Editing Chocobo Racing (section)

== Gameplay ==
In ''Chocobo Racing'', the player controls ''[[Final Fantasy]]'' characters, most of whom race in [[Kart racing|go-karts]]. Other characters fly, drive [[Scooter (motorcycle)|scooters]], ride [[magic carpet]]s, or even run.<ref name="characters">{{cite book|author=Square staff|title=Chocobo Racing instruction manual|publisher=Square Co.|year=1999|pages=4–5}}</ref> Players have five different racing modes to choose from: Story Mode, Versus Mode, Grand Prix, Relay Race, and Time Attack. In the Story Mode, players are guided through the story of ''Chocobo Racing'', which is narrated by [[Cid (Final Fantasy)|Cid]], in the form of a [[pop-up book]]. Completing the Story Mode unlocks secret character racers and allows players to create a custom racer of their own.<ref name="story">{{cite book|author=Square staff|title=Chocobo Racing instruction manual|publisher=Square Co.|year=1999|pages=6–7}}</ref> In the Versus Mode, two players can race each other on a horizontally split screen. In Grand Prix (GP) Mode, the player races [[Game artificial intelligence|computer-controlled]] opponents in four selected tracks of their choice. In Relay Race Mode, the player chooses three racers to compete in a [[relay race]].<ref>{{cite book|author=Square staff|title=Chocobo Racing instruction manual|publisher=Square Co.|year=1999|pages=10–11}}</ref> In Time Attack Mode, the player can select any stage and try to beat the fastest time record set there.<ref>{{cite book|author=Square staff|title=Chocobo Racing instruction manual|publisher=Square Co.|year=1999|pages=8–9}}</ref> There are a total of ten tracks, two of which have to be unlocked by playing the story mode: Cid's Test Track, Moogle Forest, The Ancient Gate, Mythril Mines, The Black Manor, Floating Gardens, Gingerbread Land, Vulcan-O Valley, Fantasia, and F.F.VIII Circuit.<ref>{{cite book|author=Square staff|title=Chocobo Racing instruction manual|publisher=Square Co.|year=1999|pages=22–24}}</ref>

While racing, the player can accelerate, brake, reverse, activate Magic Stones, or use a "special ability" using the [[game controller]]'s [[analog stick]] and buttons. An additional move is the skid, which is executed by simultaneously braking and accelerating into a turn; as the game's cornering technique, the skid can be used to take sharp turns quickly. If the player skids too sharply, however, a spin out will occur. Before the start of any race, the player's character can receive a speed boost by tapping the Accelerate button with precise timing during the countdown.<ref>{{cite book|author=Square staff|title=Chocobo Racing instruction manual|publisher=Square Co.|year=1999|pages=2–3}}</ref>

[[Image:chocobo racing screenshot ability.png|thumb|230px|right|In this example screenshot, the [[Final Fantasy character classes#White Mage|White Mage]] activates the "Barrier" ability that protects her from the next attack she receives. The "special ability" gauge in the upper left-hand corner of the screen will not recharge until the Barrier vanishes.]]
In the world of ''Chocobo Racing'', [[Final Fantasy magic|Magic]] Stones are scattered throughout each course, and can be picked up by the player by driving through them. Magic Stones can also be stolen from opponents by bumping into them from behind. The player can then activate the Magic Stone for some special effect. Activating a Haste Stone, for example, gives the character a short speed boost. Some Magic Stones stack, increasing in power if more than one of the same kind of stone is picked up by the player. Each stone is represented by a corresponding symbol on the racetrack, while stones marked with question marks grant the player a single kind of Magic Stone at random.<ref>{{cite book|author=Square staff|title=Chocobo Racing instruction manual|publisher=Square Co.|year=1999|pages=18–19}}</ref>

Special abilities are another important aspect of ''Chocobo Racing''. Before each race, the player is prompted to assign a special ability to the selected character. During a race, the player can only activate the chosen special ability when the meter in the upper left-hand corner of the screen is full. After using the special ability, the player must wait for the meter to recharge to use it again.<ref>{{cite book|author=Square staff|title=Chocobo Racing instruction manual|publisher=Square Co.|year=1999|pages=16–17}}</ref>