10 Acclaimed Video Games Everybody Turned Against

2. Final Fantasy VIII

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Square-Enix

Even though Final Fantasy VII has had the most lasting legacy in the franchise, there were signs the follow-up would be better. The promotions for Final Fantasy VIII were breathtaking, boasting graphics that look remarkable, even by today's standards. 

After watching the epic three-minute opening, it was almost impossible not to be blown away by the cutting edge visuals, cinematic presentation, and magnificent soundtrack.

FFVIII was regarded as another victory for Square back in 1999 and superior to its predecessor in certain aspects. But nowadays, it's remembered as among the weakest entries. Though it's challenging to fault the realistic art style, this instalment is let down by underdeveloped characters and an absurd plot. 

However, the biggest issue was the Junction system. These combat mechanics involved repeatedly drawing magic from enemies, which was tedious, grind-heavy, and counter-intuitive. Junctioning was such a chore, players could complete the main campaign without using it or understanding how it works. Considering how crucial the battle system is in every other entry, it seemed out of character for Square to drop the ball this time around.

Final Fantasy VIII is a lot of fun, but it's hard to find anyone who regards it as their favourite in the franchise.

Contributor

James Egan has been with Whatculture for five years and prominently works on Horror, Film, and Video Games. He's written over 80 books including 1000 Facts about Horror Movies Vol. 1-3 1000 Facts about The Greatest Films Ever Made Vol. 1-3 1000 Facts about Video Games Vol. 1-3 1000 Facts About James Bond 1000 Facts About TV Shows