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Final Fantasy VIII
North American Box Art
Alternative Title(s):	FFVIII
Developer(s):	Square
Publisher(s):	Square, Square Electronic Arts, Sony Computer Entertainment, Eidos Interactive
Series:	Final Fantasy
Platform:	Playstation Windows
Release Date(s):	Playstation *[JP] February 11, 1999 *[NA] August 31, 1999 *[EU/AUS] October 27, 1999 PC *[JP] March 23, 2000 *[NA] December 31, 1999
Genre(s):	Role Playing Game (RPG)
Mode(s):	Single Player
Rating(s):	Playstation ESRB: T, CERO: B, ELSPA: 11+, OFLC: M15+
Media:	4 CD-ROMs (PS) 5 CD-ROMs (PC)

Plot

The game takes place during an unnamed time period, where technology and magic reign. Academies known as Gardens train elite mercenaries known as SeeDs. What starts off as an average military assignment opens the door to a much greater threat, a sorceress bent on domination. Squall and his friends will have to confront secrets of the past, present and even the future to tackle this threat, though it is far greater than they could predict.

Following a training fight with classmate Seifer, SeeD-in-training Squall Leonhart awakens in the infirmary. After Dr. Kadowaki makes sure that he's okay, instructor Quistis Trepe appears to take him to class. Seifer is criticised for taking a training fight too far, and Squall is reminded that he must go to the nearby Fire Cavern in order to finish his preliminary training before the start of the SeeD exam the next morning.

On his way to meet Quistis at the gate, Squall (literally) runs into Selphie Tilmitt a new exchange student from Trabia Garden. She asks him for a brief tour of Balamb Garden.

When Squall arrives at the gate, he and Quistis set off to the Fire Cavern.

The entrance to the Fire Cavern is guarded by two members of the Garden Staff. They ask Squall to pick a time limit - 40 minutes, 30 minutes, 20 minutes or 10 minutes - after which Squall and Quistis are granted entrance.

On the way to the depths of the Fire Cavern, Quistis discusses Squall's constant rivalry with Seifer. Squall doesn't appear comfortable with the conversation, but luckily they soon reach the end. There, Squall and Quistis face the GF Ifrit.

Gameplay

Final Fantasy VIII takes place on an overworld map, where you guide the character with the control stick. Doors, entrances, etc, will transfer you to a different overworld map.

Gaining magic is the most notable change from previous titles. Instead of gaining experience and learning new spells yourself, you must "draw" your magic and spells from enemies and "draw-points".

Summon monsters are also back, but this time they are called "Guardian Forces". These Guardian Forces can gain Ability points to learn abilities. Each GF has unique abilities.

You are also able to Junction magic and GFs to raise your stats significantly. This is a very important part of the game, and those who make use of it tend to fare best.

Battle System

As with all Final Fantasy games, combat takes place separately from the game map. Fights are triggered either randomly, in some areas, or as a story event (boss fights, etc.)

Battle System

Combat is carried out by selecting commands for the characters to carry out. Commands can be selected when an ATB bar has filled to the maximum. ATB bars fill at different speed, depending on the character. After a command has been carried out, the ATB bar empties, and begins to refill.

Combat ends when all enemies have been defeated. Enemies are felled when their HP reaches 0. Hit Points are lost when the target is hit with attacks, with different attacks taking away different amounts of HP.

After victory, items and experience are received. If you lose the battle, (when all three characters are Koed, in much the same manner that enemies are defeated) then you are forced to continue from your last save.

Characters

The story revolves around Squall Leonhart, a talented, newly qualified, young SeeD drawn into a strange and mysterious world along with his friends and comrades; Zell, a martial arts specialist, Quistis a Garden Instructor, Irvine a smooth talking sharp-shooter, Selphie a spunky young cadet, and Rinoa a spirited young resistance leader.

See Also: Characters of Final Fantasy VIII

Additional Information

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Audio

As in all Final Fantasy games, the in-game music is well-crafted and adds perfectly to the mood of the game. FFVIII was the first Final Fantasy game to feature songs with lyrics rather than just instrumentals, as well as the first Final Fantasy game to include music with a full choral accompaniment (Liberi Fatali).

See Also: Songs (FFVIII)

Pages

• Bosses (FFVIII)
• Chocobos (FFVIII)
• Garden (FFVIII)
• Final Fantasy VIII Category

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Major portions of this page were written by: Deis and Bunnyburn