Difficulty:

Just Right

Time Spent:

100 or More Hours

The Bottom Line:

"Masterpiece"

When I first received my PS1, I spent a lot of time on 3D platformers and sports games. I was fortunate enough to get a copy of Brave Fencher Musashi (a good game in its own right), and a demo of FFVIII was inside. I had a bit trouble with the game play at first, as it was my first true RPG, but eventually I purchased a full copy of the game, and I'm so glad I took the risk.
First and foremost, the story is amazing. Grand in scope, yet with time spent to develop the main characters (who cares about Zell Dincht anyway?), and a great pace so it never gets bogged down. I truly felt for the characters and cheered at the end.
There has been a lot of discussion over the Junction system. Since I had never played any previous FF game, I did not know the difference and I enjoyed the Junction system, along with all aspect of game play. No battle ever felt slow, though some were very long, but due to difficulty, not slow game play.
The graphics were great for 1998, and with the incorporation of full sized characters, the world felt truly real. Now, the backgrounds and FMVs seem pale, compared to modern graphical masterpieces, but a decade ago, the full 3D battles, movies sequences were amazing.
Now having a PSP, I wish that SE would release all the PS1 Final Fantasy games so that I could play them again. Worst case I could buy as PS1. Final Fantasy VIII would be worth the investment.