Why Is Final Fantasy VIII Remastered Bad and Good?

Final Fantasy VIII Remastered quite literally divided the Final Fantasy franchise fanbase. Half of it thinks that it is a good remaster of the excellent 1999 game, while the other half says that it could have been so much better. Well, the truth of the matter is they are both correct. The Final Fantasy VIII Remastered version can be seen as both good and bad depending on each gamer’s expectations and view of the game. And we have no other choice, but to respect that. Nevertheless, we came up with this article to closely examine why is it that this remaster version can both be good and bad.

Why does Final Fantasy VIII Remastered Exist in the First Place?

To answer why the game can both be bad and good at the same time, we must first understand why FF8 Remaster exists in the first place. Frankly speaking, the main reason is quite evident, really. It is to introduce the iconic game to a new generation of players. In addition to that, it also offers an improved user experience for the fans of the original game. 

That said, there are still a few more reasons why Square Enix pushed for this remaster. Here are a few that we can think of:

To Celebrate the Game’s 20th Anniversary

The FF8 Remaster game released on September 3, 2019, 20 years after the original Final Fantasy 8 game came out for the PlayStation. Perhaps by design, Square Enix made the remaster version to celebrate the game’s 20th anniversary. Nevertheless, remasters or re-releases of popular video games from the past are often made as a way to immortalize their respective legacies.

To Capitalize on Nostalgia and Gain Profit

Final Fantasy VIII, like many Final Fantasy games, holds a special place in the hearts of many fans all over the globe. Remastering the game allows Square Enix to tap into said hearts and cash in on nostalgia to once again gain major profit. Putting it that way may sound advantageous on their side, but be reminded that this is a business at the end of the day. Indeed, Square Enix wants to give players the chance to re-experience the great game in a new light, but, of course, they also want to make bank.

To Expand the Player Base to Younger Gamers

Through the process of remastering Final Fantasy VIII, Square Enix has the opportunity to introduce a fresh generation of players to a game they may have missed upon its initial release. By improving the visuals and making worthy additions to the user interface and controls, the game can become more accessible and captivating for a wider audience.

And with that out of the way, let us now take a look at the good and bad sides of FF8 Remaster, starting from its good parts.

Final Fantasy 8 Remastered: The Good

• Enhanced Visual Presentation. In the remastered rendition of Final Fantasy VIII, players can expect a noticeable upgrade in graphics compared to the original release. The character models, environments, and cinematic sequences have all been meticulously updated, resulting in a visually captivating experience.

• Improved User Interface and Controls. The remastered edition incorporates enhancements to the user interface and controls, ensuring smoother navigation through menus, more intuitive battle mechanics, and better character management overall.

• Enhanced Convenience and Accessibility. The remastered version often introduces convenient features that enhance the overall gameplay experience. These may include faster load times, automatic saving functionality, and the ability to speed up gameplay. Such additions significantly improve accessibility, making the game more enjoyable for contemporary players.

• Nostalgic Appeal. For avid fans of the original game, the remastered version holds great nostalgic value. It allows players to revisit a beloved title with updated visuals and audio. This reignites the emotions and fond memories associated with the initial release.

Final Fantasy 8 Remastered: The Bad

• Limited Alterations. Certain players might have anticipated more substantial changes or improvements beyond updated visuals. Many believe that the remastered version fails to address significant gameplay flaws or introduce new features. This proved to be a disappointment for those hoping for a more comprehensive revamp.

• Technical Challenges. Remastered editions occasionally encounter technical issues like bugs, glitches, or performance-related problems. Should the remastered version suffer from such setbacks, it can adversely impact the overall gameplay experience. Final Fantasy 8 Remastered isn’t without its technical challenges.

• Unmet Expectations. The anticipation surrounding a remastered version often fosters high expectations. Some believe that the remaster fails to meet these expectations or neglects to address specific concerns raised by fans. Furthermore, others see it as a missed opportunity, leaving many feeling unsatisfied.

Conclusion

Whether you think FF8 Remaster is bad or good entirely falls on your preferences. At the end of the day, everything in this world is subjective. More so the things that cost us money, such as games. FF8 Remaster, for all its flaws, can still be a serviceable game that will take you back to simpler times. Fans of the long Final Fantasy franchise will certainly appreciate this game, while casuals may not be so. Nonetheless, it is a game certainly worth looking into.