Games PC FINAL FANTASY VIII User Manual

LIMITED WARRANTY CONTENTS

1

Getting Started. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Installation of FINAL FANTASY

®

VIII . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Playing FINAL FANTASY VIII . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Basic Controls. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Prologue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Main Characters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

World Map Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Shops & Collecting Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Menu Screen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Battle Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Junction System. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Card Game/Triple Triad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Chocobo World . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Credits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Mini-Walkthrough . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

The checkered destinies of two men who repeatedly plunge

their mighty souls into battle

Important Note: Detailed information about the game can also be found in the study panel on
Squall's desk located in the classroom on the second floor of Balamb Garden and in the Menu
Screen under <Tutorial>.

For a period of ninety (90) days from the date of purchase, Square Electronic Arts L.L.C. (SQEA) warrants to the
original purchaser of this SQEA software product that the medium on which this computer program is recorded
is free from defects in materials and workmanship. SQEA agrees for a period of ninety (90) days from the date of
purchase, to either repair or replace, at its option, free of charge, any SQEA software product that does not meet
the above warranty, postage paid, with proof of purchase. This warranty is not applicable to normal wear and tear.
This warranty shall not be applicable and shall be void if the defect in the SQEA software product has arisen
through abuse, unreasonable use, mistreatment or neglect.

LIMITATIONS – The above warranty is in lieu of all other warranties, and no other representations or claims of any
nature shall be binding on or obligate SQEA. ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES APPLICABLE TO THIS SOFTWARE
PRODUCT, INCLUDING WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, COURSE OF DEALING IN TRADE AND FITNESS
FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, ARE LIMITED TO THE NINETY (90) DAY PERIOD DESCRIBED ABOVE. IN NO
EVENT WILL SQEA BE LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES RESULTING
FROM POSSESSION, USE OR MALFUNCTION OF THIS SQEA SOFTWARE PRODUCT. Some states do not allow
limitations as to how long an implied warranty lasts and/or exclusions or limitations of incidental or consequential
damages so the above limitations and/or exclusions of liability may not apply to you. This warranty gives you
specific rights, and you may also have other rights that vary from state to state.

NOTICE – This manual and the software described in this manual are copyrighted. All rights in the manual and the
software are reserved. No part of this manual or the described software may be copied, reproduced, translated,
or reduced to any electronic medium or machine-readable form without the prior written consent of SQEA. The
described software may not be reversed engineered, decompiled or otherwise disassembled.

RETURNS WITHIN 90 DAY WARRANTY PERIOD– To replace defective media within the 90-day warranty period,
send the defective media, a copy of the original sales receipt, a return address, and a small note describing the
difficulties you are experiencing to Electronic Arts Customer Warranty, P.O. Box 9025, Redwood City, CA 94065-

9025. If you have warranty questions, you can also contact Customer Warranty at [phone], fax (650) 628-

5999. Hours of operation: Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 11:45am and 1pm - 4:30pm, Pacific Standard Time.
RETURNS AFTER WARRANTY – To replace defective media after the ninety (90) day warranty period has expired,

send the original CD to the Electronic Arts’ address above. Enclose a statement of the defect, your name, your
return address, and a check or money order for $7.50.

REPLACEMENT MEDIA – The above provisions apply to any replacement media or software provided by SQEA
hereunder, including the above warranties and limitations.

TECHNICAL SUPPORT – For technical support questions, you can call [phone]. Representatives are
available Monday through Friday 8:30 - 11:45 am or 1:00 - 4:30 pm, Pacific Standard Time.

Tech Support Fax: [phone]

Internet e-mail: [e-mail]

Warranty inquiries: [e-mail]

World Wide Web: Access our web site at http://www.ea.com/tech_support

Electronic Arts Technical Support, P.O. Box 9025, Redwood City, CA 94063-9025

SQUARESOFT GAME TIPS

Game Tips are available for all SQUARESOFT titles:
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1-900-407-KLUE (1-900-407-5583) $.95/min. Automated Tips, $1.25/min. Live Assistance.

Canada: 1-900-451-KLUE (1-900-451-5583) $1.50/min. Automated Tips only.
Prices subject to change. Callers under 18 years of age must obtain permission from a parent or guardian

before calling. Game tips are available for callers within the U.S. and Canada only. Touch-tone phone required.
Game counselors are available Monday-Friday, 8am - 5pm, Pacific Standard Time. Automated support is
available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

SQUARESOFT Online

Shop online or register for upcoming sweepstakes, prizes, and more at www.squaresoft.com!

INSTALLATION OF FINAL FANTASY VIII

3

Place the CD labeled “Install Disc” into your computer’s CD-ROM
drive. If your computer is “Autorun” enabled, the startup screen will
appear on your screen momentarily. If the startup screen does not
appear you must open the “My Computer” icon on your desktop,
click on your CD-ROM drive, then double-click on the “Startup.exe”
icon. You will see the FINAL FANTASY VIII startup screen with 4
options to choose from. The 4 options to choose from are:

INSTALL

Click on the Install icon to begin installation of FINAL FANTASY VIII. When the “Welcome”
screen appears, please read through the text and select either “Next” to continue or “Cancel”
to exit without installing. Next, you will see the “Select Components” screen. Here you can
choose to install “FF8 Program Files” only or install “Optional Game Data” as well. “Optional
Game Data” is not required to be installed for FINAL FANTASY VIII to run, but doing so will
decrease loading times during gameplay.

The default install destination is “C:\Program Files\Square Soft, Inc\FINAL FANTASY VIII”. If you
want to install FINAL FANTASY VIII in a different location, click on “Browse” and change the
default setting to your desired location.

Next you may choose a Program Folder for FINAL FANTASY VIII. You should continue with the
default unless you want to select a different Program Folder.

Congratulations! FINAL FANTASY VIII will now be installed on your computer.

INSTALL DIRECTX 6.1

FINAL FANTASY VIII requires the installation of DirectX 6.1 on your computer system. If your
system does not have DirectX 6.1 of if you are using a previous version of DirectX, click on
“Install DirectX 6.1”. DirectX will analyze your computer’s hardware. Once it is finished, follow
the on-screen prompts to finish installation. The system may request that you restart the
computer. If so, you must restart the computer before you attempt to run FINAL FANTASY VIII.

README

Click “Readme” to view the game's Readme.txt file for any addendum or errata.

EXIT

Click on Exit to quit the FINAL FANTASY VIII Startup screen.

YAMAHA SOFTWARE SYNTHESIZER

FINAL FANTASY VIII includes an upgrade for owners of the Yamaha S-YXG50/70/100 software
MIDI synthesizer. If you already have this software installed on your computer, you can find the
upgrade on the Install Disc. Please consult the Readme.txt for additional information.

2

GETTING STARTED

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

COMPUTER

FINAL FANTASY®VIII requires an IBM®PC or 100% compatible computer. The game can be
enjoyed without the use of a 3D accelerated video card, but only the Software Renderer will
be available.

With a 3D accelerated video card, the minimum CPU speed required is a Pentium

®

200Mhz

with 32MB of RAM and an 8MB 3D accelerated video card.
Without a 3D accelerated video card, the minimum CPU speed required is a Pentium®II

266Mhz with 64MB of RAM and a 4MB 2D video card.

OPERATING SYSTEM

You must have Windows®95/98 with DirectX 6.1 or higher installed on your system. DirectX 6.1
is included in your installation CD.

DRIVES

Standard installation of FINAL FANTASY VIII requires a minimum of 300MB free uncompressed
hard drive space plus space for saved games (additional space required for DirectX
installation and Windows swap file).

Optional Game Data may also be installed that will require an additional 300MB of free
uncompressed hard drive space. This will offer slightly faster loading times during gameplay.

You must also have an 8x speed or faster CD-ROM drive to play FINAL FANTASY VIII.

CONTROLS

FINAL FANTASY VIII supports keyboard and/or gamepad controllers. Your gamepad must be
calibrated and configured properly through the “Game Controller” settings in your Windows
Control Panel.

VIDEO

FINAL FANTASY VIII requires a minimum of 4MB DirectX 6.1 compatible video card for
software rendering. You can enhance your gaming experience by utilizing a recommended
8MB 3D accelerated video card.

AUDIO

FINAL FANTASY VIII will work with any DirectX 6.1 compatible sound card. Your card must be
configured to playback digital and MIDI audio.

PLAYING FINAL FANTASY VIII

54

PLAYING FINAL FANTASY VIII

STARTING OR CONTINUING FINAL FANTASY VIII

After installation you must insert “DISC 1” in your CD-ROM drive before starting or if you are
continuing a previously saved game. If you are continuing a game from disc 2, 3, or 4, you will be
prompted to insert the correct disc before continuing. To start playing, go to the program group
containing FINAL FANTASY VIII in the Windows 95/98 start menu and select “FINAL FANTASY
VIII”. The intro screens will begin to play, and then the floating credit screen will appear. Press
[OK] (X key) to skip to the start screen. At the start screen you will have three options:

New Game—Starts a new FINAL FANTASY VIII game. You must have Disc 1 in your CD-ROM
before starting a new game.

Continue ?—This option will let you continue from your previously saved game. Press [OK]
(X key) to enter to the Save File list. Select the correct Save File from 1 - 30 and press [OK]
(X key). Go to the Save Game you want to continue and press [OK] (X key) to continue. You will
be prompted to insert Disc 1, 2, 3, or 4 if the correct disc is not in the CD-ROM drive.

Credits—View the credits.
Exiting a Game—Press and hold Ctrl-Q to exit the game.

FINAL FANTASY VIII CONFIGURATION

When you first start FINAL FANTASY VIII you will see the Configuration
Screen. This menu screen will detail your current graphic and sound
settings. You can change the settings anytime after by selecting it from
the FINAL FANTASY VIII program groups in the Windows 95/98 start
menu. Here you will find four tabs to choose from. The four tabs are:

CURRENT SETTINGS

Shows the current setting FINAL FANTASY VIII will run for your game.

GRAPHICS

You can configure your desired graphic setup here. Click on a tab labeled “Display”, to choose
either your recommended 3D accelerator or Primary Display Driver. The other tab, “Renderer”,
chooses either Software Renderer or 3D Hardware Acceleration. Select the one that complements
your “Display” setting. You may also select the Display resolution with 2 options; 640x480
(Quarter Screen), or 640x480 (Full Screen). The Quarter Screen option will run slightly faster than
the Full Screen option, but you trade off by having a smaller viewing area. The area on the right
shows the Direct3D features that your PC supports. Do not be alarmed if your settings do not
support all the 3D features. You can still play FINAL FANTASY VIII without some features. See the
Readme file or 3D card troubleshooting.

SOUND

The sound driver setting should be automatically configured to your sound card. Press the test
button to hear if your sound card is working properly. If you do not hear anything, change your
sound driver to match your sound card. If your sound card supports stereo sound you can reverse
the left and right channels by checking the “Reverse Speakers” box. Here, you may also select
your DirectMusic port. The port should be automatically set to use the default DirectMusic port.
If the selected port supports reverb or chorus effects, you may select these by checking the
“Reverb” or “Chorus” boxes.

INPUT

You can configure your desired input here. The input will be automatically set for Keyboard and
default keys for the controls. To assign new keys for each input, click on the control you want to
change and input the new key. You may reset to the default settings by clicking on “Reset to
default keys.”

To assign new button functions to your game controller, select “Controller” in the “Control Type”
section. Click on the control you want to change, and press the new button on your controller.
(refer to page 15 for in-game settings)

BASIC CONTROLS

You can play FINAL FANTASY VIII with the keyboard or a game controller supported by
DirectX 6.1. Basic controls of FINAL FANTASY VIII can be divided into four categories: (Default
controls shown below and throughout the manual. Controls may be reconfigured in the game
or in the Configuration.)

MENU SCREEN

KEYBOARD GAME CONTROLLER
cursor keys directional pad Move Cursor / Switch

screens between Status
Attack & Defense and
Elemental Attack &
Defense while in the
Magic Junction Menu

XB2Execute / Open Status

Windows in the Status
Menu

AB1Open Limit Break Screen

(Applies only in Status
Screen)

WB4Cancel

Q or E B5 or B6 Switch between

corresponding character /
GF.

NOTE: To reset to the Main Menu, press Control-R.

FIELD SCREEN

KEYBOARD GAME CONTROLLER
cursor keys directional pad Move

S B10 Pause
DB3Open Menu Screen
XB2Talk / Execute

Commands

AB1Talk / Challenge to

Card Game

WB4Cancel, Walk

(when used with the
cursor keys)

Control-Q n/a Press and hold to Quit
Control-R n/a Press and hold to

Reset

BATTLE SCREEN

KEYBOARD GAME CONTROLLER
cursor keys directional pad Move Cursor / Select

Commands

S B10 Display help / Pause
FB9Hold down to hide battle

info

DB3Change to another active

character

XB2Execute
AB1Scroll status window /

Increase GF’s Attack Power
while “F” is held down
(Only when GF Ability
“Boost” is learned)

WB4Cancel
QB5Turn ON/OFF Target

window

EB6Trigger Squall’s gunblade

Z + C B7 + B8 Escape (press both keys

simultaneously)

Control-Q n/a Press and hold to Quit
Control-R n/a Press and hold to Reset

WORLD MAP

KEYBOARD GAME CONTROLLER
cursor keys directional pad Move

S B10 Pause
FB9Toggle World Map

display

DB3Open Menu

XB2Get ON/OFF Vehicles

*

AB1Move Vehicles forward

WB4Move Vehicles

backward

QB5Turn camera angle

counterclockwise

EB6Turn camera angle

clockwise

CB8Change Point of View

(POV)

Control-Q n/a Press and hold to Quit
Control-R n/a Press and hold to Reset

* Refer to page 10 on how to operate vehicles.

MAIN CHARACTERS

76

PROLOGUE

Squall and Laguna; two men linked mysteriously
by fate. The friends, rivals, and beautiful women
whom they encounter all come together to create
a striking and moving drama.

Age: 27 Height: 5'9"

A passionate man whose pen is

truly mightier than the sword

An ex-soldier turned journalist,

Laguna is a strong willed man

with amazing energy. His

compassion for the

unfortunate drives him to

help the weak and bring

down their oppressors.

Using his writing as a mighty
instrument of justice, he
stands strong against the
evils of the world.

LAGUNA LOIRE

At the forefront of a rising tide of violence

brought on by Galbadia’s war declaration is

a SeeD cadet named Squall Leonhart.

Serious to a fault, Squall has earned himself

the reputation of being a lone wolf.

A chance encounter with the free-spirited
Rinoa Heartilly, however, turns his universe
upside down. Having thrived on discipline,

Squall finds Rinoa's carefree attitude
fascinating. Yet there is no time to ponder
these thoughts, for the job of dealing with
the sorceress behind Galbadia's irrational

hostility has fallen to SeeD and Squall.

In FINAL FANTASY VIII, the player will

assume the roles of Squall and

Laguna to advance the story.

At times, Squall is known to fall

into a “dreamlike” state. It is during these

periods that he encounters Laguna.

What destiny awaits these two characters?

At what point does the story between

the two cross?

Who is Laguna…?

Age: 17 Height: 5'8"

The taciturn and reluctant hero

A cadet in SeeD, the special combat unit
of the Balamb Garden Military Academy.
His aloof and anti-social behavior makes
him appear selfish and lacking a sense of
team unity. Squall dislikes having others
involved in his affairs and is best
described as a lone wolf.

SQUALL LEONHART

MAIN CHARACTERS

98

MAIN CHARACTERS

Age: 17 Height: 6'0"

An expert gunman and

consummate lady’s man

Irvine is known as the “Best
Shooter in Garden.” His
reputation for cherishing the

company of women is almost as well

known as his accuracy with a gun.

Although he seems to be uncaring

and frivolous at first glance, in

reality he is sensitive and serious.

IRVINE KINNEAS

Age: 18 Height: 6'2"

Squall’s rival who causes
havoc within Garden

A candidate for SeeD.
Although Seifer is a
naturally gifted soldier,
his inability to take
orders and control his
temper has earned him
the label of
“problematic.”
Although recognizing
and praising Squall’s
abilities, Seifer
regards him as his
ultimate rival.

SEIFER ALMASY

Age: 17 Height: 5' 3 1/2"

A beautiful, spirited

young woman

A lively individual
with the ability to
touch people’s hearts.

Open and honest with

her feelings, she speaks

her mind without

reservation. Driven by her

ambitions, she can be

difficult at times.

RINOA HEARTILLY

Age: 18 Height: 5'6"

A top-notch member of SeeD

who serves as Squall’s instructor

A SeeD cadet at the age of 15,
Quistis now instructs Squall and
his companions at Balamb Garden.

Contrary to her cool exterior, she
occasionally has a difficult time
coping with frustration and, as a

result, can become depressed over
trivial matters.

QUISTIS TREPE

Age: 17 Height: 5' 1 1/2"

A spunky young woman with
a carefree spirit

Selphie seems out of place in

a military academy because of

her innocent appearance and

light-hearted personality. Her

happy-go-lucky disposition and

laid-back attitude tend to catch

others off guard.

SELPHIE TILMITT

Age: 17 Height: 5'5"

A Garden Cadet with
unsurpassed martial arts skills

Aspiring to become like his
grandfather who was once a
soldier, Zell entered Garden
at the age of 13. Not being one to
think matters through, he is known to
act on impulse rather than reasoning.
At heart however, he is an honest,
dedicated young man.

ZELL DINCHT

SHOPS & COLLECTING INFORMATION

1110

WORLD MAP SCREEN

It will be necessary to stop by cities to gather information and to use shops in order for the
player to complete the game successfully. To speak to a character, press the X key. The party
can also buy and sell useful items at shops located throughout the world (shop types are
listed below).

Junk Shop Remodel weapons and increase their power.

Refer to "Modifying Weapons" described below.

Shop Buy or sell items.
Hotel Restores HP and removes Status Abnormalities for both characters and GFs

by staying overnight. Saving is also possible at this location.

Study Panel Gather various information related to the game.

It would be best to use the Study Panel along with this instruction manual.

MODIFYING WEAPONS

Characters may sometimes receive items such as rods or screws
after winning a battle. Not useful in themselves, these items or
parts can be taken to a Junk Shop where together with the proper
specifications, they can be used to modify and upgrade a
character's weapon for a fee (the stronger the upgrade, the more
expensive the cost will be). The specifications for making
modifications can be found in magazines located throughout the
world. As modifications become more powerful, the parts needed for the modification will
become harder to find. Modified weapons increase in Attack Power and Hit Rate.

MONEY IS RECEIVED AS SALARY

After Squall becomes a SeeD member, the player's party will be entitled to a salary based
upon his SeeD rank. The disbursement of this salary will be credited to the party
automatically at regular intervals.

A globe will be displayed on the bottom right of the World Map.
For Squall and his party, the map is a helpful tool in confirming
where they are while traveling across the world. On this
map, a gunblade will be displayed. The gunblade is an indicator
that shows where the player is located on the World Map and the
direction in which the player is heading.

VEHICLES ON THE WORLD MAP

As the player moves forward in the story, vehicles such as cars and
spaceships will enable the player to move more freely across the
world. The following operation applies to all vehicles in the game.
Press the X key to get on or off a vehicle, press the A key to move
forward, and press the W key to move backwards. Press the
left or right cursor keys to determine the
direction in which the vehicle will move.

ENTERING CHARACTER & GUARDIAN FORCE NAMES

The Name Entering Screen for Squall shown on the right will be displayed when he comes
under player control for the first time. It also appears when Squall
meets new members of his party or obtains new Guardian Forces.
To rename a character or Guardian Force, use the cursor keys to
select a letter and press the X key to choose it (Press the W key to
delete). After the new name is entered, use the cursor keys to
select <Confirm> and press the X key to complete the renaming
process.

MENU SCREEN

1312

MENU SCREEN

2. MAGIC - USING MAGIC

The Magic menu heading provides access to the Magic Screen, in
which the player can use recovery magic such as Cure and Esuna
on injured characters. Other commands in this menu allow the
player to rearrange the order of magic in the Battle Window or to
exchange magic between characters. Characters who have not
Junctioned the <Magic> Command Ability (see page 24) will not
be able to use magic during battle.

Use Select the magic to be used with the cursor keys and execute the

command by pressing the X key.

Exchg. Exchange magic between characters.
All Take all magic from another character.
Rearrange Designate how the order of magic appears when the <Magic> command is

selected during battle.

Press the D key to display the Menu Screen.
On this screen, the player can check the level
of each character, their current HP and
maximum HP, and the location. The right side
of the screen displays various menu
headings, the length of playtime, and the
amount of money in possession. When Squall
becomes a member of SeeD, his SeeD rank
will also be displayed here. Use the cursor
keys to select a menu heading and open it by
pressing the X key. To exit the Menu Screen,
press the W key.

LEARN TO USE THE MENU HEADINGS

There are a total of eleven menu headings in the Menu Screen. With the exception of
<Junction> and <GF>, nine of the menu headings will be explained below.

Junction Refer to page 20
Guardian Force (GF) Refer to page 22

1. ITEM - USING ITEMS

The Item menu heading provides access to the Item Screen that
lets the player use recovery items on injured characters or
organize items in inventory. When the Item Screen is displayed,
the player can select <Use>, <Rearrange>, <Sort>, or <Battle>
using the cursor keys and execute the command by pressing the
X key. Since <Item> is also a Command Ability (see page 24), it
needs to be Junctioned so that it can be used during battle. Descriptions of the commands in
the Item Screen are as follows.

Use Select the item to be used with the cursor keys, and press the X key

to execute the command.

Rearrange Rearrange the order of items manually.
Sort Organize the order of items automatically.
Battle Designate how the order of items appears when the <Item> command

is selected during battle.

1

2

3

5

6

7

8

4

9

JUNCTION SCREEN ICONS

A key to various icons
which appear in the Junction Menus.

ELEMENTAL ATTACK/DEFENSE

STATUS ATTACK/DEFENSE

KO - Character has zero HP.
Poison - HP decreases with each action.
Petrify - Turns target into stone, disabling the

target’s commands.
Darkness - Target becomes blind, decreasing

its Hit Rate.
Silence - Magic, GF, and Draw commands

become disabled.
Berserk - Target’s strength increases, but

commands become disabled.
Zombie - Applying recovery magic and items

causes damage.

Sleep - Puts target to sleep
Slow - Slows down target.
Stop - Stops target and disables commands.
Confuse - Disables target’s commands, they

perform commands at random.
Drain - Drains and absorbs HP from target

that was attacked.
Curse - Disables Limit Breaks. (NOTE: Not in

Status Attack Screen)

Fire
Ice
Thunder
Earth

Poison
Wind
Water
Holy

Status Attack
Status Defense
Elemental Attack
Elemental Defense
Junction Ability
Command Ability
Character Ability
GF Ability
Party Ability
Menu Ability