Final Fantasy 8 comes to Steam PC, adds achievements

Square Enix released the PC version of Final Fantasy VIII today on Steam for $12.

While it doesn't include updated visuals, this version does add three things not found in PS1 version. As listed on the Steam store:

• Magic Booster: When Magic Booster is used, the player’s inventory of the following spells is increased by 100: Cure, Cura, Curaga, Fire, Fira, Blizzard, Blizzara, Thunder, Thundara, Sleep, Blind, Silence, Berserk, Bio, Esuna, Aero, Confuse, Break, Zombie
• This feature can be used from the launcher.
• Chocobo World: The full game released as a separate application for previous versions. It is possible to play “Chocobo World” directly from the launcher after booting up FFVIII and by fulfilling certain specific conditions in the main game you will also be able to synch data between the two games.
• Steam Achievements: 45 total

One of those achievements, "Contrived Finish," requires that you "Finish the game with Squall's initial level." Good luck with that one.

Users on the game's forum have pointed out that, while you can play in offline mode, setting up the game and using Cloud saves require that you sign in with a Square Enix account. And, as a PC port, the game uses the PC version's music rather than the original PlayStation soundtrack.