Did you beat final fantasy 8 on your first playthrough?

I never beat 7, 8, or 9 on my first playthrough. It came out when I was in high school and I couldn't get past the second Edea fight.

In college I got to Rinoa in space before having issues with the disc.

When it came to steam I learned how to power up early with the card game and beat it pretty easily.

What was your experience?