This is by far the best game in the FF series. You can take virtually any route that you see fit in character develpment, and the customization is by far one of the most in depth and revolutionary systems to date. If you don't take full use of everything the game gives you then your experience will not be as fulfilling when playing FF8. Some people have complained about balance and having to rely on your GF's (guardian forces) too much. This is not the case at all, because in FF8, you make your own balance in the way you junction your characters. I have beaten this game with minimal, to no usage of my GF's, or magic-only using regular attacks and limit breaks. It can be done, and if you experiment with different spells, status ailments and elemental junctioning, then you will appreciate the very deep system that this game offers.