Final Fantasy VII/Manual/North America

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GETTING STARTED

IF YOU HAVE NEVER PLAYED BEFORE Open the PlayStation™ game console by pressing the Open button on-the console. Insert the first Final Fantasy® VII disc and close the Disc Cover. Turn ON the PlayStation game console. When the demo screen appears, the game is ready to be played. Press the button for another screen, allowing you to choose either NEW GAME or CONTINUE. Use the Directional Buttons to move the cursor to NEW GAME and press the button to start.

To save your game, insert a Memory Card (sold separately) into Slot 1 or Slot 2 of the PlayStation game console in advance. (See page 42 for further instructions on saving.)

CONTINUING FROM SAVED DATA Insert the disc for the previous game and the Memory Card with the saved data and turn ON the PlayStation game console. Go to the NEW GAME or CONTINUE screen, and choose CONTINUE. Select the slot into which you inserted the Memory Card (either Slot 1 or Slot 2), and press the button.

From the File Select screen, choose the data file that contains the game you will want to resume. If the data file cannot be loaded for some reason, remove the Memory Card without turning OFF the game console and then reinsert it.

CHANGING DISCS Final Fantasy VII is the first 3 CD-ROM disc RPG for the PlayStation game console. Occasionally during the game, a screen will appear with the message "Please insert disc 2 or 3" along with a CG image (screenshots representing discs 1 through 3 of the CD-ROM). Without turning off the console, open the Disc Cover and insert the disc designated on screen. Close the Disc Cover and press the button to resume. The CG image randomly changes every time this screen is displayed.

THE CHARACTERS

During the game, you will encounter friends and other important characters in the story. However, depending on how you play, you may not be able to befriend some of the characters.

The following are the main characters in the game.

CLOUD STRIFE

AERIS GAINSBOROUGH

TIFA LOCKHEART

BARRET WALLACE

RED XIII

CID HIGHWIND

SEPHIROTH

YUFFIE KISARAGI

CAIT SITH

VINCENT VALENTINE

THE CONTROLS The following is an explanation of the basic controls of the game. For further information, see the following pages (page 15 for the Field Controls, page 20 for the Battle screen, and page 30 for the Menu screen).

START BUTTON

SELECT BUTTON

L1 BUTTON

L2 BUTTON

DIRECTIONAL BUTTONS

R1 BUTTON

R2 BUTTON

BUTTON

BUTTON

BUTTON

BUTTON

FIELD CONTROLS In Final Fantasy VII, you can experience a 3D Field for the first time ever in the Final Fantasy series. Since you can explore this enormous field in all directions, you will feel as if you are actually in the world, moving around. Dynamic scene cuts and variations in camera angles provide a cinematic experience. Once in the Field, you can enter names, talk with various people in the cities, and play Event Games.

VIEWING THE WORLD MAP As you proceed in the game, you will come across the World Map screen, as shown here. At the bottom right corner of the screen, a reduced World Map is displayed. In this map, a broad yellow light beam indicates the direction your character is facing and the character's field of vision. The red dot shows the character's current location. Dots scattered around the map represent towns and villages. If you press the START button while the reduced World Map is displayed, it will switch to the enlarged World Map screen. Press START again, and the World Map will disappear from the screen. To display the reduced World Map, press START again.

ENTERING NAMES As you can encounter each character, you will be able to customize their name using up to nine letters. If the default name is acceptable, press the START button to move the cursor to "Select" and push the button. To change a character's name, select a letter using the Directional Buttons and enter each letter using the button. After a name is entered, select "Select." If you want to change back to the default name, select "Default." Press the button to backspace and erase letters.

SELECTING MESSAGES You can occasionally select a response or reaction when you are talking with other characters in the game. Select the response or reaction by using the Up or Down Directional Buttons, then press the button.

SHOPS, INNS, ETC. There are various shops, inns, etc. throughout the world, where you can buy things you need for your next adventure and rest. (See page 12 for instruction on controls.) You can sell extra weapons or items at any shop, except for inns. The following are some of these establishments.

INNS If you rest one night at most of the inns, the HP and MP of all party members will be completely restored. Also, abnormality status caused during battles will be reversed. The cost depends on the inn.

WEAPON SHOP Weapons and armor are available. Weapons are specific for each character, (for instance, Gun-arms may only be equipped on Barret). Armor may be equipped on any character.

ITEM SHOP A number of items for various effects, such as recovery and attacking, are available.

ACCESSORY SHOP Various accessories are available. Once equipped, they will have various special effects.

MATERIA SHOP Materia are magic orbs that have a number of positive effects if equipped in weapons or armor. Purchasing Materia is the same as purchasing other goods in other shops, however it cannot be purchases in bulk like items or weapons.

BEGINNER'S HALL Located above the Weapon shop in the Sector 7 Slums near AVALANCHE headquarters. It is not a shop, but if you talk to people at the Hall (and listen to Cloud), you will learn many helpful things about playing the game.

EVENT GAMES Some of the events that take place during your adventure require different controller functions. For instance, there is an event in which you throw barrels at enemies below you. There are other events where you compete, relying on your amount of stamina. Tips may be hidden in messages and screens so look for them carefully before starting an event. In some cases you will have to complete an event within a certain time limit. If you have to discontinue an Event Game, you can finish the game after saving, (see page 42 for details on saving) or pressing the START button during an Event Game to pause.

THE BATTLE SCREEN A typical Battle screen looks like this:

1) Messages during battle are displayed here.

2) Graphics of the party members. The ▼ mark above a character's head indicates that you can select commands for that character.

3) Graphics of the enemy characters.

4) Press the SELECT button to display the help window during battle. Descriptions for the selected commands, monster names, etc. are displayed.

5) The names of the party members, with the Barrier gauge and the MBarrier gauge are displayed. If the gauge is behind the Command window, you can bring it to the front by pressing the button. At the beginning of a battle, the Barrier and MBarrier gauges are empty, but if you equip a Materia called "Barrier", a magic that reduces the damage sustained by half will be cast. You can fill up the upper Barrier gauge and the lower MBarrier gauge by casting the Magic Spell only once, and the defensive effect will last until the gauge reach zero. "Barrier" works as a defense against the enemy's physical attacks, while "MBarrier" works as a defense against magic attacks. "The "MBarrier" is recommended when you fight boss-level enemies (See page 33 for information on Materia.)

6) Commands that can be used during battle. Depending on which Materia is equipped, different commands can be used. (See page 23 for descriptions of each command.)

7) The status window shows the current status of the party members. Reading from the left side of the window, you will see: remaining HP, maximum HP (or the current status name), remaining MP, and the Limit gauge/Time gauge.

During battle, numbers will appear above your characters and enemies. White numbers indicate damage, while green numbers indicate recovered HP and MP.

Under each character's HP and MP, there are gauges by which you can immediately find the balance of HP and MP. The gauges will change from their standard full color to red as they become depleted.

BATTLE FORMATIONS In addition to the normal battle formations, enemies may also appear in the following arrangements. Both your characters and enemies will receive twice as much damage if attacked while their backs are facing opponents.

Allows you to enter your commands prior to the enemy's attack. This formation is favorable to your characters.
 * Pre-emptive Attack

An attack from behind &mdash; your front defense and your rear defense will be reversed. Furthermore, you will always be pre-empted. A real disadvantage for your characters.
 * Back Attack

Enemies appear between your characters, allowing you to attack them from both sides. Though you cannot change formations of your characters by using the "Change" command, this formation is advantageous to your characters.
 * Side Attack

Your characters are caught in the enemies' Side Attack. The enemies will always preempt you, and you won't be able to escape. You won't be able to attack all enemies with one magic spell, nor can you change formations using the "Change" command. In this formation, your characters are at a great disadvantage.
 * Attack From Both Sides

ATB (ACTIVE TIME BATTLE) For battles in Final Fantasy VII, the ATB (Active Time Battle) system is introduced. Whether ally or enemy, the character whose Time gauge fills up first is given priority for entering commands. Choose commands in order to best attack or to defend yourself from the enemy.

BATTLE COMMANDS The following commands displayed in the command window, change as you proceed throughout the game, depending on the characters in your party.

ATTACK You attack with equipped weapons. You can also fight your allies by selecting them as attack targets. The same applies for the "Magic" command.

LIMIT The Limit gauge starts filling up with each enemy attack. When the gauge is full, it blinks, indicating Limit Break status. At this point the "Fight" command changes to the "Limit" command. But selecting the Limit command, the character will be able to perform his or her unique attack called a Limit Break. If the battle ends without using the Limit Break, you can carry it over to the next battle. In this case, the Fight command will remain the Limit command. The more damage you sustain from the enemy, the faster the Limit gauge fills up. (See page 39 for more details on Limit.)

MAGIC When you equip magic Materia on weapons or armor (see page 33 for more details on the Materia), the "Magic" command becomes available and is displayed in the window. Select the magic you want, and select who you want to cast it on. For instance, if it is attack magic, select the enemy to attack, and if it is curative magic, select one of your allies. The amount of MP consumed is the same whether it is magic that uses the Materia effect of "All" on multiple enemies or a single enemy. (Magic effective on all enemies is indicated by a red arrow next to the name of the Spell.) If magic cannot be cast due to reasons such as insufficient MP, the name of the magic will be displayed in gray.

ITEMS Items that affect attacks and recovery can be used in battles. Select an item and decide who will use it or against whom it will be used. If it is an attack item, select the enemy. If it is a recovery item, select one of your allies. (see page 31 for details on items.)

CHANGE This command will appear if you press the left Directional Button at the left edge of the battle command window. With this command, you can change the position of your characters from the front line to the rear. Characters at the rear will incur less damage from the enemy, but their damage to the enemy when attacking will be less. Placed at the front, the effect will be reversed. The changed status will not be carried over to the next battle. (See page 38 if you want to fix order.)

DEFEND This command will appear if you press the right Directional Button at the right edge of the battle command window. If you use this command, damage incurred will be reduced by half until the Time gauge fills up.

ESCAPE If you hold down the L1 and R1 buttons simultaneously, you may be able to escape from battle. Depending on the enemy and battle formations it is not always possible to escape. (See page 21 for details on formations.)

OTHER COMMANDS As you proceed, you will obtain many Materia. Among them the Materia that will add commands that you can use during battle. For examples, there is the "Summon" command, the "Sense" command, and the "Enemy Skill" command. Only characters equipped with the appropriate Materia can use these commands. (See page 33 for details on Materia.)

END OF BATTLE Battles end when you have destroyed all your enemies or when all enemies or you characters have escaped. If you win, Gil, items, experience points (EXP) or Ability Points (AP) which affect Materia growth (see page 33 for details on Materia) will be awarded. Their value will vary depending on the type and number of enemies destroyed.

GAME OVER If all your party members are critically injured or are turned to stone, the game is over. When the game ends, a screen which allows you to select your Memory Card slot will appear. If you have saved data before, you can choose the appropriate file to reload and continue the game. (See page 5 for loading; see page 42 for saving.) However, the data reverts to what it was before the Game Over screen appears (including Gil, EXP, and items obtained).

STATUS CHANGES If a character is attacked, his/her status may fall into "abnormal" status, such as listed below. In many cases abnormal status can be cured during battles using magic like "Heal" or items like "Hyper". Also abnormal status will normally disappear after a battle ends. However, "Critical", "Death", "Fury", or "Sadness" can only be cured using appropriate magic or items. Any abnormal status can be cured if the character rests at an inn or in a tent. In addition to the following there are other status conditions that can occur during battles.

MENU SCREENS HOW TO VIEW MENU SCREENS Menu screens can be displayed by pushing the button in the Field screen; they contain the following information.

1) Current status of each party member. Reading from the left: the character's image (face), name, level, current HP/maximum HP, and current MP/maximum MP are displayed. The two gauges to the right indicate what is required to reach the next level and to perform a Limit Break attack.

2) Commands available to you. However some of them such as "PHS" or "Save", can only be used at certain locations. Also "PHS" and "Materia" commands can be used only after you obtain items "PHS" and "Materia" (For details on each command, see page 31 for Items, page 32 for Magic, page 33 for Materia, page 35 for Equip, page 36 for Status, page 38 for Formation, page 39 for Limit, page 40 for Configuration, page 42 for PHS, and page 42 for Save.)

3) Total gameplay time and the total sum of Gil the party has.

4) The location of the party.

MENU SCREEN COMMANDS Ten commands are available on the Menu screen, each explained below. To select commands use the Up and Down Directional buttons, and confirm by pressing the button.

1. ITEMS This command enables you to use items mainly for recovery and cure, such as "Potion" or "Phoenix Down". If you select this command, the screen shown on the right will appear. If you want to use commands other than "Use", press the button, and select the appropriate command.

Choose this command to use items you possess. After selecting the item, select the character on whom the item will be used. Any items that cannot be used will be displayed in gray. Press the L1 or R1 button to scroll up and down the list of items.
 * Use

Choose the command to arrange items. Items can be arranged according to the following criteria:
 * Arrange

Displays important items you currently possess, which will affect your progress in the game.
 * Key Items

2. MAGIC While you are in the Menu screen, you can cast magic for recovery, cure, and check magic like "Summon" or "Enemy Skill". When this command is selected, the screen shown on the right will appear. If you press the L1 or R1 button before you select one of the three commands listed below, other party members can be selected without going back to the menu screen. This applies to other commands, including "Materia", "Equip", "Status", and "Limit".

Choose this command to use Magic. After selecting the magic, decide upon whom the magic will be cast. Magic Spells available to you are displayed in white while those that cannot be used are displayed in gray. In order to cast each magic, Materia must be equipped on the character's weapons or armor. (See page 33 for details on Materia.) Press the L1 or R1 button to scroll up and down the list.
 * Magic

Displays the available Summon magic (summon monsters) and their effects. In order to cast the Summon Magic, Summon Materia must be attached to the character's weapons or armor. (See page 34 for details on Summon Materia.)
 * Summon

Displays the current enemy's attacks and their effects. In order to learn the enemy's attacks, a Materia called "Enemy Skill" must be attached to the character's weapons or armor.
 * Enemy Skill

If special abilities have been gained by equipping Materia such as "All", its effects are displayed.
 * Extra Abilities

MATERIA If Materia orbs are inserted into slots in weapons or armor, various abilities become available. Select this command in order to equip Materia or to see its abilities. To equip the Materia, move the finger cursor to the slot in the weapon or armor, and press the button. Materia not equipped by other characters are available, so choose the one you want to use and press the button. To remove Materia, select the slot where it is equipped, and press the button.

1) The number of slots available in the weapons and armor currently equipped on the characters are displayed here.

2) The Ability of the Materia equipped in the slot is shown.

3) Information on the equipped Materia, including the name of the Materia, the level, the AP (Ability Point), the required AP to reach the next level, future abilities, and the effects of the Materia.

Abilities given to the character by equipping the Materia are displayed. Available Abilities are shown in white. Abilities shown in gray are not yet available.
 * Ability List

By equipping certain Materia, a character's Strength, Magic, MAX HP (maximum HP), or MAX MP (maximum MP), may change. If any of these values increase, the increased value will be shown in yellow. If they decrease, the decreased value will be displayed in red.
 * Equip Effects

The AP (Ability Points) gained up to now for that Materia. APs are gained if you win battles. Materia that is not equipped on weapons or armor (that is, if you just possess it), will not obtain APs. If the AP exceeds the value of "to next level" shown on the right, the Materia level goes up, and the number of available abilities increases and the effects will be stronger. Most Materia can go up to level 5.
 * AP (Ability Point)

Move the finger cursor to "Check" and press the button. Commands and Magic available to the character during the battle due to the equipped Materia will be listed.

By using "Arrange", un-equipped Materia can be arranged, or all equipped Materia can be removed at once. Also, any excess Materia can be disposed of. use "Exchange" to switch Materia between all party members, whether they are present or not.

5) Move the finger cursor to the slot for Materia and push the button. Materia in your possession (not equipped) and their effects when equipped are displayed.

MATERIA TYPES Various types of Materia appear in the game. Materia can be divided into give groups based on their Abilities.

Purple Materia. This enhances the characters' Status, such as maximum HP and strength. (See page 36 for details on Status.)
 * Independent Materia

Blue Materia. This Materia shows full effect when used in conjunction with other Materia, such as "All" or "HP Plus". Make sure you insert this Materia in linked slots (either slot is OK) when equipping this Materia in a weapon or armor. Insert Command Materia or Magic Materia in the other slot. The effects of these Materia will be enhanced with Support Materia.
 * Support Materia

Yellow Materia. This will increase the number of commands that can be used during battle, such as "Steal" and "Throw".
 * Command Materia

Green Materia. This will enable you to cast a number of Attack Magic and Curative Magic.
 * Magic Materia

Red Materia. This will enable you to cast Summon Magic during battle, in order to calla Summon Monster.
 * Summon Materia

4. EQUIP This command equips the characters with weapons, armor, and accessories. Even if weapons or armor have been acquired, they will not become effective unless equipped.

Once a character has equipped weapons, their Attack Power and Attack & Status will change. (To view the Status, choose the weapon currently equipped and press the button.) If you have other weapons available toe equip, they will be displayed in the lower right box. Select the weapon to equip, and press the button. The Status change is shown in two columns in the lower box. The left value indicates the Status of the equipped weapon, while the right indicates the Status of the one you want to equip. Yellow numbers means that the Status will increase, and red numbers mean that they will decrease. To remove the equipped weapon, select that weapon and press the button.
 * Weapons

When a character is equipped with armor, the Defense, Magic Defense, and their percentages will change. Armor equips in the same fashion as weapons.
 * Armor

The number of Materia slots in corresponding weapons or armor is indicated here. (See page 33 for details on Materia.) The linked slots are for using Support Materia and other types of Materia in conjunction to increase the power of Abilities.
 * Materia Slots

The growth of Materia is indicated. The speed varies depending on the weapons and armor. "Normal" does not change the speed, but "Double" doubles the APs obtained. On some weapons and armor, Materia does not grow at all.
 * Materia Growth

Various effects can be gained by wearing accessories. Some accessories change the character's Status. Acessories equip in the same fashion as weapons and armor.
 * Accessories

5. STATUS The current Status of the character is displayed. Press the button to display current properties.

1) The current condition of each party member is displayed. Reading from the left are: the character's image (face), name, level, current HP/maximum HP, current MP/maximum MP, and total EXP. Also there are gauges that indicate required EXP to reach the next level and required Limits to perform Limit Break attacks. (See page 39 for details on Limit Breaks.)

2) Each party member's current Status values are shown here. Reading from the top are: Strength, Dexterity, Vitality, Magic, Spirit, Luck, Attack, Attack %, Defense, Defense %, Magic Attack, Magic Defense, and Magic Defense %.

3) A window listing battle commands available to the character is displayed. (See page 23 for details on Battle commands.)

4) Weapons equipped on the character, number of Materia slots, types (colors) of Materia equipped, and accessories equipped on the character are displayed.

1) ELEMENTS By equipping certain weapons armor, or accessories, each character can gain special Elemental Abilities useful for both offense and defense. When the character obtains these Elements, the name of each Element is shown in white. The nine Elements are Fire, Ice, Lightning, Earth, Poison, Gravity, Water, Wind, and Holy.

When you attack enemies who have certain Elements as their weak points you can give them twice as much damage. On the other hand, if the enemy is resistance to those Element, you can give them only half as much damage, or in the worst case, the damage may become void or absorbed.
 * Attack



When attacked by enemies with certain Elements, the damage incurred will be reduced to one half.
 * Half reduction

When attacked by enemies with certain Elements, no damage will be incurred.
 * Void

When attacked by enemies with certain Elements, the damage will be absorbed as your own characters' HP.
 * Absorb

2) EFFECT Certain weapons and armor provide enemies with abnormal status, or protect you from those abnormal status. If any of the weapons or armor currently equipped has such effects, the name of the abnormal status will be displayed in white.

When attacking the enemy, in addition to inflicting the usual damage, you can also inflict an abnormal status effect (for example, Poison, Sleep).
 * Attack

When the enemy tries to cause abnormal status to the character, the attack by the abnormal status effect can be avoided (for example, Poison, Sleep).
 * Defense

6. ORDER This command is used to charge the characters' positions or to move them to the front or the rear of the ranks. Select the character and choose the location to move the character (or choose the character to switch places with). To change the character from the front line to the rear, move the finger cursor to the character and double-click the button.

By moving your character to the front, Attack Power will increase, and Defense will decrease. Attack Power and Defense against Magic doesn't change.
 * Front

By moving your character to the rear, Defense will increase, and Attack Power will decrease. Attack Power and Defense against Magic doesn't change.
 * Rear

7. LIMIT

By using this command, you can perform Limit Break attacks when your character reaches Limit Breaks during battles. You can also find out the effects of the attacks. Limit gauges are displayed at the upper right corner, which shows the progress towards the next Limit Break.

Initially, you can only use Level 1 attacks, but as you go through a number of battles, the characters will learn higher level attacks. To select an attack to perform, move the finger cursor to "Set" and press the button. Then select the "Break Level" shown in white at the bottom of the screen. You will be asked whether you want to change the Break level. If you want to change it, choose "Yes", and the limit gauge will return to zero; if not, choose "No.".

If your status becomes 'Fury', the Limit gauge fills up faster and is shown in red. If your status becomes 'Sadness', the limit gauge fills up slower and is shown in blue. (See page 36 for details on Status.) Abnormal conditions such as Fury or Sadness can be cured with the appropriate items or magic.
 * When Your Status is 'Fury' or 'Sadness'

8. CONFIGURATION By using this command, you can change the game system according to the your preference. Use the Directional Buttons to select various options, then press the button to confirm.

The colors of the four corners of the window background can be changed by mixing the three colors, RED, GREEN, and BLUE. Press the button in order to move the finger cursor to the right window. Use Directional Buttons to select the corner of the box you wish to change, then press the button. Change colors using the Right and Left Directional Buttons, and press the button. When you have finished changing colors of all four corners, press the button again.
 * Window Color

The sound mode can be changed between Mono and Stereo.
 * Sound

The controller settings can be changed to Normal or Customize. To choose Customize, press the button to display the window, then press the START button. The finger cursor will appear to the left of the buttons in the box. Select the button you want to change by using the Up and Down Directional Buttons. Then push the button you want assigned to that function. When you finish customizing your button settings, press the Left or the Right Directional Buttons. (See page 12 for details on the default settings.)
 * Controller

Even after you close the window, the last position of the finger cursor can be stored.
 * Cursor

You can set the time flow during battles to one of the following options:


 * Active: For skilled players. Time lapses even while you are selecting commands such as Magic and Items.


 * Recommended: For moderately skilled players. Time stops while the screen effects are displayed when using Magic and Items.


 * Wait: For beginners. Time stops while you are selecting commands such as Magic and Items.

Speed of time flow during battles can be changed.
 * Battle Speed

Message speed during battles can be changed.
 * Battle Message

Message speed in the Field screen can be changed.
 * Field Message

Screen angles during the battles can be changed.
 * Camera Angle


 * Auto: The camera angle (view) changes constantly, making the battle exciting and realistic.


 * Fixed: The camera angle is fixed to a specific angle when you encounter enemies. The battle continues at this fixed angle.

When selecting Magic to cast during battles, you can choose between six types (No. 1 through No. 6) of sequences for listing Magic in the window.
 * Magic Order

9. PHS Once you have more than three members in your party, two members besides Cloud must be chosen. To do this an item called "PHS" is required (except for certain Events). This item will become available to you during the game. However, members can be switched only in the World Map screen and at Save Points. Switch party members as follows.

Select the character you want to remove from your party. Move the finger cursor to the character and press the button. (If you press the button again, details on that character will be displayed. However information on Cloud will not be available.)

Move the finger cursor to the other characters. Select the character you want to add to the party, and press the button. (If you move the finger cursor to a character and press the button twice, details on that character will be displayed.)

10. SAVE Execute this command at a Save point to save your game contents up to that point to a Memory Card. In the World Map screen, regardless of your location, you can save the game by pressing the button and opening the Menu screen.

In order to save the game in the Field screen, move the character to a Save point. A window explaining ways of saving will appear. Close the window by pressing the button, and open the Menu screen by pressing the  button. Select the "Save" command by using the Directional buttons and press the button. Select the slot in which the memory card is inserted ("Slot 1" or "Slot 2"). Memory cards just purchased are not formatted. In that case the game will ask you whether you would like to the format it or not &mdash; format the card following the on-screen instructions.

Use the Up and Down Directional buttons to select the file in which you want store the saved data and press the button. Though only three files appear on the screen, other saved files will appear if you press the Up and Down Directional buttons. Up to 15 saved files can be stored on one memory card. If the card already contains another game data, fewer files will be available.

VEHICLES & MACHINES As you proceed in the adventure, you will be able to travel in a variety of vehicles. By using these vehicles, places not accessible by foot can be reached. Many different vehicles and machines will become available during the game. Instructions on using each vehicle will appear as you use it for the first time.

CHOCOBO If you have a Materia called "Chocobo Lure", you can catch a Chocobo in certain areas in the World Map screen by walking on the Chocobo's tracks. Chocobos can move around areas you cannot reach by foot, such as rivers, seas, and mountains (different Chocobos have different abilities).

You can get off a Chocobo by pressing the button, once you do the Chocobo will run away. You cannot ride the same Chocobo more than once. In order to ride another Chocobo you must catch one again. Riding a Chocobo is the same as walking except for the use of the button.

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SPECIAL THANKS Hironobu Sakaguchi, Jack Tretton, Teri Rago, Riley Russell, Lisa Lunger, Michelle Whitmer, Christa Carter, Maria Hernandez, Brian Balistreri; The Kenwood Group: Wayne Leonard, Randy Fields, Jane Hernandez Thinc., Tom Hennes; Clarity, David Miller, TBWA Chiat/Day: Lee Clow, Maggie Silverman, Jerry Gentile, Doug Mukai, Bill Paul, Lisa Welsh-Nehring, Mike Rose, Lara Fields; Brady Games: David Waybright, David Cassady, Tim Cox, Jean Bisesi; The PlayStation Underground: Colin MacLean, Yvonne Smith, Gary Barth, Buzz Burrowes, Alan Drummer.

- GameBrain The Official PlayStation™ Stategy Guide on home video MTV shows you how to master the newest PlayStation™ games with walk-throughs, maps, secret codes and exclusive tips, as you toggle between your actual game and this video. Includes Final Fantasy VII and other great PlayStation™ games. $12.98 IN STORES OCTOBER 7.* Visit your local home video retailer or call 1 (800) 820-9200 to order. © 1997 MTV Networks/MTV: Music Television, and all related titles and logos are trademarks of MTV Networks, a division of Viacom International Inc./SMV and Sony Music Entertainment are trademarks./PlayStation and the PlayStation logos are trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI). *Ship date and product selection subject to change.

"Tips for First Timers" section lists lots of helpful bits of information that every gamer should know. Don't worry though&mdash;the tips don't give away anything that could spoil the game for you.

You may even want to take a quick look at the "Mini Walkthrough." This is just a short, hand-holding walkthrough of Cloud's first mission with Avalanche.

It's very important to note, however, that this section gives away everything about Avalanche's assault on Shinra's North Mako Reactor. So, if you don't want to know, don't look!

The "Mini Walkthrough" also helps you become accustomed to Final Fantasy VII's gameplay and provides a lot of useful tips that will come in handy later in the game. If you enjoy this section, make sure you check out the ad in the manual on how you can order the BradyGAMES Official Guide to Final Fantasy VII.

Tips for First Timers Is this your first Final Fantasy adventure? If so, then the following tips are especially for you. While you're playing, keep in mind that even "veterans" of the Final Fantasy series may find the following information useful for brushing up on their adventuring skills.

There are certain truths that are univeral to the worlds of Final Fantasy. Knowing these turths will make your quest less frustrating and considerably more enjoyable. So before you charge into Midgar, take a few moments to arm yourself with the ultimate weapon: Knowledge!

General Tips
 * Save often&mdash;you never know what lies around the next turn.
 * Talk to everyone&mdash;several times. Some characters won't spill their guts the first time you speak to them; however, they'll tell you everything the second and third times around.
 * Major events in the game often change what some characters say and do. If something earth-shattering occurs, revisit nearby villages to see if anything changed.
 * After acquiring a vehicle, leave it in a place where you can easily retrieve it. Otherwise, you can easily get completey cut off from your transportation.
 * Chocobos is a fun way to get around quickly, but it's not always the best choice. The random battles that occur while traveling between towns are critical for raising your levels and fattening your wallet.

Items
 * Carry lots of Potions, Ethers, and Phoenix Downs. These items help the most during battles when your magic runs dry.
 * Most status effects&mdash;either good or bad&mdash;only last until the end of a battle. You should carry a few of the items that cure such effects (four or five tops) just to be safe. However, don't waste Gil weighing yourself down with a ton of useless supplies.
 * Look for special items like Power Source and Guard Source to give your characters a boost. Each "Source" permanently increases one of your character's statistics by a point.

Weapons & Armor
 * Always equip a new armor and weapons when you obtain them. You should occasionally check your inventory to make sure you didn't miss the addition of a new item to your inventory.
 * The strongest weapon is not always the best choice. Always take into account how much Materia a weapon can store and what kind of effect it has on the Materia's growth rate.
 * don't need to purchase each new weapon and piece of armor you find. You should keep your main party outfitted in the latest gear, but only buy for inactive characters if you have an overabundance of Gil.
 * Your armor and accessories can seriously affect the outcome of a battle. For example, an enemy that uses nothing but water-based attacks will have trouble injuring someone equipped with the Water Ring.
 * Items like the Water Ring enable your party to absorb normally harmful spells for healing purposes.

Materia & Spells
 * Over the course of your adventure you'll have the opportunity to buy lots of Materia. Although you can find most of it just lying around, you may want to buy a second Materia crystal for essential spells like Cure and Life.
 * Enemy-All is one one of the most valuable Materia for eliminating multiple enemies. But it can also be teamed up with a Materia that gives the entire party bonuses, like Restore or Time.
 * Each Materia gives the equipped character certain bonuses and penalties. Avoid overloading characters with Materia that have heavy penalities or you may seriously decrease the character's effectiveness.
 * Summon Materia is sometimes difficult to find. You should search everything and everywhere as you explore. If you can't enter an area now, return later and the path may have opened.
 * of the most valuable spells cause no damage at all and are commonly overlooked. If you want to master Final Fantasy VII, you must learn how to effectively use Materia like Time and Mystify.

Battle
 * Characters equipped with short-range weapons (swords, staffs, etc.) cause less damage while standing in the back rank. Even if they're in the front ranks, they still cause less damage if they're forced to attack an opponent's back ranks.
 * Characters equipped with long-range weapons can attack from the front and back rank without weakening their attacks. They can also attack an opponent's back rank without a loss of power.
 * You can only hit some enemies (mainly bosses) with long range weapons. Even if your character's best weapon is best suited for close-range attacks, make sure you keep a long-range weapon in your inventory just in case.
 * Each player will progress through the game at a different pace. Depending on how quickly you find you wat around, you may occasionally "build" your levels or fill your pockets with Gil. To accomplish this, roam around a town and fight the local hordes of enemies, resting at an Inn when necessary.
 * After becoming familiar with the enemies in an area, take a few moments to re-equip your team. For example, if you're facing ice beases, equip lots of Fire Materia and accessories that protect you from ice attacks.

WARNING!!! The following section is a hand-holding walkthrough of Cloud's first encounter with the rebel group Avalanche. In the walkthrough, many things are revealed, which may spoil some of the surprise. If you're feeling totally lost and don't know what to do, refer to this section for advice. If, on the other hand, you have a good grasp on what to do, play through the area first before consulting the walkthrough.

Assault on Reactor No. 1 After meeting several members of the rebel group known as Avalanche, Cloud joins their effort to bomb Shinra's Mako Reactor No. 1. The plant is heavily guarded by Shinra's forces, so the group hijacks a train bound for the adjacent slums.

The guards at the station are easily overpowered as the mission quickly gets underway. Cloud exits the train and must follow the rest of the team off the platform. Make sure you check the downed guards to collect two Potions. Before Cloud can reach the end of the platform, two MPs initiate combat with Cloud.

But don't worry, this is one of the few times Cloud has to fight alone. Even so, the MPs aren't much of a threat. Cloud and his companions are more than a match for most of the enemies you'll face in the Mako reactor. After the battle, follow Cloud's companions to the reactor gate and then into the reactor itself.

Battle Tip: In most of the early battles, you'll only use your characers' normal attacks. You can cut down the selection time by holding the button as a character's Time Bar finishes filling. This automatically selects your normal attack and the closest enemy.

Despite the rebel band's doubt surrounding Cloud's allegiance, the team quickly infiltrates the reactor. The ever-cynical Barret explains the reason for Avalanche's existence: It seems Shinra's Mako reactors are depleting the planet's Mako energy. If Shinra isn't stopped, the whole planet pay die. Because so few people understand Mako, Avalanche may be the only hope of saving millions of lives.

In true mercenary fashion, Cloud makes it clear that his interests lie elsewhere. At this point, Barret joins Cloud for the rest of the mission.

security doors block the only passage in or out of the Mako reactor (A). Speak with Biggs and Jessie and they'll open the gates. Don't enter the elevator just ahead until you've picked up the Phoenix Down (B) in the control room to the right.

Jessie out of the elevator (C) and into the reactor (D). After giving you a quick lesson on using ladders, she steps aside as you coninue deeper into the reactor. Make sure you grab the Potion just in front of Jessie's sentry position.

Note: The party will find many useful items like Potions lying around different areas of the game. Keep your eyes open or Cloud may run right past one.

After traveling a little further, the party encounters tougher enemies, plus you get your first chance to save the game. Step on the Save Point, access the Menu, and then choose Save. You should also use this opportunity to heal the party before moving onward.

Battle Tip: Some enemies have a weakness or immunity to at least one type of element. For example, Ice-based creatures falter against fire, but are healed by any type of ice-based attack. In this area of the game, you'll run into several mechanical enemies, like the Sweeper. You can short-circuit these motored menaces with the Bolt spell.

As Cloud approaches the Mako reactor, he finds a "Restore" Materia on the floor&mdash;unfortunately he can't do anything with it right now. You'll often find some Materia lying on the ground; however, others will be less obvious.

When you approach the reactor, Barret makes Cloud set the bomb. After the attempted intervention of a mysterious voice, Cloud happily obliges. Unforunately, their actions trigger an alarm that alerts Shinra's forces to their presence.

Boss Fight: Guard Scorpion Although the Guard Scorpion has some deadly attacks, Cloud and Barret's combined strength should be more than enough to punch his ticket.

Start the battle by having Cloud pummel the Scorpion (another mechanical creature) with constant Bolt spells while Barret uses his normal attack.

Battle Tip: Keep your eye on Cloud and Barret's hit points (HP). If either falls below 100, use Potions to heal them.

After several attacks, the Guard Scorpion raises his tail and begins to shake violently, at which point Cloud warns Barret to be careful. When this occurs, stop your attacks. Attacking the boss while his tail is raised over his head causes him to counterattack with his super weapon, the Tail Laser. This move causes close to 75 points of damage to both characters. When the boss returns to his normal stance, continue your regular attack pattern.

Guard Scorpion is easily destroyed. Now Cloud has only 10 minutes to evacuate the Mako reactor before the bomb explodes.

Before running for the exit, quickly equip Barret with the Assault Gun that gets left behind by the boss. You may want to save your game on your way out just in case something unexpected occurs.

Note: The timer runs continuously, and on all screens, so you need to finish your battles quickly. If time is short, you can run from enemies by holding R1 and L1.

Cloud makes his way through the pipes and support structures, he finds Jessie stuck where he had left her. Help Jessie release her foot and then follow Jessie, you won't be able to open the security doors above.

When you reach the security doors, speak with Jessie and Biggs again. They'll release the locks for you. If you made it to this location quickly&mdash;and the party is still in good health&mdash;use this time to fight some enemies in the area. This is a great opportunity for the characters to easily gain a level. In addition, they will be fully healed when they get outside. When you're ready, run Cloud out of the area and watch Mako Reactor No. 1 burn.

Congratulations on your first successful mission! However the fight against Shinra has only just begun. There are numerous Mako reactors and Avalanche's forces are sparse. This will be a battle not easily won.

Order the Official Strategy Guide for the most anticipated RPG ever! Includes detailed walkthrough of the game, level maps, bestiary, and the locations of all of the materia. Plus lots of other surprises! To Order: Call Toll Free 1-800-428-5331 or visit your local book or game retailer

<div style="background:black;color:white;font-size:25px;font-weight:bold;text-align:center;padding:6px" id="pg66">COMING SOON FROM SQUARE SOFT BUSHIDO BLADE

The most innovative sword fighting game ever created.

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<div style="background:black;color:white;font-size:25px;font-weight:bold;text-align:center;padding:6px" id="pg69">LIMITED WARRANTY Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) warrants to the original purchaser of this SCEA product that this software is free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of ninety (90) days from the date of purchase. SCEA agrees for a period of ninety (90) days to either repair or replace, at its option, the SCEA product. You must call 1-900-345-SONY to receive instructions to obtain repair/replacement services.

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