It’s remarkable to consider that 20 years have passed since Final Fantasy VIII debuted on the original PlayStation console. Now, you can experience, or re-experience, this title on modern platforms including PS4, Xbox One, Switch, and PC.
For the uninitiated, Final Fantasy is a classic Japanese role-playing game, historically characterized by turn-based battles (although the series is continuously evolving). This installment also features an intricate card game that often divided player opinions. This remaster offers enhanced graphics and a selection of new features that can be toggled to suit player preferences.
What’s new in Final Fantasy VIII Remastered?
The most immediately apparent change is the partially updated graphics. Similar to the remasters of Final Fantasy VII and IX, only the character models have been updated, resulting in sharp visuals that contrast with the original, low-resolution, hand-painted backgrounds (which have only received basic anti-aliasing). While Final Fantasy VIII is offered at a reasonable price point, given the use of fixed backgrounds rather than 3D environments, one might expect a more comprehensive graphical overhaul after 20 years. Such an improvement would have significantly enhanced the overall visual experience.
The game is presented in a boxed format, which may not be ideal on modern widescreen 4K displays. This is due to the original’s 4:3 aspect ratio, a common format at the time of its release. A dynamic background mode, similar to that found in Castlevania or in Disney’s animated classics, could have been implemented to fill the empty space.
The game introduces three new features, which can be toggled on or off at any point using the R3/L3 buttons:
1) The option to disable random encounters (which typically occur frequently when traversing enemy territories). However, disabling encounters can lead to slower character progression due to the reduced acquisition of EXP and items from defeated enemies.
2) The ability to amplify your party’s strength tenfold, granting unlimited access to Limit Breaks. This allows players to easily progress through combat encounters and focus on the narrative aspects of the game.
3) The inclusion of a 3x speed mode. While the accelerated character animations may appear somewhat comical, it addresses the pacing issues inherent in the original game. The 3x speed also mitigates frustration caused by unskippable cutscenes and tutorials that players may have already experienced, particularly when reloading the game from a previous save point. Furthermore, it shortens the duration of summon animations, which can become repetitive after repeated viewings (as addressed by the option to disable them after the first viewing in Kingdom Hearts 3).
Summary
Final Fantasy VIII occupies the third position among the most favored titles from the 1990s in the series. Final Fantasy VII (slated for a comprehensive remake) and IX hold the first and second positions respectively, and have already been released as remasters with similar features. This remaster represents the optimal way to experience FF8, although it is not a substantial overhaul. Consequently, if you did not enjoy the original, this version may not change your opinion. The game’s themes of teenage school drama and its card game mechanics can be divisive, and are arguably executed more effectively in titles such as Persona 5 and Witcher 3 (with Gwent).
For longtime fans, this remaster is a worthwhile purchase, offering enhanced graphics and eliminating the need to use older consoles. It is also well-suited for portable play on the Switch. For those unfamiliar with the original game, your appreciation for classic, turn-based JRPGs should inform your decision. Final Fantasy VIII delivers a compelling narrative for patient players, but the passage of time has inevitably affected its appeal, even though it remains an enjoyable Japanese role-playing adventure.
