This year, I've decided to make a resolution to finally beat the Final Fantasy 8, the game that always mocks and disgusts me with its horrifically long battles.

I often wonder how all those Japanese kids manage to endure these Final Fantasy games, many of which can take over 100 hours to complete. Okay, maybe I'm exaggerating the numbers there. As a Japanese American, though, I feel a bit insulted that people in Japan probably know more about JRPGs than I do.

Unlike most Final Fantasy games, this one irritated me the most with all its summons and hidden items. I always throw a tantrum when I just happen to miss that oh-so-important Guardian Force that I could only draw from a certain creature in this certain section of the game. I also hated missing out on the special cards that I could only retrieve from a certain card trade in Deling City.

Perhaps I'm too nit-picky about finding every single thing. However, I really hated losing the opportunity to draw out the Carbuncle guardian force. I especially hate having to whittle a monster down to 10 percent health, just so I could turn him into that ultra-powerful card that I need.

However, this time I'm not going to take any more of this pain and suffering. I'm going to finish the game and I'm going to write a Bitmob article about my journey. Considering how often I forget my place in the Final Fantasy 8 storyline, maybe I'll finally finish the game by writing about where I am.

So far, I've spent about two hours learning the GF abilities in the beginning of the game. I've stockpiled all the water magic I'll ever need. I'm still working on stockpiling mid-level elemental magic, but I'll let people know once I've built up my Fira, Blizzara and Thundara magic to 100 for each character.

Then my journey will begin. Wish me luck.

What are your best and worst memories of Final Fantasy 8? Feel free to express your grief or joy in the comments below.