Final Fantasy VII / Manual / Europe Final Fantasy VII © 1997 Square Co . Ltd . All rights reserved . Final Fantasy are Squaresoft are registered trademarks of Square Co . Ltd . FOR HOME USE ONLY . Unauthorised copying , adaptation , rental , lending , re - sale , arcade use , charging for use , broadcast , cables transmission , public performance , distribution or extraction of this product or any trademark or copyright works that forms part of this product are prohibited . Published by Sony Computer Entertainment Europe . Developed by Square Co . Ltd . A STRUGGLE TO DETERMINE THE PLANET ' S FUTURE . . . IN MIDGAR , a city controlled by the mega - conglomerate Shinra . Inc . , the No . Mako Reactor has been blown up by a rebel group , AVALANCHE . AVALANCHE was secretly formed to wage a rebellion against Shinra . Inc . , an organisation which is absorbing Mako energy , destroying the natural resources of the planet . Cloud , a former member of Shinra ' s elite combat force , SOLDIER , was involved with the bombing of the Mako Reactor . Can Cloud and AVALANCHE protect the planet from the huge , formidable enemy , Shinra . Inc . ? Set up your PlayStation and insert the first FINAL FANTASY VII disc as described in your Instruction Manual . It is advised that you do not insert or remove peripherals or Memory cards once the power is turned on . Make sure there are enough free blocks on your Memory card before commencing play . When the demo and credits begin , press the button to advance to the Main Menu , which displays two options : NEW GAME or CONTINUE . Use the UP or DOWN Directional buttons to move the cursor to NEW GAME , and press the button to start a new game . Insert the disc for the previous game and the Memory card with the saved data , then turn ON the PlayStation game console . Go to the Main Menu and choose CONTINUE . Select the Memory card 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 want to resume . Occasionally , during FINAL FANTASY VII , a screen will appear with the message " Please Insert disc 2 or 3 " along with a picture . Without turning off the Console , open the Disc cover and insert the specified disc , then close the Disc cover . The picture randomly changes every time this screen is displayed . During the game , you will encounter 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 main character in FINAL FANTASY VII . Originally a member of SOLDIER , he is now a mercenary who will take any job . After being hired by AVALANCHE he gradually gets caught up in a massive struggle for the life of the planet . His enormous sword can cut almost anything in two . Young , beautiful and somewhat mysterious , Aeris met Cloud while selling flowers on the streets of Midgar . She decided to join him soon after . Her unusual abilities enable her to use magic but she seems more interested in the deepening love triangle between herself , Cloud and Tifa . Bright and optimistic . Tifa always cheers up the others when they ' re down . But don ' t let her looks fool you , she can decimate almost any enemy with her fists . She is one of the main members of AVALANCHE . She and Cloud were childhood friends , and although she has strong feelings for him , she would never admit it . Head of the underground resistance movement AVALANCHE , Barrett is fighting the mega conglomerate Shinra , Inc . which has monopolized Mako energy , building special reactors to suck it out of the planet . Barrett depends on brute strength and his Gun Arm to see him through . His wife died in an accident several years ago , and he now lives with his daughter Marlene . Just as his name implies , he is an animal with fire - red fur . But under his fierce exterior is an intelligence surpassing that of any human . His sharp claws and fangs make him good at close range fighting , but other than that , not much is known about him . It ' s not even certain that Red XIII is his real name . A real enigma . Cid is a tough - talking , warm - hearted old pilot who hasn ' t forgotten his dreams . There ' s no better pilot by air or sea . He believes someday he ' ll fly to the ends of the universe . With his handmade spear and knowledge of machinery , he throws himself into any attack regardless of danger . Even amongst the elite troops of SOLDIER , Sephiroth is known to be the best . His past is locked away in a confidential file held by Shinra Inc . His giant sword which only he can handle has extremely destructive power . Said to have disappeared in a battle years ago his current whereabouts are unknown . Although you ' d never know it if you looked at her , Yuffie comes from a long line of Ninja . She forced herself into the group just to get a " certain something " . She ' s sneaky , arrogant , and " way " selfish . But with her super shuriken and her special skills , there isn ' t anyone else you ' d rather have on your side in a fight . Cait Sith rides around on the back of a huge stuffed Mog he magically bought to life . Megaphone in hand , he ' s always shouting orders and creating dopey attacks . When his slot machine attack works , the enemy lines look like an overturned toy box . His hobby is fortune telling , but like his personality , it ' s pretty unreliable . A mystical man , stern and upright whole at the same time dark and mysterious . His past connection with Shinra Inc . is what made him join Cloud and the others . He may seem frail at first glance but inside his body lurks a fearsome power . The following is an explanation of the basic controls for FINAL FANTASY VII - consult the section on FIELD CONTROLS , BATTLE SCREEN , and MENU SCREEN for more information . NOTE : You can reset your game by pressing and holding down the following buttons simultaneously : L1 + L2 + R1 + R2 + SELECT + START In FINAL FANTASY VII , you can experience a 3D Field for the first time ever in the Final Fantasy series . Since 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 characters 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 the START button again , and the World Map will disappear from the screen . Ti display the reduced World Map , press the START button once again . As you encounter each character , you will be able to customize their name using up to nine letters . If you wish to keep the default name , press the START button to move the cursor to SELECT and push the button to change the character ' s name , select a letter using the Directional buttons , add a space by selecting SPACE from the side menu 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 . To delete a letter , select DELETE from the side menu . 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 . 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 an inn , the HP and MP of all party members will be completely restored . Also , the abnormality status caused during battles will be reversed . The cost depends on the inn . Weapons and armor for your characters are available . NOTE : Not all shops sell weapons and armor for every 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 purchased 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 . 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 of 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 hidden 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 , you can cast a magic spell that reduces the damage sustained by one half . 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 gauges are empty . Barrier works as a defense against magic attacks . The Magic Battier is recommended when you fight boss - level enemies . Commands can be used during a battle : Depending on which Materia is equipped , different commands can be used . During battle , numbers will appear above your characters and enemies . White numbers indicate damage , while green numbers indicated recovered HP and MP . 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 ) , remaining MP , and the Limit gauge , Time gauge . Under each character ' s HP and MP . The gauges are green when they are full , but turn 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 favourable 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 pre - empt 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 . 1 . 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 . 2 . 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 to 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 ATTACK command changes to the LIMIT command . By 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 ATTACK command will remain as the LIMIT command . The more damage you sustain from the enemy , the faster the Limit gauge fills up . MAGIC When you equip magic Materia on weapons or armor 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 grey . 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 . 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 of your battle 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 . Places at the front , the effect will be reversed . The change status will not be carried over to the next battle . 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 . As you proceed , you will obtain many Materia . Among them are Materia that will add commands that you can use during battle . For example , there is the SUMMON command , the SENSE command , and the new ENEMY SKILLS command . Only characters equipped with the appropriate Materia can use these commands . Battles end when you have destroyed all your enemies or when all enemies or your characters have escaped . If you win , GIL , items , experience points ( EXP ) , or Ability Points ( AP ) which affect Materia growth will be awarded . Their value will vary depending on the type and number of enemies destroyed . If all the party members are critically injured or are turned to stone , the game is over . When the game ends , a screen will appear which allows you to to select your Memory card slot . If you have saved data before you can choose the appropriate file to reload and continue the game . However , the data reverts to what it was before the GAME OVER screen appears ( including GIL , EXP and items obtained ) . If the 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 , ANEMIC , DISABLE , 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 . HOW TO VIEW MENU SCREENS Menu screens can be displayed by pushing the button whilst on 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 ( e . g . Cloud ) , level ( e . g . LV1 ) , current HP / maximum HP , and current MP / maximum MP are displayed . the two gauge to the right indicate what is required to reach the NEXT LEVEL and the LIMIT LEVEL shows when you can next 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 . 3 . Total gameplay time and the total sum of GIL the party has . 4 . The location of the party ( e . g . MIDGAR AREA ) . 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 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 . Use Choose this command to use items you possess . After selecting the item , select the character on whom the item will be used . Any times that cannot be used will be displayed in grey . Press the L1 or R1 button to scroll up and down the list of items . ARRANGE Choose this command to arrange items . Items can be arranged according to the following criteria : KEY ITEMS 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 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 . MAGIC 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 grey . In order to cast each magic , Materia must be equipped on the character ' s weapon or armor . Press the L1 or R1 button to scroll up and down the list . SUMMON 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 weapon or armor . ENEMY SKILL 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 . ADDED ABILITIES If special abilities have been gained by equipping Materia such as ALL , it ' s 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 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 . ABILITY LIST Abilities given to the character by equipping the Materia are displayed . Available Abilities are shown in white . Abilities in grey are not yet available . EQUIPMENT EFFECTS 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 . AP ( ABILITY POINT ) The APs ( Ability Points ) gained up to now for the 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 ( required points for the 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 . Move the finger cursor to Check and press the button . Commands and Magic available to the character during the battle due to the 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 . 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 five groups based on their Abilities . Purple MATERIA . This enhances the character ' s status , such as maximum HP and strength . 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 call a SUMMON MONSTER . This command equips characters with weapons , armor , and accessories . Even if weapons or armor have been acquired , they will not become effective unless equipped . Weapons . 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 to 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 weapons , while the right indicates the Status of the one you want to equip . Yellow numbers mean that the Stats will increase , and red numbers mean that they will decrease . To remove an equipped weapon , select that weapon and press the button . ARM Armor . When a character is equipped with armor , the DEFENSE , MAGIC DEF ( magic defense ) , DEFENSE % and MAGIC DEF % ( magic defense % ) will change . ARMOUR equips in the same fashion as weapons . MATERIA SLOTS The number of Materia slots in corresponding weapons or armor is indicated here . The linked slots are for using Support Materia and other types of Materia in conjunction to increase the power of Abilities . MATERIA GROWTH The number 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 . ACCESSORIES Various effects can be gained by wearing accessories . Some accessories change the character ' s Status . Accessories 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 . 2 . Each party member ' s current Status values are show 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 . 4 . Weapons equipped on the character , number of Materia slots , types ( colours ) 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 offence and defense . When the character obtains these Elements , the name of each Element is shown in white . The nine Properties are FIRE , ICE , LIGHTNING , EARTH , POISON , GRAVITY , WATER , WIND and HOLY . ATTACK 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 resistant to those Elements , you can give them only half as much damage , or in the worst case , the damage may become void or absorbed . ATTACK EFFECTS OF EACH ELEMENT HALF REDUCTION When attacked by enemies with certain Elements , the damage incurred will be reduced to one half . VOID When attacked by enemies with certain Elements , no damage will be incurred . ABSORB When attacked by enemies with certain Elements , the damage will be absorbed as your own character ' s HP . STATUS 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 Elements will be displayed in white . ATTACK When attacking the enemy , in addition to inflicting the usual damage , you can provide abnormal status in the Elements ( for example , POISON , SLEEP ) . This command is used to change the character ' s 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 press the button . FRONT By moving your character to the front , ATTACK Power will increase , and DEFENSE will decrease . ATTACK power and DEFENSE against Magic doesn ' t change . REAR By moving your character to the rear , DEFENSE will increase , and ATTACK power will decrease . ATTACK Power and Defense against Magic doesn ' t change . ABNORMAL STATUS PROPERTIES When the enemy tries ti cause Abnormal Status to the character , the attack by the Element can be avoided ( for instance , POISON , SLEEP ) . 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 one 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 the SET button on the screen 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 . To find the effects of the LIMIT BREAK ATTACKS , move the finger cursor to CHECK on the screen , and press the button . Select the level of the attack you want to check , then select the attack ' s name . WHEN YOUR STATUS IS FURY OR SADNESS If your status becomes FURY , the Limit gauge fills up faster and s shown in red . If your status becomes SADNESS , the Limit gauge fills up slower and is shown in blue . 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 your preference . Use the Directional buttons to select various options , then press the button to confirm . NOTE : You cannot exit the Controller CONFIG screen if you have more than one button assigned to the same command . WINDOW COLOR The colours of the four corners of the window background can be changed by mixing the three colours , RED , GREEN , and BLUE . Press the button in order to move the finger cursor to the right window . Use the Directional buttons to select the corner of the box you wish to change , then press the button . Change colours using the LEFT or RIGHT Directional buttons , and press the button . When you have finished changing colours of all four corners , press the button again . SOUND The sound mode can be changed between MONO and STEREO . CONTROLLER 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 to make your selection . 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 or DOWN Directional buttons . Then push the button you want assigned to that function . When you finish customizing your button settings , press the LEFT or RIGHT Directional button . NOTE : You will not be able to exit the Controller Configuration screen if you have assigned more than one button to the same command . CURSOR Even after you close the window , the last position of the finger cursor can be stored . ATB You can set the time flow during battles to one of the following three options : BATTLE SPEED Speed of time flow during battles can be changed . BATTLE MESSAGES Message speed during battles can be changed . FIELD MESSAGE Message speed in the Field screen can be changed . CAMERA ANGLE Screen angles during battles can be changed . AUTO The camera angle ( view ) changes constantly , making the battle exciting and realistic . FIXED The camera is fixed to a specific angle when you encounter enemies . The battle continues at this fixed angle . MAGIC ORDER 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 . Use the Directional buttons to 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 . 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 press the button . Select the Save command by using the Direction buttons and press the button . Select the Memory card slot in which the Memory card in 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 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 to store the saved data and press the button . You can also use the L1 and R1 buttons to scroll up and down the Memory card files . 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 Memory card already contains other game data , fewer files will be available . NOTE : Non FINAL FANTASY VII saves are shown as an EMPTY FILE . 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 on the World Map screen by walking on the Chocobo ' s tracks . Various Chocobos can move around areas you cannot reach by foot , such as rivers , seas and mountains . You can get off a Chocobo by pressing the button . Once you do that , 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 . HOW TO CATCH A CHOCOBO Once you have walked on the footprints , you are taken to a battle screen , where you will see a Chocobo , and some other enemies . It is very important not to attack or frighten the Chocobo as it will run away . What you must do is attack all the other enemies , and after defeating them , the Chocobo will become yours . Not all Chocobos run away after you get off of them , as it is possible to hold some at the Chocobo stables . There are also different types of Chocobo distinguished by their colour , a Blue one can travel in the shallow water , a Green one can cross Mountains , a Black one can cross shallow waters , rivers and Mountains , and a Gold one can go anywhere . At the start of the game , you ' ll have 3 Potions , a Phoenix down and an Ether . You can ' t equip Materia until you reach Midgar City by the way . Once you leave the train , check the bodies of the two guards to get two Potions . Head towards the end of the train where you ' ll be attacked by some guards . Once you ' ve defeated them , move left to go outside . Now talk to all your teammates ( Biggs , Wedge , and Jessie ) , then name yourself and Barrett . Make your way to the northwestern door , and head up in the next room to enter the heart of the power plant . Talk to Barrett , ( who joins you ) and then talk to each AVALANCHE member to open the doors . After opening the second door , head right to enter another chamber with a treasure chest ( Phoenix down ) . Then , go back and enter the elevator ( talk to Jessie first ) . Press the arrow switch to activate it . Work your way down to stairs and go through the door to the left . Then follow Jessie down the ladder . When she stops , search the area in front of her for a Potion . Climb down the cross the pipes , descend the nearby ladder , and take note of the Save point before heading down the walkway . Pick up the Restore Materia on the ground in the next area and set the bomb . An alarm will sound you ' ll have to fight the boss , the giant scorpion . Cloud ' s Bolt magic works well . Don ' t worry about the boss ' infinity - symbol ray , just let Barrett attack . When you ' ve done enough damage , the boss will start to shake and Cloud will talk to Barrett . From this point onward , don ' t attack the boss , just heal yourself or simply guard until the boss attacks you . If you try to hurt it during this time , the boss responds with a damaging laser ray shot from its tail . A few more hits after it stops shaking and the boss dies . You ' ll get an Assault Gun when you kill it . You now have ten minutes to escape from the power plant . You ' ll need to make your way back to the upside - down T - shaped entrance hall where one of the AVALANCHE members is waiting . Talk to the one member waiting for you at the top of the stairs and ladders to make her jump over you and get out . Since Barrett gets a new gun after the battle , be sure to equip it . Also , talk to the other members to open the two doors on your way back .