If you are in the market for a video game strategy reference for an older Final Fantasy title, you will likely land on two official books: the Final Fantasy III NDS Bradygames Official Strategy Guide and the Final Fantasy VIII Official Strategy Guide. They differ in condition, listed price, and what comes in the package, so the right choice depends on whether you want a collectible guide or a working companion for playthroughs.
Quick verdict: If you want a like-new official guide with a glossy finish and are okay with the higher listed price, pick the Final Fantasy III NDS guide. If you would rather pay less and want the main guide plus a mini walkthrough, pick the Final Fantasy VIII Official Strategy Guide.
Comparison at a glance
| Product | Listed Price | Condition | Key Details | Price Bar |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Final Fantasy III NDS Bradygames Official Strategy Guide | USD 38.00 | Like New | Square Enix, Glossy, Strategy Guide | |
| Final Fantasy VIII Official Strategy Guide (Video Game Books) + Mini Walkthrough | USD 20.00 | Good | Trade paperback, 272 pages, includes mini walkthrough |
Where the Final Fantasy III guide wins
The Final Fantasy III NDS Bradygames Official Strategy Guide is the polished pick. Its Like New condition and glossy finish make it the better choice if you want your video game strategy reference to look fresh on a shelf. The guide is for the Nintendo DS version of Final Fantasy III and is tied to the Square Enix brand. If you are building a Final Fantasy collection and want minimal wear on the cover and pages, this is the guide that delivers that.
Where the Final Fantasy VIII guide wins
The Final Fantasy VIII Official Strategy Guide wins on price and extra content. It is the lower-priced option at USD 20.00, and the title includes a mini walkthrough alongside the main guide. The book is a trade paperback published in 1999, with 272 pages, so you get a full-size reference and a quick-reference companion. The condition is Good, and the description notes normal wear and tear, a few tears on the front cover, and two small rips on the first page, with the damage pictured. That makes it a great pick if you are more concerned about getting through the game than keeping the book pristine.
Product notes
Final Fantasy III NDS Bradygames Official Strategy Guide
This option is listed at USD 38.00, making it the higher-priced guide in this head-to-head. The Like New condition and glossy finish are the standout features here, giving it a clean, display-ready look. It is described as a strategy guide for Final Fantasy III on the Nintendo DS, with Square Enix listed as the brand. If you want a video game strategy reference that feels almost untouched and looks good on a shelf, this is the one to choose. The limitation is the price: at USD 38.00, it is USD 18.00 more than the Final Fantasy VIII guide. That additional cost buys condition and polish, so it is best suited for collectors or players who are willing to spend more for a cleaner book.
Final Fantasy VIII Official Strategy Guide (Video Game Books) + Mini Walkthrough
This guide is listed at USD 20.00, which makes it the lower-priced option between the two. The package includes the main trade paperback and a mini walkthrough, giving you both a full 272-page reference and a quick companion. The book was published in 1999, and the condition is Good, with normal wear and tear noted, plus a few tears on the front cover and two small rips on the first page. Those blemishes are pictured, so you can see the exact condition. If you are okay with visible wear and want to pay less, this is the practical choice for an everyday Final Fantasy VIII playthrough. The limitation is the condition, which will not appeal to anyone who wants a pristine collectible.
Final choice by use case
If you are a collector or want a video game strategy reference that looks as close to new as possible, go with the Final Fantasy III NDS Bradygames Official Strategy Guide. If you are playing Final Fantasy VIII and want both a full guide and a quick mini walkthrough without paying the higher listed price, the Final Fantasy VIII Official Strategy Guide is the sensible pick.
