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Game #13: Final Fantasy VIII (Square/PS1)

I said when I began this list a long time ago that a story is the most important part of an RPG. I always say that RPG's are like interactive novles. The story in Final Fantasy VIII is one of the best in history. It follows the story of 18-year-old Squall Leonhart, a student at Balamb Garden. As a mercenaries, he and his friends are sent on missions throughout the world. He meets a young woman named Rinoa, and the two fall in love. The game follows the two in their quest to save the world from a hidden enemy, discover their mysterious past, and make their budding relationship work. The story does focus a lot on teenage angst and frustration, so it does become less relateable (but no less awesome) for older players. All of the other characters are well developed and add a lot to the story. The translation is excellent and the graphics may be the best on the PS1. Overall, this games story sets it aprt.

Pros: Epic story, awesome graphics, good character development, unique

Cons: too easy

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