Squall and his band of mercenaries fight to save their world from conquest and destruction in the eighth numbered Final Fantasy title. It introduced several new concepts to the franchise, including a subplot with an alternate main character, level-scaling enemies and the Junction system.

<h2>Overview</h2><figure data-align="right" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/9739/321154-final_20fantasy_20viii_20__20squall_20fired_20sword.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-321154" data-size="medium" data-ratio="0.75" data-width="1024" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 1024px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:75.0%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/9739/321154-final_20fantasy_20viii_20__20squall_20fired_20sword.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-321154"><img alt="No Caption Provided" src="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_medium/0/9739/321154-final_20fantasy_20viii_20__20squall_20fired_20sword.jpg" srcset="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/original/0/9739/321154-final_20fantasy_20viii_20__20squall_20fired_20sword.jpg 1024w, https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_super/0/9739/321154-final_20fantasy_20viii_20__20squall_20fired_20sword.jpg 960w, https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_medium/0/9739/321154-final_20fantasy_20viii_20__20squall_20fired_20sword.jpg 480w" sizes="(max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px" data-width="480"></a></figure><p>Final Fantasy VIII is the eighth numbered console installment in the <a href="/final-fantasy/3025-194/" data-ref-id="3025-194">Final Fantasy franchise</a> developed and published by <a href="/square-co-ltd/3010-6323/" data-ref-id="3010-6323">Squaresoft</a> (now <a href="/square-enix/3010-104/" data-ref-id="3010-104">Square Enix</a>). It was initially released only on <a href="/playstation/3045-22/" data-ref-id="3045-22">PlayStation</a> in 1999 before later being ported to Windows-based <a href="/pc/3045-94/" data-ref-id="3045-94">PCs</a> in 2000. Final Fantasy VIII carries the series' role-playing legacy forward with a number of elements found in previous games, as well as an improved <a href="/polygonal-3d/3015-1430/" data-ref-id="3015-1430">polygonal 3D</a> engine, new pre-rendered <a href="/cutscene/3015-22/" data-ref-id="3015-22">cutscenes</a> and an expansive original story. The plot focuses on <a href="/squall-leonhart/3005-783/" data-ref-id="3005-783">Squall Leonhart</a>, a cadet training at the <a href="/balamb-garden/3035-232/" data-ref-id="3035-232">Balamb Garden</a> military academy in order to join "SeeD," Balamb's elite <a href="/mercenary/3015-2073/" data-ref-id="3015-2073">mercenary</a> force. SeeD's involvement with a small <a href="/resistance/3015-2542/" data-ref-id="3015-2542">resistance</a> group struggling against the oppressive <a href="/galbadia/3035-435/" data-ref-id="3035-435">Galbadian</a> government escalates into an international crisis in which Squall's relatively inexperienced squad must protect the world from the wrath of an evil <a href="/wizards/3015-1694/" data-ref-id="3015-1694">sorceress</a>. Along the way, the game's playable cast unravels their <a href="/secret-past/3015-5928/" data-ref-id="3015-5928">forgotten past</a> while learning the values of friendship, compassion and sacrifice.</p><p>Reception of Final Fantasy VIII was largely positive both critically and commercially. Even in the wake of the North American launch of the <a href="/dreamcast/3045-37/" data-ref-id="3045-37">Dreamcast</a> on the same day, Final Fantasy VIII became the top-selling video game in the US just two days after its release, and it held that position for more than three weeks. In the Japanese market, about 2.5 million copies were sold in the first four days after release. By the end of 1999, over six million copies had been sold worldwide. Despite Final Fantasy VIII's generally favorable reception, certain new features such as an overhauled <a href="/magic/3015-98/" data-ref-id="3015-98">magic</a> system and <a href="/level-scaling/3015-608/" data-ref-id="3015-608">level-scaling</a> encounters were polarizing among players.</p><h2>Gameplay</h2><p>In terms of genre, Final Fantasy VIII is very similar to prior titles in the same series; players explore an expansive game world containing many <a href="/non-player-character/3015-967/" data-ref-id="3015-967">NPCs</a> with their party of one or more <a href="/player-character/3015-968/" data-ref-id="3015-968">playable characters</a>. The player's party fights enemies in <a href="/turn-based/3015-192/" data-ref-id="3015-192">turn-based</a> battles, many of which occur via <a href="/random-encounter/3015-123/" data-ref-id="3015-123">random encounters</a>. It is most similar to its immediate predecessor <a href="/final-fantasy-vii/3030-13053/" data-ref-id="3030-13053">Final Fantasy VII</a> in the sense that all gameplay takes place on either the <a href="/world-map/3015-611/" data-ref-id="3015-611">world map</a>, a <a href="/pre-rendered-backgrounds/3015-1804/" data-ref-id="3015-1804">pre-rendered</a> area or the <a href="/battle-screen/3015-1762/" data-ref-id="3015-1762">battle screen</a>. The world map is a zoomed-out view of the planet's surface which is disproportionate to the size of Squall's model, the sole character displayed on the overworld. Besides walking, the player's party can traverse the world map in several ways such as renting <a href="/car/3055-322/" data-ref-id="3055-322">motor vehicles</a> or a <a href="/chocobo/3015-259/" data-ref-id="3015-259">Chocobo</a> mount; an <a href="/airship/3055-154/" data-ref-id="3055-154">airship</a> also becomes available much later in the story. The game's more detailed pre-rendered areas are drawn proportionate to characters, and all current party members are shown in these areas at once. When an enemy is encountered, the general aesthetics of a particular pre-rendered area are carried over into a discrete fully 3D battle scene.</p><h3>Junction System</h3><figure data-align="right" data-size="small" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/4/44183/1728541-final_fantasy_8_screenshot_menu_junction.png" data-ref-id="1300-1728541" data-ratio="0.75" data-width="640" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 640px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:75.0%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/4/44183/1728541-final_fantasy_8_screenshot_menu_junction.png" data-ref-id="1300-1728541"><img alt="Junctioning magic to attributes" src="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_small/4/44183/1728541-final_fantasy_8_screenshot_menu_junction.png" srcset="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/original/4/44183/1728541-final_fantasy_8_screenshot_menu_junction.png 640w, https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_medium/4/44183/1728541-final_fantasy_8_screenshot_menu_junction.png 480w, https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_small/4/44183/1728541-final_fantasy_8_screenshot_menu_junction.png 320w" sizes="(max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px" data-width="320"></a><figcaption>Junctioning magic to attributes</figcaption></figure><p>Perhaps the most significant change to the gameplay of Final Fantasy VIII is the new "Junction System," which effectively replaces the older titles' mechanic of equipping <a href="/armor/3055-574/" data-ref-id="3055-574">armor</a> and accessories to gain higher <a href="/attributes/3015-1681/" data-ref-id="3015-1681">attributes</a>. Junctioning involves party members instead equipping themselves with the game's version of <a href="/eidolon/3015-5069/" data-ref-id="3015-5069">summons</a> called "Guardian Forces" (or "GFs") which grant a character additional battle menu commands beyond the basic "<a href="/melee/3015-444/" data-ref-id="3015-444">Attack</a>" option. Equipping one or more GFs also allows for enhancement of a character's basic attributes (HP, Strength, Vitality, etc.) by Junctioning <a href="/magic/3015-98/" data-ref-id="3015-98">magic</a> spells to individual attributes.</p><p>Magic also functions in an entirely different manner compared to prior Final Fantasy titles. There are no <a href="/mp/3015-762/" data-ref-id="3015-762">MP</a> in Final Fantasy VIII; instead, magic spells are stored and expended per-use in a stock system as if they were items. The total stock for a given spell determines its effectiveness when Junctioned, and more powerful tiers of magic (i.e. Fira, Blizzaga, etc.) can potentially boost a character's attributes even higher. The specific attributes that can be Junctioned depend on which Guardian Forces are equipped to a character, as well as the Junctioned GFs' experience levels and learned abilities.</p><p>Besides basic attributes, magic can also be Junctioned to a character's Status-Attack/Defense (<strong>ST-A/D</strong>) and Elemental-Attack/Defense (<strong>EL-A/D</strong>) attributes. Only magic which inflicts <a href="/status-effects/3015-671/" data-ref-id="3015-671">status effects</a> can be Junctioned to the ST-Attack and ST-Defense attributes; for example, Junctioning <a href="/sleeping/3015-1538/" data-ref-id="3015-1538">Sleep</a> magic to the ST-Attack attribute grants characters a chance to cast Sleep on an enemy simply by using their standard Attack command in battle. Conversely, Junctioning Sleep to ST-Defense gives characters a higher chance to avoid becoming inflicted with the same status themselves. EL-Attack and EL-Defense are Junctioned with <a href="/elements/3015-160/" data-ref-id="3015-160">elemental</a> magic spells, giving characters the ability to deal elemental damage with basic attacks or resist incoming elemental damage more effectively. By increasing the EL-Defense stat beyond 100%, characters can even absorb particular types of elemental attacks to restore their health.</p><figure data-align="left" data-size="small" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/2593/511050-14.png" data-ref-id="1300-511050" data-ratio="0.75" data-width="640" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 640px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:75.0%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/2593/511050-14.png" data-ref-id="1300-511050"><img alt="Elvoret, an early boss fight" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" sizes="(max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px" data-width="320" class="js-lazy-load-image" data-src="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_small/0/2593/511050-14.png" data-srcset="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/original/0/2593/511050-14.png 640w, https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_medium/0/2593/511050-14.png 480w, https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_small/0/2593/511050-14.png 320w"><noscript><img alt="Elvoret, an early boss fight" src="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_small/0/2593/511050-14.png" srcset="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/original/0/2593/511050-14.png 640w, https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_medium/0/2593/511050-14.png 480w, https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_small/0/2593/511050-14.png 320w" sizes="(max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px" data-width="320"></noscript></a><figcaption>Elvoret, an early boss fight</figcaption></figure><p>In the hands of a skilled player, effective use of Junctioning can obviate the need for playable characters to gain <a href="/experience-points/3015-39/" data-ref-id="3015-39">experience</a> and <a href="/leveling-up/3015-475/" data-ref-id="3015-475">level up</a>. This ties into the fact that all of the game's enemy encounters are <a href="/level-scaling/3015-608/" data-ref-id="3015-608">scaled</a> in accordance with the party's current levels. Lower-level enemies (including <a href="/bosses/3015-229/" data-ref-id="3015-229">bosses</a>) have fewer available spells and are generally much weaker than they would be otherwise, making low-level playthroughs of Final Fantasy VIII not only viable, but potentially much easier than a "standard" playthrough. To further support low-level approaches, a special GF ability can be acquired that prevents nearly all random encounters, and the game's mandatory bosses do not grant any experience points upon defeat.</p><h3>Draw System</h3><figure data-align="right" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/4231/218460-2.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-218460" data-size="small" data-ratio="0.75" data-width="640" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 640px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:75.0%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/4231/218460-2.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-218460"><img alt="Drawing magic from enemies" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" sizes="(max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px" data-width="320" class="js-lazy-load-image" data-src="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_small/0/4231/218460-2.jpg" data-srcset="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/original/0/4231/218460-2.jpg 640w, https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_medium/0/4231/218460-2.jpg 480w, https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_small/0/4231/218460-2.jpg 320w"><noscript><img alt="Drawing magic from enemies" src="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_small/0/4231/218460-2.jpg" srcset="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/original/0/4231/218460-2.jpg 640w, https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_medium/0/4231/218460-2.jpg 480w, https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_small/0/4231/218460-2.jpg 320w" sizes="(max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px" data-width="320"></noscript></a><figcaption>Drawing magic from enemies</figcaption></figure><p>Another significant addition is one that also revolves around the use of magic. The draw system is a method of obtaining magic quite apart from the methods seen in Final Fantasy games up to this point. Magic, instead of being learned by characters as they level up, is obtained through the draw system. Magic can be drawn from enemies, but also from specific draw points dotted all over the world.</p><p>Up to 100 items of any type of magic can be held at one time. The more items of a particular type of magic you have, the more significant effect it will have when Junctioned. When in battle, drawing magic uses up a character's turn, and is not always successful. Some magic can only be obtained from monsters in battle, so it is often necessary to attempt drawing magic whenever you encounter a new foe to ensure that rare forms of magic are not missed.</p><p>There are also invisible draw points throughout the world. While <a href="/invisibility/3015-317/" data-ref-id="3015-317">invisible</a>, they can be heard by walking near them. An ability can be aquired from Siren that allows the player to see all invisible draw points throughout the journey, even when she isn't Junctioned to a character.</p><h3>Limit Breaks</h3><figure data-align="right" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/1992/2370916-limit.16.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2370916" data-size="small" data-ratio="0.74043715846995" data-width="366" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 366px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:74.0%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/1992/2370916-limit.16.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2370916"><img alt="No Caption Provided" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" sizes="(max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px" data-width="320" class="js-lazy-load-image" data-src="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_small/0/1992/2370916-limit.16.jpg" data-srcset="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/original/0/1992/2370916-limit.16.jpg 366w, https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_small/0/1992/2370916-limit.16.jpg 320w"><noscript><img alt="No Caption Provided" src="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_small/0/1992/2370916-limit.16.jpg" srcset="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/original/0/1992/2370916-limit.16.jpg 366w, https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_small/0/1992/2370916-limit.16.jpg 320w" sizes="(max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px" data-width="320"></noscript></a></figure><p><a href="/limit-break/3015-304/" data-ref-id="3015-304">Limit Breaks</a> also make a return to this iteration of the Final Fantasy series. Instead of <a href="/final-fantasy-vii/3030-13053/" data-ref-id="3030-13053">Final Fantasy VII's</a> trigger to limit breaks of a Limit meter filling through damage taken, the limit breaks in Final Fantasy VIII are triggered randomly, and are more likely when the character has critical life or is affected by status ailments. The buff spell ``Aura`` can be used to increase the frequency of the limit break being triggered, and allows for limit breaks to appear at any health level. The style of limit breaks varies from character to character, being a random slot machine style casting, to a fighting game combo system, or <a href="/squall-leonhart/3005-783/" data-ref-id="3005-783">Squall's</a> timing trigger <i>Renzokuken</i>.</p><h3>Triple Triad</h3><figure data-align="right" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/1992/2370921-601px_tripletriad2.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2370921" data-size="small" data-ratio="0.60732113144759" data-width="601" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 601px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:60.7%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/1992/2370921-601px_tripletriad2.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2370921"><img alt="No Caption Provided" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" sizes="(max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px" data-width="320" class="js-lazy-load-image" data-src="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_small/0/1992/2370921-601px_tripletriad2.jpg" data-srcset="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/original/0/1992/2370921-601px_tripletriad2.jpg 601w, https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_medium/0/1992/2370921-601px_tripletriad2.jpg 480w, https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_small/0/1992/2370921-601px_tripletriad2.jpg 320w"><noscript><img alt="No Caption Provided" src="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_small/0/1992/2370921-601px_tripletriad2.jpg" srcset="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/original/0/1992/2370921-601px_tripletriad2.jpg 601w, https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_medium/0/1992/2370921-601px_tripletriad2.jpg 480w, https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_small/0/1992/2370921-601px_tripletriad2.jpg 320w" sizes="(max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px" data-width="320"></noscript></a></figure><p>Triple Triad is a <a href="/playing-cards/3055-988/" data-ref-id="3055-988">card</a> <a href="/minigames/3015-116/" data-ref-id="3015-116">minigame</a> in Final Fantasy VIII. Collecting cards is more than merely a fun break from the core narrative elements of the game, as powerful magic and items can be refined from some of the rarer cards, making it a worthwhile investment of time and resources. Triple Triad is played on a three by three grid, where cards of various characters and monsters from the game are laid. Each card has a number corresponding to each side of the card, ranging from one to nine, and A which is considered ten. The objective of the game is to lay cards as to beat the existing card on the grid with a higher number. Adjacent sides of the card are compared, and the card with the higher number will win. The ownership of the losing card will be lost on the grid and transferred to the winner. The initial turn is determined by a <a href="/random-number-generation/3015-816/" data-ref-id="3015-816">coin flip</a>. The winner of the game is determined by the person with the highest number of cards owned on the grid. The prize for the winner is taking one or more cards from the loser. In addition to the standard rules, there can be additional rules depending on the region.</p><h3>Item Refinement</h3><p>Through an ability learned via junctioned Guardian Forces, characters can refine certain items into other items or spells. Several different refinement types exist, which bear different results when refining certain items: magic; healing potions; buff items; ammunition and equippable amulets are among the few types of things produced from a refinement. Different refinement ability types are learned from different Guardian Forces. For instance: Ifrit, who is a fire-based Guardian Force, learns Fire Magic Refinement.</p><h2><b>Characters</b></h2><p>There are six main playable characters in Final Fantasy VIII.</p><h3>Squall Leonhart</h3><figure data-align="right" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/3689/324579-ff8_squall.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-324579" data-size="small" data-ratio="1.2429378531073" data-width="885" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 885px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:124.3%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/3689/324579-ff8_squall.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-324579"><img alt="No Caption Provided" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" sizes="(max-width: 514px) 100vw, 514px" data-width="514" class="js-lazy-load-image" data-src="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_small/0/3689/324579-ff8_squall.jpg" data-srcset="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/original/0/3689/324579-ff8_squall.jpg 885w, https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_medium/0/3689/324579-ff8_squall.jpg 480w, https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_small/0/3689/324579-ff8_squall.jpg 514w"><noscript><img alt="No Caption Provided" src="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_small/0/3689/324579-ff8_squall.jpg" srcset="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/original/0/3689/324579-ff8_squall.jpg 885w, https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_medium/0/3689/324579-ff8_squall.jpg 480w, https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_small/0/3689/324579-ff8_squall.jpg 514w" sizes="(max-width: 514px) 100vw, 514px" data-width="514"></noscript></a></figure><p><a href="/squall-leonhart/3005-783/" data-ref-id="3005-783">Squall</a> is the main protagonist of Final Fantasy VIII. Squall is training to be a SeeD at <a href="/balamb-garden/3035-232/" data-ref-id="3035-232">Balamb Garden</a>, and the game primarily follows Squall as he undertakes various missions in this <a href="/mercenary/3015-2073/" data-ref-id="3015-2073">mercenary</a> role. He initially starts off as a quiet and reserved person, however the influence of characters such as Rinoa encourage him to come out of his shell. It is learned later on in the game that Squall, like a number of the other characters, was raised in an <a href="/orphanage/3035-3875/" data-ref-id="3035-3875">orphanage</a> run by <a href="/edea-kramer/3005-2479/" data-ref-id="3005-2479">Matron</a>. There are strong hints in the game to suggest that Squall is the son of <a href="/laguna-loire/3005-821/" data-ref-id="3005-821">Laguna</a>.</p><h3>Quistis Trepe</h3><figure data-align="right" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/2639/248486-ff8_quistis.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-248486" data-size="small" data-ratio="1.7833333333333" data-width="420" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 420px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:178.3%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/2639/248486-ff8_quistis.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-248486"><img alt="No Caption Provided" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" sizes="(max-width: 358px) 100vw, 358px" data-width="358" class="js-lazy-load-image" data-src="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_small/0/2639/248486-ff8_quistis.jpg" data-srcset="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/original/0/2639/248486-ff8_quistis.jpg 420w, https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_small/0/2639/248486-ff8_quistis.jpg 358w"><noscript><img alt="No Caption Provided" src="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_small/0/2639/248486-ff8_quistis.jpg" srcset="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/original/0/2639/248486-ff8_quistis.jpg 420w, https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_small/0/2639/248486-ff8_quistis.jpg 358w" sizes="(max-width: 358px) 100vw, 358px" data-width="358"></noscript></a></figure><p><a href="/quistis-trepe/3005-805/" data-ref-id="3005-805">Quistis</a> is an instructor in Balamb Garden and is Squall’s immediate superior. She accompanies Squall on the tutorial mission by defeating <a href="/ifrit/3005-2883/" data-ref-id="3005-2883">Ifrit</a> in the Fire Cave, and provides guidance on both the Junction System and the use of summonable monsters, known as <a href="/eidolon/3015-5069/" data-ref-id="3015-5069">Guardian Forces</a>. It is hinted that Quistis has romantic feelings for Squall when she shares this with him early in the game. Quistis is the only character in the game, and first in the franchise, that is able to break the 9,999 damage limit. This is possible with her final limit break, Shockwave Pulsar. Quistis is capable of insta-killing any regular enemy using her limit break Degenerator.</p><h3>Zell Dincht</h3><figure data-align="right" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/2639/248085-ff8_zell.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-248085" data-size="small" data-ratio="1.6724137931034" data-width="290" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 290px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:167.2%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/2639/248085-ff8_zell.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-248085"><img alt="No Caption Provided" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" sizes="(max-width: 290px) 100vw, 290px" data-width="290" class="js-lazy-load-image" data-src="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/original/0/2639/248085-ff8_zell.jpg" data-srcset="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/original/0/2639/248085-ff8_zell.jpg 290w"><noscript><img alt="No Caption Provided" src="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/original/0/2639/248085-ff8_zell.jpg" srcset="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/original/0/2639/248085-ff8_zell.jpg 290w" sizes="(max-width: 290px) 100vw, 290px" data-width="290"></noscript></a></figure><p><a href="/zell-dincht/3005-818/" data-ref-id="3005-818">Zell</a> first appears in the SeeD mission to <a href="/dollet/3035-444/" data-ref-id="3035-444">Dollet</a>, as he is placed in the same team as Squall and <a href="/seifer-almasy/3005-792/" data-ref-id="3005-792">Seifer</a>. Zell is egregious and prone to extreme outbursts of emotion, in complete contrast to Squall. Zell's <a href="/limit-break/3015-304/" data-ref-id="3015-304">limit break</a>, Duel, is one of the strongest limit breaks in the Final Fantasy series, as it allows the player to hit the enemy a great number of times if utilized correctly. The limit break encompasses Zell performing different fighting moves, and more moves can be unlocked through the finding of issues of the Combat King magazine. Though Zell "learns" new moves from Combat King magazines, those magazines simply add new ui elements during his limit break. He is capable of using all of his dual techniques at any time so long as the player inputs the correct button inputs.</p><h3>Selphie Tilmitt</h3><figure data-align="right" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/5128/306730-ff8_selphie.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-306730" data-size="small" data-ratio="1.09375" data-width="640" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 640px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:109.4%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/5128/306730-ff8_selphie.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-306730"><img alt="No Caption Provided" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" sizes="(max-width: 585px) 100vw, 585px" data-width="585" class="js-lazy-load-image" data-src="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_small/0/5128/306730-ff8_selphie.jpg" data-srcset="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/original/0/5128/306730-ff8_selphie.jpg 640w, https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_medium/0/5128/306730-ff8_selphie.jpg 480w, https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_small/0/5128/306730-ff8_selphie.jpg 585w"><noscript><img alt="No Caption Provided" src="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_small/0/5128/306730-ff8_selphie.jpg" srcset="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/original/0/5128/306730-ff8_selphie.jpg 640w, https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_medium/0/5128/306730-ff8_selphie.jpg 480w, https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_small/0/5128/306730-ff8_selphie.jpg 585w" sizes="(max-width: 585px) 100vw, 585px" data-width="585"></noscript></a></figure><p><a href="/selphie-tilmitt/3005-1603/" data-ref-id="3005-1603">Selphie</a> is an exchange student from Trabia Garden who is also training to become a SeeD. Selphie is a sweet and bubbly character, and is first properly introduced to her on the Dollet mission at the Communication Tower. Here she joins up with Squall and Zell shortly after Seifer leaves the party, and also accompanies them on later missions. Selphie is the only character in the Final Fantasy series that can insta-kill almost any enemy in the game, including bosses. Selphie's limit break, The End, is capable of killing the game's final boss. Oddly, the only enemies that are immune to The End are undead enemies.</p><h3>Rinoa Heartilly</h3><figure data-align="right" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/5128/306725-ff8_rinoa.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-306725" data-size="small" data-ratio="1.448275862069" data-width="580" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 580px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:144.8%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/5128/306725-ff8_rinoa.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-306725"><img alt="No Caption Provided" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" sizes="(max-width: 441px) 100vw, 441px" data-width="441" class="js-lazy-load-image" data-src="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_small/0/5128/306725-ff8_rinoa.jpg" data-srcset="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/original/0/5128/306725-ff8_rinoa.jpg 580w, https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_medium/0/5128/306725-ff8_rinoa.jpg 480w, https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_small/0/5128/306725-ff8_rinoa.jpg 441w"><noscript><img alt="No Caption Provided" src="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_small/0/5128/306725-ff8_rinoa.jpg" srcset="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/original/0/5128/306725-ff8_rinoa.jpg 580w, https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_medium/0/5128/306725-ff8_rinoa.jpg 480w, https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_small/0/5128/306725-ff8_rinoa.jpg 441w" sizes="(max-width: 441px) 100vw, 441px" data-width="441"></noscript></a></figure><p><a href="/rinoa-heartilly/3005-797/" data-ref-id="3005-797">Rinoa</a> is first introduced during the Graduation Ball cutscene when she forces Squall to dance. As the leader of the resistance group, Forest Owls, she was in Balamb Garden to seek SeeD's assistance in liberating <a href="/timber/3035-440/" data-ref-id="3035-440">Timber</a> from <a href="/galbadia/3035-435/" data-ref-id="3035-435">Galbadian</a> control. Rinoa has a strong sense of justice and is willing to stand up for what she believes in. She is averse to being controlled and often acts on impulse, as seen during <a href="/edea-kramer/3005-2479/" data-ref-id="3005-2479">Sorceress Edea</a>'s assassination plot where she attempts to take on Edea by herself. Rinoa was not brought up in Matron’s orphanage, but has instead lived a life of privilege. It is this that has perhaps contributed to her rebellious streak. Rinoa is capable of turning the entire party invincible using her limit break Invincible Moon.</p><h3>Irvine Kinneas</h3><figure data-align="right" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/5128/306714-ff8_irvine.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-306714" data-size="small" data-ratio="1.301824212272" data-width="603" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 603px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:130.2%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/5128/306714-ff8_irvine.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-306714"><img alt="No Caption Provided" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" sizes="(max-width: 491px) 100vw, 491px" data-width="491" class="js-lazy-load-image" data-src="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_small/0/5128/306714-ff8_irvine.jpg" data-srcset="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/original/0/5128/306714-ff8_irvine.jpg 603w, https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_medium/0/5128/306714-ff8_irvine.jpg 480w, https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_small/0/5128/306714-ff8_irvine.jpg 491w"><noscript><img alt="No Caption Provided" src="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_small/0/5128/306714-ff8_irvine.jpg" srcset="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/original/0/5128/306714-ff8_irvine.jpg 603w, https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_medium/0/5128/306714-ff8_irvine.jpg 480w, https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_small/0/5128/306714-ff8_irvine.jpg 491w" sizes="(max-width: 491px) 100vw, 491px" data-width="491"></noscript></a></figure><p><a href="/irvine-kinneas/3005-812/" data-ref-id="3005-812">Irvine</a> is a skilled sharpshooter, and it is because of this that he is assigned the role of hitman during the assassination mission. Despite his cool exterior and Casanova-like persona, Irvine is an insecure individual. At the last moment, he is almost unable to take the shot and Squall has to calm him down to prevent jeopardizing the mission. As Irvine has only made use of Guardian Forces for a short while, he does not suffer the same side effects as the others. It is because of this that he is able to remember that they share a common bond; having all grown up together as children in Edea’s orphanage. Irvine is easily able to deal 9999 damage repeatedly using his armor piercing shot and hyper shot limit breaks.</p><h3>Seifer Almasy</h3><figure data-align="right" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/5128/306728-ff8_seifer.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-306728" data-size="small" data-ratio="1.8181818181818" data-width="550" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 550px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:181.8%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/5128/306728-ff8_seifer.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-306728"><img alt="No Caption Provided" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" sizes="(max-width: 352px) 100vw, 352px" data-width="352" class="js-lazy-load-image" data-src="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_small/0/5128/306728-ff8_seifer.jpg" data-srcset="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/original/0/5128/306728-ff8_seifer.jpg 550w, https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_medium/0/5128/306728-ff8_seifer.jpg 480w, https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_small/0/5128/306728-ff8_seifer.jpg 352w"><noscript><img alt="No Caption Provided" src="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_small/0/5128/306728-ff8_seifer.jpg" srcset="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/original/0/5128/306728-ff8_seifer.jpg 550w, https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_medium/0/5128/306728-ff8_seifer.jpg 480w, https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_small/0/5128/306728-ff8_seifer.jpg 352w" sizes="(max-width: 352px) 100vw, 352px" data-width="352"></noscript></a></figure><p>Balamb Garden's only other <a href="/gunblade/3055-314/" data-ref-id="3055-314">gunblade</a> specialist besides Squall; <a href="/seifer-almasy/3005-792/" data-ref-id="3005-792">Seifer</a> is an extraordinarily arrogant and antagonistic figure throughout the entirety of the story. During a presidential broadcast Seifer attempts to kidnap president Vinzer Deling of Galbadia, however Sorceress Edea ‘saves’ the president and manipulates Seifer into becoming her knight. After this point, he becomes a main enemy to the SeeD mercenaries, preventing Squall and company from completing their goal of assassinating the Sorceress.</p><h3>Laguna Loire</h3><figure data-align="right" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/5128/306766-ff8_laguna.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-306766" data-size="small" data-ratio="1.1643835616438" data-width="730" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 730px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:116.4%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/5128/306766-ff8_laguna.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-306766"><img alt="No Caption Provided" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" sizes="(max-width: 549px) 100vw, 549px" data-width="549" class="js-lazy-load-image" data-src="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_small/0/5128/306766-ff8_laguna.jpg" data-srcset="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/original/0/5128/306766-ff8_laguna.jpg 730w, https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_medium/0/5128/306766-ff8_laguna.jpg 480w, https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_small/0/5128/306766-ff8_laguna.jpg 549w"><noscript><img alt="No Caption Provided" src="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_small/0/5128/306766-ff8_laguna.jpg" srcset="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/original/0/5128/306766-ff8_laguna.jpg 730w, https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_medium/0/5128/306766-ff8_laguna.jpg 480w, https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_small/0/5128/306766-ff8_laguna.jpg 549w" sizes="(max-width: 549px) 100vw, 549px" data-width="549"></noscript></a></figure><p>The energetic leader of a small squad of Galbadian soldiers, <a href="/laguna-loire/3005-821/" data-ref-id="3005-821">Laguna</a> is also the main character of FFVIII's dream sequences. Through these dream sequences, we are able to follow Laguna through multiple points of his life, from his time in the Galbadian army to his presidency of <a href="/esthar/3035-437/" data-ref-id="3035-437">Esthar</a>.</p><h3>Kiros Seagul</h3><figure data-align="right" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/2795/240931-8_kiros_a.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-240931" data-size="small" data-ratio="1.192" data-width="500" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 500px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:119.2%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/2795/240931-8_kiros_a.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-240931"><img alt="No Caption Provided" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" sizes="(max-width: 536px) 100vw, 536px" data-width="536" class="js-lazy-load-image" data-src="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/original/0/2795/240931-8_kiros_a.jpg" data-srcset="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/original/0/2795/240931-8_kiros_a.jpg 500w, https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_medium/0/2795/240931-8_kiros_a.jpg 480w"><noscript><img alt="No Caption Provided" src="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/original/0/2795/240931-8_kiros_a.jpg" srcset="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/original/0/2795/240931-8_kiros_a.jpg 500w, https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_medium/0/2795/240931-8_kiros_a.jpg 480w" sizes="(max-width: 536px) 100vw, 536px" data-width="536"></noscript></a></figure><p><a href="/kiros-seagul/3005-2543/" data-ref-id="3005-2543">Kiros</a> served under Laguna during his time in the Galbadian army. After he leaves the military, he continues to help Laguna as an ally and friend. Kiros is also present during the dream sequences.</p><h3>Ward Zaback</h3><figure data-align="right" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/5128/306706-ff8_ward.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-306706" data-size="small" data-ratio="1.1666666666667" data-width="600" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 600px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:116.7%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/5128/306706-ff8_ward.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-306706"><img alt="No Caption Provided" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" sizes="(max-width: 548px) 100vw, 548px" data-width="548" class="js-lazy-load-image" data-src="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_small/0/5128/306706-ff8_ward.jpg" data-srcset="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/original/0/5128/306706-ff8_ward.jpg 600w, https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_medium/0/5128/306706-ff8_ward.jpg 480w, https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_small/0/5128/306706-ff8_ward.jpg 548w"><noscript><img alt="No Caption Provided" src="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_small/0/5128/306706-ff8_ward.jpg" srcset="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/original/0/5128/306706-ff8_ward.jpg 600w, https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_medium/0/5128/306706-ff8_ward.jpg 480w, https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_small/0/5128/306706-ff8_ward.jpg 548w" sizes="(max-width: 548px) 100vw, 548px" data-width="548"></noscript></a></figure><p><a href="/ward-zaback/3005-2542/" data-ref-id="3005-2542">Ward</a> is another member of Laguna’s unit in the Galbadian army, and is also present in the dream sequences. He serves with Kiros and Laguna until they are separated during a mission on the continent of <a href="/esthar/3035-437/" data-ref-id="3035-437">Esthar</a>. He then goes on to serve as a janitor at the <a href="/d-district-prison/3035-457/" data-ref-id="3035-457">D-District Prison</a>.</p><h3>Sorceress Edea</h3><figure data-align="right" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/5128/306709-ff8_edea.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-306709" data-size="small" data-ratio="1.2244897959184" data-width="735" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 735px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:122.4%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/5128/306709-ff8_edea.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-306709"><img alt="No Caption Provided" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" sizes="(max-width: 522px) 100vw, 522px" data-width="522" class="js-lazy-load-image" data-src="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_small/0/5128/306709-ff8_edea.jpg" data-srcset="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/original/0/5128/306709-ff8_edea.jpg 735w, https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_medium/0/5128/306709-ff8_edea.jpg 480w, https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_small/0/5128/306709-ff8_edea.jpg 522w"><noscript><img alt="No Caption Provided" src="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_small/0/5128/306709-ff8_edea.jpg" srcset="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/original/0/5128/306709-ff8_edea.jpg 735w, https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_medium/0/5128/306709-ff8_edea.jpg 480w, https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_small/0/5128/306709-ff8_edea.jpg 522w" sizes="(max-width: 522px) 100vw, 522px" data-width="522"></noscript></a></figure><p><a href="/edea-kramer/3005-2479/" data-ref-id="3005-2479">Edea</a> allies herself to the Galbadian President, Vincent Deling, and helps him with his plan of increasing his nation’s power. She publicly kills the President and takes his place as the ruler of Galbadia. It is later revealed that these actions are the result of Edea being possessed by the evil Sorceress <a href="/ultimecia/3005-1131/" data-ref-id="3005-1131">Ultmecia</a>, and that she actually has a kind and caring temperament. She ran the orphanage at which a number of the other characters were raised as children.</p><h2>Guardian Forces</h2><p>Final Fantasy VIII has a wide array of <a href="/eidolon/3015-5069/" data-ref-id="3015-5069">Guardian Forces</a> (GFs) that can be assigned to any of the playable characters. GFs are significant for a number of reasons. The use of GFs can help overcome difficult bosses, and they are integral to progression through the game. This is another example of how FFVIII breaks away from the traditional approrach taken by the series. Summonable creatures ordinarily take a secondary role in battles, but FFVIII places them directly at the forefront of the action. As each GF gets stronger, it will learn new abilities, such as allowing the summoner to assign magic to a new attribute, for example. Some GFs are unlocked by defeating them in battle, while others are drawn from opponents. Collecting all of the GFs is a popular side-quest for many players, and it is by no means an easy task.</p><p>Guardian Forces are key to building the main characters and are tied directly to the Junctioning system. Without a GF junctioned to him or her, a character cannot perform any actions in battle except for Fight. Junctioning the Guardian Force allows characters to select and customize their battle commands, including using Items, casting Magic, etc. Moreover, as a Guardian stays junctioned to a character and participates in battle, the affinity between a Guardian Force and that character grows. One of the more obvious benefits to a higher affinity is that the Guardian Force will unleash its attack quicker when summoned as a result.</p><p>All GFs, except for GFs that deal a fixed amount of damage (<a href="/diablos/3005-3706/" data-ref-id="3005-3706">Diablos</a>, <a href="/jumbo-cactuar/3005-3721/" data-ref-id="3005-3721">Jumbo Cactuar</a>) or GFs that cast support magic (<a href="/carbuncle/3005-3707/" data-ref-id="3005-3707">Carbuncle</a>, Cerberus, <a href="/siren/3005-3704/" data-ref-id="3005-3704">Siren</a>, etc.), have an unlockable ability called Boost. Every GF that has the potential to earn this ability can do so when first obtained. Boost is achieved tapping a specific button during the GFs attacking animation. At the bottom right is an icon with a number starting at 70 and a hand pointing at it. While the GF is attacking, the player has a limited amount of time to repeatedly tap the button to make the number increase. At random intervals a red "X" will appear over the hand, warning the player to stop pressing the button a little bit. The player has a few chances for accidentally doing it, but pressing the button more than three times when the red "X" is on screen will reset the boost number back to 70. The higher the number for boost, the higher the damage of the regular GF attack.</p><h3>Quezacotl</h3><figure data-align="right" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/4495/1346611-quezacotl.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-1346611" data-size="small" data-ratio="0.68231611893584" data-width="639" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 639px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:68.2%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/4495/1346611-quezacotl.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-1346611"><img alt="Quezacotl" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" sizes="(max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px" data-width="320" class="js-lazy-load-image" data-src="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_small/0/4495/1346611-quezacotl.jpg" data-srcset="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/original/0/4495/1346611-quezacotl.jpg 639w, https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_medium/0/4495/1346611-quezacotl.jpg 480w, https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_small/0/4495/1346611-quezacotl.jpg 320w"><noscript><img alt="Quezacotl" src="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_small/0/4495/1346611-quezacotl.jpg" srcset="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/original/0/4495/1346611-quezacotl.jpg 639w, https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_medium/0/4495/1346611-quezacotl.jpg 480w, https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_small/0/4495/1346611-quezacotl.jpg 320w" sizes="(max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px" data-width="320"></noscript></a><figcaption>Quezacotl</figcaption></figure><p><a href="/quezacotl/3005-3702/" data-ref-id="3005-3702">Quezacotl</a> and Shiva are the first two GFs found in the game. <a href="/squall-leonhart/3005-783/" data-ref-id="3005-783">Squall</a> can find them in his desk at the very beginning of the game. If the player misses this chance, <a href="/quistis-trepe/3005-805/" data-ref-id="3005-805">Quistis</a> will give the two GFs to Squall before the first test. Quezacotl is a thunder elemental and is a primary source of thunder damage early in the game. Quezacotl's two most useful abilities are <b>Card Mod</b> and <b>Card.</b> Card mod allows the player to refine items from pre-owned cards. Card will change the targeted enemy into a card, which is very useful early on.</p><h3>Shiva</h3><figure data-align="right" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/4495/1346614-shiva3.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-1346614" data-size="small" data-ratio="0.75" data-width="640" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 640px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:75.0%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/4495/1346614-shiva3.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-1346614"><img alt="Shiva" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" sizes="(max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px" data-width="320" class="js-lazy-load-image" data-src="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_small/0/4495/1346614-shiva3.jpg" data-srcset="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/original/0/4495/1346614-shiva3.jpg 640w, https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_medium/0/4495/1346614-shiva3.jpg 480w, https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_small/0/4495/1346614-shiva3.jpg 320w"><noscript><img alt="Shiva" src="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_small/0/4495/1346614-shiva3.jpg" srcset="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/original/0/4495/1346614-shiva3.jpg 640w, https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_medium/0/4495/1346614-shiva3.jpg 480w, https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_small/0/4495/1346614-shiva3.jpg 320w" sizes="(max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px" data-width="320"></noscript></a><figcaption>Shiva</figcaption></figure><p><a href="/shiva/3005-2884/" data-ref-id="3005-2884">Shiva</a> is acquired at the same time as Quezacotl. She is an Ice elemental and is a primary source of ice attacks. Shiva's most useful abilities are <b>Vitality</b> &amp; <b>Spirit .</b> These abilities are passive and are important to have early on in the game. These simply give the equipped character a vitality or spirit boost for each level. Her low HP makes her less viable later in the game, but her ice skills are still unmatched.</p><h3>Ifrit</h3><figure data-align="right" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/4231/218466-8_ifrit_a.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-218466" data-size="small" data-ratio="1.2676056338028" data-width="710" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 710px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:126.8%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/4231/218466-8_ifrit_a.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-218466"><img alt="Ifrit" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" sizes="(max-width: 504px) 100vw, 504px" data-width="504" class="js-lazy-load-image" data-src="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_small/0/4231/218466-8_ifrit_a.jpg" data-srcset="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/original/0/4231/218466-8_ifrit_a.jpg 710w, https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_small/0/4231/218466-8_ifrit_a.jpg 504w"><noscript><img alt="Ifrit" src="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_small/0/4231/218466-8_ifrit_a.jpg" srcset="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/original/0/4231/218466-8_ifrit_a.jpg 710w, https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_small/0/4231/218466-8_ifrit_a.jpg 504w" sizes="(max-width: 504px) 100vw, 504px" data-width="504"></noscript></a><figcaption>Ifrit</figcaption></figure><p><a href="/ifrit/3005-2883/" data-ref-id="3005-2883">Ifrit</a> is the first GF that Squall actually earns in FFVIII. Ifrit is found early on at the end of the Fire Cavern quest with <a href="/quistis-trepe/3005-805/" data-ref-id="3005-805">Quistis</a>. Ifrit is a <a href="/fire-element/3015-3897/" data-ref-id="3015-3897">fire elemental</a> GF and one of the most powerful. Ifrit's most useful abilities are <b>HP-J</b> &amp; <b>STR Bonus.</b> Ifrit's HP-J skill allows curative magic to be junctioned to the character's HP, giving large HP boosts early on. While STR Bonus is another good early skill for low levels.</p><h3>Siren</h3><figure data-align="right" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/431/365842-siren.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-365842" data-size="small" data-ratio="0.75" data-width="640" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 640px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:75.0%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/431/365842-siren.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-365842"><img alt="Siren" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" sizes="(max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px" data-width="320" class="js-lazy-load-image" data-src="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_small/0/431/365842-siren.jpg" data-srcset="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/original/0/431/365842-siren.jpg 640w, https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_medium/0/431/365842-siren.jpg 480w, https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_small/0/431/365842-siren.jpg 320w"><noscript><img alt="Siren" src="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_small/0/431/365842-siren.jpg" srcset="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/original/0/431/365842-siren.jpg 640w, https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_medium/0/431/365842-siren.jpg 480w, https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_small/0/431/365842-siren.jpg 320w" sizes="(max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px" data-width="320"></noscript></a><figcaption>Siren</figcaption></figure><p><a href="/siren/3005-3704/" data-ref-id="3005-3704">Siren</a> is the first non-elemental and non-attacking GF. Siren must be drawn from Elvoret at the top of <a href="/dollet/3035-444/" data-ref-id="3035-444">Dollet</a> Comm Tower. Siren does not attack but casts silence on all her enemies. This makes her most useful against magic casters. Siren's most useful abilities are <b>Treatment</b> &amp; <b>Move-Find.</b> Treatment is a skill that heals any abnormal status effects. Move-Find helps the player <a href="/see-invisible/3015-7560/" data-ref-id="3015-7560">see invisible</a> save &amp; draw points.</p><h3>Brothers</h3><figure data-align="right" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/4495/1347761-brothers5.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-1347761" data-size="small" data-ratio="0.75" data-width="640" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 640px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:75.0%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/4495/1347761-brothers5.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-1347761"><img alt="Brothers" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" sizes="(max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px" data-width="320" class="js-lazy-load-image" data-src="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_small/0/4495/1347761-brothers5.jpg" data-srcset="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/original/0/4495/1347761-brothers5.jpg 640w, https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_medium/0/4495/1347761-brothers5.jpg 480w, https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_small/0/4495/1347761-brothers5.jpg 320w"><noscript><img alt="Brothers" src="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_small/0/4495/1347761-brothers5.jpg" srcset="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/original/0/4495/1347761-brothers5.jpg 640w, https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_medium/0/4495/1347761-brothers5.jpg 480w, https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_small/0/4495/1347761-brothers5.jpg 320w" sizes="(max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px" data-width="320"></noscript></a><figcaption>Brothers</figcaption></figure><p>The <a href="/the-brothers/3005-3705/" data-ref-id="3005-3705">Brothers</a> GF is the first side quest GF available in the game. To reach the mansion, the player needs to go find a lost soldier's code tag in the <a href="/tomb-of-the-unknown-king/3035-449/" data-ref-id="3035-449">Tomb of the Unknown King</a>. The code is right at the entrance, but proper management through the underground maze will lead the team to fight both brothers. The Brothers are an <a href="/earth-element/3015-3899/" data-ref-id="3015-3899">earth elemental</a>, meaning they cannot attack flying enemies. To aid yourself against them in the boss battle, cast float on all your characters. The Brothers' most useful abilities are <b>HP</b> &amp; <b>HP Bonus</b>. The earlier this GF is obtained, the GF the better it will be for the equipped character. The Brothers play rock paper scissors to decide who will be launched in the air for their attack.</p><h3>Diablos</h3><figure data-align="right" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/431/365941-diablos.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-365941" data-size="small" data-ratio="0.75" data-width="640" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 640px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:75.0%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/431/365941-diablos.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-365941"><img alt="Diablos" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" sizes="(max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px" data-width="320" class="js-lazy-load-image" data-src="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_small/0/431/365941-diablos.jpg" data-srcset="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/original/0/431/365941-diablos.jpg 640w, https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_medium/0/431/365941-diablos.jpg 480w, https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_small/0/431/365941-diablos.jpg 320w"><noscript><img alt="Diablos" src="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_small/0/431/365941-diablos.jpg" srcset="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/original/0/431/365941-diablos.jpg 640w, https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_medium/0/431/365941-diablos.jpg 480w, https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_small/0/431/365941-diablos.jpg 320w" sizes="(max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px" data-width="320"></noscript></a><figcaption>Diablos</figcaption></figure><p><a href="/diablos/3005-3706/" data-ref-id="3005-3706">Diablos</a> can be obtained while leaving for <a href="/timber/3035-440/" data-ref-id="3035-440">Timber</a>. As the team leaves <a href="/balamb/3035-434/" data-ref-id="3035-434">Balamb</a>, Cid will hand Squall the Magical Lamp item. The item can be used at any time on the battlefield, doing so will launch the team into this challenging boss battle. It is best to fight Diablos as soon as possible, when the main characters are weak. Diablos has no element but he attacks, not in set damage, but by deducting a percentage of the enemy's HP. At level 100, Diablos will attack 100% of the enemies HP. Diablos' most useful abilities are <b>Mug</b> &amp; <b>Abilityx3</b>. Mug is an action that replaces the characters attack option. It works like steal does for thieves, but it steals during a regular attack. This ability should always be on someone. Abilityx3 does exactly that, gives that character a third ability option. <strong>Enc-Half</strong> and<strong> Enc-None</strong> reduce and eliminate random encounters in FF8 respectively. These are the only abilities in the FF series that allow the player to bypass random encounters.</p><h3>Carbuncle</h3><figure data-align="right" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/1/14211/398105-carbuncle8_b.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-398105" data-size="small" data-ratio="0.67555555555556" data-width="450" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 450px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:67.6%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/1/14211/398105-carbuncle8_b.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-398105"><img alt="Carbuncle" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" sizes="(max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px" data-width="320" class="js-lazy-load-image" data-src="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_small/1/14211/398105-carbuncle8_b.jpg" data-srcset="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/original/1/14211/398105-carbuncle8_b.jpg 450w, https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_small/1/14211/398105-carbuncle8_b.jpg 320w"><noscript><img alt="Carbuncle" src="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_small/1/14211/398105-carbuncle8_b.jpg" srcset="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/original/1/14211/398105-carbuncle8_b.jpg 450w, https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_small/1/14211/398105-carbuncle8_b.jpg 320w" sizes="(max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px" data-width="320"></noscript></a><figcaption>Carbuncle</figcaption></figure><p><a href="/carbuncle/3005-3707/" data-ref-id="3005-3707">Carbuncle</a> is a useful GF who has no element and does not attack. Carbuncle must be drawn from the Iguions at the end of disc one right before the fight with Edea. Carbuncle will be of immediate use, because he will save the team during the Edea battle that occurs soon after he is found. Carbuncle does not attack, but instead buffs all of the party with reflect. Reflect prevents any magic from hitting the party, and during the first Edea battle, she only uses magic. The magic is bounced back at the enemy. Carbuncle's most useful abilities are <b>ST-ATK-J</b> &amp; <b>Abilityx3</b>.ST-Atk-J makes magic able to be junctioned to a characters attack. Abilityx3 gives that character a third ability slot.</p><h3>Leviathan</h3><figure data-align="right" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/2218/381848-summoning_leviathan_ff9.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-381848" data-size="small" data-ratio="0.75" data-width="300" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 300px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:75.0%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/2218/381848-summoning_leviathan_ff9.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-381848"><img alt="Leviathan" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" data-width="300" class="js-lazy-load-image" data-src="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/original/0/2218/381848-summoning_leviathan_ff9.jpg" data-srcset="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/original/0/2218/381848-summoning_leviathan_ff9.jpg 300w"><noscript><img alt="Leviathan" src="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/original/0/2218/381848-summoning_leviathan_ff9.jpg" srcset="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/original/0/2218/381848-summoning_leviathan_ff9.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" data-width="300"></noscript></a><figcaption>Leviathan</figcaption></figure><p><a href="/leviathan/3005-3703/" data-ref-id="3005-3703">Leviathan</a> is the first GF on disc two. He needs to be drawn from <a href="/norg/3005-19126/" data-ref-id="3005-19126">NORG</a> during the fight at <a href="/balamb-garden/3035-232/" data-ref-id="3035-232">Balamb Garden</a>. Leviathan is a <a href="/water-element/3015-3898/" data-ref-id="3015-3898">water elemental</a> and his attack is the strongest water elemental damage in the game. Leviathan rises as a dragon to the top of a sloped mountain, dissolves into water, and rushes his enemies in a large tsunami. Leviathan's most useful abilities are <b>Recover</b> &amp; <b>Spr Bonus</b>. Recover is an ability that fully restores one party member's HP. Spr Bonus gives the character an additional bonus after every level up.</p><h3>Pandemona</h3><figure data-align="right" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/431/366178-pandemona2.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-366178" data-size="small" data-ratio="0.75" data-width="640" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 640px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:75.0%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/431/366178-pandemona2.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-366178"><img alt="Pandemona" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" sizes="(max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px" data-width="320" class="js-lazy-load-image" data-src="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_small/0/431/366178-pandemona2.jpg" data-srcset="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/original/0/431/366178-pandemona2.jpg 640w, https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_medium/0/431/366178-pandemona2.jpg 480w, https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_small/0/431/366178-pandemona2.jpg 320w"><noscript><img alt="Pandemona" src="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_small/0/431/366178-pandemona2.jpg" srcset="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/original/0/431/366178-pandemona2.jpg 640w, https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_medium/0/431/366178-pandemona2.jpg 480w, https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_small/0/431/366178-pandemona2.jpg 320w" sizes="(max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px" data-width="320"></noscript></a><figcaption>Pandemona</figcaption></figure><p><a href="/pandemona/3005-3708/" data-ref-id="3005-3708">Pandemona</a> needs to be drawn from <a href="/fujin/3005-2621/" data-ref-id="3005-2621">Fujin</a> during the Fujin and <a href="/raijin/3005-2634/" data-ref-id="3005-2634">Raijin</a> boss battle. Pandemona is a <a href="/air-element/3015-3900/" data-ref-id="3015-3900">wind elemental</a>.. Pandemona's most useful abilities, <b>Spd-J</b> &amp; <b>Initiative,</b> primarily focus on increasing a characters speed. Initiative starts a battle with all of the player characters with a full ATB bar. Spd-J allows junctioning magic to speed, hasting that character in the process.</p><h3>Cerberus</h3><figure data-align="right" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/13/138782/2059451-cerberus.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2059451" data-size="small" data-ratio="0.80888888888889" data-width="225" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 225px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:80.9%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/13/138782/2059451-cerberus.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2059451"><img alt="No Caption Provided" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" sizes="(max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px" data-width="225" class="js-lazy-load-image" data-src="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/original/13/138782/2059451-cerberus.jpg" data-srcset="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/original/13/138782/2059451-cerberus.jpg 225w"><noscript><img alt="No Caption Provided" src="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/original/13/138782/2059451-cerberus.jpg" srcset="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/original/13/138782/2059451-cerberus.jpg 225w" sizes="(max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px" data-width="225"></noscript></a></figure><p>Cerberus is the first optional GF battle of disc two. He is standing right in the center of Galbadia Garden's main hall. Cerberus does not attack, instead he casts double &amp; triple on your party. Double and Triple allow a character to cast three or two times per turn. Cerberus' most useful abilities are <b>ST-Atk-J</b> &amp; <b>ST-Def-Jx4.</b> He has one of the best sets of junctioning abilities in the game. Cerberus also has the <strong>Auto-Haste</strong> ability which allows the equipped character to be in a constantly hasted state.</p><h3>Alexander</h3><figure data-align="right" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/13/138782/2059452-alexander3.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2059452" data-size="small" data-ratio="0.75" data-width="640" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 640px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:75.0%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/13/138782/2059452-alexander3.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2059452"><img alt="No Caption Provided" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" sizes="(max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px" data-width="320" class="js-lazy-load-image" data-src="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_small/13/138782/2059452-alexander3.jpg" data-srcset="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/original/13/138782/2059452-alexander3.jpg 640w, https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_medium/13/138782/2059452-alexander3.jpg 480w, https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_small/13/138782/2059452-alexander3.jpg 320w"><noscript><img alt="No Caption Provided" src="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_small/13/138782/2059452-alexander3.jpg" srcset="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/original/13/138782/2059452-alexander3.jpg 640w, https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_medium/13/138782/2059452-alexander3.jpg 480w, https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_small/13/138782/2059452-alexander3.jpg 320w" sizes="(max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px" data-width="320"></noscript></a></figure><p><a href="/alexander/3005-2885/" data-ref-id="3005-2885">Alexander</a> must be drawn from the <a href="/edea-kramer/3005-2479/" data-ref-id="3005-2479">Edea</a> boss battle at the end of disc two. Alexander is a holy elemental, making him great against <a href="/undead/3015-1155/" data-ref-id="3015-1155">undead</a> enemies. His attack starts off fairly weak. Alexander's most useful abilities are <b>Med LV Up</b> &amp; <b>Revive.</b> Med LV Up will help you on a late game sidequest to procure an item needed to receive the Doom Train GF. Revive will immediately resurrect a downed enemy.</p><h3>Doomtrain</h3><figure data-align="right" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/431/366225-doomtrain5.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-366225" data-size="small" data-ratio="0.75" data-width="640" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 640px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:75.0%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/431/366225-doomtrain5.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-366225"><img alt="No Caption Provided" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" sizes="(max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px" data-width="320" class="js-lazy-load-image" data-src="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_small/0/431/366225-doomtrain5.jpg" data-srcset="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/original/0/431/366225-doomtrain5.jpg 640w, https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_medium/0/431/366225-doomtrain5.jpg 480w, https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_small/0/431/366225-doomtrain5.jpg 320w"><noscript><img alt="No Caption Provided" src="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_small/0/431/366225-doomtrain5.jpg" srcset="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/original/0/431/366225-doomtrain5.jpg 640w, https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_medium/0/431/366225-doomtrain5.jpg 480w, https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_small/0/431/366225-doomtrain5.jpg 320w" sizes="(max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px" data-width="320"></noscript></a></figure><p><a href="/doomtrain/3005-3710/" data-ref-id="3005-3710">Doomtrain</a> is available at the white SeeD ship part of disc three til the end of the game. Certain items are required to find him including Solomon Ring, Marlboro Tentacles, Remedy, and Steel Pipes to use the ring. The ring must be used at Tears' Point. Using the ring summons Doomtrain, who will immediately join the party. Doomtrain is a <a href="/poison/3015-287/" data-ref-id="3015-287">poison</a> elemental who casts abnormal status effects on his enemies. Doomtrain has the best set of junctioning abilities in FFVIII and has many useful junctioning abilities.</p><h3>Bahamut</h3><figure data-align="right" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/4495/1349740-bahamut6.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-1349740" data-size="small" data-ratio="0.75" data-width="640" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 640px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:75.0%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/4495/1349740-bahamut6.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-1349740"><img alt="No Caption Provided" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" sizes="(max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px" data-width="320" class="js-lazy-load-image" data-src="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_small/0/4495/1349740-bahamut6.jpg" data-srcset="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/original/0/4495/1349740-bahamut6.jpg 640w, https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_medium/0/4495/1349740-bahamut6.jpg 480w, https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_small/0/4495/1349740-bahamut6.jpg 320w"><noscript><img alt="No Caption Provided" src="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_small/0/4495/1349740-bahamut6.jpg" srcset="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/original/0/4495/1349740-bahamut6.jpg 640w, https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_medium/0/4495/1349740-bahamut6.jpg 480w, https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_small/0/4495/1349740-bahamut6.jpg 320w" sizes="(max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px" data-width="320"></noscript></a></figure><p><a href="/bahamut/3005-1744/" data-ref-id="3005-1744">Bahamut</a> can be obtained at the <a href="/deep-sea-research-center/3035-453/" data-ref-id="3035-453">Deep Sea Research Center</a> on disc three. Squall must answer his questions correctly to initiate the battle. Bahamut has no element and average damage however, the meat of his attack is the length of his animation. The length of the attack will give the player enough time to fully boost Bahamut, increasing his damage drastically. Bahamut's most useful abilities are <b>Abilityx4</b>&amp; <b>Mug.</b></p><h3>Jumbo Cactuar</h3><figure data-align="right" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/1/11332/389137-jumbocactuar8.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-389137" data-size="small" data-ratio="1.2760942760943" data-width="297" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 297px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:127.6%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/1/11332/389137-jumbocactuar8.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-389137"><img alt="Jumbo Cactuar" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" sizes="(max-width: 297px) 100vw, 297px" data-width="297" class="js-lazy-load-image" data-src="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/original/1/11332/389137-jumbocactuar8.jpg" data-srcset="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/original/1/11332/389137-jumbocactuar8.jpg 297w"><noscript><img alt="Jumbo Cactuar" src="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/original/1/11332/389137-jumbocactuar8.jpg" srcset="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/original/1/11332/389137-jumbocactuar8.jpg 297w" sizes="(max-width: 297px) 100vw, 297px" data-width="297"></noscript></a><figcaption>Jumbo Cactuar</figcaption></figure><p><a href="/jumbo-cactuar/3005-3721/" data-ref-id="3005-3721">Jumbo Cactuar</a> is located on <a href="/cactuar-island/3035-450/" data-ref-id="3035-450">Cactuar Island</a>, east of <a href="/centra-ruins/3035-456/" data-ref-id="3035-456">Centra Ruins</a>. On the small island, a cactus can sometimes be seen on the world map. Running into it starts a battle against Jumbo Cactuar and his saucy <a href="/mustache/3055-125/" data-ref-id="3055-125">moustache</a>. Cactuar's 1000 Needles attack does 1,000 damage for every ten levels, making his max damage 10,000 and the second most powerful GF in the game, just barely breaking the 9,999 damage limit. Cactuar's specialties lie in his damage, making his abilities an afterthought. Cactuar has access to all of the bonus abilities, which makes early acquisition of this GF a priority in runs that attempt to max out every character.</p><h3>Tonberry King</h3><figure data-align="right" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/431/263130-tonberry.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-263130" data-size="small" data-ratio="0.75" data-width="640" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 640px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:75.0%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/431/263130-tonberry.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-263130"><img alt="Tonberry King" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" sizes="(max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px" data-width="320" class="js-lazy-load-image" data-src="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_small/0/431/263130-tonberry.jpg" data-srcset="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/original/0/431/263130-tonberry.jpg 640w, https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_medium/0/431/263130-tonberry.jpg 480w, https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_small/0/431/263130-tonberry.jpg 320w"><noscript><img alt="Tonberry King" src="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_small/0/431/263130-tonberry.jpg" srcset="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/original/0/431/263130-tonberry.jpg 640w, https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_medium/0/431/263130-tonberry.jpg 480w, https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_small/0/431/263130-tonberry.jpg 320w" sizes="(max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px" data-width="320"></noscript></a><figcaption>Tonberry King</figcaption></figure><p><a href="/tonberry-king/3005-3720/" data-ref-id="3005-3720">Tonberry King</a> is definitely the hardest GF to obtain in the game. In <a href="/centra-ruins/3035-456/" data-ref-id="3035-456">Centra Ruins</a>, at least twenty of the difficult <a href="/tonberry/3015-3508/" data-ref-id="3015-3508">tonberry</a> enemies must be slain before randomly coming into a battle with the Tonberry King. Tonberry King is one of the hardest boss fights in the game and he can take upwards of two hours to defeat. Tonberry is great to have at shops with his <b>Familiar</b> and <b>Call Shop</b> skills. Familiar adds rare items to all shops, while call shop brings the shop to the player. His Lv. Down and Lv. Up abilities are good for making a hard enemy easy, or strengthening a weak enemy for greater loot.</p><h3>Eden</h3><figure data-align="right" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/4495/1376034-eden6.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-1376034" data-size="small" data-ratio="0.75" data-width="640" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 640px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:75.0%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/4495/1376034-eden6.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-1376034"><img alt="No Caption Provided" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" sizes="(max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px" data-width="320" class="js-lazy-load-image" data-src="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_small/0/4495/1376034-eden6.jpg" data-srcset="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/original/0/4495/1376034-eden6.jpg 640w, https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_medium/0/4495/1376034-eden6.jpg 480w, https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_small/0/4495/1376034-eden6.jpg 320w"><noscript><img alt="No Caption Provided" src="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_small/0/4495/1376034-eden6.jpg" srcset="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/original/0/4495/1376034-eden6.jpg 640w, https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_medium/0/4495/1376034-eden6.jpg 480w, https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/scale_small/0/4495/1376034-eden6.jpg 320w" sizes="(max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px" data-width="320"></noscript></a></figure><p><a href="/eden/3005-3712/" data-ref-id="3005-3712">Eden</a> is the last GF in FFVIII and he is the most powerful. Eden can be acquired from <a href="/ultima-weapon/3005-4122/" data-ref-id="3005-4122">Ultima Weapon</a> at the bottom of <a href="/deep-sea-research-center/3035-453/" data-ref-id="3035-453">Deep Sea Research</a> after passing <a href="/bahamut/3005-1744/" data-ref-id="3005-1744">Bahamut</a>. Eden's base damage is 13,000 but when fully boosted, it can reach over 60,000 points. This means Eden has the strongest single-hitting attack in the game and thus making Final Fantasy VIII the first game in the series to break the 9,999 damage limit, along with <a href="/quistis-trepe/3005-805/" data-ref-id="3005-805">Quistis</a>´ final limit break and <a href="/jumbo-cactuar/3005-3721/" data-ref-id="3005-3721">Jumbo Cactuar</a>. The damage limit is theoretically 99,999, but since the damage values in the game are based on 16-bit integer values, the damage can never exceed 65,535. Eden's <strong>Devour</strong> ability will let that character eat certain enemies and use their abilities to increase the party's stats.</p><h2>Low-Level Run</h2><p>As stated in the gameplay section, Final Fantasy VIII features an all new experience system which actually rewards the player with easier gameplay in a low level run. This is easier done than grinding, however it requires a lot of mindfulness and preparation.</p><p>Most battles in the game are escapable, the problem with constantly escaping is that the player would earn no AP towards their GF's abilities. In a low-level run this can be fixed by simply going to the beach of Balamb in the first 15 minutes of the game and fighting the fish with Quezacoatl junctioned until he learns 10 AP, learning the Card ability.</p><p>The Card ability equips "Card" to one of a character's ability slots. When Card is used on an enemy who has lost a majority of its health it turns them into a Triple Triad card version of that enemy. Ending a battle like this nets the player the AP that the minion is worth with non of the experience. This allows the player to get more abilities for their GF which will help make the characters stronger without scaling the enemies up one bit.</p><p>In a No-Level run, which is more common, the player must wait until about half an hour into the game when they are on the SeeD test. It is important that the player does not fight any random battles up until this point. When on the SeeD mission in <a href="/dollet/3035-444/" data-ref-id="3035-444">Dollet</a> the player should kill off Squall and Zell and keep Seifer alive. The player can now use Seifer to kill the blue guards. Since Seifer is only playable for this section any experience gained on him does not count, and Squall and Zell gain nothing due to being knocked out. This only needs to be done until Ifrit hits level 10 and Quezacoatl learns "Card" ability.</p><p>With proper use of Triple Triad and use of Quezacoatl's "Card Mod" ability the player can easily hit 9,999 each hit by the end of the game while the final boss will only have about 30k HP.</p><h2>Triple Triad Cards</h2><table data-max-width="true"><thead><tr><th scope="col">Card Name</th><th scope="col">Top Stat</th><th scope="col">Left Stat</th><th scope="col">Bottom Stat</th><th scope="col">Right Stat</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Geezard</td><td>1</td><td>5</td><td>1</td><td>4</td></tr><tr><td>Funguar</td><td>5</td><td>3</td><td>1</td><td>1</td></tr><tr><td>Bite Bug</td><td>1</td><td>5</td><td>3</td><td>3</td></tr><tr><td>Red Bat</td><td>6</td><td>2</td><td>1</td><td>1</td></tr><tr><td>Blobra</td><td>2</td><td>5</td><td>1</td><td>3</td></tr><tr><td>Gayla</td><td>2</td><td>4</td><td>4</td><td>1</td></tr><tr><td>Gesper</td><td>1</td><td>1</td><td>4</td><td>5</td></tr><tr><td>Fastitocalon-F</td><td>3</td><td>1</td><td>2</td><td>5</td></tr><tr><td>Blood Soul</td><td>2</td><td>1</td><td>6</td><td>1</td></tr><tr><td>Caterchipillar</td><td>4</td><td>3</td><td>4</td><td>2</td></tr><tr><td>Cockatrice</td><td>2</td><td>6</td><td>2</td><td>1</td></tr><tr><td> </td><td> </td><td> </td><td> </td><td> </td></tr></tbody></table><h2>The PocketStation</h2><figure data-align="right" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/3715/591748-chocobo_world_screenshot_blobra.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-591748" data-size="small" data-ratio="1" data-width="256" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 256px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:100.0%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/0/3715/591748-chocobo_world_screenshot_blobra.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-591748"><img alt="No Caption Provided" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" sizes="(max-width: 256px) 100vw, 256px" data-width="256" class="js-lazy-load-image" data-src="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/original/0/3715/591748-chocobo_world_screenshot_blobra.jpg" data-srcset="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/original/0/3715/591748-chocobo_world_screenshot_blobra.jpg 256w"><noscript><img alt="No Caption Provided" src="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/original/0/3715/591748-chocobo_world_screenshot_blobra.jpg" srcset="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/original/0/3715/591748-chocobo_world_screenshot_blobra.jpg 256w" sizes="(max-width: 256px) 100vw, 256px" data-width="256"></noscript></a></figure><p>Final Fantasy VIII supports the <a href="/playstation/3045-22/" data-ref-id="3045-22">PocketStation</a>, a minature console that was only released in Japan. When plugged into the PlayStation, the PocketStation allowed users to play a special minigame called "Chocobo World," by reading the FFVIII save file. The game involved controlling a <a href="/chocobo/3015-259/" data-ref-id="3015-259">chocobo</a> and leading him to gain items that could then be used within the main Final Fantasy VIII game itself. The <a href="/eidolon/3015-5069/" data-ref-id="3015-5069">Guardian Force</a> <a href="/boko/3005-1973/" data-ref-id="3005-1973">Boko</a> also had three additional special attacks that could only be obtained through the Pocketstaion, or by playing the version of Chocobo World that was included in the PC version.</p><h2>Music</h2><figure data-align="right" data-img-src="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/6/68540/1470601-ff8.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-1470601" data-size="small" data-ratio="1.0044642857143" data-width="224" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 224px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:100.4%" href="https://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/original/6/68540/1470601-ff8.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-1470601"><img alt="Final Fantasy VIII - Original Soundtrack" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" sizes="(max-width: 224px) 100vw, 224px" data-width="224" class="js-lazy-load-image" data-src="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/original/6/68540/1470601-ff8.jpg" data-srcset="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/original/6/68540/1470601-ff8.jpg 224w"><noscript><img alt="Final Fantasy VIII - Original Soundtrack" src="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/original/6/68540/1470601-ff8.jpg" srcset="https://giantbomb1.cbsistatic.com/uploads/original/6/68540/1470601-ff8.jpg 224w" sizes="(max-width: 224px) 100vw, 224px" data-width="224"></noscript></a><figcaption>Final Fantasy VIII - Original Soundtrack</figcaption></figure><p>The music for Final Fantasy VIII was written and composed by <a href="/nobuo-uematsu/3040-635/" data-ref-id="3040-635">Nobuo Uematsu</a>. Uematsu, like with <a href="/final-fantasy-vii/3030-13053/" data-ref-id="3030-13053">Final Fantasy VII</a>, took advantage of the sound capabilities of Sony's <a href="/playstation/3045-22/" data-ref-id="3045-22">PlayStation</a> which enabled him to create a richer sound than in previous titles. The game and its soundtrack are both known for being somewhat anomalous in the long running series. For the soundtrack this is evidenced by Uematsu's clear break with the work he has done on previous games. Uematsu started doing more full orchestral work and the soundtrack has more electronic influences than ever before. Furthermore, the overall narrative of the music can be described as more cinematic than audiences came to expect from Uematsu.</p><p>The most notable tracks on the soundtrack are the opening theme, called "Liberi Fatali"--meaning something along the lines of "Fated Children"--and "Eyes On Me". Liberi Fatali is a full orchestral piece arranged by Shiro Hamaguchi and accompanies the game's opening cinematic. Its main melody is used as a <i>leitmotif</i>for several pieces used for key scenes in the game's story. The song is also notable for its use of a full choir. The other song, Eyes on Me, is notable because it is a ballad with full vocals and is used in-game. The use of a pop song with vocals was a first for the Final Fantasy franchise and has set a trend which continued on up until the most recent Final Fantasy game. Eyes On Me was composed by Uematsu and sung by the famous Chinese singer <a href="/faye-wong/3040-16855/" data-ref-id="3040-16855">Faye Wong</a>. The song's lyrics were written by Kako Someya. The melody of this song is the <i>leitmotif</i> for various other pieces which signify romantic moments in the game's story--for example, Julia's theme in certain flashbacks and related moments. It was released on CD in Japan which subsequently sold over 400,000 units. Eyes on Me has been the best-selling piece of video game music in Japan until the release of "Hikari" by singer Utada Hikaru for the first of the <a href="/kingdom-hearts/3030-10983/" data-ref-id="3030-10983">Kingdom Hearts</a> games. The song is also noteworthy because it is the first piece of video game music to win an award at the Annual Japan Gold Disc Awards.</p><h3><b>Final Fantasy VIII - Original Soundtrack</b></h3><p><b>Disc One</b></p><ul><li>01 - Liberi Fatali (3:06)</li><li>02 - Balamb GARDEN (3:29)</li><li>03 - Blue Fields (2:54)</li><li>04 - Don't be Afraid (2:51)</li><li>05 - The Winner (1:07)</li><li>06 - Find Your Way (3:48)</li><li>07 - SeeD (4:17)</li><li>08 - The Landing (4:36)</li><li>09 - Starting Up (1:18)</li><li>10 - Force Your Way (3:53)</li><li>11 - The Loser (1:27)</li><li>12 - Never Look Back (3:23)</li><li>13 - Dead End (1:11)</li><li>14 - Breezy (2:44)</li><li>15 - Shuffle or Boogie (2:04)</li><li>16 - Waltz for the Moon (3:01)</li><li>17 - Tell Me (3:25)</li><li>18 - Fear (2:25)</li><li>19 - The Man with the Machine Gun (2:50)</li><li>20 - Julia (1:22)</li><li>21 - Roses and Wine (2:19)</li><li>22 - Junction (1:38)</li><li>23 - Timber Owls (2:51)</li></ul><p><b>Disc Two</b></p><ul><li>01 - My Mind (3:12)</li><li>02 - The Mission (3:37)</li><li>03 - Martial Law (3:48)</li><li>04 - Cactus Jack (Galbadian Anthem) (1:29)</li><li>05 - Only a Plank Between One and Perdition (2:24)</li><li>06 - SUCCESSION OF WITCHES (3:19)</li><li>07 - Galbadia GARDEN (3:37)</li><li>08 - Unrest (2:37)</li><li>09 - Under Her Control (3:31)</li><li>10 - The Stage is Set (3:40)</li><li>11 - A Sacrifice (3:27)</li><li>12 - FITHOS LUSEC WECOS VINOSEC (4:33)</li><li>13 - Intruders (2:32)</li><li>14 - Premonition (4:37)</li><li>15 - Wounded (0:52)</li><li>16 - Fragments of Memories (3:14)</li><li>17 - Jailed (3:50)</li><li>18 - Rivals (3:31)</li><li>19 - Ami (4:37)</li></ul><p><b>Disc Three</b></p><ul><li>01 - The Spy (3:47)</li><li>02 - Retaliation (0:47)</li><li>03 - Movin' (5:18)</li><li>04 - Blue Sky (0:45)</li><li>05 - Drifting (2:57)</li><li>06 - Heresy (4:11)</li><li>07 - Fisherman's Horizon (3:36)</li><li>08 - ODEKA ke Chocobo (1:16)</li><li>09 - Where I Belong (3:40)</li><li>10 - The Oath (3:26)</li><li>11 - Slide Show Part1 (1:23)</li><li>12 - Slide Show Part2 (1:47)</li><li>13 - Love Grows (4:29)</li><li>14 - The Salt Flats (3:37)</li><li>15 - Trust Me (3:13)</li><li>16 - Silence and Motion (5:48)</li><li>17 - Dance with the Balamb-fish (3:40)</li><li>18 - Tears of the Moon (1:13)</li><li>19 - Residents (3:07)</li><li>20 - Eyes On Me (5:38)</li></ul><p><b>Disc Four</b></p><ul><li>01 - Mods de Chocobo (featuring N's Telecaster) (2:25)</li><li>02 - Ride On (3:03)</li><li>03 - Truth (3:41)</li><li>04 - Lunatic Pandora (3:28)</li><li>05 - Compression of Time (4:34)</li><li>06 - The Castle (5:19)</li><li>07 - The Legendary Beast (5:50)</li><li>08 - Maybe I'm a Lion (5:35)</li><li>09 - The Extreme (6:45)</li><li>10 - The Successor (3:35)</li><li>11 - Ending Theme (13:18)</li><li>12 - Overture (3:36)</li></ul><h2>System Requirements</h2><h3>Minimum</h3><ul><li><strong>System:</strong> PII 266 or equivalent</li><li><strong>RAM:</strong> 64 MB RAM</li><li><strong>CD-ROM:</strong> 8X CD-ROM</li><li><strong>Video Memory:</strong> 4 MB VRAM</li><li><strong>Hard Drive Space:</strong> 400 MB</li><li><strong>Sound Board:</strong> Yes</li><li><strong>DirectX:</strong> DirectX v6.1</li></ul><h3>Recommended</h3><ul><li><strong>System:</strong> PIII 3000MHz or equivalent</li><li><strong>RAM: </strong>128 MB RAM</li><li><strong>CD-ROM:</strong> 16X CD-ROM</li><li><strong>Video Memory:</strong> 8 or 16 MB VRAM</li><li><strong>Hard Drive Space:</strong> 450 MB</li><li><strong>Sound Board:</strong> Yes</li><li><strong>DirectX:</strong> DirectX v7.1</li></ul>

E3 2019: Dust Off Your Triple Triad Decks Because Final Fantasy VIII Has Been Remastered

The twenty-first entry in the NBA 2K franchise arrives just in time for the 2019-2020 NBA season.