Final Fantasy VII / Manual / North America A very small percentage of individuals may experience epileptic seizures when exposed to certain light patterns or flashing lights . Exposure to certain patterns of backgrounds on a television screen or while playing video games , including games played on the PlayStation game console , may induce an epileptic seizure in these individuals . Certain conditions may induce previously undetected epileptic symptoms even in persons who have no history of prior seizures or epilepsy . If you , or anyone in your family , has an epileptic condition , consult your physician prior to playing . If you experience any of the following symptoms while playing a video game — dizziness , altered vision , eye or muscle twitches , loss of awareness , disorientation , any involuntary movement , or convulsions — IMMEDIATELY discontinue use and consult your physician before resuming play . Do not connect your PlayStation game console to a projection TV without first consulting the user manual for your projection TV , unless it is of the LCD type . Otherwise , it may permanently damage your TV screen . This compact disc is intended for use only with the PlayStation™ game console . Do not bend it , crush it or submerge it in liquids . Do not leave in direct sunlight or near a radiator or other source of heat . Be sure to take an occasional rest break during extended play . Keep this compact disc clean . Always hold the disc by the edges and keep it in its protective case when not in use . Clean the disc with a lint - free , soft , dry cloth , wiping in straight lines from center to outer edge . Never use solvents or abrasive cleaners . 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 . ) 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 . 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 . 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 . 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 ) . 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 . 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 . 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 . 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 . There are various shops , inn s , 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 . 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 . 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 . A number of items for various effects , such as recovery and attacking , are available . Various accessories are available . Once equipped , they will have various special effects . 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 . 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 . 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 . 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 . 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 . An attack from behind — your front defense and your rear defense will be reversed . Furthermore , you will always be pre - empted . A real disadvantage for your characters . 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 . 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 . 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 . The following commands displayed in the command window , change as you proceed throughout the game , depending on the characters in your party . You attack with equipped weapons . You can also fight your allies by selecting them as attack targets . The same applies for the " Magic " command . 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 . ) 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 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 . ) 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 . ) 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 . 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 . ) 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 . ) 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 . 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 ) . 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 , " HP 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 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 Config uration , 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 . 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 . 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 . Choose the command to arrange items . Items can be arranged according to the following criteria : Displays important items you currently possess , which will affect your progress in the game . 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 . 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 . ) 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 . If special abilities have been gained by equipping Materia such as " All " , its effects are displayed . 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 . 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 . 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 . 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 . 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 . ) 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 . Yellow Materia . This will increase the number of commands that can be used during battle , such as " Steal " and " Throw " . Green Materia . This will enable you to cast a number of Attack Magic and Curative Magic . Red Materia . This will enable you to cast Summon Magic during battle , in order to calla Summon Monster . 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 . When a character is equipped with armor , the Defense , Magic Defense , and their percentages will change . Armor equips in the same fashion as weapons . 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 . 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 . 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 . 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 . 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 s , 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 . When attacked by enemies with certain Elements , the damage incurred will be reduced to one half . When attacked by enemies with certain Elements , no damage will be incurred . When attacked by enemies with certain Elements , the damage will be absorbed as your own characters ' HP . 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 ) . 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 ) . 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 . By moving your character to the rear , Defense will increase , and Attack Power will decrease . Attack Power and Defense against Magic doesn ' t change . 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 . 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 . The sound mode can be changed between Mono and Stereo . 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 . ) Even after you close the window , the last position of the finger cursor can be stored . You can set the time flow during battles to one of the following options : Speed of time flow during battles can be changed . Message speed during battles can be changed . Message speed in the Field screen can be changed . Screen angles during the battles can be changed . 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 . 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 point s . 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 . ) 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 — 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 . 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 . 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 mountain s ( 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 . 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 . 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 " . 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 ! 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 . 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 . 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 . 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 . As Cloud approaches the Mako reactor , he finds a " Restore " Materia on the floor — 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 . 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 . 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 . 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 . 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 — and the party is still in good health — 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 . Master the ways of Bushido , the ancient Samurai code of honor , as you fight across 3D fields , temples , rivers , and bamboo forests . Study and learn 8 traditional Japanese sword fighting methods in battles where one deft blow equals death . Enter a world of power , corruption , and magic , where knights , mages , and dragons clash . And where you must find the courage to conquer kings . Features an intricately woven world with 3D rotating battlefields , and a dynamic magic and battle system . Magic users , rob ots , and fools cross paths in this brilliant and animated world . Features a huge cast of characters and the Free Scenario System for the most open - ended adventure possible . ™ Sony Interactive 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 . This warranty shall not be applicable and shall be void if the defect in the SCEA product has arisen through abuse , unreasonable use , mistreatment , or neglect . THIS WARRANTY IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES AND NO OTHER REPRESENTATIONS OR CLAIMS OF ANY NATURE SHALL BE NINDING ON OR OBLIGATE SCEA . ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES APPLICABLE TO THIS SOFTWARE PRODUCT , INCLUDING WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE , ARE LIMITED TO THE NINETY ( 90 ) DAY PERIOD DESCRIBED ABOVE . IN NO EVENT WILL SCEA BE LIABLE FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES RESULTING FROM POSSESSION , USE OR MALFUNCTION OF THE SCEA SOFTWARE PRODUCT . Some states do not allow limitation as to how long an implied warranty lasts and / or exclusions or limitations of consequential damages , so the above limitations and / or exclusions of liability may not apply to you . This warranty gives you specific legal rights , and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state .