Post by Kenji Omi on Dec 16, 2009 19:10:59 GMT -5
The World
The world of Final Fantasy VIII has no known name, yet is diverse as it is large. It is composed of three large continents and several islands of varying sizes. The various locales in this world include: the laid-back seaside towns of Balamb and Dollet, the busseling metropoli of Deling City and Esthar, the remote and mysterious retreats of Shumi Village and the Deep Sea Research Center, the quiet sanctuaries of Winhill; as well as the composed environments of the scorching Kashkabald Desert, the lush Rosfall Forest, the enigmatic Centra Ruins.
Geography
The world of FFVIII is covered in large part with water, having three large continents and several islands of varying sizes. The world has two main superpowers: Galbadia, a military dicatorship, and Esthar, a scientifically advanced nation. There are also many other countries - those mentioned are Balamb, Dollet and Trabia. Timber and Winhill were once independent states, but were annexed by Galbadia prior to the start of the game. It can be assumed that other countries exist - Centra, once home to the Centran Empire (which was destroyed by the Lunar Cry), appears to be empty.
Climate
The climates reflect that of some of Earth's primary western countries (Europe, America, Africa). In the north is a snow covered, northern arctic climate in Trabia that gradually turns into barren lands and plains further south in Esthar which were altered by Esthar's experiments. In Galbadia and Balamb, as solitary lands girted by ocean, the landscapes are primarily filled with mountain ranges, forests and green fields. Galbadia also possesses a desert known as the Dingo Desert. Further south in the country of Centra the lands are barren due to the events that lead to the Centra Crater although there are tentative fields in the southern-most island. The world's largest desert, Kashkabald Desert, is also located on this land.
Life
The world of FFVIII consists of two types; native and foreign. Most common animals such as Chocobos, cats and dogs (a deer also appears during an FMV of Galbadia Garden attacking Balamb) are considered native because they originate on planet, while some other species (namely the monsters) are considered foreign because they originate from the moon, having been brought to the planet due to the Lunar Cry. All plant species on this world resemble that of the real-world Earth with the exception of plant-like monsters such as the Ochu and Malboro.
Politics
The politics of the world of Final Fantasy VIII are primarily based around conflict between nations. There is the dictatorship of Galbadia and Esthar and their constant war between each other as well as the numerous freedom-fighter rebellions originating from Timber. Also there exists the apparent neutrality of SeeD and its existence as a public mercenary force available for hire from both sides.
