Hello, I am brand new to the ff8 speedrun, i've played the game casually many times (it is my favorite FF of all time), and mainly speedrun ff9. I have some probably dumb questions..

Ok so what exactly is the difference between the SS and RTA routes for this game?

What is the difference in the Q/Q+Z card routes?

And finally, to learn the run i'm planning on just watching some of the runs on the leaderboard with the guide(s) pulled up in another page and then try to put it together.

Solid plan? ..or is there a better way to go about this?

Thank you! See you guys on the leaderboard soon!

..oh, and whatsup with French? Is it the fastest language or is ff8 just really popular among the frenchies?

Hi guys, had a couple questions re: emulators.

I know the fastest way to play is a slim PS2 because of fast disk load speed but for several reasons this isn't an option for me right now.. hence the emulator.

When I first started learning I ran on epsxe 2.0.5, but it just felt sooo slow (screen/battle transitions and random stuttering). So I tried psxfin 1.13 and it felt noticeably faster so I stuck with it, my problem with psxfin is ff9 will randomly crash, preventing me from completing a game in one sitting (despite numerous frustrating attempts).

Questions are as follows: 

First are there any rules re: certain emulators not being allowed?

Second, what is the fastest emulator/video plugin/video settings for ff9.

Third, for when I do pick up a ps2, I need a recommendation for a capture card. Cheap but reliable.

And finally, if no one knows or this isn't the appropriate forum to get answers to the emulator questions, if I could be pointed in the right direction, that'd be awesome.

Thanks so much