basics

Umm...okay. Final Fantasy VIII has many aspects and overlaying stories within. In the beginning, it's just the mysterious dream scenarios, then it turns into catching and killing sorceress Edea, turning into traitors, saving the world....and the one you love. Final Fantasy VIII is a love story. Many things happen, and I could probably make a whole site with several essays concerning the plot and the different aspects of it, and you would still be confused.
So let's just say that it's a story about Squall growing up and learning to trust people (and fall in love) while being made a leader against his will and trying to save the world from the evil sorceress from the future. I know it sounds corny, but the world of FFVIII is a whole world of its own, and the story sucks you in so much that eventually you realize you're crying because it's over.

The battle system has made many loath the game, but do not let it get to you! Once figuring out the junction system, everything is easier, and you don't have to worry about a thing, since you can just straight switch junctions instead of doing it all over again like in FFVII (how many hours have I slotted materia in that game...?). Only 3 members in a party at one time, and Limit Breaks become available when HP is low. Or you can use Auras but that's not until later on. New limits come as you upgrade weapons (fun stuff!), but GFs help a lot too. Btw, Guardian Forces are the one reason the character can junction magic.

The world.....it's - - - I don't know. I like it. You have the world map at your disposal, but travelling is rather limited until you get Ragnarok, the great dragon-shaped spaceship. Esthar is the coolest place ever, and Islands closest to heaven and hell offer level-upping and magic. Lots of it. The characters are well-thought out and most gamers find themselves groaning in embarrassment or jumping with joy because of something the characters did. Each and every one of the charactes have their own distinct style and personality, and a (most likely) painful past to boot, too.

It's a whole new world, and new fantastic point of view~ ....sorry, Aladdin got to me.