The game begins with a train pulling into the station. Your team dismount the train before you and promptly dispose the two waiting guards. First search the fallen guard closest to you. Hidden on his person you'll find two potions. Proceed carefully along the platform towards the exit. Two MP guards will engage you before you can reach your destination, and with your companions on the other side of the exit, Cloud is forced to fight alone. Fortunately for Cloud his opposition this time are feeble and he will stroll through this encounter without hardly breaking a sweat. After this short battle Cloud may now exit through the doorway and up the stairs to the next room.

At the top of the stairs, move away from the doorway, turn left and proceed towards the rest of your team. When you speak with Biggs, the character wearing a red headband, you will be able to change your hero's name. When you meet any new members of your party for the first time, you are given one opportunity to change their name. Once you have chosen your name continue by choosing select from the menu in the bottom right hand corner. Cloud is introduced to Barret, the first of your companions, but he does not become part of your party until a bit later on. The door in front of you will open and Cloud can follow his team into the next area.

Take the time to roam around in this little section for a while to practise your battle techniques before making your way to the bridge underneath the Intruder/Warning sign and through the doorway in the top right hand corner of the screen.

Cloud arrives on the bridge that leads to the first Reactor. Halfway across the bridge is a turning leading up, Cloud needs to follow his companions up this path and through the doorway. Next, make your way up to the security doors ahead, and speak with Barret, who now joins your party. You are able to control Barret's actions using the same procedures as used for Cloud. Now you need to speak to Biggs, who is the guy standing to the left of you, and he will enter the security code that opens the door. Follow your allies through the door and speak to Jessie who will open the second door for you. Before you rush ahead and jump in the lift, turn right once you are through the door and proceed into the small square room at the bottom. In the far left hand corner you will see a sparkling box, open this box and collect a Phoenix Down. Finally, exit the small room, turn right and speak to Jessie again. She will open the lift door for you. Follow Jessie into the lift, and press [OK] to activate the switch on the right hand side of the elevator.

When the lift arrives at the bottom, exit through the door on the left hand side and you will emerge in a large room, with a small circular structure in front of you on the platform. Turn right and proceed down the long staircase towards the lower level and follow to the ground. Use this large area for practising battles whilst controlling two combatants, before entering the ladders section located through the door opposite the foot of the stairs.

When you speak with Jessie she will teach you how to use ladders throughout the game. This is a simple task, press the [OK] button to jump onto ladders, then use up/down directional buttons to climb or ascend. Follow Jessie down to the next section, and continue traveling downwards to the next ladder marked with Green Triangle, not forgetting to pick up the potion sitting by Jessie's sentry position. Head down the ladder besides the potion, and the jump onto the next ladder, continuing to head downwards.

At the bottom of this ladder turn left and follow the walkway around to the next ladder situated against the wall, and descent to the bottom. Here you will discover the first available Save Point, save your game here and check your character's health situation before moving on across the bridge. As you near the opposite side of the bridge pick up Restore Materia before moving ahead to plant the bomb. As soon as you've planted the bomb you will be engaged by the first level boss, the Guard Scorpion. Once you've defeated it a timer starts. You only have ten minutes to get to a safe distance from the explosion.

Run back across the bridge and save your game at the Save Point before climbing the ladder to exit this area.

Your final destination is the bridge you crossed at the start of this level, as you pass Jessie's sentry position you will notice that Jessie is still here. Take a second to speak with her. It turns out she has trapped her leg and can't get it out. Cloud will need to free Jessie in order to exit the reactor as she knows the exit codes for locked doors on this level that you need to pass. Once you have helped Jessie to overcome her little problem you must follow her up the ladder to the top of the ladder section and through the exit at the top.

You appear back at the large platformed room, and need to climb the long staircase directly in front of you all the way to the top! Once on the platform top, exit into the lift marked with Red Triangle and travel up to the security door area. Once back in this area speak with Jessie who is standing closest to you, and she will open the first security door for you. Follow her through the door and then speak to Biggs who will open the second security door. Once through this door turn right and proceed down the steps to the exit.

Now all you have too do is sit back and watch the explosion!

After escaping from the blast, the team find themselves in a small area besides a blazing doorway. They agree to split up and meet back at HQ, a building in the Sector 7 Slums. When the conversation has finished, follow Barret up the stairs and into the next area.

When Cloud arrives on the next screen Barret is nowhere to be seen, but he starts a conversation with a flower girl who had been knocked over in the commotion following the recent explosion. The flower girl asks Cloud "What happened?". You will now be presented with two choises of answer. Choose "Nothing...hey, listen...", and then choose "Don't see many flowers around here". Selecting these options will give you a change to buy a flower. After you have purchased your flower follow the flower girl off the screen and into a courtyard. Walk forwards to the other side of the courtyard and pick up the potion in the bottom left hand corner, before talking to the guy standing by the light. After conversing with everyone in the courtyard area he encounters Shin'ra Soldiers. You will be presented with the option to fight or run. Choose fight. Cloud will have to fight three separate battles in this area, before he gets cornered and jumps onto the roof of the train below.

Cloud's friends are already on the train, heading for Sector 7 Slums. He will be reunited with them shortly, making his entrance through the door on the left hand side of the carriage. Once you are all together, follow you friends into the next carriage.

Proceed to the front of the train and speak to Jessie. She will explain the Midgar Rail System to you, along with the security check points. Now move up to the left hand side of the carriage and speak to Barret. The train now arrives at the station.

Everyone exits the train, and agrees to meet at HQ. You must now speak to the guard on the platform until he tells you that "The first train leaves Midgar at 05:04 am.". Now proceed off the left hand of the screen towards the Sector 7 slums.

In the top left hand side of the screen is the next Save Point. Before saving your game, speak to the boy who is stood near the Save Point, he will reveal some interesting information about the pillar structure to the north of the slums. After this conversation has finished, save your game, and then proceed downwards into the slums.

Once you enter the slums, head directly towards the HQ. Barret will clear the bar area and summon the team inside. There will be plenty of time to visit the shops in the area, but Cloud must collect his pay before he can do some serious shopping. Speak to Barret who is standing guard outside the entrence to HQ, and he will prompt you to enter the building behind him.

Once inside Cloud meets Tifa, who is to become the next member of your party. If you purchased a flower earlier you will be given the opportunity to give it to Tifa, or Marlene who is Barret's daughter. After speaking with your friends, move and stand on the doormat. Barret wil enter the room and call everyone downstairs for a meeting. Once everyone else has gone to the meeting, stop and join Tifa at the bar for a drink. After finishing your drink, take the pinball machine lift to the meeting room below. Use [OK] to operate the lift.

Once you have spoken to Barret about your money, take the lift back up to the first floor and walk towards the exit. Tifa will follow you and beg you to help them. When this conversation finishes, Barret will enter and pay Cloud 1500 Gil and agree a price for Cloud's assistance in the next mission.

Cloud wakes up in the corner of the meeting room below Avalanche HQ. Take the pinball lift to the first floor and speak with Tifa. When you talk with Barret he tells you about the next mission and asks you to explain Materia to him. I, chose "OK, I'll explain it" and the tutorial will show the process for using materia. Materia is a very important part included in this game, so be sure to read these instructions carefully. Now you may exit the building and explore the slums.

Your first point of call is bound to be the Weapons Shop (below the HQ). Speaking to the shopkeeper on the left hand of the shop will acces the Buy/Sell Menu. Purchase three Iron Bangles, one for each party member, and then exit out of the Buy/Sell Menu. Press [MENU] to bring up your menu screen and equip your team with the new armour. Try not to worry if you don't understand how to equip items, in the next room is a tutorial section that will help. Once you have equipped the new armour you will now be able to sell the discarded bronze bangles to the shopkeeper. When you have finished here, take the ladder exit at the rear of the shop and then enter the room at the front of the building.

Make a point of visiting this room, not only there is an All Materia and a Ether to pick up, but also a large tutorial section. Talk to the people in the room, some of them hold valuable information, giving you practical help in using and understanding the basic techniques used throughout the game. Remember to save your game before you exit this room.

Note: If your party needs to rest, return to the weapons store on the ground floor, and speak to the boy who is in the shop. For 10 Gil, he will allow you to use his room on the top floor of this building. Resting will restore your HP and MP.

Your next stop is the Materia Shop (left of the Weapons store). Talk to the barkeeper to purchase materia.

With all the shopping done for now it is time to equip your characters with the materia. Make sure that you have the Restore-All combo equipped at one of the characters, this allows you to restore all party member's HP during a fight. You may also equip the Fire Materia and Lightning Materia, allowing you to use fire and bolt spells. With your party prepared, have a leisurely wander around the slums before making your way back to Sector 7 Station and your next mission. Don't forget to save your game.

Once at the station, board the train. When the train starts moving, make your way to the front of the carriage and speak to Tifa. Suddenly, an alarm sounds. Shin'ra has moved the ID security checkpoint and the team must run from car to car to avoid getting trapped.

You have 15 seconds to get through the next carriage located at the bottom of the screen, during this time you can grab some useful items from the other passengers on the train. In order to retrieve the items and avoid getting locked in, press and hold the [CANCEL] button. This allows your party to move faster through the train.

Note: If you get trapped in a carriage the team will have to jump off the train early, this will not hamper your next mission. However, if you become trapped in the first car you will jump out next to a station guarded by Special Combatants. You cannot get past them, so the team will have to turn around and travel in the opposite direction.

In the first carriage speak to the drunk lying on the seat at the back of the train. For taking the time to talk to him he will give you a Phoenix Down. In the second carriage the attendant who is stood closest to the front of the train will give you a Hi-Potion. In the third carriage there are no items to pick up, but the character mocing in the opposite direction will sometimes steal something from you. You can only retrieve this item if you chase him and catch him. There are no items in carriages four and five.

Once in the last car, make your way to the front of the carriage. It is time for the team to jump off. Speak with Tifa and courageously she will jump from the speeding train. As soon as Tifa has made her escape, speak to Barret and Cloud will then follow Tifa through the door. The party are in a tunnel. Walk straight ahead to the start of the next mission.

Once the team has bailed out of the train they find themselves inside a long tunnel. Proceed upwards along this tunnel until your path is blocked by some security sensors. How many carriages you managed to successfully get through before your team jumped from the train will determine how far you will have to travel up the tunnel to reach this point.

Examining the small hole on the left hand side of the tunnel, will give you several options. Choose "Go Down," as this is your only route to avoid the sensors.

At the bottom of the hole is a small corridor. Walk forwards and pick up the Ether in the middle of the floor. Now make your way to the gap in the floor and climb down the ladders until you reach the ground floor.

You will now have reached a large area which looks a lot like a warehouse, with boxes and crates littered everywhere. Walk forwards and down the stairs located to your right. If you carry on walking forwards you will eventually see your friend Wedge standing near the foot of a ladder. Speak to Wedge and he will direct you where you need to go. There are two ladders that you can climb, but both lead to the same place, and have no items that you are able to collect. To exit, climb up the ladder behind Wedge.

Note: The Bolt spell is very useful for killing mechanical enemies.

Walk forwards and speak to Jessie, then turn left and pick up the Potion in the corner. Now you must move on downwards via the ladder with the yellow and black striped area in front of it, located on the far left hand side of the chamber.

Once at the bottom of this ladder, follow the walkway to the Save Point, not forgetting to pick up the Tent on your way. After you have saved your game speak to Biggs who is stood in front of the next ladder, before climbing up to the next area.

You should recognise the layout of this area. Move to the left and onto the slide to get down to the ground floor. Move around the large platform and enter through the door opposite the base of the long staircase. The layout of this reactor is very simular to the now crumpled first reactor. The reactor is on the other side of the bridge at the bottom of the ladders section, identical to the route you took when completing the first mission. After you have planted the bomb, make your way back to this large room and proceed up the long staircase to the lift, which is on the left hand side once you reach the top platform. There is no time limit on this level but do not hang around for too long.

After your short lift journey, exit the elevator on the left hand side, then walk to the box and collect the Ether hidden within. Now proceed into the room on the left hand side. In order to open the security door that blocks your exit, your team must press all six switches at the same time. To do this simply count to three and then tap the [OK] button. It will not always work the first time but persevere as this is your only way out. Once past this door, save your game and then spend a while; building up Cloud's and Barret's Limit Breaks before moving on through the next doorway and down the steps towards the bridge. Your team will run onto the bridge but unfortunately they fall straight into a trap set by President Shin'ra.

Now you'll have to fight Air Buster. Once you've defeated him he will explode, blasting a hole in the bridge. Cloud is left dangling from a small piece of the bridge. There is no way to help him now.

Cloud wakes up unhurt and finds himself in a bed of flowers, located in a church near the Sector 5 Slums. The flower girl he met earlier is watching over him, obviously concerned for his well being. Cloud is introduced to Aeris, who soon will become the next member of your team. It appears that Aeris is in trouble, so Cloud offers to be her bodyguard and not a moment too soon. Reno of the Turks enters the church intent on capturing Aeris..

Cloud and Aeris make a hasty retreat out the exit at the back of the church, with the Shin'ra agents in hot pursuit. Once out in the back, jump across the gap to the staircase and head for the rafters. Soon Cloud and Aeris become separated, ehen she slips, and slides to the floor below.

As the enemy soldiers close in you will be presented with three choises of action. Choose "hold on a minute" and climb up the ladder to the rafters above

Once at the very top you will be able to see four barrels, Aeris will be attacked three times. Each time Aeris is attacked you can help her by pushing the barrels 1, 2, and 3 in that order. The fourth barrel is a decoy. After you have completed this little task, Aeris manages to escape her pursuers and will join Cloud on the rafters.

Walk forwards across the slanted beam towards the gigantic hole in the roof which Cloud made not so long ago. Once out of the church Cloud and Aeris converse on the roof of the churche before they are ready to move on.

Once on the rooftops make your getaway by heading towards the top left hand side of the screen. Eventually you will jump off the roof tops a small distance from Aeris' house located in the Sector 5 Slums. As soon as you are able, run to the left and save your game at the nearby Save Point.

After you have saved your game continue moving to the left until you discover a turning on your right hand side. Proceed up and into the slums. you cannot go the wrong way at this point, as the exit to sector 6 is blocked by two men and you cannot get past them. Once into this area of the slums the random battles will stop temporarely, this allows you plenty of time to talk to everyone and purchase some essential supplies. Before moving on to Aeris' house (located to the right hand side of the slums), make sure you pay a visit to the boys bedroom. Enter the house, turn right and climb the stairs.

If you speak to the boy lying on the bed he mumbles something about a secret drawer in his dresser. If you search the drawers you will discover the secret drawer and the five Gil hidden there. DON'T TAKE HIS MONEY!

You will return here later in the game and receive an item of much greater value. Before leaving the boys room, read the flyer on the wall. This is the first of six flyers you need to discover in order to receive an abundance of goodies later in the game. Once you have finished here, exit the house and proceed towards Aeris' house (top right hand side of the slums).

Before saving or entering the house walk carefully around the house and enter the flower garden. Here you can pick up an Ether and a Cover Materia which is hidden amongst the flowers. Now save your game before entering Aeris' house. Once inside you will meet her step mother Elmyra who politely asks you to leave early, and without Aeris. Once you have spoken with Elmyra proceed upstairs and talk with Aeris.

When you wake up you will have to sneak past Aeris' door to avoid being caught. Walk, don't run and this should prove fairly easy. Exit the house and make your way back to through the slums to the entrance to Sector 6. The way will be clear now.

Aeris managed to fool you and is waiting at the entrance to the sector 6 slums by the time you arrive there. It seems you will have to take her with you after all. As soon as you pass through the entrance, take a moment to equip Aeris with some materia. Her normal attack is fairly weak and you face a few tough enemies on your journey through this slum. Also, equip Cloud with the Cover Materia that you found in the flower garden, this adds extra defence for both Cloud and Aeris.

Walk ahead and turn right up the wooden slope and then take the bridge on your right hand side heading up the screen. Across the bridge is a mashed concrete platform, walk around the platform to the downward sloping girder and head down to the floor below. At the bottom of the girder is a small tunnel which you need to go through to reach the next section.

Once through the tunnel turn right and under the bridge turning right again and proceeding up the screen. Now you should be able to see a red plank sloping upwards, follow this plank up to the raised area directly in front of you. To the left you can now see another wooden slope, this time sloping downwards. Proceed down the slope turning left and continuing upwards to a large playground in front of the entrance to Sector 7. Cloud and Aeris decide to take a break.

All of a sudden the gate to Sector 7 opens and a chocobo-drawn cart appears. Tifa is on the back heading towards a town called Wall Market. Your break is over, follow Tifa and the cart off the screen to the top right hand corner. Keep following the path and you'll arrive at the town entrance.

Wall Market is a large town with lots of things to do and find. First things first. Where is Tifa, and what is she doing here? Your first point of call is the Honey Bee Inn located south east of the town. Walk around the building on your right hand side and continue off the screen to the right hand side.

Outside the Honey Bee Inn you need to speak to the man wearing a red tank top, he will be stood on the steps next to the club's bouncer. When asked about Tifa he explains that she is their newest member of staff and is currently having an interview at Don Corneo's Mansion. Exit and proceed back to the south entrance of the town.

Don Corneo's mansion is the building located in the most northern section of the town. Follow the path on the left hand side to the very top, enter the building and speak to the man who is stood by the inner door. He blocks your path informing you that only females may enter the mansion. Aeris suggest that in order to get in Cloud he should dress up as a woman. Realising that this is the only way to elude the doorman, Cloud reluctantly agrees.

If Cloud is going to trick the doorman, first he will need a dress, fortunately there is a dress shop right here in Wall Market. Exit the entrance to the mansion and proceed downwards to the dress shop. Enter the shop and speak with the assistant behind the counter. Unfortenately, you cannot get a dress straight away, the dressmaker is currently on a heavy drinking session at the local tavern. Perhaps Cloud and Aeris can confince him to make a one off special dress, but you need a dress quickly so you will have to go to the tavern.

Enter the tavern and speak with the dressmaker, he is sat alone at the bar on the right hand side of the tavern. Aeris takes over the conversation and manages to persuade the dressmaker into doing this little favour for them. You must now choose what sort of dress you would like, the options are as follows:

1. "soft" and "shimmers" - Silk dress (best option)
2. "soft" and "shiny" - Satin dress
3. "clean" and "shiny/shimmers" - Cotton dress

Once you have chosen your dress you must now proceed back to the clothes shop. Your dress will be ready by the time you arrive. Speak with the assistant and Cloud will try the new outfit on. Aeris then decides that in order to make your disguise more believable a wig would probably help. The assistant informs you that a guy from the gymnasium might be able to help you acquire a wig, Cloud and Aeris must go there next.

Once inside the gym, speak to the girl stood beside the sparring ring. She guesses why you have come and introduces you to Big Bro. It appears that in order for Cloud to obtain a wig he must defeat Big Bro in a 'squat' contest. If you mess up, Cloud will stop and scratch his head. You will be given a chance to practise a little before the competition begins, take this opportunity to discover the necessary timing for completing the squats. When the competition is over you will receive a wig of some discription, there are three types available: Blonde Wig (if you win; best option), Dyed Wig (if you draw), and a Plain Wig (if you lose).

Note: You may now proceed directly to Don Corneo's mansion if you wish, but once there Don Corneo will be making a choice as to which girl he wishes to be with for the evening. If Cloud is chosen you will be able to pick up a well hidden hyper behind his bed, but in order to be Don Corneo's companion for the evening you will need to get some extra items.

Inside the tavern you will find a young man bursting to use the toilet, talk to him and then talk to the young lady who seems to be hogging the bathroom. It seems that she is a little under the weather and requires some medicine, but in order to obtain some of this special medicine Cloud will need to acquire a pharmacy coupon.

It must be your lucky day! The local restaurant will give you a free pharmacy coupon if you purchase a meal. Enter the restaurant and sit down at the counter, the owner will ask you what you would like to eat. You have a choice of three meals, each costing 70 gil. Once you have eaten your food you will be presented with three oprions. If you wish to receive a coupon, select "It was Alright". Once you have collected your coupon you must go to the pharmacy to exchange it.

Enter the pharmacy and speak with the shopkeeper. He will notice that you have a coupon and motions for you to select whichever medicine you would like. The options are as follows:

1. Disinfectant - Cologne
2. Deodorant - Flower Cologne
3. Digestive - Sexy Cologne (best option)

Once you have got the medicine proceed back to the tavern, and give it to the lady in the toilet. She will reward you with the cologne appropiate with the medicine that you chose for her.

Your next stop is the Materia Shop, although there is no Materia for sale at the moment, when you speak with the owner he asks if you can do him a little favour. He tells you that the South Inn has a vending machine, and he wishes to know what they are selling in it. Cloud should agree to go, and then head to the South Inn.

Enter the Inn and speak to the young lady behind the counter. Pay the 10 gil to stay overnight and Cloud will find the vending machine with four options with the following outcomes:

1. Don't buy it - Nothing
2. Buy the one for 200 gil - Diamond Tiara (best option)
3. Buy the one for 100 gil - Ruby Tiara
4. Buy the one for 50 gil - Glass Tiara

In the morning, exit the Inn and return to the Materia Shop. Speak with the owner again and he will give you the Tiara that relates to your choice.

There is now only one further place you need to visit, which is the Honey Bee Inn. However, in order to get inside you need to get a members card. It just so happens that there is a guy hanging around on the corner just before you reach your destination. If you stop and talk with him on your way he will kindly give you his members card.

Now that you have a members card, speak to the doorman and he will let you enter. Once inside you will be asked to choose a room for your activities, there are two choices available to you with the following undergarments as momentos:

1. Group Room - Bikini Briefs
2. &$#% Room - Lingerie

It makes no difference which room you choose, just be sure to collect your underwear from the assistant before you exit the room. Once you leave you will be unable to go back there. There is one more place you need to visit - the Make-up Room Door No. 3. Inside are three girls who are powdering their bits. Speak to the young lady on the far left hand side and she will apply the finishing touch to your disguise.

The remaining two room are already occupied but you may peek through the keyholes if you are feeling nosy. Whilst spying on the occupants of the room you can adjust your view by using the left and right direction buttons. Once you are finished at the Honey Bee Inn it is time to prepare yourself before you proceed back to Don Corneo's mansion.

Head back to the dress shop and Cloud will put on his disguise. If you need to purchase any items from the shops you may do so now, we suggest buying some Mythril Armlets and a Mythril Rod. Remember to equip these items before you move on. Save your game, then proceed back to the mansion to begin the rescue operation.

This time you will have no trouble getting passes the doorman who seems eagerly to invite you inside. After a short conversation with the receptionist he leaves you to go and inform Don Corneo of your arrival. This presents a perfect opportunity to search for Tifa. climb the staircase behind you up to the first floor and walk around the landing to the furthest entrance and proceed downwards. Tifa is located at the bottom of these stairs in the basement.

As soon as Cloud and Aeris have found Tifa, Don Corneo's receptionist will call them from the top of the stairs. Remember to collect the ether beside the fireplace before proceeding back up the stairs and into the Don's chambers.

At the top of the stairs turn left and enter the first door you come to. Once inside walk forwards and make your way to the right hand side of Don Corneo's desk. Kotch will stop you and ask you to line up in front of the Don so he can make is choice for the evening. If you collected the Silk Dress, Blonde Wig, Sexy Cologne, Diamond Tiara, an undergarment and make-up the Don will choose Cloud to be his company for the evening. If you collected different items the Don may choose either Tifa or Aeris to be his company. If Cloud is not chosen he will have to defeat Don Corneo's henchmen, before proceeding to the bedroom.

Once in the Don's bedroom run round to the back of the bed and pick up the hidden hyper, then speak to the Don. It's up to you wheter you wish to play around with him before you reveal your identity. Eventually Tifa and Aeris will burst into the room and together the team persuades the Don to co-operate. It turns out that Shin'ra is planning to distroy the support pillar above Avalanche HQ, which would crush the entire sector. As the team tries to leave, the Don pulls a trapdoor; casting them out of the mansion and into the sewers below.

The trap door deposited the team deep in the sewer system underneath Don Corneo's mansion. Before you go anywhere be sure to equip Tifa and Aeris with any new weapons or armour you may have purchased. Also make sure they both have at least one spell materia equipped into their slots..

Aps is a large unusual creature who's main attack is the Sewer Tsunami. This attack is water based and will cause damage to everybody in the party. Fortunately, this attack also damages Aps at the same time. If the wave is coming from behind Aps then considerably more damage is inflicted on itself rather than the party. Obviously when the wave comes from behind the party the damage is far greater on them than Aps.

Hit this creature with as much magic as possible to avoid a long confrontation. His weak point is most definitely fire, so use fire spells as much as possible. Keep a close watch on your party's health and try not to let slip below 100 HP. When you have defeated Aps you will receive a Phoenix Down.

Now walk forwards and up the stairs on the right hand side, to pick up the potion in the bottom left hand corner of the screen. Now make your way back down the steps and climb the ladder on the other side. Follow the walkway until you find a ladder back down to the mushy floor below.

Next, travel up the stairs in the bottom right hand corner, and turn left, making sure you collect the Steal Materia on the right hand side. As soon as you have picked up this materia, equip Tifa immediately. You will be able to steal items from your enemies and start building up your inventory. Now move forwards and then jump down the hole in the top right hand corner.

Walk forwards to the end of the path and then proceed down the steps and into the gunge. Walk to the end and turn right, back up onto the raised ledge, where the rail is broken. Walk right to the ladder and up into the Train Graveyard.

The party exits the sewers and arrive at the south end of the train graveyard. With the possibility that their HQ is under a major threat from Shin'ra terrorists, you have to negotiate as quickly as possible. The Sector 7 Slums are just on the other side, so with any luck your team may be able to stop any major catostrophes occuring.

Note: There are lots of nasty enemies in the graveyard, so remember to save your game before you start.

Enter the train directly ahead of you and walk left through the carriage and exit the other end. After close inspection of the oil barrel, you can collect a Hi-Potion. Now proceed back through the carriage. Walk around the Save Point and cllimb the ladder onto the roof. Walk forwards and pick up another Hi-Potion in the middle of the roof.

Now you proceed along the roof to the broken girder and turn left to the floor below. There is another oil barrel that should be searched in the top left hand corner. You will receive an Echo Screen when this is searched. Head back towards the girder and turn left to walk underneath it. Now enter the train on the left hand side. Cloud now needs to turn right again to pick up the Potion. Continue down through the carriage and exit out the right hand side. Walk up the ladder in front of you, onto the roof of the carriage ahead. Turn left and move across to the next carriage before climbing down the ladder the other side. Now enter into the carriage after turning right. Walk left to the exit.

Collect the Potion at the front end of this carriage. Turn right and go up the screen, under the broken carriage and turn left then left again. In the bottom left hand corner there is another Potion to collect.

You will now be able to see another oil barrel behind the carriage to your left. Proceed around the rubble to search the barrel. Here you will receive an Ether. In this area you may encounter a large powerful creature named Eligor, who is carrying a Striking Staff which is Aeris' most powerful weapon at this point of the game. You can wrest this weapon from his grasp using the 'steal' command, providing you have previously equipped this materia to your slots. You will not be able to steal items at every attempt, and to get this weapon may take several attempts. Keep persevering, it will pay off in the long run.

In the very northern section of the train graveyard are two train engines that you will need to move in order to exit the area. Your path to the Sector 7 slums is blocked by a heap of rubble and moving the trains will create a bridge for you to cross. The first train to move is the first train you see on the far right hand side. To move the train just enter through the open doorway. The train will travel forward slowly shunting the carriage on the left hand side of the screen, once the train stops Cloud will jump out. Have Cloud get in to the train again, this time the train will slowly reverse and move back to its origional position. Now Cloud must move train two, walk left and up and the next train is again on the right hand side. Once the train has moved, again Cloud will jump out, however this train needs to be left where it is as it forms the essential part of the bridge. Turn left and walk up the ladder to board the roof of the carriage next door. Walk forwards and collect the Hi-Potion befo re jumping across to the moved locomotive. Now you may traverse the girder on to the next carriage, climb down the ladder and you will notice that you are now standing at Sector 7 Station.

Let's hope that you are not too late to save the slum. Run to the left, past the station and into the slums. Once here you will see that although the pillar is still standing it is under heavy attack.

The team arrives at the pillar just in time to fight the Shin'ra, however, the attack is already underway and Barret could use some assistance at the top. Aeris will leave the party briefly to ensure Marlene's savety, meaning that Cloud and Tifa must sclae the tower without her.

You may have random encounters with special Aero Combatants on the way. These guys cause damage with their Heli-Blades until you knock them from the sky. Once down they are pussycats and will be defeated easily. At the top, Barret is struggling to hold the enemy at bay. When you reach him you will be given a chance to equip him properly. As soon as you have finished, Reno of the Turks descends to the platform and activates the pillar's self destruct system.

Now you will have to fight Reno. Once Reno has departed, the team will try to stop the self destruct sequence, but this proves to be impossible. Tseng of the Turks takes a moment to taunt the team from the savety of his helicopter, displaying his latest capture, Aeris. The team can do nothing to help het at the moment, and with the timer ticking away must evacuate the platform immediately.

After narrow escaping death on top of the pillar, the team finds itself in the now ruined playground adjacent to Sector 7. Barret expresses his anger at Shin'ra's actions, and the team talk for a while. Cloud makes it clear that he wishes to find out more about the ancients, and so he dicides to head for Aeris's house to ask her step-mother. Cloud walks off the screen towards Sector 5 slums and has another encounter with the strange voice in his head. Barret and Tifa will join Cloud and they can depart for Aeris's house. Before making your way to Sector 5, turn around and go back to the playground. In the bottom right hand corner is a Sense Materia for you to collect.

Now the team is ready to journey to Sector 5. Make your way back through the Sector 6 slums and proceed back to Aeris's house. On your way through the Sector 5 slums take a moment to visit the boy's bedroom, he is awake now, and providing you didn't steal his money earlier, he will give you a Turbo Ether. If you did not look at the wall here do so now, you will find Turtles Paradise Flyer No. 1.

At Aeris's house, Elmyra has plenty of information about Aeris and the Ancients to give to you. It becomes apparent that Aeris had managed to bring Marlene here before she was captured. Before you leave to go after Aeris, make sure you take the time to rest in the upstairs bedroom. The team decide that as the trains are no longer running, there might be a way to get to Shin'ra HQ through the Wall Market. Elmyra agrees to look after Marlene for a while longer, so the team depart.

The team must travel to Wall Market, to get here you must take the same route as you did previously. Through the Sector 6 slums and turn right after the playground. Follow the path and you will arrive at the South entrance. Wall Market has changed a little since your last visit and you have a little bit of reputation after your stunt at Don Corneo's mansion. If the team needs to rest, do so at the South Inn, immediately to your left. If not make your way to the shops where there are some items you need to pick up before you can move on.

After talking with the guys stood outside the weapons shop it seems that the owner has been collecting fallen goods from the Sector 7 plate. Inside the shop are two men. Speak to the man on the left around the corner and he will offer to sell you some Zinc Batteries for 100 gil each. You must purchase three batteries in order to enable you to climb up to Shin'ra HQ. Make sure you have 300 gil, if not head back to Sector 6 slums and spend some time killing monsters to raise the cash. With the batteries in your possession you can now make your way to the 'Wire of Hope', or you can take the time to explore Don Corneo's mansion, which is now ungarded.

If you decide to look around the mansion you will be able to pick up any items you did not collect on your first visit. In the guards room on the first floor is a Phoenix Down, and tied up in the basement you will find Kotch, one of the Don's henchmen. You are given the option to help him if you wish, or if you feeling vindictive you can leave him there. There is nothing more to do here, so exit the building and turn left towards the 'Wire of Hope'.

Now the team has to climb up the wire to reach Shin'ra HQ located at the top. Once at the top of the first wire you will see that this is going to be no ordinary climb, the route is tricky and the path is a bit of a maze. Keep climbing up until you cannot go any further, then jump to the left and walk around the little walkway.

In the bottom right hand corner is the socket for battery No. 1, walk over to it and place a battery in the socket. Once the battery is in place the propeller ahead begins to spin, the power from the battery does not last very long and the propellor stops in a position that forms a bridge up to the next section of your climb.

After crossing the propellor, the team will be able to see another socket located on the left hand side. Jump forwards and proceed left, placing the battery in the socket. With the battery in place the barricade to the left lifts creating a bridge to the next section of your climb. Cloud and the team will now be able to walk left across the barrier. You will not be able to walk to the next section as the path you are currently on will not let you proceed any further. There is however a wire leading upwards just to your right hand side, press [OK] and climb up this wire. Cloud and the team again have reached a position from which they can go no further.

They notice a bar swinging from side to side and will have to jump onto it to reach the next section of their climb. To jump onto the bar all you need to do is press the [OK] button, just before it reaches the platform on which you are stood. This sounds easy, but will prove tricky as you will have to time your jump perfectly. If you fail to make the jump you will be able to try it again and again if necessary. Once you have made the jump succesfully Cloud will automatically jump off the other side. You now face quite a long climb to the next battery socket. As you climb you will see the socket on the left hand side but there is no way to jump across.

Keep climbing until you can go no further, on your left you will be able to see a wire. Climb onto the wire and continue your yourney upwards until you reach a point enabling you to descent to battery socket No. 3. Climb down and place the last battery. Once the battery is in place, the chest above it opens and Cloud will receive an Ether. Unfortunately, there is no way for Cloud to climb up from his current position so he must continue downwards and jump across the swinging bar for a second time. Now the team must continue their upwards journey, via the same route as taken before. Remember with the third battery already in place you need not climb down to it again, instead climb the wire that leads upwards. At the top of this little wire move to the right and you will be able to continue you upwards yourney on the pipe in the middle of the screen. At the top of this pipe is Shin'ra HQ.

Once your team reaches the top of the wire, they have to decide wether to barge in through the front entrance or to sneak in through the side door. Both path are very different, but both will eventually lead you to the 59th floor. The side entrance leads to a stairway winding upwards. There are no enemies on the stairs, but there are nine large stairways to climb with about 10 fights per stairway. This is one awsome stomp and the only price for your efforts is an Elixer placed in the middle of the stairway. You will have to come back here much later in the game. Leave the stairway for later on.

When you burst in through the front entrance everyone goes running except a small group of Grenade Combatants who move in to engage in battle. They are weak enemies and the team should dispose of them easily. You are now free to move around to search the lobby area, when you choose to use the front entrance you will have to fight random battles all the way through the building. These will not prove to be too difficult, but do keep an eye on your health levels.

The first thing you should do is search the lobby area. In the far right hand corner you can find a notice board. Pinned on the notice board is Turtles Paradise Flyer No. 2. If you need to stock up on a few essential supplies you will want to visit the item shop. Head back towards the front entrance and take the steps up to the second floor. The shop is located in the top right hand corner of this floor. Also in the shop you will see two chests in the back. You cannot open these just yet, but you'll have to return here later in the game. There is also a short video about Shin'ra Motor Mobiles. If you wish to take a look, the operation concole is in the bottom left hand corner.

Now you are ready to begin you lift yourney to the 59th floor. The lifts are situated in the centre of the back wall on all floors. You may take the stairs up to level three but from that point onwards the lift is your only way to your destination. Once the team is in the lift an alarm will sound and the elevator appears to malfunction. Have Cloud move to the operation console and stop the lift. Every time the lift stops the doors open and the party will have to fight. There are several battles on your way up but none of them should prove to be too difficult. Eventually the elevator will reach the 59th floor and the party will be able to exit.

59th Floor

Once you reach the 59th floor you will no longer be able to use the normal elevator, there is a special glass elevator that grants acces to all floors above level 59. There is only one small problem however you will need a keycard to enter the floors above. Turn left and run around the building until you see a group of enemy soldiers guarding the glass elevator. When you approach them they will initiate combat. After this short battle Cloud will find a Keycard 60 granting him acces to the 60th floor. Now enter the glass elevator and proceed up to the next floor.

60th Floor

When the team exit the lift you will notice that the way forward is blocked by two guards. You cannot fight your way past but there is however a room on the left hand side of the floor which you can enter. From this room you will have to try to sneak past the four guards that are guarding the northern section of the building. Cloud will go first and then have the others follow. You must move your characters one by one. Walk through the door on the right hand side and position Cloud behind the first statue. When the guards start walking to a new position, dash from statue to statue to avoid being caught. Once Cloud reaches the middle he will call the others one by one. Pressing the [OK] button will move the characters between the statues. Be careful to time their run as soon as the guards start to move. If you get caught you will have to fight and then start again at the beginning. However, you will only be caught four times, after that there are no guards left to fight and you can proceed to the room on th e right hand side and use the stairs to reach the next floor.

61st Floor

Once you reached the next floor, exit the room and speak to everyone. There are no enemies on this floor, but there is a guy wandering around in the bottom right hand corner, he will give you a chance to pry for information about Aeris, but if you choose the option "............." he will believe that you are from the Shin'ra Repair division and gives you the Keycard 62. There is nothing else to on this floor, so head back to the stairs and proceed up to the 62nd floor.

62nd Floor

The first thing you need to do on this floor is go and chat with the mayor, whose office is on the left hand side of the building. The Mayor challenges you to guess his password and promises to give you his keycard if you can do so. He also offers to give you a special item if you guess correct the first time. Hart, the Mayor's assistant, will be willing to sell you hints, but each one is offered at a more outrageous price than the last. It is a complete rip-off but it is one way to make sure that you get the password correct first time, the other way is of course to read the advice that follows. We can't give the password as it changes every time you play the game, but here is what you need to do to find the correct one.

On this floor are four libraries and in each library are six differently marked files, two for each bookcase. Outside the entrance to each library is a plaque with the name of the library written on it. Enter the library and read all the files available. One of these documents has been wrongly filed and so will not be of the same subject as the plaque suggest. Take a good look at the file that is out of place. There is a number at the beginning of each file name, this refers to the letter that you need in the file name. If the number is six then the letter you want is the sixth letter of the file. Check all four libraries and find all four misplaced files, and you will have the letters that will make up the password. The Mayor will allow you to select from a choice of six passwords, these are as follows: BEST, KING, ORBS, BOMB, MAKO, and HOJO. Just scramble the letters from the four misplaced files and the password should be obvious. When you have worked it out, head back to the Mayor's office and tell him the password. Providing you guess correctly the Mayor will give you Keycard 65, and if you managed to do it right on the first attemps he will also give you Elemental Materia. Now you can make your way to either the lift or the stairs and proceed upwards to floor 63.

63rd Floor

You do not have to visit this floor if you do not wish to do but there are some handy items to collect if you do. There are lots of security doors on this level which you will not be able to open until you get acces from the computer in the room in the bottom right hand side. Enter the room and speak to the computer and it will inform you that you will only be able to open three security doors on this floor. There are three coupons to collect on this floor and each can be exchanged for an item back at the same computer.

The first door you must open is in the far northern section of the floor. Exit the computer room and make your way around the right hand side of the building. Keep to the edge of the building and open the first security door which stands in your way. Continue to walk forwards until you reach the next security door, but do not open it, instead turn left and enter the room below you. Once through this door turn left and enter the room below you. Pick up Coupon A inside the bag on the floor. Do not exit this room but instead check the air-duct in the right hand corner, you will be given two options, select 'climb in and look around'.

Once in the air-duct crawl forwards and turn the corner, keep crawling forwards to the junction and take the turning on the left hand side. Crawl to the end and you will exit the duct in a small room, pick up Coupon B on the floor in front of you and exit through the door. You now have only one coupon to collect and are able to open one further security door. Turn left and you will see the next coupon in the room to your left, open the security door in front of you and enter the room to collect Coupon C. Now make your way back to the air-duct and climb in. Crawl forwards to the junction and turn right and exit the duct inside the computer room. Acces the computer and you will be given two options. Choose 'Coupon Change' and you will receive the following items:

1. Coupon A - Star Pendant
2. Coupon B - Four Slots
3. Coupon C - All Materia

64th Floor

Once you have exchanged your coupons you may now head for the 64th floor. The 64th floor is a huge recreational area. There are no enemies to kill, and there are no puzzles to solve. There is a saving point in a room located on the left hand side of the building, you can also rest here to replenish you HP and MP before moving on to the 65th floor. In the northern area of this floor is a locker room. By searching in the lockers you are able to collect a couple of items. There is a Phoenix Down in the first row of lockers and an Ether in the second. In the third and final row the team will find a megaphone, but Cloud will not pick up anything he cannot use. You will be able to return here later in the game to collect this item, so having obtained all available items, save your game and rest the party. You are able to move up to the next floor (random encounters will occur on this floor).

65th Floor

There is a large map of Midgar in the centre of this floor, but six pieces are missing. Five of these pieces can be collected from various chest located in the rooms around this floor. You may only open one chest at a time and then must place the piece in the map before collecting the next. The first four pieces of the map are located in the two rooms on the left hand side of the building. First enter the upper room and open the lower chest to collect Midgar Parts 1, then proceed to the map room and place the piece in the spot closest to the door. Placing the piece in the map will unlock the next chest enabling to collect the next piece. Now enter the lower room and open the lower chest. You will receive Midgar Parts 2. Proceed to the map room and place the part in the spot immediately right of the first part you placed. Now go back to the upper room and collect Midgar Parts 3 from the upper chest, returning to the map room and placing it just to the right of the second part. You now need to pick up Midgar Parts 4 located in the lower chest in the lower room. This piece again needs to be placed to the right of part three. Once part 4 is placed the last piece is located in a room in the top right hand corner of this floor. Open the chest and pick up Midgar Parts 5. This piece fits into the slot again to the right of slot 4. There is no part six so an empty slot will be left, this should be the slot to the left of the door as you enter the map room. Once all five pieces are placed correctly in the map, the chest in the stairwell will unlock allowing you to collect Keycard 66. Once you have this in your possession take the stairs up to the next floor.

66th Floor

There are no objects or puzzles on this floor, it is a simple spy mission. In the top left hand corner of this floor is a bathroom. Enter the bathroom and walk into the cubicle. From here the team are able to climb into the air-conditioned duct in the ceiling. Once in the duct, crawl forwards and you will be able to listen in on the meeting taking place below. You will learn about Shin'ra's latest activities and their evil plans concerning Aeris. Once the meeting has finished back out of the duct and follow Hojo up to the 68th floor.

68th Floor

Once on this floor exit through the door and turn right and walk around to the stock room located on the left hand side of the building. Once here the team will have to hide whilst Hojo and his assistant discuss their plans. After Hojo has left the area Tifa takes a look at the creature contained in the glass cubicle and Cloud discovers a specimen tank labelled 'Jenova'. When Cloud looks into the tank he begins to flip out and collapses on the floor. The team will help Cloud to his feet and they can continue their search for Aeris. Move the party to the rear of the building and collect the Poison Materia from the chest next to the Save Point.

Note: On the next level you will have to fight HO512. To prepare for this battle you can spend some time stealing Carbon Bangles from Moth Slashers and the Hardedge sword from soldier 3rd.

Before making your way to the next floor make sure you equip your characters well with any new armour or weapons. Also make sure you equip Cloud or Barret's armour with the elemental-poison materia combination as this will help in the coming battle.

The party arrives on this floor just as Hojo is about to begin his next experiment. Aeris is trapped in a glass tank and the lion-type creature they saw on the floor below is also in the tank. Aeris cries for help and Barret breaks the glass with a series of blasts from his gun. The lion type creature springs forward and attacks Hojo, enabling the team to enter the tank and rescue Aeris. Unfortunately, Hojo has organized HO512 to arrive on the scene shortly and Red XIII, the lion-type creature, offers to help the team to defeat this monster. Cloud decides that it is best that someone takes Aeris to a safe place, Tifa is the best choice as Barret is more powerful and has a long range weapon, which will prove useful against HO512.

When you defeated HO512, the team decides that now they have rescued Aeris it is time to get out of the building as soon as possible. They split into two groups and arrange to meet at the elevator on the 66th floor. Cloud and his team have a few extra things to do before they proceed to the 66th floor. Walk into the glass specimin tank and collect the Enemy Skill Materia, then take a wander around the remainder of the 68th floor. To the south is a set of steps heading up to a raised platform around the edge of this floor. At the top of the steps pick up two Potions and then follow the walkway and talk to Hojo's assistant. He begs for forgiveness for his involvement and gives the team Keycard 68 and then runs off.

The team must now make their way to their rendezvous with the other members of the team on the 66th floor. Head back down to the 67th floor in the elevator and then run around the building to the stairs on the right hand side and proceed downwards. When you reach the 66th floor there is no sign of your team so you proceed to get into the elevator. As soon as you enter the elevator Tseng and Rude intercept you and take you to visit President Shin'ra.

Your companions have been captured as well, but there is no sign of Aeris. President Shin'ra tells you that she has been taken to somewhere safe and informs you that he plans to use her to find the way to the fabled Promised Land. After the meeting is over the team are locked away in the cells on the 67th floor. Talk to your team members and then get some rest.

When Cloud wakes up he discovers that his cell door is wide open. Finding it hard to believe his luck he must exit through the door and check on the fallen guard in the corridor. Immediately return to your cell and wake Tifa up, and she will come and investigate the guard with you. Only when the two of you search the guard you will find the keys to unlock the other doors. Tifa rescues Aeris whilst Cloud must make his way to the end cell and free Barret and Red XIII. Barrets opts to stay around here for a while and clean up the mess whilst the rest of the team decide to follow Red XIII. Everywhere you go there seems to be dead bodies lying everywhere, and the Jenova specimen tank no longer holds it unusual specimen. Talk to Red XIII and the team observe that it looks like it travelled to the 689th floor using the specimen lift.

Follow Red XIII up to the 68th floor and follow the trail of blood to the corridor on the right hand side. Walk forwards and pick up two Potions before continuing to follow the blood stained path out of the exit on the right hand side. Proceed to the stairs and follow the trail upwards to the 69th floor.

Once on this floor, exit the stairwell and continue to follow the trail of blood through the central door. There is a Save Point on your left hand side. Once you have saved your game continue to follow the trail up the long staircase into President Shin'ra's office. The president is dead and Sephiroth's sword is skewered into his now limp body. Palmer, the ex-presidents assistant is however still alive and the team capture him to try to squeeze some extra information about last nights occurrences.

Palmer eventually wriggles free and runs away, and a helicopter arrives carrying Rufus, the son of the dead president. Take the door to the north to exit this room and meet Shin'ra's new president who is waiting outside. After listening to his new plans for Shin'ra Inc, Cloud asks the team to depart leaving him alone with Rufus.

The other characters return to the floor below, and Tifa decides she should stand by the door and wait for Cloud. You will now be given the opportunity to re-distribute Cloud and Tifa's materia. Make sure all the characters have at least one spell materia, lightning is the best option, and also equip Aeris with a cure all spell. Head for the lift located in the south of the building. As soon as they enter they will be attacked by Hundred Gunner.

When you defeated him, the scene switches to Cloud who is still on the roof with Rufus. If your health level is low, heal yourself using potions and equip Clouds armour with the elemental-lightning materia combo. Also, make sure that he has restore materia equipped just in case, and fire materia which will be extremely effective against Dark Nation. When you are ready press the [START] button to initiate combat with Rufus and the Dark Nation.

With the battle over, Cloud must now leave the roof and make his way back to the 69th floor where Tifa is waiting for him. When Cloud and Tifa are re-united they will head back to the lobby to join the rest of the team.

The team are in the lobby and they are all set to go, but as they try to exit through the front door they discover that they are surrounded. Just as the team are trying to figure out a way to escape, Tifa comes running down the stairs and asks the team to follow her to the back of the building. Cloud appears on a large Shin'ra Motorcycle and the remainder of the party jump into a Shin'ra truck. The gang burst out of a window and start to make their getaway, but the Shin'ra soldiers are hot on their heels!

An option screen appears:

Before you begin the game, take a moment to reorganise your team. Also, equip them with materia. At the end of the chase the team will have to battle with level boss Motor Ball, and you will not get another opportunity to equip your characters. Equip one team member with the elemental-fire combo in their armour, and another with the restore-all combo. Also equip lightning and ice spells as these will be effective against this motorised monster.

During the chase enemy soldiers will try to attack the truck carrying Cloud's companions. The idea of the game is to try to protect them as much as possible by knocking the enemy soldiers off their motorcycles. There are two different types of enemy bikers. The orange bikers are fairly easy to defeat as they head straight for the truck, but the red bikers are a little more tricky. They will try to distract you giving other bikers a perfect opportunity to attack the truck while your back is turned. Try to stay as close to the truck as much as possible and do not chase after other bikers unless they start attacking the truck.

Eventually the team will come to the end of the road and will meet the level boss Motor Ball. Any energy lost during the chase will carry over into this battle so try to stop your friends being hit too often.

When you have defeated Motor Ball, the team must leave Midgar and begin their search for Sephiroth. The game changes totally at this point and you find yourself on the World Map Screen. You are able to save your game anywhere on this screen. You will be able to explore large areas and move from continent to continent. Take your time and search everywhere, there are lots of different enemies to fight and objects to collect along the way. Northwest of Midgar is a small village called Kalm, this would be the perfect place to start your adventure.

When the team reach Kalm, the first thing to do is enter the Inn and meet up with the rest of your party on the second floor. Cloud re-lives his previous experiences of Sephiroth and the party are keen to extract as much information as possible from him. Whilst Cloud tells his story you have to act out some of Cloud's actions and move the characters from place to place. The scene changes as Cloud tells his story and he finds himself in the back of a truck on his way to investigate an old Make reactor (with Sephiroth and 2 others). The truck stops and you will get an opportunity to see Sephiroth in action. After the battle Cloud finds himself at the entrance to Nibelheim, which happens to be both his and Tifa's hometown.

Sephiroth talks about his mother, Jenova, who the team have seen in the Shin'ra building. Them Cloud is given the opportunity to tour the village and speak with friends and family. You are now able to control Cloud so move about the village and visit all the houses in the area. You will want to pay special attention to Tifa's house when you visit. There is a piano upstairs and you are able to play a tune on it: Do-Re-Mi-Ti-La-Do-Re-Mi-So-Fa-Do-Re-Do. Remember this tune as you may want to play it again at a later point in the game. You can also collect a pait of Orthopaedic Underwear from the dresser on the left hand side of the room and a letter that is sat on the desk. When you have finished searching around the village, proceed back to the Inn and talk to Sephiroth on the second floor. Then get your head down for a few hours.

The following day Cloud and the others gather next to the mansion house and have their photo taken before following your guide to the bridge. You regain control of Cloud at the start of the bridge. Move forwards and talk to Tifa, then follow her and speak with her again. The bridge collapses and the party fall to the floor below. You must now guide the team up the path to the north-east into the cave. Inside the cave you will learn more about materia and the ancients. The team will arrive outside the reactor.

Now guide Cloud up the stairs and enter the building. Follow the beams and then take the plank on the left hand side, jump on to the chains and climb down to the lower level. Now walk across the bridge and enter the room on the right hand side. When you enter the room, climb the stairs to the top and speak with Sephiroth. He will walk down the stairs and check a valve on the left hand side. Move Cloud to the same position to fix the valve and then speak with Sephiroth again. After Cloud has observed what lies in the hidden chamber, Sephiroth starts to freak out and you will return to the Inn and your story telling. If you wish to save your game you will be given the opportunity now.

The story continuous with Cloud entering the mansion in an attempt to find out where Sephiroth has dissapeared to. Once inside climb the staircase to the top and enter the door on the right hand side. Take the lower door and walk round to the next room and search the circular wall in the top right hand corner. A door opens and Cloud must follow the staircase downwards an into the library hidden at the bottom. Sephiroth is reading aloud, discovering things written about his mother, Jenova. When he finishes talking, exit the room. The story will continue when Cloud wakes up the following morning. Make your way back to the library and speak to Sephiroth, who is now in the northern section.

Sephiroth reveals that he was produced by a Shin'ra experiment and leaves the building saying he wishes to go and visit his mother. Next, have Cloud leave the mansion and return to the village which is now in flames. Zangen asks Cloud to help him, so try to search the house on the right hand side. It appears that whatever Sephiroth discovered in the mansion's library has driven him mad and he has destroyed the village in a fit of rage.

The scene jumps ahead and Cloud finds himself back at the entrance to the reactor. Follow the beams again and climb down to the lower level. On the other side of the bridge, Tifa is nursing her fallen father. It appears that Sephiroth has killed him too and Tifa chases him into the chamber room. Cloud arrives just in time to witness the tussle and is able to save Tifa who has fallen at the base of the stairs. Talk to Tifa to carry her out of harm's way.

Then run up the stairs and enter the door at the top of the stairs. Cloud discovers that the person that he ideolised for years has changed and cannot recall what else happens.

With the story over, the party will return to the ground floor and receive PHS. This allows you to switch between group members whenever you want, providing that you're in the World Map Screen or standing on a Save Point.

The party now can exit the Inn and explore Kalm at their leisure. There are quite a few objects to collect here, before moving on to the Chocobo Farm located in the south-east. In the house to the right of the Inn you can pick up an Ether in the cupboard under the stairs. there is another Ether in the cabinet on the second floor of the next house. In the third house there are two items for you to collect. If you take the stairs on the right hand side of the building you can pick up a Guard Source in the cupboard beside the little girl. You can also pick up a Peacemaker in a chest at the top of the spiral staircase at the back of the building. The last hidden item in Kalm is located in the house on the other side of the village. Enter the house and search the cupboard under the stairs to collect another Ether. With all the free goodies already in your possesion you may now climb the stairs to the shops. Once you have purchased your supplies exit the village and h ead south-east through the mountains to Chocobo Bill's Chocobo Ranch.

When you arrive at the Chocobo Ranch take a few moments to talk to the Chocobo nearest to the front of the pen. Choose "Wark!" and the Chocobo will perform a little dance. Once the dance is over the team will receive the Choco/Mog Summon Materia. Enter the house on the left hand side of the paddock and speak with Choco Bill. He suggests that if the team wishes to cross the marshes a Chocobo would be the safest way to travel. He informs the party of a huge serpent like creature called Midgar Zolom, and explains how he attacks travellers entering the marshes on route to the Mythril Mines on the other side. Next, make your way to the stables located on the right hand side and speak to Choco Billy. He will ask you if you would like a Chocobo and the team must reply "Give me one." Unfortunately, they do not have any Chocobo's for sale at the moment, but he suggests that you may be able to catch a wild Chocobo. He will tell you the procedure for catching a Chocobo and is willing to sell you Chocobo-Lure Materia for 2000 Gil. If you do not have enough money to purchase the Materia, leave the ranch and spend time killing enemies located in the local area. You will not be able to cross the marshes safely on foot, so a Chocobo is your only option at this time. Choco Billy will also offer to sell you some greens to aid you in catching a Chocobo, although these are not neccesary.

Leave the ranch and equip one of your characters with the Chocobo-Lure Materia. Next wander around on the Chocobo tracks outside the ranch until the party are attacked. Sometimes a Chocobo will appear along with your assailants. When this happens take sure not to strike the Chocobo, and try to dispose of the attackers as quickly as possible.

If you have purchased some greens (Chocobo food) start your attack by throwing them to the Chocobo. The Chocobo will start eating and will not pay too much attention to the fighting going on around him. You still must try to end the battle as quickly as possible. If you frighten the Chocobo he will run away and you will have to try again. If the Chocobo is still on the screen once you have defeated the attackers he will be yours.

Note: When you have caught a Chocobo, the [CANCEL] button makes the team dismount. Once you get off the Chocobo he will run away, and you will have to catch another.

Once you have caught a Chocobo it is time for the team to cross the marshes to the Mythril Mines on the other side. The marsh is directly west of the Chocobo Ranch. Avoid the snake's shadow at all cost. If you happen to touch the shadow, Midgar Zolom will attack. This creature is way to strong for you at this point of the game.

Once you have safely made it to the south-west side of the marsh youu will observe a large snake impaled on a tree. Dismount your Chocobo and enter the cave.

Once inside the Mythril Mine take the path that leads to the right and walk up the screen. On the rocky stairs you can pick up an Ether. Follow these steps to the top and the team will find a Tent inside the chest. Next, walk back down the stone steps and climb the vine in the top left hand corner of the lower platform.

At the top of the vine walk forwards and collect the Long-Range Materia, then return to the entrance of the mine. Now the the left hand path and proceed downwards to pick up a Mind Source in the bottom right hand corner. From this point, continue to walk left until your party will bump into Rude and Elena.

Elena is the newest member of the Turks. These two clowns inform the party that they are also chasing Sephiroth and that they believe that he is heading for Junon Harbour. Before the team follow Rude up the vine, check the path that runs north of this point. In this little section you can find an Elixer and a Hi-Potion.

Note: In the mine the party will encounter an enemy called Madouge. He is a large enemy that attacks by swinging a metal ball on a chain. His attacks are not all that powerfull but you can steal a Grand Glove from him. This is Tifa's best weapon at this point in the game.

Before the team chase Sephiroth to Junon Harbour, stop by at a place called Fort Condor and rest the party. You will also be able to pick up supplies and take part in a little strategy game.

Not a great distance from the Mythril Mine is a small fort named Fort Condor. They are under constant attack from Shin'ra forces and ask if the team will kindly lend them some assistance. You will not be allowed to rest here unless you agree to help them. Follow the man up the path and climb the rope to enter the fort. The fort is built rather like an anthill cut into the side of the rock. Once at the top of the rope move forwards and climb the ladder into the main sector of the fort. Talk to the guy sat at the table and he will explain why they are at war with the Shin'ra soldiers. Once the team has agreed to lend its assistance to the noble cause take a moment to get some rest. Walk right and climb down the ladder and into the sleeping quarters. Have a good night's sleep and then save your game returning to the middle section of the fort. You may now purchase supplies from the stores located up the ladder on the right. When you are ready, climb up the ladder on the left side of the middle section to speak with the man in the observation post. He will explain how the mini-game works and what you have to do to aid them.

The game entails you investing your money to hire soldiers to defend the fort. You must guide these soldiers in this battle. the rules and information available to you are as follows:

1. Conditions for victory: You win by wiping out the enemy or by killing the enemy commander. If the enemy reach the shed, they will attack and you will have no other option than to fight them.

1. The enemy: There are four types of enemies.

3. Soldiers for hire: You can choose from six mobile allies and at the moment two immobile allies (normally four).

4. Funding: Current funds - 15000 Gil. You may assist with funding if you wish.

5. Controls: Position the cursor and press [OK] to set up troops. When troops are in position press [CANCEL] to start battle. You may only place your troops behind the red line to begin with. Instruct troops by pressing [OK].

Tips for playing the game

Move your cursor to the red line about halfway down and press [OK]. You will be able to select your chosen soldiers for the mission. You can only place the soldiers one by one. Place three attackers spread out across the red line. Also have a couple of fighters standing by, positioned just behind the attackers. You may place a couple of defenders here if you wish to be sure. Now press [CANCEL] and begin the game.

As soon as the game begins, select your attackers and have them attack the enemy that are creeping towards you from below. Have the fighters move in just behind and leave your defenders standing in a obstructive spot. Keep attacking the enemy as soon as they enter the screen and try to make sure that all possible routes up to the fort are covered. You will eventually reach a position where there will be no possible way for the enemy to get round you and you must then just finish them off.

Once you have managed to defeat the commander or stopped the assault you will receive a Magic Comb. The fewer casualties you incur the more Gil that you will regain after the fight is won. You will be able to return here laterr in the game to play for better prizes.

You may now exit Fort Condor. Before making your way to Junon Harbour take a moment to search the area for Yuffie. To find Yuffie, go to her characters page where we explain what to do.

West of the forest area you will find Junon Harbour. Before the team enters the harbour area, make a few adjustments to your party. Remove materia from the characters who are at present travelling with Cloud. Acces the menu and select PHS. Place Yuffie and Barret in you party and re-distribute the party's materia. Give Cloud the Long-Range materia. When you new team is ready, enter the harbour. The party will arrive in a small village with very few houses and a small stretch of shoreline. Move the party forwards and turn left. Follow the staircase down until you get to the waterfront. On the beach is a little girl called Priscilla. The team approach the girl but she refuses to believe their story. All of a sudden a large flying creature appears on the screen. Pricilla runs into the water. Chase after her and the team will have to engage Bottomswell. After this encounter, the team pull Priscilla out of the water. It appears that she is not breathing and Cloud will have to perform CPR. A lung-shaped met er will appear. To perform CPR, press [SWITCH] to start inhaling. Press [SWITCH] again to blow into Priscilla's lifeless lungs. To revive her, try to release the inhaled air when the pointer reaches the very top of the gauge. Once Priscilla is breathing again the team will return to the village. You must now return to the edge of the village and enter the house at the bottom. Inside get some rest and the journey continues.

In the morning Tifa arrives and wakes Cloud from his dream. When Tifa leaves, follow her to the house with a long staircase and climb upwards. Priscilla will exit the house and present Cloud with Shiva Summon Materia. She tells the party that the harbour area above is preparing to welcome Rufus, the new Shin'ra President. Priscilla suggests that there may be a way to get past the high voltage tower and into the town. Follow her down the steps to the beach. Speak to Priscilla again and she will reveal her strategy. If Cloud can jump to the top of the pole he could avoid the tower and enter the town. Enter the water and press the [SWITCH] button. Priscilla's friend, the dolphin, will swim under Cloud and jump towards the pole. Do not move the directional button and Cloud will automatically land on the pole. Walk left and climb up to the airport.

Cloud will find himself in the airport next to a rather large airship. Walk towards the screen and press the button on the lift to get down to the ground floor. Proceed across the heli-pad and enter the building. A Shin'ra commander spots Cloud and assumes that he is a soldier out of uniform. He beckons Cloud into the locker room to change. Enter the locker room and search the lockers. Cloud will discover a Shin'ra uniform into which he must change. In moment Cloud will have to take part in the parade to welcome Rufus. The commander will show Cloud the greeting procedure. When this has finished, exit the locker room and follow the other soldiers into the parade ground. Unfortunately, the parade has already left. Take the alleyway shortcut to catch the tail end of the parade.

There are Television Cameras filming the parade and Cloud will receive an item according to his performance. You will be able to see your progress in the bottom right hand corner. As the soldiers walk passed, enter the back rank and press the [OK] button to shoulder your gun when the other do. This is just a matter of timing. Keep in step with the other soldiers and try to react quickly to their movements. The prices you will receive are:

After the parade you will have to stand still and listen to the conversation briefly. Then the other soldiers will inform you that Sephiroth has been seen in this area. Cloud will then get taken back to the locker room to learn the routine for the President's send off. You can practise the routine whilst in this training session if you wish. When they have finished, follow the soldiers out of the room and take the door on the left hand side to enter the main street.

Before you proceed to send off you have a little time to do some shopping and collect some items. As you walk down the main street you will notice a doorway on the northern wall. This is the Materia Shop. Next door is the Item Shop. Down the alley between doors two and three is Weapons Shop One. In the third doorway you will see some stairs leading up. Follow the stairs to the second floor and pick up Mind Source and 1/35 Soldier. Now walk into the back room and collect Luck Source from the floor. Return to the stairs and continue up to the top floor of the building. Search the top floor area and you will find a Power Source and a Guard Source. Now return to the ground floor and enter the room. In the top right hand corner is a man standing by a doorway, speak with him and he will take you to Beginner's Hall 2. In the lower right hand corner you can collect an Enemy Skill Materia. If you speak to the men standing in this room you can learn more about materia and its uses, plus all the information available in the first Beginners Hall. Exit the room via the ladder and return to the main street. Now continue heading left along the street until you arrive at another block of buildings.

The first door leads to a bar where Tseng, Rude and Elena are gathered. Luckily they do not recognise you in a Shin'ra uniform. Enter the second door and make your way up the stairs on the left hand side. Speak to the girl on the first floor and enter Materia Shop 2. There is no new materia available in this shop. On the second floor is an accesory shop. Once you have purchased any items you require in the shops return to the room on the ground floor and save your game. Exit the building and then enter the third doorway. Climb the stairs and collect a 1/35 Soldier in the first floor room. Return to the ground floor and find the Speed Source hidden here. The final doorway leads to Weapons Shop 2 but there is nothing worth buying. Continue travelling left and you will arrive at the send off. the commander shouts out orders randomly and Cloud must then press the appropriate button. You will receive a gift from Heidegger according to how he rates your performance. The gifts are as follows:

The send off procedure is fairly easy. The best item on offer is the HP Plus Materia and so you want to keep your score down. You receive 30 points for doing the final move, so you only need to score 40 or 50 points.

After the send off Cloud will be dismissed and should board the boat. His friens are already aboard and they can begin their journey across the water.

You find yourself in the hold of the ship. Wander around and speak to everybody. Search the area and you can find an Ether inside a chest. You will also find an All Materia in the hold, but Yuffie is standing in the way at the moment. Now make your way up the staircase and talk to everyone on the deck. One of the sailors is willing to sell you some essential supplies if needed.

Make sure you talk to Barret who is at the front of the ship. Now head back to the hold and speak with Aeris who says she hopes Barret doesn't do anything stupid. Now head back to the front of the ship and check on Barret. A suspicious character has been seen on the ship. Sephiroth is obviously on board an the team may be able to catch up with him. Choose a party of three to undertake this operation and equip them with weapons and materia. Yuffie and Barret would be a good choice. Make sure you equip one character with the Steal Materia. Also, make sure you have you Summon Materia equipped with both Choco/Mog and Shiva. When you are prepared make you way back down to the hold and pick up the All Materia that you were unable to collect previously.

Note: You will be able to have random battles now. Keep you eyes open for Shin'ra marines. You are able to steal a piece of armour called Shin'ra Beta from them.

When you enter the door in the hold you find yourself in the engine room. Take the ladder on the left hand side and walk around the platform to the chest in the bottom right hand corner. Inside the chest you can find a Wind Slash. Walk forwards and Sephiroth will appear briefly. Eventually he retreats but leaves the team with a little surprise, Jenova-Birth.

After the battle Cloud will try to explain about Sephiroth and his search for the Promised Land. A message comes on the ship's tannoy telling the team that they will arrive in Costa del Sol shortly. Before going to find a suitable hiding place, pick up the Ifrit Materia that Jenova Birth left.

When the team exit the boat, take some time to relax and explore. Leave the dock area and enter the door on the right hand side of the bridge. In the bedroom is a guy who will sell you the house for 300,000 Gil. Hmm, maybe later when you have a surplus of cash. Next take the staircase in the bottom right hand corner of the house and search the basement. Pick up Motor Drive and Power Source and collect Fire Ring from inside the chest. Now exit the house and explore the town. Walk down the steps and enter the bar located on the corner. Talk to everyone in the bar. You can purchase weapons from the man in the corner. Back in the main street you will observe two market stalls. These are the Item and Materia Shops. Make sure you visit the Item Stall.

There are some new enemies on this continent that are capable of using the stone spell. If you wander down to the beach you will find Hojo getting himself a tan, surrounded by women. Talk to Hojo, and glean some information form him. It seems that the party needs to head west to Mount Corel. Before leaving Costa del Sol, you may enter the Inn and stay the night for 200 Gil. When the team are ready to leave, take the road that leads under the bridge and exit the town.

Enter the cave at the end of the mountain path and continue up the mountain. Speak to the man on the climb and he will tell you that Sephiroth is not far ahead. Continue travelling upwards until you discover a Mako furnace hidden in the mountains. Run down the long path to the furnace and then cross the bridge to the south. Whilst in this area you will have several random encounters. Stealing items from them will gain you some nice objects. Walk across the next bridge and onto some old railway tracks.

Save your game before continuing towards the right. Be careful crossing the tracks, you will fall through three times. When you fall you can save yourself by pressing left or right and continually pushing [OK]. When you fall there are two objects for you to collect. If you push left when you fall you can pick up a Wizard Staff. If you push right when you fall you will collect a Star Pendant. Search the upper track and you can pick up a W Machine Gun from inside the chest at the end. Then follow the lower track to the right. When the tracks cross, search the upper track again and collect a Turbo-Ether and Transform Materia. Now take the upper track to the right and activate the bridge control switch.

Enter the small hut and activate the switch. The party will hear some chirping and the bridge will lower. Climb the wall opposite the hut and the team will discover a nest on the clifftop. If the team decide to take the treasure they will have to fight a large bird. This is an easy fight and the team will collect 10 x Phoenix Downs. When you return to the track, proceed back over the upper bridge. You can now cross the lower bridge and proceed towards North Corel. As you approach the corner under the small hut, take the left hand track and run around the corner, here you can enter a hidden cave. Inside the cave you can find a Power Source, a Mind Source and a Tent from inside the chest. Exit the cave and follow the track leading right until you arrive in North Corel.

This village looks more like a dump then the beautiful mining town that it once was. This used to be Barret's Hometown and the team do not get a welcome reception. Walk around the village and speak to everyone. You can rest in the building at the top of the rise. You can also purchase a few essential items at the few stalls by the crossroads. Exit the village via the road leading south and save your game on the World Map Screen, then take the path on the left to the Ropeway.

When the team meet up at the Ropeway, Barret will tell you what took place in North Corel, before he left. When he has finished his story the party can board the Ropeway to travel to the Gold Saucer. The Gold Saucer is a giant amusement park with lots of games to play. There are a few things you should know about the Gold Saucer. The park has an entrance fee of 3000 Gil. If you have plenty of money you should buy a lifetime pass of 30,000 Gil. You cannot get in untill you purchase a pass of one sort or the other. The other thing you should know is that you need to use a different form of currency in and around the Gold Saucer. You will need to obtain some GP (Game Points) if you wish to play the games inside. You can win GP at the Chocobo Races or by playing some of the video games in Wonder Square.

Once inside the Gold Saucer, the team dicides to split up and go and have some fun. Barret is not in good cheer and runs off to console himself. Cloud must then pick a partner with which to tour the park. Once Cloud has made his decision head for Speed Square.

Outside the entrance is Dio, the park's owner, who will tell the party that Sephiroth had been to see him and was asking questions about Black Materia. Now take the tunnel to Wonder Square. As soon as cloud and his partner arrive in the entrance hall to Wonder Square they will meet Cait Sith. This large Mog is a fortune teller and will join the party after telling Cloud's fortune. Now walk up the stairs and enter Wonder Square. When you have finished exploring go to Battle Square.

When you get to Battle Square you will discover dead bodies lying everywhere. All of a sudden Dio, the owner, arrives and believes that Cloud and his buddies are responsible. Dio questions them and then throws them down to the prison below.. When you return to the Gold Saucer later in the adventure you will be able to take part in the Battle Arena. There are some nice prizes up for grabs.

The team finds themselves in the northern area of the prison. Barret is not far from the team and they will approach him. He is still not in a very entertaining mood and will walk away from you. Follow Barret through the gate and then walk down to the small building on the right. Beware, in the prison are lots of bandits who will steal items from you whilst in battle. If the bandit disappears before you kill him, the stolen item will be lost forever. It turns out that there is another man with a gun grafted on to his arm. The team must find Dyne, so Barret can apologise. You must take Barret and one other character along on this little mission. Before you leave make sure you equip Barret with any new weapons available and some materia. When you find Dyne, Barret will have to fight alone. Ensure that he has a restore spell materia on him and some descent attacking magic. when you are ready leave the building and head back to the northern area of the prison.

You will notice that the gate in the top left hand corner is now open and the guard is dead. Exit through the gate and proceed round to the right to speak with the man stood there. He will warn you that you can get lost if you try to cross the desert. Continue walking to the right and the team should arrive in a Scrap Metal Yard. Walk through the piles of trashed cars and follow the path out the other side. The team has found Dyne.

The scene changes and the team are speaking to Mr Coates. In order to escape the prison, one of the team must win a race as a jockey in the arena above. Just as Mr Coates is explaining how to get a manager, Ester, a manager arrives and offers to help the team. On the way up to the Gold Saucer, Ester will explain how to ride a Chocobo. The controls are as follows:

Cloud and Ester arrive in the Jockey's lounge. Ester will go to enter Cloud for the next race. While she is away search the lounge and you will find Ramuh Materia in the corner. When Ester returns the race will begin.

As soon as the screen changes press [SELECT] to change to manual operation. Then press and hold [SWITCH] to increase your speed. Hold on the PgUp and PgDwn buttons throughout the whole race to keep your stamina levels up. Finally, as you reach the Space Themed section of the course, press and hold [OK] to sprint for the line. Remember to press [START] to finish the race.

When Cloud wins the race he will receive a letter from Fio. He has offered to grant Cloud and his friends a full pardon. As a gift he gives the team a buggy and informs the team that Sephiroth is heading for Gongaga. Ester will then offer the team her best wishes and offers to act as their manager again should they choose to return to race their own Chocobos. The team may then reform for their journey to Gongaga. It is a good idea to have Aeris in your team for this stage.

With the buggy the team are now able to cross rivers. You can only cross through certain sections where the water is not too deep. The controls for the buggy are as follows:

Enter the buggy and drive south. Cross the river and you will find a small village surrounded by jungle. Before entering the village take the time to build up your characters limit breaks. In particular Aeris's Seal Evil limit technique. As soon as you enter the jungle you will find Reno and Rude. When the fight is over, take the right path and head towards the old reactor. As you examine the reactor a helicopter arrives. The team are able to hide unspotted behind the reactor. The Turks are here searching for some Huge Materia for their weapons. When they leave, search the reactor. If you stretch, you can pick up some Titan Materia. Now make you way back to the cross roads and take the left hand path. Walk under the log to reach another crossroads. You will be taken the right hand path, but before you do pick up the Deathblow Materia in the middle of the left hand path.

Further up the path is a small village. Talk to everyone in the area and then purchase a few supplies before moving on. The weapons shop is on the first floor of the Accessory Shop. Climb the pole inside the store if you need to purchase any weapons. In the house in the top left hand corner you can collect an X-Potion from inside the chest. You may also stay the night here if you party needs to replanish any lost HP/MP. In the house in the top right hand corner you can collect a White Megaphone form inside the chest. When you are ready exit the village and take the left hand path to exit Gongaga.

The team are about to journey to Cosmo Canyon. First locate the buggy and climb aboard. Head west along the coastline and then cross the river to the north.

As your team travel through the mountains your buggy will break down right outside Cosmo Canyon. Once your party reaches the top of the stairs, Red XIII wil come tearing past you. This is his hometown and he is very pleased to be home. When the team get inside, talk to everyone. On the far right hand side is a man standing about. If you speak with him he will offer to fix the buggy while you explore the town. If you climb the ladder on the far right hand side you will arrive in the General Store. On the rifht hand side of the store is a roped off section. Although you cannot get through at the moment you may want to return here later in the game. Next, take the steps on the left hand side of town and speak to Red XIII. After telling the party a little bit about his parents, Red XIII runs off. The party will then split up to rest for a while. On the door at the top of the stairs is an advertisement for the local Inn. Head back down to the lower level and enter the Inn. On the second floor you will find the check-in desk.

Stay the night and search your room in the morning. Under the coach you can find an Elixer. Exit the bedroom and check the wall beside the check-in desk. Here you can find Turtles Paradise Flyer No. 5. Now you may leave the Inn and return to the doorway at the top of the stairs.

Inside this doorway is the TigerLily Arms Shop and the Save Point. Take your time and buy a few weapons, they have a good range here. Pinned to the post on the left hand side of the counter you will find Turtles Paradise Flyer No. 4. Now save your game before proceeding up the steps to the next floor. At the top of the stairs, turn left and walk off the screen. Climb to the top of the stairs and enter through the doorway.

Next, climb the ladder up to the top platform and enter the house on the left hand side. Speak to Red XIII and he will introduce you to Bugenhagen. He will offer to show Cloud and two others his observatory. Have Cloud exit the building, and then go to the room behind the TigerLily Arms Shop. Here he will meet his friends and choose two to accompany him. Now return to the very top where Bugenhagen will be waiting in his planetarium. Enter the room and speak to Bugenhagen. He will then explain about lifestream and the planets. When the lesson is over return to the bottom stairs and meet with your friends.

Talk to all your friends and then speak to Red XIII. He will tell you about his parents before Bugenhagen appears and invites a team of three to follow him. Cloud and Red XIII must go and you may choose one other to go also. When you have chosen your new team, equip the chosen characters with available weapons and armour. When you are ready take the stairs on the left hand side, and follow Bugenhagen to the locked doorway..

Sealed Cave

Once inside the cave, climb down the ladders and ropes. When you reach the bottom walk right into the next cave. Inside this cave are four smaller caves. In each of these caves the team will be able to break open a rock. Doing so will provoke and attack but also opens doors later in the caves. When you have broken all four rocks, proceed through the exit to the north into the next section of the cave.

Walk forwards and then take the left hand path. Walk extremely careful as you could slip and hurt yourself. Make your way to the path on the far left hand side and proceed downwards. You will enter the first cave on the raised level. Pick up the Added Effect Materia and then proceed back to the north cave. Continue up to the slippery patch and turn right. On the far right hand side of the cave, walk up the screen and take the next turning on the left. Walk over and descent the stairs in the middle. Continue to walk downwards under the bridge and open the chest at the bottom. Inside you will find a Black Megaphone. Now follow the path back up and walk under the bridge to the right of the stairs. At the top of the path collect the Ether from inside the chest. Now head back to the stairs and take the path on the left hand side. Walk upwards and into cave section three.

When you get into this cave you will see five different paths. Before travelling up any of the paths ensure your health levels are fairly high. Also, make sure all your characters have plenty of MP as well. Take the path fourth from the left and proceed upwards. When you walk through the large spider web, you will be attacked by a massive spider called a Stinger. Hit this monster with your summon spells and limit techniques. Once you have defeated this giant arachnid, continue to the top of the path and collect an X-Potion from inside the chest. Now turn around and go back to the junction. Now take the path second from the left. Again, make sure your HP and MP are healthy, you have two more spiders to go. Once you make it passes the first spider turn left and walk the path on the far left hand side. Walk downwards into the tunnel. Walk through and collect the Fairy Ring from inside the chest opposite the junction. Now turn around and go back to the maze area in the north. Now head towards the other large spiders web to take on the last Stinger. Once past this beast walk through the hidden door on the left to open the last chest. Inside you will pick up a Turbo-Ether. Take the time to check on you HP and MP. You can now take the path leading north to meet Gi-Nattack and the Soulfires (a tip if you want to finish him fast, throw an X-potion on him).

With the monster gone Bugenhagen will show Red XIII what lies at the back of the cave. Pick up the Gravity Materia that is lying on the steps and follow Bugenhagen through the doorway. He shows Red XIII where his father is and explains what happened when the Canyon was attacked.

The buggy has been fixed and the team can now move on. Decide on a new team and proceed to the exit. As the team ate about to leave, Red XIII will rejoin the party and they can now carry on their adventure.

When your team arrives in Nibelheim, they are confused by what they see. This is Cloud's and Tifa's hometown and it has been rebuilt after the fire. First, enter the Inn and rest the party for the night. You are now ready to go exploring. Enter the back room of the Inn and speak to the man wearing a black cape. He mentions something about a reunion and gives the party a Luck Source. Exit the Inn and enter the next door on your right. This is the General Store. In the far right hand corner is another mysterious character in a black cape. He will give you an Elixer. Now exit the store and enter the second doorway on the other side of the square. This was Tifa's house and there are strange cloaked people everywhere.

Talk to the guy in the kitchen and you will receive a Turbo-Ether. Exit the kitchen and proceed up the stairs to the first floor. Through the door on the right you will collect a Platinum Fist from the strange cloaked character. Now enter Tifa's bedroom and read the letter on the desk. You can also try your luck at playing the piano again. Now what was the tune that you played before? Exit the house and enter the final doorway on the far right hand side of the village. On the top floor are two strange cloaked characters. Talking to them will gain you another Luck Source. Next stop is to check the mansion to the norht of the village.

Shin'ra Mansion

Outside the mansion are two more strange cloaked characters. When you speak with them they will reveal that Sephiroth is in the mansion. Enter the mansion and you will be able to see a piece of paper to the left of the door. The letter tells you that there is something for you to find in the basement. The second letter will tell the team about the safe. The hints for each number are as follows:

Dial 1: The lid of the box with the most oxygen - Upstairs is a little chest. Read the numbers on the lid.

Dial 2: Behind the Ivory's short of tea and ray - Check the floor behind the piano.

Dial 3: The creek in the floor near the chair on the first floor... (then left five steps, up nine steps, left two steps, up six steps) - The squeky floorboard is next to the chair in the bedroom.

Dial 4: The fourth clue is written in invisible inkt - Dial 4 is (Right 97).

Now you must search the mansion. We will start with the ground floor. Enter the doorway to the left and follow the corridor. At the end enter the door on the right and examine the floor behind the piano. Now take the door in the top right hand corner of the room. Proceed down the corridor and enter the room on the other side. In the room to the north you can find a chest. Inside you can pick up Twin Viper. Now return to the main entrance and search the room in the bottom of the stairs on the right. Inside the chest in this room you can collect a Silver Megaphone. Now exit the room and take the stairs up to the first floor. Climb the small staircase and turn left. You will see three rooms on this side of the building. In the middle room is a chest, inside is a Enemy Launcher.

Check the lid and you will find the next safe clue. The safe is located in the northern room in this section. Proceed to the right and follow the corridor to the north. Inside the room at the top you will discover another chest. From inside the team will collect a Magic Source. The team can now return to the safe and open it. You have 20 seconds to enter the four digit code. You must not go past the number or you will have to start again at the beginning. The code is as follows: Right 36 - Left 10 - Right 59 - Right 97.

As soon as you have entered the correct code, the safe will open and the team will have to fight Lost Number. Search the open safe and the team can pick up the Key to the Basement. Also remember to pick up the Odin Materia which fell out of the safe when you opened it. You must now exit the room and travel over to the right hand side of the building. Enter the lower room and examine the curved wall in the room to the right. Follow the spiral staircase downwards and proceed towards the library. Before you reach the library, you should talk to Vincent. Now enter the library. Sephiroth is still here and tells Cloud that he is heading for Mount Nibel. He will then make his exit leaving some Destruct Materia behind. Pick this up and exit. Vincent will join your party as you start to leave. Mt. Nibel is north of Nibelheim, so take the north path on the right hand side of the mansion.

Walk north until you find a path at the base of the mountains. You must follow this path into the Nibel Mountains. Along the long path to the west there are two hidden paths leading north. If you follow the first path, it weaps around the mountain to the north. If you keep going you will discover a chest, which contains a Rune Blade. You must now return to the first path and continue heading west.

Cloud will reach a ledge which he must jump off. The other hidden path is just after the little hill he must climb, but before he crosses the bridge. This path twists and turns quite a bit through the mountains. You can collect a Plus Barrette from inside the chest at the end. Now return to you origional path and cross the bridge to the left.

Inside the cave on the other side of the bridge you will be able to see five tubes leading downwards. Take the ladder down first, otherwise you will be unable to collect all the treasure in this area. At the bottom you will find a ladder which has been folded up. Climb down this ladder and it will open up, allowing you to climb back up to the top level. Be careful not to touch the large creature at the bottom as you move around. Doing so will cause the boss to attack you. You may now ride the tubes to collect the treasure dotted about in this area. The tubes are as follows:

When you have collected the treasure, take the path that leads south on the bottom level of the cage. Again, do not touch the large creature as you will have to fight it. Exit the cave and jump down to the lower level and enter the second cave. Follow the path up the right hand side of the cave until you reach the top. Do not exit the cave yet. Just below the top of the cave is a secret tunnel that leads back down the left hand side of the cave. The chest in the middle of the cave contains an Elixer.

Now proceed back up the secret path and exit the cave to the north. You will return to the Mako fountain in the mountains. Just to the left of the fountain is an Elemental Materia for you to collect. Now continue to head north and enter the next cave. Turn right and follow the path to the junction and take the left hand path. Return to the chest and you can collect a Sniper CR from inside. Continue back to the junction and choose the right path to exit the cave. Now turn left and follow the winding path back through the mountain range to an old reactor. There is nothing to pick up inside the reactor, so walk around it to the rifht and enter the door in the side of the mountain. the team will re-emerge in the large cave that they started from. All that remains now is to equip your characters with any new weapons or materia. Replenish health and magic points before attacking the boss. Climb back to the top of the cave and take Tube 1 to the lower level. Now tough the large creature and you will have to fight Materia Keeper. Don't forget to pick up the Counter Attack Materia left by this monster before you exit.

When you exit the cave, follow the mountain range to the west and then head north. You will see Rocket Town, your next destination, in the distance. This is a small village with a few shops and the remains of the Shin'ra Space Program. On the left as you enter the village is the Weapons Shop and opposite is the Inn. Speak to the villagers and they will tell you very little except that the team needs to speak to the Captain. Now head to the centre of the village and you will see three further houses. Speak to the gentleman outside the Item Shop on the left and have a good look at the rocket with him. For taking the time to have a good nose at the rocket he will give you Yoshiyuki. Now enter the house on the far right hand side and collect a Power Source from the chest in the back room. Now the team must enter the house in the middle, and search all the rooms. In the back room you will find a chest containing a Drill Arm. Now exit the house via the back door. The team discover s Tiny Bronco, a small plane. Shera enters and informs the team that they may be able to borrow it if they ask the Captain. Before she leaves, Shera mentions that Rufus is due to arrive here shortly. Now the team must exit the house and proceed towards the rocket to speak with the Captain. You will have to cross the two small bridges and then climb to the top of the rocket. The Captain is inside the rocket doing some repairs, hoping that Rufus is going to announce the re-opening of the space project. The Captain is not too keen on the idea of anybody borrowing Tiny Bronco, so speak to him about his rocket. He tells the team about the last failed attempt to reach outer space. Now the team must leave the rocket and return to the house where they met Shera. Soon after the team arrive Cid enters and the story of the failed launch is explained in detail. Shortly after the story has finished, Rufus and Palmer arrive. They also wish to borrow Tiny Bronco, to follow Sephiroth overseas. When Palmer enters the house, f ollow Cid out the front to speak to Rufus. Before the conversation has finished Shera approaches the team and explains that Palmer is out back trying to steal Tiny Bronco. If the team can stop him thwy might just make the Captain change his mind. Now you will have to fight Palmer.

As the team fly away, Cid chases after them. Unfortunately, the plane has been damaged and crash-lands into the sea. Although Tiny Bronco is unable to fly anymore, it does make a rather handy little boat. With his space dreams in tatters, Cid decides to join the team.

The controls for the Tiny Bronco are as follows:

Your next destination is Wutai. Move Tiny Bronco southwards and get off the beach to the west.

As the team walks north towards Wutai they will stop as Yuffie comes chasing after them. She tells them that the journey ahead is extremely difficult, and then runs away. The party is attacked by some Shin'ra soldiers and the difficulty that Yuffie mentioned will become apparent. She has stolen the vast majority of the party's materia collection, only leaving the party with a couple of items. the materia that you are left with changes every time you play the game, so it is impossible to tell you what you will have available. The party must chase after Yuffie and find her in order to be able to regain their materia. Before chasing after her equip the characters with their most powerful weapons. Give Cloud his Yoshiyuki sword that he was given in Rocket Town. This will prove very usefull, as he has no need for materia slots at the moment.

Follow the track to the north but there is no sign of Yuffie. Cross the two bridges and then head south. As soon as you are able, turn the corner and travel north through the canyon and under the bridge you have just crossed. Continue to travel north and walk across the next bridge. Keep travelling north and the party will find Wutai in the middle of the mountain range.

Wutai is Yuffie's hometown and the team will have to play a game of hide and seek with her in order to regain their stolen materia.

When the party arrives they catch a glimpse of Yuffie before she dissappears again. Walk over the bridge to your left and around the weapons shop on the platform. Cross the bridge to your left and then cross the bridge to the north to the Save Point. The building in front of you is the Item Shop. This is the only shop that you will be able to use until you find Yuffie.

Follow the path to the left and the team will find a large temple in the woods. Enter the house on the right and rest for the night in the bedroom. When the team wakes up from their slumber, search the wall on the left and you will discover a hidden passageway. At the end of the passage is a chest containing a Magic Shuriken. Exit the bedroom and take the passage to the right. Follow the passage around the pond and enter the library, located immediately in front of you. Along the right hand wall is another hidden passage. Follow the hidden passage to the north and collect a Hairpin from the chest at the end. Now exit the room and enter the room on the left. Speak to Godo and he will tell you to make yourselves at home. Keep pestering him until Yuffie shows up. Yuffie and Godo have a little quarrel and Yuffie runs away again.

The team are right back to where they started from as Yuffie appears to have given them the slip for a second time. Head back to the southern part of the village and search all the houses in the area. Enter the Turtles Paradise Bar, which is the large building across the bridge to the south of the Save Point. Inside, Elene, Rude and Reno are having a few drinks and tell the team that they are taking a little vacation. Now exit the bar and return to the Item Shop. Open the chest on the right hand side of the Shop and the team will collect a MP Absorb Materia from within. Before the team can equip this new item Yuffie appears again and steals it from right under you eyes, and then runs away again.

Chase Yuffie out of the building, but again she is nowhere to be seen. the team are feeling a little bit on the edge and now they have to search the area again. Cross the three bridges and enter the house on the right hand side of the village near the entrance. Look behind the screen on the left hand side and you will discover Yuffie's hiding place. Before the team can grab hold of her, Yuffie runs off again. Now the chase is drawing to a close. Follow Yuffie out of the building and check the entrance to the Turtles Paradise. The large flowerpot to the left of the entrance seems to be moving with an awful lot. The team will split up and cover all available exits. This time they have her cornered.

Yuffie agrees to give the party their materia back and they follow her to her hideout. Before entering the room, check the wall to the right of the doorway and you will find Turtles Paradise Flyer No. 6. Now enter the room and speak with Yuffie. She tells the party that in order to regain their materia Cloud will have to pull the lever on the far wall. When you pull the lever it activates an trap and Yuffie runs away again. Pull the lever a second time and your friends will be releised from their temporary prison. It looks like they will have to try all over again. Exit the building and return to the Turtles Paradise. You have now spotted all six flyers and can speak to the barman to claim your prize. You will receive a Power Source, a Guard Source, a Magic Source, a Mind Source, a Speed Source, a Luck Source and a Megalixer. After claiming your prize, exit the bar and take the path towards the temple again.

This time climb the stairs to the left and bang the gong. This will open a secret door in the base of the gong tower. Enter the secret door and you will discover that Don Corneo is here in Wutai and has captured both Yuffie and Elena. He makes his escape via the stairs at the back of the building. Before chasing after him, open the two chest in this secret room. The chest on the right contains a Swift Bolt, and the chest on the left contains an Elixer. When Cloud and his party arrive in the next room they will have to fight three Shin'ra soldiers. By the time you have defeated these enemies Don Corneo has escaped.

Exit the building and the team meet up with Reno and Rude of the Turks. The two parties agree not to get in each others way while they try to find Don Corneo and the two girls. Now head back to the Item Shop and cross the bridge to the north. As the team climb up the mountain they meet with Reno and Rude again. Follow them up the mountain until you reach a junction and take the path that leads north. Follow the path around the statue and then take the north path again. On your left hand side you will find a cave. Enter the cave and collect the Dragoon Lance from inside the chest. You will be able to return to this cave later on. When the team raid the underwater reactor they will be able to pick up an item called Levithian Scales. These scales hold the power of water and will enable the team to put out the fire that prevent the team to acces the rear of the cave. Hidden at the back of this cave is Oritsuru and Steal. Exit the cave and follow the path to the south. not far ahead the team will find Don Corneo and his two captives. Now you will have to fight Rapps.

Just as it seems that Don Corneo has the upper hand, Reno and Rude turn up and dispose of the Don. The Turks receive a phone call asking them to capture Cloud and his team. Reno and Rude decide that for the teams help in rescuing Elena, they are off duty today and let the team go.

With their materia returned the team find themselves outside Wutai. Before the team return to Tiny Bronco, enter the village again. The Weapons Shop will be open for business and there is another important event to take place in this area. Reform your party and make sure that Yuffie is part of the threesome. There is a small contest in which only Yuffie can participate, with exceptional items on offer if it can be completed succesfully. First enter the room that is full of catts directly north of the entrance. You will now be able to climb the stairs and collect some HP Absorb Materia from the chest hidden at the top. The team may now do some shopping and then return to Godo's house.

When the team is fully rested you must equip your characters with mateeria and weapons for this little quest. Yuffie will have to fight five bosses on her own so make sure she has plenty of good materia. The fight are to take place in the Temple to the north of Godo's house. You will be able to heal Yuffie and re-shuffle materia between fights. Make sure she has a restore materia should times get tough. Also give her the Counter Attack-Deathblow combination and Barrier Materia. You may also add some Summon Materia, Time and Enemy Skill Materia. When you are ready proceed to the Pagoda.

There is nothing else to do in Wutai for the time being so head back to Tiny Bronco and cross the shallows to the Gongaga Area.

To the east of Gongaga is a weapons seller. When you visit him he will tell you a little about the temple. You need to Keystone to enter it. Unfortunately, he has just recently sold the Keystone to Dio, the owner of the Gold Saucer. The team must now travel to North Corel and board the ropeway. Once inside the Gold Saucer, head for Battle Square and search the show room. Dio arrives and Cloud asks if he can borrow the Keystone. Dio will not let this happen, but suggest that if Cloud competes in the Battle Arena he will give the Keystone to the team. You nee to win one battle to receive the Keystone, but if you make your way through all eight battles you will also receive a Protect Vest and a Choco Feather.

With the Keystone in your possession the team try to exit the Gold Saucer. Unfortunately, the ropeway is broken, so Cait Sith arranges for the team to stay the night at the Ghost Hotel. During the night one of Cloud's companions will come to your room and ask for a date. It is usually Aeris, but if you have treated her badly thenn one of the others will come.

Cloud and Aeris go out and end up taking part in a show at Event Square and then take a Gondola Ride around the Gold Saucer. When the ride has finished Cloud and Aeris find Cait Sith stealing the Keystone from them. They must chase him to Wonder Square and then on to the Chocobo Racing Forum. Once there, Cait Sith gives the Keystone to Tseng of the Turks. So, Cait Sith is the spy and the team will wish to get rid of him. Unfortunately, you are unable to do so, but Cait Sith does now where to find the Temple of the Ancients. Cloud returns to his room, but before he leaves, search the room. There is an Elixer in the unit in the top right hand corner. The team are waiting in the lobby area. Re-form your party and then take the ropeway back to North Corel.

The Temple of the Ancients is located east across the sea. Return to Tiny Bronco and guide yor craft along the river just south of the Gold Saucer area. Then cross the shallow area south and land on the largest island. The Temple of the Ancients is located in the middle of the large forest on this island. Once the party discover the Temple Aeris finds that she can tell what the ancients are saying. Climb the long staircase and enter the temple. Inside the temple, you'll find Tseng. He has been badly wounded by Sephiroth and gives you the Keystone so that you can go after his attacker. Search the large altar in the centre and the team will be transported to the lower depths of the temple.

The party arrive in a rather crude maze of paths. You can see chests everywhere and lots of steps and tunnels. Walk forwards, turn left and climb the stairs. Continue to walk forwards and take the stairs leading down to the lower level. Enter the hole on your left, turn right and climb down the vine to the floor below. Walk forwards undernearh the long staircase and open the chest to your left. Inside you will find a Trident. Opposite the chest are some steps. Follow them down and climb the vine up to the next area. Walk around the building and climb the stairs to the next area. Walk forwards and climb the next vine up to the top of the structure. Walk forwards and pick up a Mind Source from the floor and then go down the stairs. To the left is a small room with a guy wearing a purple robe inside. When you speak to him you will access some options. You are able to buy some essential supplies. Save your game and rest for the night in this room. When you have finished, open the Gold chest a nd collect a Silver Rifle from inside.

Exit the room and go back up the stairs and down the vine. Do not take the second doorway, instead turn left and collect the Turbo-Ether from the floor. Go down the long stairway and at the bottom, turn left and climb down the smaller set of steps. Walk down the screen and then climb down the vine to the lower level. Head right and collect a Rocket Punch from inside the chest and then take the stairs down again to the next area. Travel to the right and the team will see another Ancient. Climb the vine and then climb the stairs next to you. Enter the archway and turn right and down the next set of stairs. Now climb the long vine to the top and collect the Luck Plus Materia from under the long staircase. Now return to the area where you saw the Ancient. Turn left and enter the door. As you follow the Ancient up the stairs he will run away from you. There are huge hollow boulders that are rolling down this walkway. To get past them, time your dashes so that the hollow part w ill be directly over you; causing Cloud to kneel as the boulder rolls past. Then keep going until you reach a side path that leads to a pool of water. Walk forwards and collect the Morph Materia lying by the side of the pool.

Now continue along the walkway; avoiding the boulders until you reach the end. Aeris now decides to return to the pool, so the team must follow her. The pool tells Aeris that there is evil afoot and shows the party what Tseng and Elena are up to. Sephiroth explains what he is doing and the team must hurry to catch him. The boulders have now stopped, so you will not have to repeat the performance for getting back to the end of the walkway.

When you reach the end, another Ancient is standing in front of you. Speak to him and he will allow you to save you game or rest for a while. When you are ready, turn right and walk down the stairs to the next room.

This room is like a gigantic clock and there are 12 rooms along the outer edges. Each room can be entered by moving the hands of the clock; enabling the party to enter the doors opposite the hour and minute hands. Press the [OK] button to start the hands spinning and then press [OK] again to make them stop. When you are ready, press the [CANCEL] button to walk across the hands and into the doors.

Each door is different. Some contain objects, while others only contain enemies. The contents of the rooms are as follows:

Noto: If you are knocked off one of the hands by the ever moving second hand, you will fall to the bottom of the chasm and are forced to fight two Ancient Dragons. When you have beaten these two enemies you can collect a Nail Bat from the gold chest. However, you will have to find your way back to the clock in order to continue.

Room IV

Before going down this passage, make sure you've collected all the items in the other rooms. When you step out into the open the bouncing old man will see you and run away. To find him, try to end up going into the passage that he plans to come out. You can go down to the other set of passages by going to the left end of each ledge and pressing the [OK] button to jump down a level. On the lowest level, open the chest and you can collect a Work Glove. When you catch the Ancient he will give you the option to save and rest.

Enter the large door on the top level and head to the right. The team will encounter Sephiroth in this area several times. After Sephiroth dissappears, Cloud will suffer from a fit. When Cloud comes round the party examines a mural on the wall which shows a meteorite speeding towards the people of the earth. Aeris talks about the Meteor spell, which Sephiroth is planning to cast. The Temple starts to shake and you will have to fight the Red Dragon.

Once this enemy has died, pick up the Bahamut Materia left behind and equip it ot one of your characters. On the altar to the right is the black materia but you are unable to take it out of the temple without killing one of your team members. Cait Sith volunteers to be the team's saviour, so the team must now rush back to the clock room and choose room number 12. Once inside the exit room the party will be attacked by Demon´s Gate.

Once the boss is defeated, Cait Sith will have a conversation with your party. If he's not in your group, then he bursts out of the door and starts talking. He'll return to the chamber where the Black Materia was and take it. When this has occured the whole temple will vanish.

After a dream sequence, Cloud wakes up at the Gongaga Town Inn. Barret and Tifa are by your side. Find Tiny Bronco and head for the forest that Cloud saw in his dream.

Make your way up the river past the Gold Saucer and follow the coastline to the northern continent. On the right hand side of the continent is a large forest and in the centre is Bone Village. This is an excavation site and the people working here can give you some information about the area. In order to enter the Sleeping Forest, the team requires an item called the Lunar Harp. In order to obtain the harp, speak to the foreman and hire some man to dig it up for you. The harp is located somewhere near the bone tent on the highest level.

You may also dig for other items if you wish. There is also a Mop and a Buntline hidden.

When you are ready climb the ladder and go through the hole to reach the Sleeping Forest.

With the Lunar Harp in your possession the forest greets you and will let you pass. Floating aboat in this area is a red summon materia. Grab hold of it and you will receive Kjata Materia. Now continue through the forest until you discover a rocky area on the other side. Under the tree trunk the team will find a chest. Inside, you can collect the Water Ring. Now you must climb up the rocks near the pink coral and walk through the fallen trunk. Continue along this path and eventually you will arrive back on the World Map Screen.

Your next destination is the City of the Ancients, located on the other side of the canyon.

Just outside the City of the Ancients is a crossroads. Take the path that leads to the left and enter the building. Inside you will find the Save Point and a chest on the upper level. The chest contains a Magic Source. Now leave the building and continue along the path and into the rocks. Walk down the stairs and continue to the right and eventually you will discover another chest. Inside the chest is an Aurora Armlet. There is nothing else to do in this area for the moment, so return to the crossroads and take the path that leads to the right. There are several buildings in this area, walk as far to the right as possible and then enter the building to your north. Climb the stairs to the very top and collect a Guard Source from inside the chest. now exit the building and search the next building along. On the ground floor the team can pick up an Elixer from inside the chest. Once you have collected this item, climb the ladder into the sleeping area. Rest the team fo r the night.

During the night Cloud will wake the team because he can hear Aeris's voice calling him from inside the city. Pick up the Enemy Skill Materia behind the headboard of the third bed and then exit the building. Return to the crossroads and take the middle path. Enter the building and climb to the top and collect the Comet Materia. Now return to the lower level and take the steps down to the city below.

Before going any further take a moment to equip your party with some essential materia and accessories. Give Cloud the Water Ring, which will make him almost immune to water-based attacks. Make sure that the other members of your party have got spell materia earth. Also, ensure that you have the Barrier-All and Time-All combinations. When the team is ready, continue downwards into the city.

To get to Aeris, Cloud will have to jump across the pillars that lie between them. As soon as Cloud gets close to Aeris he will have another fit and will draw his sword. Try not to push the buttons too much as this will effect what Cloud is doing. Just before Cloud goes to strike Aeris with his sword, the rest of the party will jump in to help. Sephiroth will then appear and deliver the deadly strike. Aeris slumps to the floor, and her White Materia sinks into the depths. Sephiroth makes his escape leaving Jenova Life behind.

With the monster gone the team can lay Aeris to rest, and prepare for the next meeting with Sephiroth. You will now be offered the opportunity to save your game before moving on to Disk 2.

This next area begins outside of one of the shell-shaped buildings on the east side of the Ancient City. When you walk to the left Cloud will have another fit and the party sees the ghost like form of Sephiroth leaving teh Ancient City. When Cloud comes round head north and then take the path to the right. In this area walk around the shell and collect a Viper Halberd from the chest hidden behind the shell. Now return to the front and climb the shell to the top, where you will see the entrance to a cave. Once inside the cave climb the second crack in the wall to the top and then head left. Climb up another crack and at the top head for the chest. Inside the chest collect a Bolt Armlet and then proceed to the right and jump acress the gap. Inside the next chest the team can pick up a Hypno Crown.

Navigate around the cliff and collect the other items available to you. There is a Megalixir in the top right hand chest. When you have collected this item head as far left as you can and climb down the ladder to the bottom. Inside the chest at the bottom pick up the Magic Plus Materia and the climb up to the exit. Once in the next cave walk forwards and collect a Power Source from the chest in front of you. Now exit the cave and the team will return to the World Map Screen.

Once outside travel to the left and follow the curve of the mountains. The Icicle Inn is not far away.

At the far end of town talk to the man in purple standing near the trees. If you try to leave the town Shin'ra members will show up with Elena. Elena will try to knock Cloud out. When Elena tries to punch Cloud, press left to avoid her strike. If you manage to dodge it Elena will roll out of the town. If she connects with your chin Cloud will wake up inside one of the houses.

Now go to the house on the right just inside the town's entrance. In the back room is a small boy with a snowboard. Speak to him and then examine the Snowboard to pick it up. Now proceed to the Inn and head to the upper floor. If you search the window in the bottom left hand corner you will collect an X-Potion.

Leave the Inn and enter the house near the snowman on the far right of the town. When you search the back room you will pick up a Hero Drink and a Vaccine. Before you leave this house check the map on the wall in the front room. You will need this item so after you have examined it, collect the Glacier Map.

Now enter the house on the far left hand side of the town. Travel down the stairs and search the windowsill and you will discover a Turbo-Ether. On the ground floor the team can learn more about Aeris and her family. When you have finished here, head to the weapons shop nexht door and purchase any supplies or weapons that you need.

Before taking tto the Snow boarding course, take the time to equip the elemental-ice materia combination on your armour to protect you from ice-based attacks. When you are ready proceed to the far north of the town where you had your fight with Elena and hit the slopes.

You have to make your way through the course to the bottom. Here you are faced with a choice to go left or right. This will happen twice, so there are four places where you could finish. When you reach the bottom, have a look at our Glacier Map (press switch/del). Your goal is to get to Mr. Holzoff's house at the base of the Gaea Cliffs marked by a red tick on your map. This area can be extremely confusing with one area looking very similar to another. If you get lost and spend too much time out in the cold your characters will pass out and will be taken to Mr. Holzoff's house. To try to make this area easier we have described what is available in each different area below.

Entrance

(Square at point furthset south on the map). If you walk south from this point you will return to the Icicle Inn.

Mountain Cave

(Area to the right of the Entrance). There are no items in this area. There is an icy slide at the back of the cave which will return you to the World Map.

Forest

In the forest are is a Y-shaped crossroads. In the top left hand corner of the screen you can collect a Mind Source from the foot of a tree.

Aeroplane Tail

There are no items in this area.

Lake Cave

Pick up the Potion on the lake shore before crossing to the other side. You must jump from block to block to reach the cave on the other side of the lake. Leap on the large blocks to cross to the other side. If you mess it up you will have to start again. At the back of the cave you can pick up a Safety Bit from inside the bag.

Steaming Lakes

Touch the water on the left side. Then fight the Snow Woman in the cave near the Snow Storm Area. When you defeat her you will receive Alexander Materia.

Mountain Cross-roads

When you get to the mountain crossroads, take the right hand path and walk off the map area. Then keep heading north until the screen repeats itself. When this happens check the bottom of the screen to locate the Added-Cut Materia.

Snowstorm

When you reach this area your final destination is not far away. You can place landmarks to help you negotiate the area (press OK/enter). If you spend too long in the snow storm you will pass out.

After you have had some fun, return to the old man's house to heal your team. Once this is done head north to the slopes of the mountain. Remember to keep in mind that this is the only time that you are able to explore this area. You are not able to come back here later, so make sure that you get everything now.

When Cloud begins to climb between the ledges, keep an eye on his body temperature. If it goes below 26ºC he will pass out and awaken at the house again. Ideally, keep Cloud's temperature around 37ºC. To raise his temperature, hit the switch/del button continuously. The metre on the screen will show Cloud's temperature, so keep an eye on it. Cloud's temperature cannot be raised while he is climbing, so climb as fast as you can! It does not matter how hard you press the button, but how fast you are able to do it. Thankfully, Cloud's temperature does not decrease during battle.

You can go nowhere except up in this level. Once you get to the top you will see a small cave. Take the left path after you go through the first door. Follow the trail to a small cliff with a boulder resting on it. You must now push the boulder off. This will make it possible to use the lower trail. Now go back to where you veered off and head for the next set of cliffs. In the next cave to the right there is a hidden chamber with a chest; inside is a Ribbon.

Now return to the path, head north, then west. You will enter a room filled with huge icicles. As you move along the edge you will encounter four battles. In each battle there is an icicle in the back row of the enemy. You must attack the icicle till it breaks. Once you have destroyed the icicles you will be able to get the chest you previously could not.

When you get the Ribbon, also open the purple cheszt to the north east. You will receive a Javelin. Now go to the room that previously had the blocked passage and turn north. Follow the passage until you get to another exit. This will lead you to the upper path and it will take you outside if you keep following it.

Remember to save the game as you get to the cave. Your party needs to be equipped with items that guard or absorb against both fire and ice spells. Just down the path you encounter a huge beast blocking the hallway. This is Schizo.

Now continue down the path outside. Climb the icy wall to the top. Head along the side of the inner crater. Tifa will now insist on coming with you, if she is not already in the party. Now head to the left.

Once you have done this climb down to the lower path and pick up the red materia (Neo Bahamut). If you encounter a fallen follower, check him and he will transform into an item. You may need to rest now. Equip your team with anything that will absorb or protect against fire spells.

You will see Shin'ra with Rufus, Scarlet, Heidegger and Hojo. Ignore them for now. Keep heading for the centre. The wind is very strong and is causing barriers to form. Do not cross the barriers untill the wind has calmed down. If you do not you will be forced into a fight ans shoved back. Later the barriers will have a green shield rushing through them. They must be avoided. To get past these, stand as close as you can to the green light, now wait till the light has almost gone and run through. If you do not make it you will be knocked back and attacked by a monster. If you also touch the shield from the other side you will knocked back to the beginning, so be careful. The team will now bump into Sephiroth as he is killing a few shrouded figures. He will disappear but then will launch an attack from above. Do not mis the chest near the first path. There is a Kaiser Knuckle inside it. Sephiroth will now summon a second version of Jenova to kill the party. This is Jenova Death.

Cloud will now receive Black Materia, but he is not able to use it yet. Now move on. If you were hurt after the fight, rest for a while. Also, save your game here. Wind barriers get even trickier at this stage. Not only will you be dodging the green waves but also bolts of lighting. Time your moves very carefully.

Once this has been completed continue along the path. At the end you will see an exat replica of Nibelheim. Cloud writes these off as illusions, but Tifa is a bit more disturbed. Sephiroth claims that Cloud was created by Hojo just like the others. Cloud seems to realise the folly in his memory and recovers before it can destroy him.

Shin'ra execs have arrived at the centre of the Crater in time to see the WEAPONS awake from their long sleep. At this point in time whoever is carrying the Black Materia will receive a visit from Tifa. She asks them to bring it to the centre of the Crater. The character then runs off. This will show you that is was not Tifa, but actually Sephiroth. Everyone now meets in the centre and the character with the Black Materia joins them soon after. Cloud gives the Black Materia to Sephiroth. At this point all hell breaks loose as the WEAPONS wake up!

When you come to, you find yourself imprisoned back in Junon Town. Cloud is nowhere to be seen so you will be taking control of Tifa for most of this section. Talk to Barret and Rufus and Heidegger will show up. Rufus has decided that he wants to make Tifa and Barret the scapegoats. Tifa is to go first, and they drag her away and strap her into a gas chamber. One of the guards drops his keys.

Examine the door in the bottom right corner of the screen and use [OK] to make Barret try to pull it open. When the Weapon attacks the city, gas starts pumping into the chamber Tifa is trapped in. You are now in control of Barret, talk to Cait Sith and then exit through the door. Turn right and follow the road. Once Weapon has risen out of the water, continue walking to the left until you arrive at the Airport. Take the lift to the upper level and head towards th airship on the right.

When you're in control of Tifa again, you have to pick up the key on the ground so you can free yourself from the gas chamber. Your controls are as follows:

To free Tifa press the buttons in this order:

At the back of the room by the left side of the chair you can shut off the gas, then examine the door. After the monster provides you with an exit, climb outside and work your way down the front of the tower. When you reach the bottom, head toward the top left hand corner of the screen. Climb down the cylinder at the front and onto th Cannon Barrel. As you reach the edge of the cannon Scarlet will start slapping you. Press [OK] repeatedly to slap her back and then you will be rescued by Barret in the Highwind.

To pilot the Highwind use the following controls:

Fly back to the northern continent and check back at the Icicle Inn. The people there seem to think that the team may be able to find some clues in Mideel. Head back to the Highwind and make your way to Mideel. Sure enough Cloud is here but he is suffering from severe Mako poisoning. Have Cid create a new team of three and head for North Corel. When the team arrive in North Corel, head directly for the Mako furnace in the centre. As soon as they get to the furnace, a train loaded with Huge Materia starts to drive away. The team steals a train and chase after the Shin'ra train. You have to press Up and Menu in a steady motion to make Cid pull the levers of the train so that you can catch up to the Shin'ra train. You have only ten minutes to defetat the five bosses and stop the train before it crashes into Norh Corel! The bosses are fairly easy but killing them can take time. Try not to use summon spells, as they are very slow. The monsters are as follows:

Car 1: Gas Ducter. Easy fight; use anything but Bio in this battle.

Car 2: 2x Gas Ducter. Same as fight one only twice the enemies.

Car 3: Wolfmeister. Use water attacks; the enemy skill Aqualung will help here.

Car 4: Eagle Gun. Avoid using Earth or Water based spells on this enemy.

car 5: Attack Squad. This is not tough at all but you must skip through very quickly.

Once Cid grabs the controls, press Down and Cancel three times. If you have done it correctly the train will stop just outside of North Corel. you will receive your first piece of huge materia, called Ultima Materia. When the team wakes up the next morning, go to the house below the Inn and the lady in a hat will give you Catastrophe, Barret's Ultimate Limit Break.

Now head back to the Highwind and return to Fort Condor. This is the final battle and it will be much harder then before. First make sure you have plenty of money, so you can buy lots of troops. Place Defenders near the hut adn Tri-Stoners on the three main routes up the mountain. Fight the enemy troops with Attackers and Fighters, with Shooters as back-up. After the battle, the Condor is killed but the baby lives. Check outside and the team can collect teh Phoenix Materia from the side of the nest.

Now head back to Mideel to check on Cloud's progress. When the team has seen Cloud, the town is attacked by the Ultimate Weapon.

Eventually the Ultimate Weapon will fly off but the Lifestream bursts through and destroys Mideel. Tifa attempts to rescue Cloud, but both of them drop into the middle of the Lifestream.

When Tifa wakes up she finds herself in a surreal world with three Clouds floating above her. Speak with the Cloud at the top of the screen and you will see Nibelheim as it was five years ago. You see Sephiroth's entrance again, but this time Tifa intervenes. Cloud was not the person with Sephiroth, it was the boy they were shown back at the Crater.

Now speak with the Cloud on the left and the scene flashes to Nibelheim again. This time it shows what happened that night as well. The scene changes back and Tifa asks Cloud to tell her a memory that she would not know about. Cloud tells Tifa that he joined SOLDIER in an attempt to impress her. This time he takes her to the point in time when he was blamed for hurting Tifa, shortly after her mother died. Tifa remembers this occurance and it seems to help a little bit.

They return to Nibelheim again. Thsi time Zack enters the scene shortly after Tifa had been wounded. Sephiroth defeats Zack and then Cloud grabs his sword and attacks Sephiroth from behind and defeats him.

With the truth now uncovered Cloud is back to normal. Together he and Tifa leave the Lifestream and join with their friends.

The team must now proceed to Junon and locate the Underwater Reactor.

Walk into Junon Village and travel up the lift to the Harbour. Head back to the main street and turn left in the tunnel that splits the North and South areas. Follow a group of guards into the elevator and make your way down to the Underwater Reactor. When the party reaches the ocean floor, follow the walkway to the reactors central core. Unfortunately, the team are a little late and the huge materia is on its way to the waiting submarine.

BEWARE: The Shin'ra Patrols in this area can be plentiful and dangerous.

When the team reach the sunmarine, Reno is there to greet them with a nasty little surprise. You will have to fight Carry Armour

.

During this battle the Shin'ra submarine has escaped. The team must now hi-jack the other enemy sub and chase it down. Before climbing aboard take the time to open the three boxes by the docks. Inside, you will find the Leviathan Scales, which you need to cross the fire pit in Wutai, a Battle Trumpet, and a Scimitar. When you have collected these items, board the submarine and fight your way to the controls. The buttons for controlling the submarine are as follows:

You have ten minutes to hunt down and destroy the RED enemy submarine. You can shoot up to four torpedoes at a time and it is better to off load your entire payload on the same enemy from close range. If the enemy get a lock on your sub then you can usually shake them off by speeding up and diving. Use your sonar to help locate the enemy subs and keep an eye open for mines. If you win this batle you will receive the enemy submarine for the remainder of the game. You can use the sub to explore underwater caves, but you will be unable to travel trough shallow water. When the game is over the team return to the World Map screen. You can now move the sub around the world and dock at the little rocky bays around the coastline. Dock your submarine outside Junon and head for the Airport. The team again are a little late and the materia has just left inside a plane. The package is heading for Rocket Town, so go back to the Highwind and follow the plane.

When the team arrives in Rocket Town, head straight for the launch pad. Fight your way to the top of the Launch Platform and you will meet Rude&Co.

Climb inside the rocket and press [OK] to open the door. Make your way to the cockpit. The rocket will take off and lock on target with the incoming Meteor. Walk into the next room adn climb the ladder. Examine the huge materia and Cid will chat with Cloud and some numbered boxes will appear. When this occurs enter the following code:

If you did it correctly the glass tube will open and you can take the Huge Materia. If you mess up, you'll have three minutes to get the code right, and Cid will try to guide you in th right direction. Should the timer reach zero, the huge Materia will be lost. Climb back down to the engine room and enter the escape pod. The team will return to the Highwind and they must now continue on their journey. Next stop is back to Cosmo Canyon to see Bugenhagen.

Once back in Cosmo Canyon visit, Bugenhagen in his laboratory. The team tries to figure out a way to stop the meteorite from crashing intothe Planet. Bugehagen suggests that the Ancient City may be the place to visit next. Before the team leaves for the Ancient City, store the huge materia in Bugenhagen's laboratory for the night. Take a close look at it and you will collect the Bahamut Zero Materia. Now jump in the Highwind and make your way back to the icy northern continent.

Once inside the Ancient City, follow the left path right to the back. Bugenhagen explains White Materia to the party and drops some clues as to the whereabouts of a hidden key. The key is hidden in a place "even sunlight cannot reach." Take the team to the Highwind and return to your sunmarine. Guide your sub to the south and locate the Shin'ra Submarine that you defeated earlier. A close inspection of the wreckage will enable you to find the last piece of the Huge Materia.

Now head north and take the passage to the left. Take a sharp turn to the left and follow the canal to an underwater cave. When you reach the end of the cave, surface and you will appear in the middle of a lake. park the submarine against the rock face and then place Vincent in your party. In this area you will learn more about Vincent. If you return to this place hwile on disk 3 you can collect his Death Penalty Weapon and his Ultimate limit break Chaos.

Now follow the passageway back through the cave and continue to head north. Further along you will discover another underwater cave. Enter the cave and follow the passage until you find the Keyof the Ancients. Now take the key back to Bugenhagen at the City of the Ancients and the team will learn how to stop the meteor. As the team leaves the Ancient City you receive a report that the Junon Cannon has been found and is heading for Midgar.

Grab the team and head for the Highwind. Fly straight to the Midgar area and find yourself a nice spot on the beach. Prepare yourself as another Weapon approaches. You will now have to fight Diamond Weapon.

The team are only able to stun Diamond Weapon temporarily and it continues to head towards Midgar. The Weapon opens fire on Midgar and the team are unable to do anything to stop it. Head back to the Highwind and fly over the Crater. The team will parachute from the vessel and enter Midgar.

Follow Cait Sith down the alleyways and under the ground. There are loads of items to collect in this area, so keep your eyes open. On the highest level you can pick up an Elixir, a Megalixir and an Aegis Armlet. Now follow the steps and ladder down to the lower platform. From this point walk to the right and the floor will collapse beneath you. Climb up the red pipes and slide down the chute to the next area. Now climb the stairs and save your game at the save point.

The party arrives in the train tunnels beneath fallen Midgar. There are two ways you can go from here. The area directly to the south leads to lots of lovely treasure and lots of tough enemy encounters. And your target area lies north. The tunnels that lead south contain the following items:

To the north the team bump intoReno, Rude and Elena. You will be give the opportunity not to fight the Turks or to engage them immediately.

With this fight out of the way you will probably need to return to the save point and use a tent to replenish any lost HP/MP. Then continue to travel north and take the first left hand turn. The team arrives at the Cannon Site and are confronted by Proud Cloud.

Now continue to climb the Cannon to the top. Here you will find Hojo and the team must fight again, this time against Hojo,

Helletic Hojo and Lifeform Hojo.

Before you enter the Crater you will notice a cave. You can get back to Highwind through this cave. Inside the chest you will find the Save Crystal, make sure you collect this, as there are no save points within hte Crater. This crystal will alow you to place one save point inside the Crater but do not use it just yet.

NOTE: Nearly all the enemies you will encounter in the crater are able to kill your characters instantly. Take lots of Phoenix Downs and Ethers with you.

Follow the winding path into the Crater and take the path on the right. Climb down to the bottom and then head back up on the left hand side. You will be able to collect some very useful items on the way. When the team reach the next area, head left and search the cave. Collect all the available items and then move on by returning to the top and taking the path on the right. At this point you will meet up with your friends and you will have to split the party into two groups. This is probably the best spot for your SAVE POINT. You can heal your team by using a tent before continuing onwards.

Take the path to the right and walk down a huge spiral slope; picking up the items as you go. On the first level you will find a Mystile and an Elixir. Continue down to the bottom and search the large area in front of you. Just in front of you there is a Speed Source. To the left two Megalixirs, and to the right a Tetra Elemental. Also, if you search the back of the area you will find two other Megalixirs and a Guard Source. Now return to your save point and take the path to the left.

Event though this is the left path, it actually consists of two paths. One will take you through a very natural looking terrain, the other is a series of rocky ledges. There are lots of great items, so make sure you take time to collect them.

As you go through the cave every member of your team will have picked up various items. Once you reach the bottom of the North Cave, talk to everyone. They will hand over the items tey got on their journey. This is the ideal place to put the save crystal. Along the way the following items would have been collected; Turbo Ether, Speed Source, Vaccine, Mega-All Materia, Remedy, Magic Source, Imperial Guard, Hero Medicine, Shield Materia, Counter Materia and W-Magic Materia. To get the Mega-All Materia press [OK] just as Cloud lands on the step next to the bottom of the rocky path. If not, he will jump right past it. When you are ready head down the centre of the path.

As you begin to get closer to the centre of the Planet you will be forced to fight several battles against Iron Men and Dragon Zombies. Both could pass as bosses in their own right. Remember to take the necessary percautions. You cannot turn back at this point, so be sure you are ready to continue. At the very centre you will come face-to-face with Jenova Synthesis.

Once you have successfully defeated Jenova, the party will be dropped deeper into the core of the Planet, They will then come to a bizarre structure that pulses with Lifestream power. The final battle will take place here. When you get here split your party into two or three groups. One group is the best to have and three is the most challenging to have. Your first group will face Sephiroth in the Final Battle. But you must remember to also equip the other teams well; if any of your groups get killed during the battle the game will end.

We don't want to spoil the end, so you'll have to beat Sephiroth by yourself and find out what happens! Good luck!