FINAL FANTASY VIII UPGRADE

The Junction system also functions as a way to equip Guardians which are bosses found hidden throughout the world. FF8 heavily relies on exploration and patience, this is not a game you can just blow through the story mode like previous games. Characters also have Overdrives which are powerful unique moves, but some characters, like Rinoa and Quistis, can only acquirea new ones but using certain items or finding magazines. This just keeps piling up the frustration as it hinders progress.

FINAL FANTASY VIII UPGRADE

Weapons are only upgraded this time by using parts found on monsters, but a lot of these parts are hard to find and to upgrade to a new weapon, you must find a magazine to unlock the weapon. Some argue that you can give certain spells to certain characters and break it all up the way you want, but this is flawed because if you don't collect cards found throughout the world, or stolen from enemies, you don't get to use any magic.

In theory, this sounds fine, but it's hard to strategize a specific player role when everyone can use magic. Instead, you collect spell cards that are finite and they can be traded amongst other members. You no longer just buy weapons and armor and change them out when you get to the next town. I collected spells, tried to get Guardians when I could, leveled up a good amount, and finally got past disc 2! The issue lies in the overall complicated nature of FF8's systems. And yes, I had to play with cheats/boosters activated and even then, I almost couldn't finish the game. I absolutely love the characters, art, and story in this game, but the Junction system nearly ruins it for me. FF8 eluded me for so many years because of one thing: The Junction system. I will admit, I'm not the best JRPG player as I don't have the patience to do insane amounts of grinding and play into the earlier Final Fantasy game's crazy summon hunting. I have been trying to finish this game since I was 8 years old, but just could not do it. Oh boy, this review has been 22 years in the making.

Final fantasy viii