Just a heads-up to anyone who may be considering purchasing this, that - unlike Final Fantasy 7, which did not require this - Final Fantasy 8, even when purchased through the Square-Enix Store, requires the Steam DRM to download, install, and use this program. This despite the fact that there is no mention whatsoever of the Steam DRM being required to download, install, or play this game anywhere on the product's page or in the purchase process.
I finally was able to get a refund due to this today (although now I get to wait another week for it to actually be credited back), but just figured I'd give anyone here who cares about that sort of thing a heads-up, that, as far as DRM-free versions, you're still going to need to track down the CD version from 2000 for that.