Due to this being a review of a much older game there are newer titles to compare this one too. However, despite having poorer graphics than FF X, and being that there is no voice acting in this title when there should have been, at least for the FMVs, its easy to avoid going back to this title for those who have yet to play it. This however, would remain a mistake. Like Star Trek, the best Final Fantasy games end in an even number, and FF VIII is no exception. The graphics were the pinnacle of Playstation graphics, and the sound track remains arguably the best of the franchise. The story is where the game really shines. It's a romance, something that Square hadn't done effectively in the past. This game excels at the romance aspects of the story where all other FF games have failed. More importantly, for me, is that the main character is not an overly perky blonde hair blue eyed happy dude, but one much more like myself. Darker, moodier, and misunderstood as being distant and cold. Squall has a great deal of objections to overcome in identifying and getting a firm grip on love, and even then he has trust issues making him a character that is much easier for me to identify with as Squall and I are a lot alike. (Not easy to admit, but true.) It was also nice to see an FF game without the generic overly happy personality. It was also nice to see a lead male in FF without blonde hair.