thanks to everyone who came aboard during this playthrough, and a huge thanks to everyone who's been with next fantasy since final fantasy ix. (◡‿◡✿) i wasn't able to play this game at the same speed as ix, but i'm really happy that we got through it together, hurray!
i played the original final fantasy games on the NES when i was really young, just barely four and five (although hilariously, the first one was already a little aged by then, since i was born in '89). so, you can imagine how, um, well they were played, haha (regardless, i have a very soft spot for them in my heart). final fantasy viii is special to me, because it was the first game i played when i was around the age that games became legitimately playable, and it was stunning for the graphics back at that time. for a long time -- until i was old enough to get annoyed by how whiny squall is -- it was my favorite video game.
because i have that attachment to it, i always ignored the people who complained about the junction system, which i'm actually really fond of. the downside to it is how easily exploitable it can be -- in terms of difficulty, final fantasy viii is a cake-walk if you take the time to prepare yourself properly. although the preparation does take considerable time and side work, which i like, personally.
i adore the setting, style, and storyline, although the time compression plot gets a little waffle-y by the end. it's a cool concept, but i do see how people get lost and, unless you're paying close attention, you're not actually sure why you ended up in the lunar base or ultimecia's castle in the first place. i get it, i get it. still, i think it was an excellent and slightly experimental departure from the titles before it. to this day, i have my fingers crossed for a remake in the future.
i had a great time playing this game, and i hope i was able to bring to all of you some of its choicest moments. maybe next fantasy will have another playthrough of some kind, some day.
until then!
blakekathryn
jbbartram-illu
andulkaphoto
origamiaround
ellievsbear
snowghoul