Final Fantasy VIII

Play it on: Original: PSX, Windows. Remaster: PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, Windows (Steam Deck OK)
Buy it from: Amazon | Humble Bundle
Current goal: Figure out if I’m gonna reset my current playthrough or not

Final Fantasy VIII is and always will be my favorite one. The scale and scope is wondrous. It is graphically ambitious. It has some of the best pre-rendered backdrops in the series. And while its music doesn’t bring the tears like FFVII’s soundtrack does, it’s wonderfully diverse, from the chill vibes of the overworld music to the endearing mood of “Fisherman’s Horizon” and “Fragments of Memories.” We also can’t forget the driving force of “Force Your Way” and “Only A Plank Between One and Perdition,” the haunting melodies of “Succession of Witches” and…okay, I’m gonna have to stop, otherwise I will link the whole soundtrack.

FF8 was somewhat of a polarizing entry with FF fans. Its Junction system is a little peculiar. Its narrative can be tricky to fully understand. But that’s what makes it unique in my book.

I had been running through a playthrough recently until life’s responsibilities got in the way. This weekend, I’m returning to that playthrough. And as I’m soon looking at some substantial time off of work, I think I’m going to resist using the speed-up options included in the remaster. My time off comes with a major shift in my life too, one that I think will benefit from the presence of this beloved game.

Heck, I’m gonna have a lot of time on my hands. Maybe I’ll just start this playthrough over from the beginning. — Claire Jackson

And that wraps our picks for the week. Happy gaming!