Some parts I liked, like reporting quistsis for flirting with a student. It goes in character with squall and it's funny.Thank you very much!
The whole game develops towards friendship between the students, even Seifer.I agree with you, but not with Seifer. Seifer is a very challenging character to write. He goes from not getting along with his peers, to willfully launching missiles at them, with the intent of killing everyone in Balamb Garden, including Raijin and Fujin. The only redemption he has is post-game, and we don’t have the opportunity to experience it.
Throwing teen insults at everyone fills his role. Superiority and indifference does not.You’re right. His given role is that of a schoolyard bully. Unfortunately, this contrasts very sharply with his apparent ability to lead an army of his own. I wanted to strike a balance between these two, with a character that was still petty and spiteful, but also had the grist to become a future general.
Superiority and indifference does not.Superiority and indifference are definitely aspects of Seifer's vanilla character, especially toward Zell. Remember his “Swatting at flies” comment? Not to mention him ditching his team, both during the mission, and afterward with the car.
Removing amnesia is not a bad concept, but you will need a huge plot change for the trabia scenes. It's sort of the game story twist.Trust me, I am well aware of this. I’ve already finished rewriting that scene. It took more than a month…
Nice changes in the third video. Those "I am..."i gotta agree i thought the exact same while watching that 3rd vid, its ultimecia at that stage she doesn't know him.
But confusing as hell. Edea model is actually ultimecia in that stage, so knowing Seifer should not happen. It's the first time she sees him. I don't think ultimecia has access to edea's memories, or at least it's not obvious in the original game.
Just finished watching your YT videos and I must say, its a new and nice touch to the story. You tried to keep their character on check and fixed some few plot holes (no one talked about you assassinating NORG after the fight in the original, every hatted staff just disappeared).
After the dance Quistis sounded a little too needy imo, but it was fine in the end.Yup. That was intentional.
Does your mod over-right the main f.s that doomtrain uses or change something else inside , that would leave my modifications intact so i can play your mod with my game changes.Nope. It doesn't.
I have two questions.Not yet. So far, the mod only includes changes up until the end of disc 2, excluding the Laguna sequences. I have only just begun editing the scenes with Laguna. After that, I will begin with disc 3.
Is this mod finished yet ? The readme says it last until disk 2.
And, and more important, is this compatible with the RAGNAROK mod ???That is a great question! And the answer is…sort of.
I think the Zell/Quistis angle might be interesting, but only if Zell is modified a bit. As it stands, I'd say Zell is way to immature for Quistis and I wouldn't believe that she would go for an dimwit like him.I apologize. I didn’t mean to imply that I would try to develop a relationship between Quistis and Zell. I only meant that I would review Quistis’ dialogue in the same way that I would review Zell’s, to see if improvements could be made.
There are technically 4 options for the Concert scene, and the way to access them is unnecessarily complicated. There are 2 different songs to choose from, as well as 2 different options if you mix them up. The outcomes are determined primarily by the instruments you choose, and to a lesser extent, who is playing them.
I only did the "Eyes on Me" version. I didn't know the game offered different dialogue! I'll try the Jig next time.
Nice changes in the third video. Those "I am..."
But confusing as hell. Edea model is actually ultimecia in that stage, so knowing Seifer should not happen. It's the first time she sees him. I don't think ultimecia has access to edea's memories, or at least it's not obvious in the original game.
Since we know history is written forward to Ultimecia's time and she is aware of the events of the game before they happen, and given that she is aware who Squall is (Battle of the Gardens, "So you're the SeeD destined to defeat me"), don't you think she would also know who Seifer is? From Ultimecia's point of view, Seifer is the one destined to follow her, mobilize Galbadia Garden and raise Lunatic Pandora in her war against the past.I am inclined to agree with you, even though the vanilla game doesn't explicitly give us that information. But I bypassed the whole issue with the way I approached Edea's possession, and the character of Ultimecia.
It is important to remember that the reason that she wants to achieve Time Compression is because the events of the game are going to be recorded into history, and the people of the future will persecute sorceresses as they await her arrival to try and destroy time itself.
Your changes make it seem like she's offering purpose or leadership to the citizens of the country...
...I think your changes come off a bit as a Rita Repulsa type monologue; clearly she's saying she's evil, but what is the point of her conveying this?
reporting quistis is mean lolYeah, I think it's great!
How's the mod coming along?
You ever thought about adding hidden/secret/easter egg stuff in it? :PThere are a few subtle story references, and inside jokes, but not any true 'Easter eggs'. For example, I make a fairly obvious reference to the idea that Squall is dead. Also, I'll give you a dollar if you find the place where I make an allusion to a 'spoony bard'. (I'll give you a hint, it's not in the main story.)
Also, will this be compatible with other mods?! Like Ragnarok (gameplay) and Lunatic Pandora (graphics)?At this point, it's compatible with anything that doesn't change the field.fs file. That makes it compatible with almost all graphical mods, and around 85% of Ragnarok. I use Ragnarok regularly, and I love it. I actually use it along with a compatible version of my Martial Law mod. (Something I should probably make public, soon.)
My first playthrough of this game is with YOUR script, so for the rest of my life, your version will be the one that shines.
I think next time I play will be using PSIO on the PS1. Will this mod be in any way compatible? That would be amazing if so.
will you ever port this to Remastered?
I would encourage you to post this on Reddit, both r/FinalFantasyVIII and r/FinalFantasy
@Rikku Thank you so much!
In regards to Ragnarok, as I have said before, Succession is compatible with anything that doesn't change the field.fs files. That makes it compatible with almost all graphical mods, and around 85% of Ragnarok.
I use Ragnarok regularily, and love it, and Succession is compatible with all of the battle related changes, and character/ability changes. But any event related changes (extra battles, quests, item rewards, drawpoints, card locations) are, very sadly, not compatible at this point.
I do, however, plan to soon release a compatibility version of Martial Law. It is a re-balanced version that plays well with Ragnarok. It is the version I currently use.
I'm not familiar with PSIO. Isn't it some sort of streaming service? If it relies on local files on your hard drive, then it would depend on the file structure. If the files are the same as the steam version, then this mod should work just fine. But if it functions like an ISO-style emulator, then no.PSIO is essentially a flash drive for the PS1. I'm basically asking if this mod would be compatible with the OG PS1 version of the game. I highly doubt it will be, but it would cool if it was :)
...if I had to offer any constructive criticism it would be that it seemed a little odd that Quistis is telling Squall to lighten up in the Fire Cavern after she has been shown up until then to be quite a strict instructor, and continues being quite strict afterwards. Just a small kind of "huh?" when compared to the rest of her interactions so far.That's an interesting observation. This moment is fairly faithful to the way the vanilla dialogue plays out, though the original is a little more blunt. If I am interpreting the original correctly, then this is typical for Quistis. One moment her manner is highly professional, and the next she flirts with Squall like a common school girl.
I know it's not possible ATM but i wish so much i would be able to play this mod with randomiser from Maelstorm, but unfortunately they seem to alter one and the same file. Could you make somehow sometime a way to do it, please?Yeah, I get what you're saying. Unfortunately, I'm not exactly a pro coder, so something like that would be a little out of my depth. I'm sure there are others on the forums that could find a way, but not me.
https://github.com/sleepeybunney/maelstrom/tree/master/FF8Mod :'(
That's an interesting observation. This moment is fairly faithful to the way the vanilla dialogue plays out, though the original is a little more blunt. If I am interpreting the original correctly, then this is typical for Quistis. One moment her manner is highly professional, and the next she flirts with Squall like a common school girl.Yeah I remember it being the same in the original, I think what makes it a little more odd for me is that she appears a lot more strict in this mod than the original so it seemed a little more out of character compared to the original, though you're right I forgot about the scene outside the infirmary. It's just an observation though, I'm loving it so far.
Also, keep in mind the hallway scene outside the infirmary. I believe this scene was also meant to set up the less-serious aspect of her character, where she asked Squall a personal question and then laughed at him while completing his sentences. I think the original was going for something like: confident, pragmatic, and occasionally playful. And I tried my best to stay true to that interpretation of her character.
Maybe I could see about including one more line early on that establishes her playful nature.
@Kandy_ManI completely understand not wanting to change things without a good reason, and glad you agree, I'm loving it so far so I want it to be the best it can be :)
After reviewing the Quistis scene, I agree with you 100%. While it is consistent with her character in general, it is definitely out of place within this scene. I'll fix it.
You'll have to forgive me. I've already changed so much, that I hesitate to change more without a very good reason.
I went ahead and changed the central square scene, and Cid's office.
Seifer is a bit different, though. I definitely meant what he said, that he was "ashamed", and to imply that he was ashamed (of her). The tone I imagined was a blend of derision, condescension, and superiority. But that is harder to convey without voice acting. “Disappointed” works, and it’ll avoid any confusion, but it just doesn’t seem to cut as hard as “ashamed”.
I just changed it to “I’m ashamed to hear you say that.” I think that helps maintain the sense of superiority that I was after.
Thanks, again!
@Kandy_ManThat's a very interesting approach, I'll take a look later today! :D
For the Fire Cavern scene, Quistis is no longer trying to flirt with Squall. Instead, she’s nagging him with advice, and Squall becomes visibly upset with her.
I believe this fits the tone much better, and is in harmony with her repeated and overbearing tutorials. Especially because it should be assumed that Squall doesn't actually need these tutorials (like how to use his own gunblade), even if a first-time player does.
Let me know what you think!
THINGS I'D HAVE DONE DIFFERENTLYQuistis:Spoiler: show
QUESTIONS:Spoiler: show
(Time compression is still referenced in the battle text of Ultimecia's final form, though.)I know. If I wasn't more interested in making this mod as compatible as possible with gameplay mods, I would absolutely change ALL battle dialogue.
-Did you change any dialogue in the Shumi Village sidequest? I skipped it, but if you did make any changes, I'd like to see.Not at all. It's at the bottom of my list, right below rewriting random NPC dialogue in other towns and cities. (Which will likely never happen.)
I still haven't come up with a way of explaining this, at least, not without coming off sounding pathetically contrived. Especially because I couldn't find an appropriate place to insert an explanation that wouldn%u2019t be obviously out of place. So, as of now, I guess it wasn't as bad as it looked, and Seifer just laughs it off as an inside joke for the players. (Feel free to reply if you have an idea for how, and especially WHERE I would insert such an explanation. I'm at a loss.)Spoiler: show
I had always wanted to be a bit open-ended in the conclusion, but I should have realized that an effective resolution would depend on knowing EXACTLY what happened. I was hoping that Squall's discussion with 'Edea' at the very end would offer sufficient exposition, but that dialogue is on a timer, and I couldn't add nearly as much as I had originally wanted.Spoiler: show
--Are Ultimecia and Rinoa the same person? I know this is a fringe theory and if you don't agree with it, no worries. If not, who is Ultimecia and how did she come to be the most powerful sorceress with control over all of the other sorceresses throughout time? (Sorry if this was explained)Unfortunately, I emphatically reject both popular fan theories, 'Squall is dead' and 'Rinoa is Ultimecia'. This is mainly out of respect for the original work and its authors, but also because there isn't any obvious way of interpreting the original in that way, without torturing it to death. I do, however, find both ideas fascinating, and if Nojima had actually intended them, or even approve of them in any way, I may have tried to incorporate them both.
I know. If I wasn’t more interested in making this mod as compatible as possible with gameplay mods, I would absolutely change ALL battle dialogue.I'd be open to a version of the mod where you do all the changes you want even if it is incompatible with other mods, just saying ;D The only mod I ever use is the music mod so to play your rewrite exactly as you wanted it to be would be amazing
I'd be open to a version of the mod where you do all the changes you want even if it is incompatible with other mods, just saying ;D The only mod I ever use is the music mod so to play your rewrite exactly as you wanted it to be would be amazingThat's tempting, but it would really be less than a dozen lines at most, and the only plot critical ones would likely be from Ultimecia at the end of the game. Probably not worth anyone's time. Making a version for the Remaster, and a fully compatible Ragnarok version, are far higher on my list.
I just updated Seifer's dialogue in the cell with Squall, right after Squall wakes up. I sort of took the approach of option 2, not because Edea needs information, but in light of the offer Seifer makes Squall. It's not a full explanation, more of a throw away line that avoids the 'how' in favor of answering the 'why'. It feels like a bit of a concession, but I'm trying to work with what I've been given.Spoiler: show
Wow.Thank you so much! I knew this mod would be a little out of the ordinary. I'm very glad to hear that you enjoyed it.
I finished FFVIII and it was fantastic with your mod.
I have to admit that I'm happy I used it. I was watching my GF play through the rest of the game, and whew.
It's just... not as good as yours. So thanks for the amazing experience. I'll never forget it.
Yes, I agree that, in terms of pacing, those two moments are too close together, and I would have changed that if I could. The problem is that there is no other appropriate moment for Rinoa to share her secret with Squall.
Things I would do differently
Rinoa/Ellone:Spoiler: show
Rinoa:I'm afraid I may be misunderstanding you, but I'll add this for the sake of clarity.Spoiler: show
White SeeDs:Yup. I'm glad you mentioned this. I didn't see a contradiction either, at first. While it doesn't create a contradiction for the plot, it does create a massive contradiction for the motivations for certain characters, namely Edea and Laguna. And please forgive me ahead of time, because this will be a bit long.Spoiler: show
Ultimecia/Time Compression:I think I agree with your first point. I don't have a problem with Time Compression as much in theory as I do with how it was explained and implemented. (Though, as a rule, I would try to avoid time travel in any story unless it was a story specifically about time travel, because otherwise it invariably becomes deus ex machina.)Spoiler: show
Spoiler: show
Spoiler: show
Yup. I'm glad you mentioned this. I didn't see a contradiction either, at first. While it doesn't create a contradiction for the plot, it does create a massive contradiction for the motivations for certain characters, namely Edea and Laguna. And please forgive me ahead of time, because this will be a bit long.Spoiler: show
I think I agree with your first point. I don't have a problem with Time Compression as much in theory as I do with how it was explained and implemented. (Though, as a rule, I would try to avoid time travel in any story unless it was a story specifically about time travel, because otherwise it invariably becomes deus ex machina.)Spoiler: show
I always felt that Quistis is more of a friend who wants to be a *good friend* to Squall.
Hey there.
Looking at my original comments on this mod, I sounded like a dick. Sorry.
Did you finish the mod as you intended?
I'm guessing this mod will conflict with Ragnarok Rebalancing Mod, correct?In regards to Ragnarok, as I have said before, Succession is compatible with anything that doesn't change the field.fs files. That makes it compatible with almost all graphical mods, and around 85% of Ragnarok.
Looking to play FF8 again, but with some new challenges. Perhaps a new story would be great too.
She also needs Squall to share her issues with him and demands his attention then getting shocked by his complete refusal to relate.I know, right!?
Let me know what you think!"Whatever..." ;D ;D
In regards to Ragnarok, as I have said before, Succession is compatible with anything that doesn't change the field.fs files. That makes it compatible with almost all graphical mods, and around 85% of Ragnarok.
I use Ragnarok regularly, and love it, and Succession is compatible with all of the battle related changes, and character/ability/junction changes. But any event related changes (extra battles, quests, item rewards, drawpoints, card locations) are, very sadly, not compatible at this point.
I gotta tell ya, I actually shelled out another ten bucks for the 2013 Steam release just so I play the game with your script!
Back in '99, I always felt there was a decent story somewhere in this game and that it just wasn't being told quite right.
Oh man, just saw this, right the field.fs files. Would it be a big undertaking for the creator of Ragnarok to insert your dialogue in their mod and compile the field files?
In Dollet the seed mission why change the squad ranks? ,selphie now a mechanic
After the seed inauguration party in the training centre after helping ellone, you called the white seeds 'exotic soldier' why?
I'm currently returning to Balamb, and I'm delighted that NORG has been alluded to in the past and I won't just get chucked in with Squall's epic dialogue "What a surprise" on learning of NORG.
As a long playing fan I'm really happy to see Sorceresses mentioned in texts previously, to see a recognition that everybody WENT TO THE SAME ORPHANAGE, along with reasonable explanations that many seeds were originally orphans.
Is this compatible or partially compatible with the Crystal gameplay mod? Would love to try the combination out.Yes, partially. It won't be compatible with any features that alter the field.fs files. This would include new side quests, new item and card locations, altered drawpoints, and extra bosses. Just about everything else will be fine.
Just wondering if there is any progress on getting this working with the remaster?
Just a quick question in regards to compatibility with ragnarok:
You mention several times to install ragnarok and then overwrite with your "field.fs files"
would this be ONLY field.fs, or all three of field.fs, field.fi, and field.fl that would be needed for the overwrite?
I haven't read all the comments earlier so I apologize if this has been asked before, I didn't want to spoil myself on anything, but I was curious if this was a straight up retranslation that's accurate to the original Japanese script or the original translation rewritten with your own flavor to it?
Real life is probably busy for them atm. :)
But i still have hope that this will continue to be updated eventually in the future! lol
It is DEFINITELY rewritten with my own flavor. But I went out of my way to maintain the original sound and characterization of each of the main characters. All of the characters have a greater degree of depth and maturity than the original, but they still maintain their original identity. As I mentioned in the description, the greatest deviations were with Headmaster Cid and Seifer. Rinoa has also received a lot of attention, but that is primarily in terms of adding to her backstory and motivation, not her personality.
I do not speak Japanese, but I had originally attempted to use a number of 'more accurate' versions of the script for reference and inspiration. But everything I found was so strikingly similar to the original that I gave up on that very quickly.
The version we received was remarkably faithful as a translation. I would only argue that it was fairly poor as a localization.
And also, despite what you may have heard, the great Ted Woolsey did not actually appear to me in a vision, providing me with his own immaculate localization. That was a joke.
I love this mod, and I always appreciate the support from all of you, but yes, lots of real life, unfortunately. Also I have largely moved on to my next writing project, and I am trying to devote my free time to that.Noooooo, sad times indeed. :(
Also, my CPU finally died, and I lost most of the next update I was planning on posting. It wasn't large, mainly small typo fixes. And I lost my small progress on the Remaster. Not the end of the world, but still sad.
However, what I liked most was how better some characters were, such as the obvious Cid, Seifer, Quistis and even NORG (Like, NORG's claim is making sense? If there was choice there I might have sided with him lol).
Only negative thing I can really think of is that the whole game screams "I need more content" now, since everything is more interesting. Most characters, such as Quistis, could really use more screen time, though I am sure it goes beyond the scope to add new events and scenes. I really wonder what you could do with all needed resources.
..I just finished a whole playthrough and I wanted to summarize it while quoting someone else's opinion, who wrote "I never once felt it was better than the original story". My thoughts on it however are these: Never once did I feel like your mod was in any way inferior to the original work and I actually like it better...
@Percival - please do consider posting a paypal, buymeacoffee, patreon or similar service, to accept donations for this fantastic effort :)
Still no remaster compatibility plans?