Final Fantasy VIII continues to be one of the most divisive entries in the series. Unlike, say, Final Fantasy XVI, which is getting more love after initial criticisms with the flashy fights, hardcore fans are having a difficult time defending the PS1 RPG. Even those who like this odd entry are having a hard time defending it.
With remake culture in full swing when it comes to video games, fans have wondered if this entry would benefit from a remake. Square Enix announcing a Final Fantasy VIII Remake would get fans talking, especially since we haven’t heard a peep from the FF9 remake, but can that solve this entry’s fundamental problems?
More importantly, can this wild and flawed RPG keep its identity in a remake, when its flaws are a huge part of its legacy?
The Junction System
Let’s get this out of the way: FF8’s Junction System is still one of the most controversial RPG systems ever introduced. For those unaware, leveling up through grinding in this game is pretty useless, since enemies scale to your level and you don’t get any stat boosts. Players will need to have their characters connect with summons, called GFs (Guardian Forces) in this entry, and choose certain spells that can increase their stats.
On one hand, it is cool that Final Fantasy VIII makes fans think about how to level up their party in a way that doesn’t involve grinding. On the other hand, this makes battles in the game useless, since players won’t see a lot of benefit to them. There’s a reason why some fans cave in to the remaster’s easy settings that give players all of the best spells and techniques.
It’s Not Very Magical
Another odd addition that FF8 decided to go with is having limited magic spells. Instead of having a standard MP meter, players will need to steal spells from enemies or gather them from certain spots in the map. This made magic spells feel like items, for better or worse, and you won’t see many defenders for this mechanic.
Considering how acclaimed and simple the Materia system is in FF7, seeing Final Fantasy VIII drop the ball with this mechanic is pretty sad. Final Fantasy IX would switch to a much simpler system after this entry, and we can all see why.
Could a Remake Fix This?
On paper, a Final Fantasy VIII Remake could fix a lot of this game’s fundamental flaws. Simplifying the Junction System, having stat boosts when leveling up, and giving characters a proper MP meter would go a long way in making the remake better. Naturally, the graphics and writing would get an improvement as well.
However, one has to wonder if changing these systems will take away this game’s unique identity. Some fans actually like the Junction System, and they even have ways to break it in order to make the game easier. The enemies scaling their levels with you adds a decent challenge and prevents players from getting complacent.
Limited spells that are used like items…suck. That’s just a bad mechanic, sorry.
To this day, fans don’t know if they like the changes Final Fantasy VII Remake made. While the combat is fun, it doesn’t feel that different from something like Kingdom Hearts or Ys. Materia still plays a role in this game, but it’s not as in-depth when compared to that PS1 original.
Final Fantasy VIII Remake could get a similar reception if it were to happen, which won’t help its already mixed legacy. It’s something Square Enix will have to tread carefully with, especially since this is such a flawed, yet unique game. Having some kind of identity means a lot these days, so stripping FF8 of one, even if they’re maddening and annoying, could end up being a negative.
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