Great story! Now a days you'll be lucky to find the PS1 version in any game store right now, gamestop or otherwise! I wish I could've been there to see that "fan girl" moment. We need more moments like that in game stores these days. don't get to see that squee of delight in finding a game you just want to play. I hope you get that feeling again whenever you play that game in your spare time.
Now which strategy guide did you see in there? I do have one myself for the PS1 version. Perhaps I'll post a pick of it one day