Final Fantasy VIII

I loved this game right off the bat, the first time I played it. It has a really good beginning, awesome music, and graphicx that are a step up from Final Fantasy 7 (tho FF7 was a HUGE step up from the previous games). So here's what I have to say about the game:

--It is a long game. You don't need to do everything, obviously, but 60-70 hours is not an unrealistic expectation

--The story is a little confusing because there's a lot of time-travel talk about people going to the future to stop a sorceress who goes into the past, possesses another person from the characters' present, and... yeah. But it's good. Also it's a good love story if you ask me--it's right up there with the stories of FF9 and FF10.

--You don't use MP. Instead, you "draw" magic (and occasionally summon monsters) from enemies.

--Yes, the summon scenes are long--but that's because the game is giving you the chance to "boost" the monster's attack. (I think you hold Select and rapidly press Square, watch the box in the corner, and stop when there's an x in the box)--but don't quote me on that.

--There are a lot of random battles and they do get a little annoying after awhile.

--The boss fight music is AWESOME! Actually, all the music in this game is awesome. Except sometimes the regular fight music. I've found myself stopping playing the game just to hum along with the music. Not a good strategy for a boss fight, :-P but it seriously is that good.

--The characters are pretty well done; their costumes are neat and not too outrageous, and there's a pretty good level of humor throughout the story too, even during the end scenes. So if you have never played this game, I seriously suggest you give it a try. Thank you for reading this.

Buy Final Fantasy VIII!