s music has always helped me through.
I didn't knows uwere a ff fan, this is beautiful im here for it, let's goooo💗🖤
everyone's first FF is usually their fave
Or it might be whichever FF was in your formative years. My first was X and then 7 then 8 (didn't finish) then 9. 9 is my all time favorite even though it was far from my first and at the tail end of my formative years.
So true. Mine is forever FFVI but in my time it was FFIII on SNES
I think it depends on how much of it you play. My first FF was 13, and I was an hour in before I put it down and never picked it back up. 15 years later I finally started playing through the franchise, and I’m really enjoying the first one and 7 (for very different reasons). I’m looking forward to trying out 4, 6, and 10.
That intro perfectly resonates with me a lot. I wasn't born when FF8 came out, and I only came to play it in 2021. But, ever since I started playing video games, and heard about FF (I used to say i hated rpgs back thenlol), when anyone said the name "JRPG", some images of a weird game I didn't know would rush my mind. And when I became a fan of FF, I really wanted to play 8, and when I did, I found a game that game from my mind. To me FF8 is the JRPG, more importantly, MY JRPG. I just have a weird bond to that game, as if it was always with me even tho it wasn't
This game was my first FF, and it will always have a special place in my heart. To me, it is the best game ever, for all the reasons you talk about and many more. I started playing piano again thanks to this game. Thank you for this video.
This is probably your best-edited content to date! Great job dude!
Hey thanks man!
All your questions are answered if you check the computer in Squall's classroom seat, the sorceress, the para-magic, Esthar and the war, Lunar Cry (which is just a natural phenomena because all monsters come from the moon), even the mention of memory loss because of the use of GF.
It makes sense that the history of the world and common knowledge of it is in the school archive.
The name of the music composer is Nobuo Uematsu.
And gotta correct something about depression, it is not just treated with medicine, there are levels of depression, people can't go directly to antidepressants or stronger medicine to treat it, they have to go first to a psychologist to diagnose it and work around it with therapy without meds, if it is diagnosed as severe then go to a psychiatrist who will give the prescription for the medicine as you go to therapy.
I hope you are getting better with your depression and glad to hear you are doing great.
The editing is awesome, good job! This was also my first FF and i didn't finish it until a few years ago. My friends and i pretended to be Squall, Xell and Irvine in school, i think i was maybe 7 years old. I feel nostalgia for some games, but the feelings i get from FF8 are beyond that. I can't even describe them. This video and the memories it made me remember....
Very very well put, def a love letter to one of the most under appreciated FF of all time, thank you for doing this. I fell in love with the game when I was a teenager, right about the same age as the main cast. It has its flaws but the love story, time compression, soundtrack, character development will remain with me for the rest of my life, as dramatic as that sounds! I’m 32 now and I will forever cherish FFVIII, it’s still on my mind now and again, after all these years. Whenever I get the itch to play the game again, it takes me back to those days when I was just a teenager, playing the game for hours on end, level grinding and figuring out how the junction system works. My inner child feels euphoric whenever this game crosses my mind.
FF7 and 8 will both forever have a special place in my heart. Those both cause such an extreme sense of joy and nostalgia in me. So many hours spent on them both. I replayed them multiple times. FF 9 was alright but couldn’t hold a candle to the two before it. What I wouldn’t give to be able to play them again. Such a great video, keep up the good work 😌👌
I'm so thankful that someone loves this game as much as I do thank you
I feel like you took the words out of my mouth this game is my life long true love , well done on explaining it right and making my day. I’m gonna go home and start the game all over for the 100th time now 😂
This is a great video. FF8 is one of my all time favourite video games and I discovered your channel because of your Moral Orel video - which is one of my favourite TV shows. I enjoyed your personal story about you playing FF8 several times to improve your mental health. I totally get it.
Awesome work, thank you. I came to watch 5 minutes, and watched the whole video. So much good memories with this game. Like you, the music and this game can help me when bad moments appear. It’s the same with FF7, 9 and 10, which I all played in my very young days. It’s something engraved deeply in my heart, but also in my personality. It’s part of me. I can remember the good old days with my parents and my brothers, just by hearing the music or watching such kind of content.
Thanks again, I hope you’ll be ok with your depression.
Incredibly touching homage mate. Couldn't help but smile with the thought "this guy actually gets it!" many times throughout this. What a journey it was and what a world it was, for my innocent canvas of a 12 year old mind...Talk about ambitious! You really knocked it out of the park here mate. And you got yaself another sub! Cheers :)
Nice to see FFVIII getting some love. It's my all time favorite. Between the asinine story, to the banger of a soundtrack, summons that never make another appearance. (Doomtrain needs more love)
I remember seeing the Waltz scene and thinking one day games will look like this and it'll be nuts. Aaaand now they do. Great video my friend.
If it makes you feel any better I didn't junction any characters and made it to Adel. Had to go back and redo it.
Though you should play the others. They all have a certain charm. And are great in their own way.
Thanks! If I do another one of these I'd like to make one on 12. That one is awesome too, esp. with the gambit system
Despite the fact that Quistis literally walks you through the Junction system, I didn't have a clue about junctioning magic to boost stats or checking every enemy for Draw options until embarrassingly far into the game. For my first playthrough, that is. My second one, I would grind like an absolute madman to keep my stats as maxed out as possible, and my SeeD Rank at least steady.
Nice vid. Just a note.. Edea was their Matron, pronounced May-Tron. A matron is a word for a woman in charge of a school or similar establishment or like a head nurse.
See I know what a 'matron' is, but I've been pronouncing "Muh-Trone" since I was a kid and somehow the two things never overlapped in my mind. Two bits of knowledge, never the twain shall meet.
Edit: spelling
@@Meromorphic I know it’s Matron, but always said May Tron too lol
I pronounced it Mut-ron as a kid.
@@Meromorphic I once misread Dynasty as Destiny and carried on calling the game "Destiny warriors" for years, never making the connection that I had obviously misread it, because every glance at the case was met with my brain screaming "Destiny". It happens to everyone at some point! 😂
how about Galbadia?? all these years me and my husband pronounced it like this “ Gal-Bae ( Bay ) - Dya 💁🏻♀️😅 i really dont feel pronouncing it as Gal-Ba-Dya 😅💁🏻♀️ idk it just didnt feel or sound cool pronouncing it like that but forgive me if thats my own pronouncing of the word since we really actually never heard how the makers from Square pronounce it since dialogues dont exists yet in a ff game back in the ps1 games💁🏻♀️
What a wonderful love letter this was. This was my first Final Fantasy, too, and I remember the countless hours I spent trying to figure out how on earth to progress as I had no guide or internet at the time. I can't believe it's been over 20 years already since I first played it, and at least a decade since I last finished it.
You've mentioned so many things I'd forgotten about that I am definitely going to play it again soon. Being quite a bit older now and having a better understanding of the English language, I bet I'll find lots of things I never noticed before. I can hardly wait!
Thank you for opening up about yourself! And that was a nice retrosp... Love letter! I love the game as well and started it multiple times and finished it about 2-3 times I think.. Congrats on your job and rock on for the rest!
the game has so many little details that all point to artistic freedom and integrity.
there is just so much heart and soul in these pre ps3 ff games it blows my mind
The best part of this entire video was the beginning where we see you with your family and you guys all look so happy. I hope you guys are all doing well and thriving. Great Vid dude.
I could play Triple Triad for hours. Same with Blitzball for 10
That picture of your dad @ 1:07 is in my home town. He's standing on the roof of what is now a storage facility. Small world.
Lol. Crazy. He actually built that place. His company built self storage facilities
I was 7 years when this game came out and it IS my favorite game of all time. Like you, I too come back to play this game as a comfort especially when I feel really down or overwhelmed by life. I wanted the song "eyes on me" to be my wedding dance song or my walking down the aisle song when I got married, but me and my wife couldn't afford a nice wedding caramony so we eloped insted. I think even when I am vary old and every one I know is gone, I will always keep going back to this game to keep me comforted and safe.
This video really resonate with me, 2000, 11 y.o., my big brother bought it and brought it home, never played FF7 before, didnt finish it first time I played… so many memories, I am playing right now, adult, finally understanding the junction (which I love), and trying different runs like not leveling at all, and refining everything I get my hands on. Such a great game.
18:28 it actually was mentioned that GFs can mess up memory. in the SeeD exam.
Great video! Nostalgia hit me hard while watching, as FFVIII is my most played childhood game. Think I'm gonna play remaster today and IT'S YOUR FAULT (but in a good way, though).
when i was 13 years old... final fasntasy 8 was the best thing that ever happened to me :) i play it to this day...... now 37
The beginning of the video talking about December 2000 and you finding ff8 brought me right back to my childhood
Beautiful retrospective review. The feels. Thank you and Merry Xmas to ya:-)
Thanks! You too!
This video is a gem, I have really enjoyed it! I have played and completed FFVIII long time ago and still to this day is my favourite FF. I remember struggling to complete the game and that guide you shown was a game changer..so many memories attached to this FF era, great job!
Trying to see if I left a comment already, but even if I did, who cares.
This is one hell of a love letter to FF8.
Such a well made, well written and narrated work of art.
I can really feel your emotions about this game.
Correction, this rite of passage
Guess this is a good time as any to leave this here:
I got final fantasy VIII for XMAS when I asked for Final Fantasy VII.
My mom's logic at the time was "extra number= better" and there was a PC Version to be fair of Final Fantasy VIII which i don't think ever existed for VII .
A lot can be said about which one is better BUT the fact that she got this instead of VII and making this my first J-RPG is a gift.
I absolutely loved the story, I was terrible at the game because at the time i kept grinding for levels which caused me to get my ass kicked.
My understanding of the Junction system was limited to "junction to use the GF and magic".
What I lacked in gaming ability, I made up for with resourcefulness. With my 56K internet connection I found trainer software that allowed me to not only max out my characters and all stats but give me an edge in battle (and still got my ass kicked multiple times to be fair) but that allowed to experience this story, the characters, the music.
It was my only turn-based RPG and still remains to this day and I wouldn't have it any other way. I've enjoyed Final Fantasy VII remake and Final Fantasy XV in my grown-up years and I am hopeful that someday Square will decide on re-doing this game.
However, I have no intentions of replaying the original. I want to keep that experience of the wide-eyed 14 year old, who was a loner, enjoying the story of Squall with whom I related heavily with intact.
Thank you Final Fantasy VIII
I recall this coming out in 99 and my folks got it for my birthday as well. Fond memories and time playing the game.
Honestly the remastered version on the PlayStation is amazing.
Great video I forgot how much I loved this game. Cool to hear how it helped you out as it did the same for me.
This is also my favorite JRPG and the first JRPG I’ve ever played.
Thank you for the video and thanks to the legends who created this game.
As soon as I realized the enemies level up according to your characters average level I said "ok let's do this the east way" killed all my characters except squall so only he gained experience. He also got all the GF and all the good magic.
As I was playing the Japanese version, I used a glitch that was only in Japanese to junction the same magic to multiple junction slots. After I got Ultima (paying a lot of money to get Ultimas in the shumi village) to 100 I junctioned them to everything (except speed, I think)
Average levels and stats boosted to the max and level 100. Even then ultimicia was a bit of a pain, though not hard, just long.
Rock solid retrospective! VIII was my first FF experience and like you, I took a chance in the video game store, being the only game I'd likely be able to afford in months, maybe the entire year... but it sure as hell paid off though. An incredible game that left me with hundreds of unforgettable memories. Also side note: First time ever playing a (J)RPG and Selphie got KO'd during the first Dollet mission. Not knowing what phoenix downs were and thinking she was permanently dead for the rest of the game, I restarted from the beginning lol!
The Selphie bit, part of what makes childhood game memories so priceless and full of magic lol
It's refreshing to see someone like me who appreciates FFXII as much as I do. That game has gotten some unfair treatment over the years. It was a game way ahead it's time and is an underappreciated treasure. You should do a video on it.
You hit the nail on the head with the references to shadow in light. So many things just waiting in plain sight. More like real life.
I always resonated with this story, probably a lot for those reasons.
Also, especially as an 11 year old myself playing this, I always identified more with Squall than other protagonists on a mental and emotional level. Love those 1st person thoughts in the game
This was really well done. I can tell you were emotionally invested while preparing this video. Thanks for sharing !
Your story of how you got FFVIII is almost identical to the story of how I got FFVII!
My dad took me to a shop here in the UK called Woolworths, I had asked him for a game and he said yes. FFVII must have just came out, it was number 1 in their top 10 chart. I chose it knowing absolutely nothing about it and having never played a JRPG before.
And the rest is history, I fell in love with that game just as you clearly fell in love with this one! And yes this is an underrated masterpiece!
It’s always so cool how whatever final fantasy you play first always holds a special place in your heart for me 9 is the best game of all time most likely because it was my first
9 was my second, and to this day, the best game Ive ever played. 7 was my first so I biasly love it, but I love 9 and 8 more for some reason. 9 is just perfect with the exception of the card game wich definitely sucks big time Lol
Going on a long-haul flight soon, watching this made me buy FFVIII on switch so I will be entertained on the flight. You spreading the joy worked.
Insanely high productive value loved the bits about spending time with your family and I'm a huge fan of your stuff ma.
Thanks! Much appreciated 👍
I watched this video from beginning to end, youve earned yourself a subscriber, my friend!
I still firmly belive it was Rinoa the whole time, even if the creator says it wasn't their intention. (SUCH DEVASTATION)
Me too
Love you buddy. Thanks for this wonderful video and I hope you're doing well with your head space.
Man ff8 was basically my first game too and today it's still something absolutely special to me. I hope they do what they did with ff7 and remake it, i'd love it to be revisted. But I'm surprised you havent played ff9, it's the only one i've played so far that I feel honestly matches 8 in the amazingness of the story, music, characters...
*Selphie* has the most powerful limit breaks
This game blew my mind, even tho i played ff7. Underrated gem.
Congrats on the new job, dude. I hope it brings you lots of joy and fulfillment. Also, this was a truly wonderful video. Thank you for helping me to better appreciate this game.
I love watching videos like this. Confirmation bias at its finest. This game opened my eyes to so much and its refreshing to see someone feel completely the same. Well made video my friend.
I've never played a FF game properly- looking forward to watching this video. I trust ur judgement
Great vid. Final Fantasy VIII has always been one of my favorites. It’s nice to find someone likeminded.
Instant subscriber! Keep up the great work. ❤❤❤❤
I love this game.. Thank you for making a story recap ! Well versed and easy to digest :]
This is just what I need. An extremely biased view of this game (not joking lol). Someone who loves and is passionate about the game telling me why it’s so good. I am currently playing ffx and I’m loving it. It’s my first ff game ever. And of all the games…ff8 is the only other one that has caught my eye so far. The music, the way the characters look in game, the cutscenes, the vibe. I’m def gonna play it after ffx. And then probably ff7 eventually. I’m really excited to watch this video after my 5 minutes of viewing so far lol
Thank you ! First video to translate why this is my favorite game of all time :) great work sir !
good luck w/ overcoming your depression. life can be tough. glad this game helped.
Same here. This game really saved me during my knee surgery as a freshman in high school 😊
Also. How you feel about ffviii when you're down is the same feels I get with earthbound.
Cool video man, 8 is my personal favourite aswell I think for me it's the characters that really make like this game the most, and the music is so good.
ff8 was so personal for me . between teenage issues, squall's anxiety & depression, fear of loss, love & romance, the tragedy of loosing memories, regretting the past, fearing for the future....then through the game learning to trust people again after traumatic events, learning to love, and learning that the world is only worth saving for love. All the characters were so well written and felt so real to me
I feel like coming away from ff8, after growing into an adult... it had WAY more life lessons than its predecessor.
Actually, memory loss from using the GFs is mentioned right the beginning of the game, if you access Squal's desktop pc and read throught the "Basics" xD Great vid
Thank you for your video. I think this game had a more complex story which really explores the more complex nature of life and love, despite its flaws. The rivalry between Squall and Seifer actually drew me in because it reminded me of my own brother, and our complicated relationship growing up.
People talk about VII and Aries' death being a bold complex adult theme for a video game, and it is... for a console game at the time it came out (though, it is also kind of simple - a character dies, and is dead), but 'Eyes on Me' gets me every time to this day. A story of unrequited love, "My last night here with you? Maybe yes, maybe no..." , and that's a real feeling, maybe not as final or tragic as death, but certainly deeper in some aspects, as lives intertwine and sometimes we are forced to part ways with someone we care about or have feelings for. What it means to be a leader, trying to portray an image of strength, but the implication that it's okay sometimes to allow your emotions to show, "...darling so there you are with that look on your face, as if you're never hurt. As if you're never down." "...your tears if you're holding back, or pain if that's what it is..." Also the aspect of the performer, and the humanity. "How can I let you know, I'm more than the dress and the voice..." There are a lot of layers in the song alone... and the opening operatic music/scene is just kind of awesome.
...and of course many of the other characters and story elements. They included some very intricate human emotion into this game and some of the characters I think, and that's why it was compelling for me, even though I didn't like the junction system. Other FF games had tried including some of these more adult themes before, and have tried since, but this one stands out to me. I still would choose this game to play again, or 6, over the other FF games.
I played this game several times through when I was in middle school, and I don't remember half of it, and it made no sense to me! Thank you for clarifying stuff!
Not only FF8 is my favorite Final Fantasy, FF8 has my favorite final boss as Ultimecia. She was HARD for the first time and her different stages really felt like you are fighting against a really bad ass boss!! Also absolutely LOVE the final boss fight´s music!
Hey Bro... happened to me at the same age, in the same years,and this game got me for good..
Thank you for your love for the game.
Your storytelling is just so funny😅😂.