Hey guys.

I've completed FFVII many times, at first without any help and then the next few times trying to get everything with the guide.

However, I've not completed FF8 or 9 and I'm not exactly sure why. Maybe it's because, unlike FF7, I tried to play 8 and 9 from the start with a guide and it's not as much fun? I mean, I've tried playing through FF9 about 5-6 times and always got to different parts then for some reason or other just stopped. I guess it's kind of just boring if you are reading what to do in a guide and then acting it out on the game.

What do you guys do? Play the game through properly first without any help or use the guide from the off?

I reckon I might start a game on FF9 today without the guide and see how I go. The only problem is that I just can't stand thinking I'm missing things like things you can steal from enemies and rare items like cards and such. What about you?