Final Fantasy VIII "Retrospective"

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  • čas přidán 6. 06. 2024
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    A look back at the game that started me on the path of truly loving games. My favorite FF in the series, and a criminally underrated entry: FF8.
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Komentáře • 591

  • @dustinhatfield8373
    @dustinhatfield8373 Před 2 lety +77

    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.

    • @leonvalentine3748
      @leonvalentine3748 Před 2 lety +6

      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.

    • @persona3rulez
      @persona3rulez Před rokem +3

      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.

    • @dustinhatfield8373
      @dustinhatfield8373 Před rokem +10

      @@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.

  • @jamesbourgeois1357
    @jamesbourgeois1357 Před rokem +132

    This was my first and favorite Final Fantasy game. Hearing this first few notes of "Eyes on Me" always makes me cry.

    • @quarreneverett4767
      @quarreneverett4767 Před rokem

      Yeah its kinda sad. But on the other hand there was someone else there for them

    • @christopheradams9173
      @christopheradams9173 Před rokem

      Same

    • @GRAG3R
      @GRAG3R Před rokem +1

      I heard this at a Japanese restaurant in Manhattan while drinking a toki (whiskey). Legit started to have tears run down my face Lol.

    • @timothyxxxpaul
      @timothyxxxpaul Před rokem

      This was my second final fantasy but my all time favorite. It will always have a place in my heart.

    • @rommyremus9650
      @rommyremus9650 Před 8 měsíci

      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!!!

  • @VerdeletVIII
    @VerdeletVIII Před 11 měsíci +43

    Best game of all time. It's been 23 years and no game has even come close for me.

    • @Romess1
      @Romess1 Před 3 měsíci +1

      Chrono Trigger has been level for me, but yeah they're on their own plateau.

    • @pmac206
      @pmac206 Před 3 měsíci +6

      It would be so awesome if after FF7 they remake 8 .

  • @mayorjimmy
    @mayorjimmy Před 2 lety +96

    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.

    • @iamthatiam4637
      @iamthatiam4637 Před rokem

      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.

    • @StewNWT
      @StewNWT Před 6 měsíci

      you love the story? Do you have brain damage?

  • @gianghuynh9570
    @gianghuynh9570 Před 9 měsíci +15

    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.

  • @nahthanksno8299
    @nahthanksno8299 Před rokem +32

    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.”

  • @haroldareyou
    @haroldareyou Před rokem +13

    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.

  • @Aztal
    @Aztal Před rokem +12

    Libre Fatali still gives me chills, such an underrated masterpiece of a game

    • @PantherU
      @PantherU Před 10 měsíci +1

      FITHOS

    • @dile3725
      @dile3725 Před 4 měsíci

      LUSEC

    • @Victorcolongarcia
      @Victorcolongarcia Před měsícem +1

      Underrated? Everyone thinks its the best FF track ever. And intro ❤

    • @Aztal
      @Aztal Před měsícem

      @@Victorcolongarcia maybe, seems like a lot of the youngins have never heard it

  • @johnoestmannmusic
    @johnoestmannmusic Před rokem +22

    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!

    • @pinkin7five720
      @pinkin7five720 Před 11 měsíci +1

      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

    • @rommyremus9650
      @rommyremus9650 Před 8 měsíci

      ​@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.

    • @pinkin7five720
      @pinkin7five720 Před 8 měsíci

      @@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

    • @joebeast15
      @joebeast15 Před 7 měsíci +2

      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

  • @Kinogotiate
    @Kinogotiate Před rokem +7

    Dude you saying you never played the original VII was the most shocking thing i ever heard in a FF VIII review. I gasped.

  • @mjcastro82
    @mjcastro82 Před 2 lety +12

    "It is not a cure. It is a comfort." Well said.

  • @FluffyFractalshard
    @FluffyFractalshard Před rokem +38

    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!

    • @zitowski7391
      @zitowski7391 Před rokem +1

      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

    • @SubZer00fucksgiven
      @SubZer00fucksgiven Před rokem

      Definitely 8&10! I think ff8 or turok64 however was also 1 of the first games i remember going to gamefaqs 😩🥺

    • @chanceneck8072
      @chanceneck8072 Před rokem

      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....

  • @raymondlopez833
    @raymondlopez833 Před 4 měsíci +2

    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.

  • @Tesla7
    @Tesla7 Před 2 lety +18

    This is probably your best-edited content to date! Great job dude!

  • @birlove1471
    @birlove1471 Před 2 lety +6

    Beautiful retrospective review. The feels. Thank you and Merry Xmas to ya:-)

  • @juzzam3
    @juzzam3 Před rokem +15

    everyone's first FF is usually their fave

    • @thorinhannahs4614
      @thorinhannahs4614 Před 4 měsíci

      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.

    • @ShesBats
      @ShesBats Před 4 měsíci +2

      So true. Mine is forever FFVI but in my time it was FFIII on SNES

  • @pccalcio
    @pccalcio Před rokem

    This was really well done. I can tell you were emotionally invested while preparing this video. Thanks for sharing !

  • @fligg
    @fligg Před 2 lety +3

    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....

  • @PaigeGaming19
    @PaigeGaming19 Před 2 lety +21

    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.

  • @felicityflynn6480
    @felicityflynn6480 Před rokem +2

    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.

  • @JeanSebastienRicher
    @JeanSebastienRicher Před 2 lety +2

    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!

  • @Hellmaster_92
    @Hellmaster_92 Před rokem

    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.

  • @KillamanCarney
    @KillamanCarney Před rokem +3

    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!

  • @artificialdevil7828
    @artificialdevil7828 Před rokem +5

    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.

  • @cigh7445
    @cigh7445 Před 2 lety +43

    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!

  • @jhsrt985
    @jhsrt985 Před 2 lety +5

    I didn't knows uwere a ff fan, this is beautiful im here for it, let's goooo💗🖤

  • @GabrielShakkori
    @GabrielShakkori Před 2 lety +1

    Insanely high productive value loved the bits about spending time with your family and I'm a huge fan of your stuff ma.

  • @debrucey
    @debrucey Před rokem +5

    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.

  • @Lolkzor
    @Lolkzor Před rokem +2

    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.

  • @kekethetoad
    @kekethetoad Před 2 lety +4

    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 :)

  • @RyojinOrion
    @RyojinOrion Před rokem +4

    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.

  • @omnis0
    @omnis0 Před rokem +8

    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!

  • @Tftapodcast
    @Tftapodcast Před 2 lety +6

    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!

    • @Meromorphic
      @Meromorphic  Před 2 lety +3

      Thanks man! I'm thinking about doing 12 next.

    • @GabrielShakkori
      @GabrielShakkori Před 2 lety

      @@Meromorphic please do 12! 8 and 12 were my childhood games

  • @voltronjr1
    @voltronjr1 Před 2 lety +3

    I'm so thankful that someone loves this game as much as I do thank you

  • @philsim7
    @philsim7 Před měsícem

    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

  • @dakotawinston7677
    @dakotawinston7677 Před rokem +4

    Depression comes for many of us. FF and it’s music has always helped me through.

  • @Ninjacat25
    @Ninjacat25 Před 6 měsíci

    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.

  • @reginaldh2079
    @reginaldh2079 Před 2 lety +1

    You deserve so much more subs. What a great video.

  • @mannyd803
    @mannyd803 Před rokem

    Great video man, subbed. Good luck with what you're doing.

  • @bananayams1819
    @bananayams1819 Před 2 lety +1

    Really enjoyed the video dude! Hope you keep it up

  • @brandonburrington3853
    @brandonburrington3853 Před 7 měsíci +1

    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 😂

  • @sleepless9326
    @sleepless9326 Před 11 měsíci

    The beginning of the video talking about December 2000 and you finding ff8 brought me right back to my childhood

  • @brichan1851
    @brichan1851 Před 7 měsíci

    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. ❤❤❤❤

  • @ChiyuStar
    @ChiyuStar Před rokem +1

    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!

  • @antonpreacher2900
    @antonpreacher2900 Před rokem

    Thank you ! First video to translate why this is my favorite game of all time :) great work sir !

  • @SchallundWahn
    @SchallundWahn Před rokem +1

    Thanks for that video, it's like an exact manifestation of my feelings towards this game!

  • @FranklinSteele
    @FranklinSteele Před 7 měsíci +1

    Love you buddy. Thanks for this wonderful video and I hope you're doing well with your head space.

  • @marcooliveri5172
    @marcooliveri5172 Před 4 měsíci

    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!

  • @yeahyeahyeah0yeah
    @yeahyeahyeah0yeah Před 2 lety +158

    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.

    • @Meromorphic
      @Meromorphic  Před 2 lety +30

      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

    • @SnowWhiteTheU2
      @SnowWhiteTheU2 Před rokem +4

      @@Meromorphic I know it’s Matron, but always said May Tron too lol

    • @jordanhuguet82
      @jordanhuguet82 Před rokem +4

      I pronounced it Mut-ron as a kid.

    • @flashbackfrank8781
      @flashbackfrank8781 Před rokem +5

      @@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! 😂

    • @Sev77pb_
      @Sev77pb_ Před rokem +8

      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💁🏻‍♀️

  • @asdfghjkllkjhgfdsa8725
    @asdfghjkllkjhgfdsa8725 Před 2 lety +5

    Also balamb garden taking off is top 10 video game moments.

  • @js-ro5jk
    @js-ro5jk Před 2 lety +26

    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

    • @BaristaKofiMensah
      @BaristaKofiMensah Před rokem +3

      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 🙂

    • @jkx85
      @jkx85 Před rokem

      @@BaristaKofiMensah 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.

    • @shivur5073
      @shivur5073 Před 2 měsíci

      Master the mechanic of junctioning powerful spells to STR and HP

  • @AnimeResource
    @AnimeResource Před 8 měsíci

    I love this game.. Thank you for making a story recap ! Well versed and easy to digest :]

  • @isabellec1379
    @isabellec1379 Před rokem +1

    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.

  • @ayrad7819
    @ayrad7819 Před 9 měsíci

    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.

  • @claudegreen306
    @claudegreen306 Před rokem +2

    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.

  • @deprest5555
    @deprest5555 Před 11 měsíci

    I love videos like this so much, good shit!

  • @pfteve
    @pfteve Před rokem +1

    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.

  • @shuckins
    @shuckins Před 9 měsíci

    You just reminded me why I like this game so much! Thank you!

  • @larsmanstanding434
    @larsmanstanding434 Před rokem

    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. :)

  • @Ashley-wi4ng
    @Ashley-wi4ng Před rokem +5

    This game suffers from bad translation more then most FF games

    • @Ranixo286
      @Ranixo286 Před rokem

      "....whatever"
      Being both a meme and a localization misstep

  • @acejohnson1987
    @acejohnson1987 Před rokem

    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.

  • @augustoapertile757
    @augustoapertile757 Před 2 lety +1

    Great video man, love the passion you put in it gonna sub to u

  • @ZbuntowanyGwindon
    @ZbuntowanyGwindon Před 2 lety +5

    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).

  • @xdf8226
    @xdf8226 Před rokem +1

    i love the way you talk about this game.

  • @arrgber
    @arrgber Před 10 měsíci +2

    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

  • @skippyzk
    @skippyzk Před rokem

    Thank you for making this video

  • @doctorwankensteintv8171
    @doctorwankensteintv8171 Před 2 lety +8

    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.

    • @Meromorphic
      @Meromorphic  Před 2 lety +3

      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

    • @Mitsuraga
      @Mitsuraga Před 2 lety

      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.

  • @PsychMohammed
    @PsychMohammed Před 8 měsíci

    My favorite game all time , thank you 🙏🏽

  • @jhsrt985
    @jhsrt985 Před 2 lety +7

    I put this on a couple of reddit ff pages, hope they get to enjoy this vid💪💪

  • @Destrucshun
    @Destrucshun Před 2 lety +1

    Fantastic video, I have just the same relationship with this game. Amazed you don't have more subs!

  • @annapierce8666
    @annapierce8666 Před rokem +2

    *Selphie* has the most powerful limit breaks

  • @TheGreatBunthulu
    @TheGreatBunthulu Před 2 měsíci

    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.

  • @indeimaus
    @indeimaus Před rokem +2

    ah, a fellow FF8 enjoyer
    good

  • @samhosseinzadeh3883
    @samhosseinzadeh3883 Před rokem

    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.

  • @Mikeyalbum
    @Mikeyalbum Před 2 lety +3

    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!

    • @kekethetoad
      @kekethetoad Před 2 lety +1

      The Selphie bit, part of what makes childhood game memories so priceless and full of magic lol

  • @Leel3ones89
    @Leel3ones89 Před 2 lety +7

    Hey we're the same age...

  • @andrewsny1522
    @andrewsny1522 Před rokem

    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

    • @zitowski7391
      @zitowski7391 Před rokem

      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

  • @robbaskerville253
    @robbaskerville253 Před 2 lety

    My all time favourite FF, though 14 is coming close as I work through it. The FF 14 Eden side quest features FF8 music, and hearing these tunes again ready hits you in the nostalgia feels. Great video, by the way.

  • @jimmyrolls37
    @jimmyrolls37 Před 9 měsíci

    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

  • @ShinigamiTerror
    @ShinigamiTerror Před 2 lety +1

    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.

  • @isaklombard3426
    @isaklombard3426 Před 10 měsíci +1

    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

  • @amandabrown5181
    @amandabrown5181 Před 7 měsíci

    You and I share so many similarities and opinions on this game, and listening to you talk about it for the past almost hour has brought back all the warm and fuzzies I will always have for FFVIII. I’d love to reminisce with you outside of CZcams about it. ❤

  • @felman87
    @felman87 Před rokem

    You mentioned you got your copy of FF8 with a guide. Did it come in a bundle? Cause I got one and it came with the strategy guide (The package was 50 bucks, so it's not like it cost extra).

  • @H2Obsession
    @H2Obsession Před 2 lety +2

    Fantastic job! More watchable than other retrospective / summary videos I've seen. You covered the plot, game play mechanics, mini-games, side-quests, and presentation (video/music) all very well.
    One of my favorites for many reasons. I never thought about it being "therapeutic" but I see how that may be. I enjoy giving it a go (yet again) from time-to-time and also enjoy the music and overall satisfaction. Maybe because of my autistic tendencies? I can relate to Squall which many gamers/reviewers seem to despise... but I can also relate to other characters too... so maybe those reviewers should be more open-minded.
    Anyway, I can't believed I watched a 50 minute video about a game I've played countless times. Must mean you're doing something right, or I'm hopelessly nostalgic... either way, don't change a thing with this, and I wish you success for the future.

  • @tracysweatt5401
    @tracysweatt5401 Před rokem +9

    I would love to see 8 and 9 remade to bring them up to something more like 7 remake.
    Both 8 and 9 are just awesome.

    • @kylemundy8871
      @kylemundy8871 Před rokem +3

      It needs some reworks. And as much as the writers hate the fan theories, if it fixes their plot holes, they should just adopt it. Rinoa as Ultimamecia is brilliant.

    • @jkx85
      @jkx85 Před rokem

      Yeah, I'll be waiting for it.

    • @stevenatl6516
      @stevenatl6516 Před rokem

      Ugh please no

    • @jtubef8620
      @jtubef8620 Před rokem

      @@kylemundy8871 "Plot holes" lmao...
      That theory has long been debunked.

    • @kylemundy8871
      @kylemundy8871 Před rokem

      @@jtubef8620 debunked yes....but did you read my comment? If the fan theories are better than the original stories, maybe adopt some into a remake. They get a second chance for something better

  • @joshuagerber8362
    @joshuagerber8362 Před rokem +3

    This game blew my mind, even tho i played ff7. Underrated gem.

  • @BeardedVeteran1776
    @BeardedVeteran1776 Před 2 měsíci +2

    I could play Triple Triad for hours. Same with Blitzball for 10

  • @RazmiRomli
    @RazmiRomli Před rokem

    This was my first rpg as well and still my favourite to this day. Every time the sequence where Balamb Garden starts to transform into mobile version sends chill to my spine and i love it!!

  • @oborohzmn
    @oborohzmn Před 2 lety

    Your experience with FF8 and my own were very similar. Thank you for this it was great to watch! Video Games are a Love letter to Story telling and the human experience.
    The Mumbas are the little lion creatures my favorite little guys 😍

  • @JakeClark-xw4xz
    @JakeClark-xw4xz Před 2 lety +2

    Just finished this masterpiece for the first time and I’ve been wanting to play this one the most in the series and it’s definitely my favorite. I knew I’d love it the most because I’m also a sucker for love stories lol

  • @rickeyarce9667
    @rickeyarce9667 Před měsícem

    Awesome video thank you!

  • @Yonstantine
    @Yonstantine Před 17 dny

    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.

  • @christopherlaws8182
    @christopherlaws8182 Před rokem +2

    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.

  • @jermaine8737
    @jermaine8737 Před 2 lety +1

    Beautiful review dude.

  • @philsonslament9955
    @philsonslament9955 Před rokem +1

    I was born in 88 and we prolly have a lot of shared experiences. Ur dad sounds awesome

  • @Outlaw8908
    @Outlaw8908 Před měsícem

    I recall this coming out in 99 and my folks got it for my birthday as well. Fond memories and time playing the game.

  • @dragonzord6615
    @dragonzord6615 Před rokem +1

    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...

  • @lucifertheharpist
    @lucifertheharpist Před rokem

    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!

  • @MyOrangeString
    @MyOrangeString Před 8 měsíci

    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...)

  • @lioneatsthesheep8996
    @lioneatsthesheep8996 Před 3 měsíci +1

    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