Final Fantasy VIII version differences

The following is a list of version differences between releases of Final Fantasy VIII.

Japan
Final Fantasy VIII was released in Japan in 1998. This was the original version of the game.

North America and Europe

 * The English version of the game uses to confirm and  to cancel. It's been the other way around in the original Japanese version.
 * At the Fire Cavern, in the Japanese version the player has to defeat Ifrit and return to the entrance before the time runs out. In the English versions, the player just need to defeat Ifrit to stop the timer.
 * Zell's favorite food has been changed from breads to hot dogs.
 * Some Guardian Forces can be re-obtained in Ultimecia Castle if the player missed them. This is not possible in the Japanese version.
 * Tutorials are showing up automatically in the game's storyline.

Microsoft Windows

 * Background music has been optimized into OGG format.
 * Chocobo World bonus game can be played on Windows instead of Pocket Station.

Re-release and Steam versions

 * Windows XP/Vista/7/8 are now supported.
 * Screen resolutions are supported up to 1920x1080.
 * Window mode is available.
 * 45 Achievements are added to the game.
 * A Cloud saving feature allows files to be saved to the internet and synced to the web. This does not replace local saves.
 * A launcher is implemented that serves as a main menu before accessing the game. Here settings can be changed and data not stored in save files viewed (such as achievements).
 * Controls can be set from the launcher as well as in-game. The ability to change controls from the launcher means minigames and menus that use different control setups will still function with the user's chosen controls.
 * A Magic Booster feature is added.
 * Siren's Tool-RF can refine 1 Dark Matter from 100 Curse Spikes at any time instead of having to get Siren to level 100.
 * Omega Weapon scales around the party levels instead of always being level 100.