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Which should I play next....YOU DECIDE!... lol

If you're a fan of saving the best for last, play FF8 next

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"We're not tools of the government or anyone else. Fighting... fighting was the only thing I was ever good at, but at least I always fought for what I believed in." - Frank Yeager (a.k.a. Grey Fox)

it really depends on what you are looking for.

first of all, the games are pretty much polar opposites. if you like the old FF's, then you'll probably like 9. on the other hand, 8 is about as far from tradition FF as you can get, inside the series.

in my opinion, 8 has the better plot, even though there are holes in it, as many have pointed out before. 8 is a darker and more serious game. and no crystals. at all. FF8 gets into the action right away, and something is happening important to the plot at all times during the game. there is never a dull moment. FF9 starts out much slower, but picks up a lot about halfway through.

personally, i like the junction system in FF8, but its much more fun buying new equipment in FF9 than FF8's system of buying.

i like FF9's characters better. they just feel better developed. FF8 has a pretty good love theme going, even if its one sided for the first disc and a half.


for me, as most everyone here will know, i prefer FF8. it's my favorite game of all time. but certainly play both of them

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Currently Playing : Final Fantasy V
Most Recently Beat : Elder Scrolls: Skyrim
Favorite Game : Final Fantasy X

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9. I have neither the time nor the will to properly elaborate on why I further advise a napalm strike on FF8 rather than playing it, just trust me on this one.

This post has been edited by Del S on 31st December 2007 06:45

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"Only the dead have seen the end of their quotes being misattributed to Plato."
-George Santayana

"The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here..."
-Abraham Lincoln, prior to the discovery of Irony.

If you're going to play them both, play FF8 first. Why? Well, the game in general is a lot worse. I won't get into why specifically, but if you look for FF8 related threads here in the forums, you'll see. Suffice it to say that the characters are annoying, the plot is ridiculous at best and poorly executed throughout, the junction system is annoying and it'll dishearten you from wanting to play another Final Fantasy for a while.

Final Fantasy 9 on the other hand, is brilliant in nearly every aspect. My only complaint is that I wish there was more to do. It starts off well and while I'm not too fond of the first hour or so of gameplay, the first disc remains my favorite parts of the game. The battle system is a call back to the classic, with individual traits and abilities which make party building that much more colorful. The plot is incredible, the characters have depth and are easily lovable, there are great side quests and mini games when you don't feel like progressing the story and I could go on and on. It's just a great gaming experience.

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Okay, but there was a goat!

I actually played a fair bit of #9. Graphics-wise it's definately another step up from #8, but why I stopped playing is that I really disliked the game mechanics and ability system of the game while the story....everything is ridiculous. Too many pretty colours and funny sounds to keep the young'uns occuppied.

#8 is the only FF after the SNES era I could see myself playing again (never could finish my attempts on #7 and #9). I liked the characters and customization options, there's an awesome mini-game throughout the game called Triple Triad that's pretty sweet. Okay, the story's pretty far out there sometimes - especially at the very end - but at least it gave way to some interesting consiparcy theories

So yeah, do #8 first, and if you dislike it you'll probably have something to look forward to in #9.

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The Collapse of Heaven and Earth

Yeah, one of the things that I wish that IX had really just did not bother with was the Card game. Triple Triad is a lot more rewarding and addictive. It's not absolutely necessary to beat the game or anything, but considering that a lot of valuable rewards come from getting rare cards you'll see that it's worth the effort. The card game in IX just feels half-done. There's no real reward for being good at the game and then they decide to mix it into the main story. Certainly IX's card game is one of the low points in the game, but there's a lot that they have to make up for it.

IX is probably my favorite Final Fantasy and I think that you won't be disappointed with it.

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"You underestimate the strength of a Jedi's mind, Brejik. A mistake you won't live to regret, " -Bastila Shan(Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic)

It's not a matter of which you should play first, cause only one is actually playable. Like Del, I'm not gonna take the time to say what others have already said about 8. Simply put, it should be killed...with fire

9, on the other hand, is awesome incarnate. Stories useless and the characters are a bit cutesy, but people really need to get over that. They're fun, and actually worth caring about which hasn't happened in a FF game since 6. Game's smooth like butter and easy to get into, it's just a great friggin game. Best in the post SNES series.

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Arts

Farts

Twarts

VIII and IX are actually both pretty "divisive" FF games; a lot of people hate FF VIII's storyline, characters, and customization system and a lot of people hate FF IX's characters, storyline, and visual style. FF VIII's more popular, probably because it uses the ever-popular Nomura's designs (same character designer as FF VII and X), but FF IX has a pretty dedicated fanbase, largely because of its old-school feel. I personally much prefer IX to VIII, but you'll hear the opposite opinion around the 'nets as well.

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this is a blog mostly about comics and videogames
END SPOILER

They both are great games. Personally, I prefer VIII for the all-human main character cast, storyline, and the junction system. As for number IX, it has the traditional FF elements from the pre-Playstation era, great graphics, and easy-to-master gameplay.

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"Thought I was dead, eh? Not until I fulfill my dream!"
Seifer Almasy


"The most important part of the story is the ending."
Secret Window


"Peace is but a shadow of death."
Kuja

You will pick up on IX really fast, because it's a lot like the others...

Play VIII if you want to try a game that breaks the usual system stereotypes. Many people don't like it, because it basically allows you to powerup all your characters with about an hour of drawing magic every disc or so.

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If internal struggles were as enjoyable and glamorous as the self conflicted wars within video game characters, we would all be statues, reveling in perpetual self war. -Me

Play me on Rock Band 2, GH-WT, or any other Xbox GH!
Xbox Gamertag-MeanJerry

I'll have to go with the grain that FF9 is by far the better of the two. I found both the plot and gameplay of 8 quite maddening, while 9 was really very good apart from animations not causing waits in the ATB.

For what it's worth, if you're a MetaCritic afficionado, FF9 is surprisingly the best rated game of the entire series with an average critic score of 94. FF8 has 90, with 6A, 7, 10 and 12 in the middle on 92.

Which one is more like VII

Quote (Clock Doc @ 1st January 2008 18:33)

Which one is more like VII

Generally, most of the Final Fantasies are completely independent of each other, so there isn't another Final Fantasy that is like VII. That being said, VIII allows you to customize your characters through it's junction system in a more complicated (and annoying) fashion, but is the same idea as Materia. IX involves learning abilities by the items you equip, which you master by using them in battle.

VIII is also takes in a futuristic setting, though not nearly as bleak as VII's world. IX is set in a more medieval time, with hardly any real focus on technology beyond things like Airships.

You would probably want to play VIII next, if that's what you're looking for.

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Okay, but there was a goat!

I'd go for IX, as my personal oppinion places it as the best FF since VI...and the best since

I'll pick FF9 every time, even blindfolded. While it's battles and story can be slow (at least at the start), the ability-learning system manages to set itself apart from the be-everything games that followed where characters have no individuality; the musical score is pretty g'dang excellent...a little too organ-synthy at times, but it doesn't really mar the overall feel; almost every sidequest is completely fun _and_ useful. Not to mention that if any traits should be transplanted into future games, it's ATEs. The game is wrapped up in this kinda "chibi" polish, but it also ends up being one of the most "fantasy" games in the series.

FF8 manages to strike oil by having junctioning, but the battles themselves are complete cakewalks...which really shouldn't make anyone jump for joy. Also, I abhor the soundtrack...ninety percent of the tracks seem to be stuck in this rigid, militaristic, midtempo faux-string/synth quicksand and it completely ruins the experience for me (even moreso). There's also the lack of difficulty, but I figure having some of the better sidequests and a pretty awesome world setting makes up for about...one-third of that.

As aforementioned, VIII & IX can really polarize the masses...but when it gets down to the nitty gritty, I've much more praise for the latter.

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It's gonna be a glorious day
I feel my luck can change

Play VIII first, then IX when you're done with it.
If you turn out to be the kind of person that likes it, nothing's lost. If not, it'll make IX look even better by comparison.

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"I fell off the mountain of words at around the 10,000ft mark. Tell my family...they owe me money." -Narratorway

"If you retort against this, so help me God I'll shove any part of your anatomy I can find into some other part. Figuratively, of course." - Josh

"We have more, can deliver tuesday." - Del S

Good old CoN

My opinion isn't exactly in vogue, but I'll suggest FFVIII over FF9.

They're both competent games, not exactly the luminaries of the series. In both I only like 2-3 characters, and hate/don't care for the others. (Ironically my favorite characters in each game is completely ignored about halfway through the game and beyond.) Both had villains that were clearly either parodies or poorly thought out. Disagree if you will, but you have to agree both have poor fashion sense, but are good interior designers.

FF9 has a better fighting system and a far less exploitable customization, the chocobo side quest is fun, although I'm lazy and use a map for finding those treasures.
Plot wise, FF9 has it's moments, the second disk's 'escape from the castle' sequence is quite good for instance, as is the 'defense of the kingdom in disk 2 or 3, I forget. But it's marred by parts that are frankly horrible. I loathe with a certain passion fossil roo and most of the second continent. Portions of the 3rd disc can be dreadfully annoying.

But if plot's important, I have to go with FF8, though for individual sequences then complete plot. Granted, do take note that the last two times I played FF8, I did so taking note and trying to find more worth in it, rather then just playing at face value, so I may be making mountains out of molehills. The first Laguna sequence is brilliant. Almost perfect. The overarching plot as a whole is mainly decent at best, awful sometimes (a certain asinine plot twist we all love to bash), but occasional spurts of absolute brilliance may keep you interested.
Gameplay is uh...decent? The flexibility for your characters is nice, until you discover how easily you can get awfully overpowering. Most of the minigames give poor prizes, occasionally something good. The exception is the card game, which is awesome and chews up plenty of time, although some of the later rules will cause some gnashing of teeth. Some sequences are annoying, but not nearly as much as some in FF9.

Again, take note that this is opinion, and most of my personal preference for FF8 is just that, my personal preferences. It gets a lot of points because I appreciate it's occasional metaphysical-ish-ness and because I've pondered over it easily four times as much as FF9.

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Really Random Quote of the Day: "Short of changing human nature, therefore, the only way to achieve a practical, livable peace in a world of competing nations is to take the profit out of war." - Richard M. Nixon

So if you're done reading this, you know I have nothing to say and you've wasted your time. Thank you come again.

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Which one is more like VII

None of the two games we are talking about in this thread sucks as much as FFVII.

Moderator Edit

Let's not all reply to this comment, okay? It's one guy's opinion. Keep the thread about FFVIII and FFIX.

-kara

This post has been edited by karasuman on 2nd January 2008 20:05

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You may say I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one...

I would pick IX over VIII any day. Briliant gameplay, exciting mini games, beautiful graphical design, and the best game soundtrack ever should be reasons enough. The story isn't that bad either : P

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The end has no end.

There's something unsatisfying about FFIX. You really have no hope of reaching level 99, and it's quite a test to acquire all the skills. Also, as has been said, even if you do superpower your characters, there's no real challenges for them. If you liked beefing up your party to take on Emerald or Ruby then you'll feel unimpressed with Ozma or the later bosses. The IX chocobo mini-game is hugely absorbing and makes for the only lasting value.

This is where VIII reigns over both IX and VII. You've got a worthy fight against Ultima Weapon and then a near-impossible battle against Omega. VIII would last you longer I'd wager.

However, as far as story is concerned, I really envy you in that you've never played through IX. VIII has some little niceties in the plot that I think bolster it up to a "passable", but IX is a brilliant tale to play through; even if it does plummet on the last disc, and I mean Niagara Falls.

If you play through IX, which I hope you do, listen out for the music in Gizamaluke's Grotto. Some of the other's are too ambient and forgettable but that is my favourite piece of the series.

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Scepticism, that dry rot of the intellect, had not left one entire idea in his mind.

Me on the Starcraft.

Quote (sweetdude @ 4th January 2008 15:26)

There's something unsatisfying about FFIX. You really have no hope of reaching level 99, and it's quite a test to acquire all the skills. Also, as has been said, even if you do superpower your characters, there's no real challenges for them. If you liked beefing up your party to take on Emerald or Ruby then you'll feel unimpressed with Ozma or the later bosses. The IX chocobo mini-game is hugely absorbing and makes for the only lasting value.

That's the good thing with IX, though. You don't need to get to level 99 or obtain all the abilities. If you want to, go right ahead, but it's not necessary to beat the final boss or even the secret bosses. I will admit that it's sad to see that Ozma can be beaten at Level 1, but that's just me. Final Fantasy VIII does have more fulfilling sidequests, I will give you that, and tougher secret bosses.

I guess it's all dependent on your playing style. If you prefer the "newer" Final Fantasy games, you'll definitely like Final Fantasy VIII because of the customization options for your party. You might dislike the Draw and Magic system, but you eventually get used to it. Players who prefer the traditional Final Fantasy games will definitely like the story and nostalgia of IX.

Interestingly, VIII was the first Final Fantasy I played and I really liked it. Then, IX came out and when I got it, I was in love with it, even despite never having played any of the other games. I did have Final Fantasy Tactics, though, at the time, but I was terrible at it.

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"You underestimate the strength of a Jedi's mind, Brejik. A mistake you won't live to regret, " -Bastila Shan(Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic)

Quote (Clock Doc @ 1st January 2008 16:33)

Which one is more like VII

IX is more like VII. Why?

You have NO MP in VIII.

You have a magic statistic, which is essentially just the INT stat for the strength of your spells, but when you draw magic, you get complete units. So if you draw 4 Fires, you can use the fire spell (shockingly) 4 times. Each person has to draw their own magic, but it can be traded amongst the characters outside of battle. Each character also holds a (broken) cap of 100 units of either 12 or 16 different magics. (it's been a long time)

Aside from their typical casting use (which I never do except for Aura at the end of the game, as well as the occasional meltdown), The units of magic can be applied to various different statistics on the character depending on what summons they have equipped. And every spell has an ideal place to be put, for example: Cure/Cura/Curaga will add more statistical advantage you your HP and VIT stat than say, your ATK stat. Also, you can load status magics into your weapon in a very Added Effect Materia sort of way. The plus side is, if you load 5 Sleeps into your weapon, every time you attack, there is a 5% chance of putting the enemy to sleep. If you load 100... well... you guessed it: if the enemy is susceptable to being put to sleep, it will happen 100% of the time you hit the enemy.

VIII allows things that are usually background mechanics to be brought to the foreground in a time that they are still effective.

There. That would be the basic alternate mechanics breakdown for VIII. I'll let someone else explain IX for you.

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If internal struggles were as enjoyable and glamorous as the self conflicted wars within video game characters, we would all be statues, reveling in perpetual self war. -Me

Play me on Rock Band 2, GH-WT, or any other Xbox GH!
Xbox Gamertag-MeanJerry

meh I can't decide that myself either and I have played both (and neither of them in details).

but FF8 does have more customization while FF9 has fixed classes for each character. It may sound obvious if u tried them a bit, but that's what makes the most difference for me and juction system... I dunno if ur gonna like it, but it's really unique

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I will be there...

FF9 it is...lol

Its been years, but I remember having much more fun with IX than with VIII

This post has been edited by Barrylocke on 11th January 2008 19:43

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Dead Winter. A nice comic.

FFIX definately. Its much more fun, well in my opinion anyway.

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*Sigh*....Times are tough

Well everyone here knows my answer is IX,

The only way you could like VIII is if you do find the "Triple Triad" mini game fun, because every sidequest or secret outside of triple triad is based around battling, you either GF everytihng or "Draw" all the time. And the whole VIII universe fails in logic, of any kind.

So unless you really do enjoy constant battling (because it's the only fun you get), unbelievably retarded characters who could only have come from a cheap horror flick, and No Freddy or Jason to kill them all off, I'd suggest avoiding VIII completely.

Honestly when i finished the third disk I was so bored and sick of it, I didn't finish the game until five years later.

IX on the other hand is a throwback game, which has many elements of the originals from 1-7. It has interesting minigames and sidequests to keep you occupied, a fairly good story which is constructed by using the plot from previous titles, and a unique ability system.

Quote

 
FF9 it is...lol

Good choice.

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"Have you ever seen a baby do that before?"

Most people in the Final Fantasy community would say FFIX, and I'm one of them.

IX by far. FFVIII is probably the least Final Fantasy-ish of the Final Fantasy games. Let's compare and contrast:

FFVIII has a decent battle system that I think is underrated, but I also think it's unsuitable for a Final Fantasy. Final Fantasy to me, has to have the idea of "Swords, shields, and armor" in order to be a true Final Fantasy. FFVIII was anything but that. And what's worse, there's almost NO character uniqueness and in battle all the characters are clones of each other.

FFIX had a battle system that, while simple, was very much in tune with what Final Fantasy is all about. It could've been a bit better, but it was still very much what drew me to the game. And best of all, all the characters were unique and had their very own skillsets, so you felt like you were playing as real characters!

FFVIII's cast of characters was by far the least memorable bunch. The main problem I had was that they all had the same backstory: "We lived at an orphanage and then went to Balnab Garden." God, why not just give me six blobs if they're gonna go like that. They TRIED to make them different with their personalities, but their personalities weren't the kind of person I'd want to hang around. Squall was emo and shrugged off help and friendship. Quistis was basically a poor leader. Zell and Selphie were flippers out. Irvine was trying to be Edgar, but a failure. And Rinoa, she was just annoying.

Now, FFIX's cast, save for Quina, was much more fun. Zidane was probably the only hero in the entire series who was a likable guy. Almost every other hero, even Cecil, was either a snob, a jerk, a whiner, or was too confused. Zidane, however, almost always kept his cool and would always go out of the way to help others in need. The one time he lost it, a great musical track played. And then, of course, there are the lovable Vivi and Garnet, the hilarious Steiner, and the sweet but noble Freya and Beatrix. And of course there's Tantalus.

That brings me to the sound. Both games have great scores, although FFIX is by far better. I would go so far as to say FFIX was Uematsu's finest score. So many memorable tracks.

The graphics. They don't mean anything. Although I will say FFIX has faster load times, so that's a plus for IX again.

And as for the popularity of the games, you have to look at the communities you're with. If your community is more oriented towards Anime, you'll see more FFVIII fans. If your community is more oriented towards gaming, you'll see more FFIX fans. As you probably know, I run the Final Fantasy Wiki, and FFIX is one of the most popular games as chosen by the members there, and FFVIII is by far the least popular. Even most of the FFVII "fanboys" who edit the wiki decided that their second favorite game in the series is FFIX.

So you made the right decision. FFIX is an excellent game, whereas FFVIII fails in most departments. -CSM

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