Hey everyone! I recently finished Final Fantasy VIII, which is actually my ninth FF game after tackling the first seven and FF14. I really loved the game, especially its story and themes. Honestly, I’m not sure if I liked it more than FF6 (currently holding the number three spot on my favorites list behind FF7 and FF14). I know that’s a hot take since VIII often gets a lot of hate.
After finishing, I chatted with my friends on Discord, and they said the gameplay is poorly designed and “hilariously bad.” I asked them to elaborate, and they mentioned that mechanics like Triple Triad and refining magic from items can completely break the game, making it super easy from very early on. I didn’t really engage with Triple Triad much since I wasn’t great at it and lost my cards, so I just played the game pretty normally.
This got me thinking: how is it that I loved playing this game ‘normally,’ and yet I’ve learned that there are all these loopholes that could have made it easier? It’s surprising to find that the main reasons people criticize its gameplay don’t apply to how I experienced it. What do you think? Is the criticism deserved, or do people just optimize the fun out of their playthrough?
4 Answers
A big issue is that people coming from earlier games like FFIV and FFVII expected to use summons. In VIII, summons slow down combat and can lead to cumbersome mechanics. The free casting system really becomes a trap rather than an actual benefit. That said, I’m fine with the gameplay mechanics overall – there are loads of ways to tackle the game!
True! You’re right – there’s a lot to consider! The game provides so many strategies that going through it multiple times can still feel fresh.
FFVIII usually gets way more hate than it deserves. Many people don’t realize that the combat system allows for some of the best combat strategy in the series. Having various ways to engage with the game mechanics is a plus, not a minus!
I actually think the card refining mechanic enhances the game. Most first-time players wouldn’t exploit it, at least not until later. It’s all about choice – I can skip the exploits if I feel like they ruin the experience. I think FFVIII is a great game, flaws and all!
Honestly, FFVIII offers players a lot of options compared to other games in the series. Many people act like the ‘optimal method’ is the only way to enjoy the game, and then they whine about it being boring. But you can still play it in fun ways that aren’t abusing those mechanics!
Sure, but the drawing and card games feel like a chore sometimes. Most people I know would rather just fight a few enemies for magic than rely on the cards.
Exactly, and the moment you understand the junction system and just throw a few decent spells on your stats, the game turns into an easy cakewalk!
Yeah, and I think the game allows you to manipulate enemies really well. But honestly, I wish the summons were less annoying to deal with.