Final Fantasy VIII Remastered

 PlayStation 4
Final Fantasy VIII Remastered Image
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 34 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.2

Mixed or average reviews- based on 172 Ratings

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  • Summary: In a world where an ancient energy known as the Sorceress Power is passed down through generations, the peace of the realm is threatened when the evil Sorceress Edea takes power as ruler of the Galbadia Republic. Squall, a member of Balamb Garden Military Academy's elite mercenary forceIn a world where an ancient energy known as the Sorceress Power is passed down through generations, the peace of the realm is threatened when the evil Sorceress Edea takes power as ruler of the Galbadia Republic. Squall, a member of Balamb Garden Military Academy's elite mercenary force SeeD, other allies from the Garden, and Rinoa, a member of the resistance, join together on a journey to fight against Sorceress Edea, who shows hostility toward the Garden. [Square Enix]… Expand

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Final Fantasy VIII Remastered – Official Release Date Reveal Trailer

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 27 out of 34
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 34
  3. Negative: 0 out of 34
  1. Gaming Age
    Sep 4, 2019
    100
    At least in the time that I’ve spent with it, I’ve not noticed any significant issues with sound, graphics and so on. It plays, looks, and sounds just like a remember it, with a new coat of paint tossed on top to make the overall look a little more appealing. There’s not a lot else to say about Final Fantasy VIII Remastered, other than you should absolutely pick this up when you have a chance, it’s easily the best version of the game available.
  2. Digital Chumps
    Sep 2, 2019
    90
    Final Fantasy spent a decade constructing idols and Final Fantasy VIII demolished every one of them. Its elaborate, extravagant, and chaotic parade of ideas marched toward an evolutionary dead end and ensured there would never be another game like Final Fantasy VIII. Even by Remastered’s distressing modernization, Final Fantasy VIII’s paradigm shifting idiosyncrasies still showcase one of the most fearless and contemplative models of its medium. Final Fantasy VIII is a classic for people immune to the charms of classics.
  3. Gaming Nexus
    Sep 2, 2019
    85
    A wonderful story that is now supported by great looking characters and backgrounds, Final Fantasy VIII is worth the pickup twenty years after it's initial launch.
  4. Vandal
    Sep 2, 2019
    80
    The original FF VIII was a masterpiece full of imperfections, and so is this remaster. There are some “quality of life” additions and minor visual enhancements, but its magic still remains.
  5. Push Square
    Sep 3, 2019
    80
    It's easy to see why Final Fantasy VIII is considered one of the series' most divisive entries, but its story and gameplay systems remain unique 20 years after its original release. Final Fantasy VIII Remastered has its flaws -- the draw system is still a total pain in the arse -- but there's a magic and atmosphere to Squall's often mental adventure that's incredibly endearing. This is a PlayStation classic given a new lease of life, and it's still way more interesting than the majority of Japanese RPGs hitting our consoles today.
  6. Atomix
    Sep 3, 2019
    75
    Final Fantasy VIII Remastered reintroduces this iconic RPG from the 90's to the present, accompanied by beautiful graphics that will stand the test of time. However, the original problems with the gameplay continued in this version.
  7. DarkStation
    Sep 2, 2019
    70
    Final Fantasy VIII Remastered is a prime example of how to do a remaster well. Improved graphics modernize the experience, and modifiers help alleviate the grind issues. That said, I’ve always felt FFVIII needed real gameplay changes. It won’t get that in a remaster, and as such, those who didn’t like the game before won’t like it now. If what you disliked in the original was the grind, put your eyes on this remaster. And if you loved FFVIII in the past or are a curious newcomer, this is the best version of the game by far.

See all 35 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 36
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 36
  3. Negative: 9 out of 36
  1. albericegames
    Feb 20, 2022
    10
    Jogo praticamente beira a perfeição!
    Merece levar nota 10 em todas plataformas
    Nesse game você tem vontade de saber da vida de todos    Jogo praticamente beira a perfeição!
    Merece levar nota 10 em todas plataformas
    Nesse game você tem vontade de saber da vida de todos personagem, sendo mundo aberto a partir de um tempo podendo explorar onde você quiser.    … Expand
  2. manu_ramos777
    Sep 3, 2019
    10
    Back to the old and good Final Fantasy Classics!!!! Nice way to remember all that hours of gaming in 1999 and in 2019 more and more hours ofBack to the old and good Final Fantasy Classics!!!! Nice way to remember all that hours of gaming in 1999 and in 2019 more and more hours of this Beatiful RPG!!!!… Expand
  4. JoeDowntown
    Sep 3, 2019
    10
    Honestly it is the game you originally loved or hated but with a new cote of paint. I'm happy to see 8 get a remake but if you loved or hatedHonestly it is the game you originally loved or hated but with a new cote of paint. I'm happy to see 8 get a remake but if you loved or hated it previously this will not change your mind.… Expand
  5. Prrgangsta
    Sep 9, 2019
    7
    So after so many years of pleading from fans, Square finally released a remaster of their classic ps1 title. This one usually split theSo after so many years of pleading from fans, Square finally released a remaster of their classic ps1 title. This one usually split the fandom. Some either loved it or hated it. I myself am on the fence. It isn't a bad game but it isn't great either.

    Drawing magic is tedious and the idea that magic is more like an item bugged me. Basic enemies scale to your level making grinding kind of pointless.

    Luckily Square gave the ability to break the game in literally the beginning hours of disc 1. You can break it so hard that you can get Squall's final and best weapon by the end of disc 1, as well as spells that won't be available til disc 3 without drawing them and you can junction said spells to give level 10 characters level 40-50 stats.

    I always wondered if they were aware how easily their game could be broken.

    The characters were never too interesting to me. Squall was the emo guy who never shared his feelings, Quistis was the know-it-all teenage instructor, Zell was the annoying loud mouth, Selphie's character is that she has none, Rinoa is the ditzy daughter of a general, and Irvine is the wannabe sharp shooter that hits on every pretty lady he sees. They aren't bad but they have moments that will make you question their actions as well as their character.

    Also hated it when the game changed its pace when I went to the dream world to, for some reason, follow the story of Laguna and company. I understand it is important to the plot but it could have been done in a better way.

    In my opinion FF VIII is a solid title, just not one I see myself playing as much as I have played VII or IX    … Expand
  6. YannySp101
    May 7, 2021
    6
    To be honest, I wasn't very interested in playing Final Fantasy VIII Remastered. Fortunately though, it got me hooked after a while and ITo be honest, I wasn't very interested in playing Final Fantasy VIII Remastered. Fortunately though, it got me hooked after a while and I stayed till the end.
    Final Fantasy VIII's story is convoluted and it gets quite nonsensical at times but it's intriguing for the most part even if the writing is inconsistent.
    The combat system is similar to Final Fantasy IX's but a bit more responsive, nothing special.
    The characters are likable and I liked some of them more than I expected, however, most of them lack depth.
    Also, the music is good and the visuals are significantly better than the visuals in older Final Fantasy games.
    As you've seen so far, Final Fantasy VIII is quite flawed, but the thing is... I haven't mentioned the biggest flaws of the game yet.
    The Junction System brings some interesting ideas on paper but the execution falls short. Overall, it's kinda boring, but it's unique and I can see why some people like it.
    Upgrading weapons by picking up random maganizes and grinding for materials is a slog.
    Lastly, the game does have some outdated elements.

    Pros:
    + Engaging plot
    + Serviceable characters
    + Interesting mechanics
    + Nice music
    + Vastly improved graphics from previous Final Fantasy games

    Cons:
    - Weak narrative
    - Characters lack depth
    - Junction System is poorly designed
    - Upgrading weapons is tedious
    - Outdated minor elements

    Narrative: 4/10
    Gameplay: 2/10
    Content: ?/10
    Characters: 6/10
    Music: 7/10
    Graphics/Audio: ?/10

    Final Rating: 6/10
    - Decent -
    On one hand, Final Fantasy VIII is a decent, traditional Final Fantasy experience, but on the other hand, it's filled with flaws and it's one of my least favorite games in the series.

    Do I recommend it?:
    I would recommend it mostly to those who want to get deeper into the series.    … Expand
  7. Shenandoah
    Jul 21, 2020
    5
    This rating just applies to the remaster update, not the base game itself. FF7 is my top favourite game of all the time. But the remasterThis rating just applies to the remaster update, not the base game itself. FF7 is my top favourite game of all the time. But the remaster version is just a copy of the original game, which makes me sad. The cash cow was milked a far too much in this case.… Expand
  8. VendonJura
    May 8, 2020
    0
    I love Final Fantasy 8 and ofcourse I was silliy enough to pre-order this game for PC and PS4. This game is a joke and not a Remaster. It isI love Final Fantasy 8 and ofcourse I was silliy enough to pre-order this game for PC and PS4. This game is a joke and not a Remaster. It is the worst Remaster I have ever played. Yes the character looks upgraded but all the rest is downgraded graphicaly. Everything is so blurry that it hurts my eyes to play the game. I have tested it around 20 minutes and have refunded it. The worst problem in the PS4 version is that you don't have the option to turn down the volume of music etc. It is just TO LOUD. Srsly I've written a review about the same issue in Star Ocean 3 Remaster where it was the same problem and what does SE do? The same stupid thing again. I can not understand any streamer talking or other people can not understand me talking just because SE is not smart enough to put a volume trigger into the game don't want to mention about the volume when you are trying to play the game while in ps4 party...... The music is like 5X louder than anything else. Srlsly this is just an horrible fail of the legendary FF8. Even some parts in the PS1 version looks better than this blurry mess.

    Also not to forget the game is even CENSORED. Yes you read it correctly, SE has censored the game. Siren has been censored but not the GF Card itself.    … Expand

See all 36 User Reviews

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73
#73 Most Discussed PS4 Game of 2019

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