Final Fantasy VIII

Final Fantasy VIII was released on February 11th, 1999 on the PlayStation One console. It’s one of the greatest Japanese Role Playing Games produced by Square Soft (formally known today as Square Enix). Final Fantasy VIII blends turn-based combat with an intricate “Junction” system. Instead of equipping traditional armor, characters fuse magic spells to their stats, allowing creative customization. As the player, you can summon powerful creatures called “Guardian Forces” to aid in combat and enhance the character’s abilities.

The story follows Squall Leonhart, a brooding young mercenary, and his classmates at a military academy called Balamb Garden. They’re drawn into a global conflict led by the sorceress Edea. Along the way, love blossoms, memories resurface, and the fate of time itself comes into play as the team uncovers a hidden plot to manipulate reality.

So buckle in your seat belts and explore a beautifully detailed world filled with romance, friendship, mystery, hardships, magic, and the fight of your life!

First Encounter

My first encounter playing Final Fantasy VIII was in 2009 during the middle school arc. For all of the OG’s who played this game during its initial release back in 1999, I salute you. Final Fantasy 8 is a remarkable game that not only got me through a time when I was bullied, heartbroken, and crushed by life but also saved me.

This game was my safe haven at the start of my teenage life.

Finding My World

Back in middle school, I lacked social skills and self-confidence, which led me down the path of misery. Not to brag but I was a decent-looking lad who weighed around 100 lb’s at 5’7. Maybe you’re picturing a shorter version of Jack Skeleton that I represented but it is what it is.

Being a small fry who couldn’t properly talk to girls due to being anxious and shy didn’t help my case towards having self-confidence. I did make friends but with people who didn’t give a flying stork about me. Like any teenager, you try to find your place in a world that enhances or stifles your potential as an individual. For me, I traveled down a path of losing a sense of myself by playing the “nice guy” that people walked over. Getting pushed over and picked on for not having a sense of courage and self-worth.

I felt like a nobody throughout the 7th and 8th grade. I didn’t know what kind of strength I had within myself. I felt powerless when I got called the hard “r” and told how worthless I was because of the color of my skin. I experienced rejection after rejection knowing I would be single throughout this time of my life. A scummy punk who drew a dick symbol on my forehead and not being able to stand up for myself without being called a snitch.

Those two years of my life back then were the worst. One thing that got me through those hellish nightmares was playing Final Fantasy VIII on my PSP. I couldn’t believe how much I fell in love with that game. I found peace through the immersive story and the wonderful characters who were my friends. The characters were people I related to and the story took my mind away to a place I felt free. Free enough to feel challenged and understand the depth of hardships, love, conflict, hope, fear, and adventure. I found a way to live again even when middle school was unbearable.

Final Thoughts

Final Fantasy VIII gave me the kind of hope when I needed it the most after what I had experienced. It gave me the confidence and social skills to interact with new people based on how well I connected with Squall and various characters from the game. I learned to stand up for myself during high school as I felt like the main protagonist gaining experience points by growing through conflict. Playing through the four discs of Final Fantasy VIII took me on a path of personal growth and developing into a man who could finally face the world, and believe anything is possible if you never give up.

I recommend anyone to play this game whether you own a Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck, or Playstation console. Not only had I found a game that shaped my life but it could be a gift to you to explore a world with an enriching story.