Leveling up vs. Remaining at low levels

[Jiro]

Only time I don't hate Odin is up against the Malboros.

[Night Fury]

Only time I don't hate Odin is up against the Malboros.

He's such a random ass. When I'm trying to draw magic or mug from monsters he shows up, or he'll show up at battles against easy monster.

Anytime I could ACTUALLY use his help, he's not there

[Gamblet]

Gilgamesh almost never shows up.

[Christmas]

Rantz and I played through FFVIII once and he insisted on remaining at a low level throughout the first part of the game by turning enemies into cards as often as he could. I could not understand for the life of me why! He explained that remaining at a lower level caused the monsters to also remain at a lower level and were easier to beat that way. I had never thought of doing that before.

I prefer to level up as quickly as I possibly can reaching my party to level 100 as soon as possibly and trading in the secondary characters to level up when I have the time. The monsters get harder, but you also get stronger!

What about you? What's your strategy for getting through this game?

Powerful GFs have ability which add additional stats to your character when they level up. So if you remain at low level and attain the GF, you can gain additional benefits to your stats when you level up. Of course, if you are at a high level, your benefits will be lesser.

I cannot really remember so I might be wrong, think you need some time to power up the GF.