Story:
The biggest part of the game you play as Squall a student of Balamb Garden. The game starts with a awesome FMV. Then you wake up in the infirmary and get escorted to class by your instructor. You have to take some test and become a member of Seed. After that you get sent on you first mission. This mission evolves into a fight to preserve time and prevent time compression. During the story you will also have a few outer body experiences. The story can get confusing at times because of the flashbacks now and then. Nonetheless this game has an enjoyable storyline. Story 5/5

Gameplay:
Like most other Final Fantasy games this game also uses the Active Time Battle system. The magic system in Final Fantasy VIII is different from all the others. You have to draw magic from enemies or draw points and it doesn’t use mp but each time you use a spell the number next to the spell decreases by 1, 2 or 3 depending if you use double, triple or neither. Another use for magic is equipping it to a stat, element or status effect. This is called junctioning. You have to junction a Guardian Force to be able to use any ability except for attack. During battle if you summon a GF it protects you as long as you are summoning it. Junctoning is explained in tutorials in the beginning of the game. The only way to get money in this game is by getting your Seed salary. Your salary depends on your Seed ranking. Your ranking is increased by taking Seed test. Your Seed ranking can never be higher than Squall’s level and the max level is 30. The weapons your characters carry can be upgraded with materials you get from enemies or refining a card. For a weapon upgrade you also require a magazine. This game also has a mini game called triple triad. In the beginning of the game you can get a few cards to start and the rest you have to win. Gameplay 5/5

Graphics:
The graphics in this game aren’t comparable with the graphics we have now. The Fmv’s in Final Fantasy VIII are impressive. Graphics: 3/5

Sound:
The sound just like all other Final Fantasies is nearly prefect. Sound 4.5/5

Overall:
My overall rating is this game is another master piece by Squaresoft.

Overall Score 8.75/10

Review By Majhor