Story and Background

The Story Background

Just like previous Final Fantasies, the setting is on a different map and set of characters in the same fictitious world. When I say "world," I don't mean that it's always on the same map. It's the world created by Square filled with fast and large chicken-like birds called Chocobos, a white creature called a Mog, a train, an airship, and a storyline that knocks you off of your feet. In screenshots, we can see the magic, machinery and Chocobos, but does Final Fantasy 8 have the storyline?

Selphie

Selphie at the Radio tower

Learning the game play

Before we get to the storyline, I have to commend the way Square Soft integrated learning how to play the game one step at a time with the storyline. They do it in a way that the learning deviates minimally from the storyline, which doesn't really discourage new players from learning, poses as a challenge towards and doesn't bore those with a low attention span.

What a city

Seifer looking hard

Can you say anime?

The main character is a young, laid back student named Squall, studying to be a soldier at an elite academy called Garden. Squall is hospitalized because Seifer, your arch-nemesis student, slashed you on the face while practicing for your graduation exam from Garden. You are somewhat uneasy about Seifer, but you fully understand his perspective. He is the top student and you are right behind him. He feels threatened and feels compelled to show his dominance. This rivalry is no secret as Quistis, your instructor, can piece together what happened to you just by looking at the slash on your face.

Your first mission is your graduation mission to becoming members of SeeD, which lays a bit of background on your and some accompanying characters. You witness Seifer becoming increasingly impatient, irascible and patronizing. After the mission, you await your graduation results and celebrate with those that graduated from your class and the guests of the party.