Summary
- Release Year: 1997
- Genres: Adventure, Role-playing game (RPG), Turn-based strategy (TBS)
- Platforms: PlayStation, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Portable, PlayStation Vita
- Developers: Square
- Publishers: Sony Computer Entertainment, Square Enix
Final Fantasy VII: A Timeless Classic
Released in 1997, Final Fantasy VII was a groundbreaking JRPG that set new standards for the genre. It was the first Final Fantasy game to feature 3D graphics, pre-rendered backgrounds, and numerous full-motion videos. The game’s story is epic and engrossing, and its characters are some of the most iconic in gaming history.
Story
Final Fantasy VII is set in a world where the life force of the planet is being drained by a corrupt corporation called Shinra. The player takes control of Cloud Strife, a former member of Shinra’s elite SOLDIER unit, who joins a group of eco-terrorists called AVALANCHE to stop Shinra and save the planet.
The story of Final Fantasy VII is complex and well-developed, with twists and turns that will keep players guessing until the very end. The game also features a number of memorable side quests that flesh out the world and characters.
Gameplay
Final Fantasy VII’s gameplay is a departure from previous entries in the series in many ways. Though it retains the Active Time Battle pseudo-turn based menu command system, FFVII features three party members rather than four. The Materia system allows the player to customize each party member’s abilities to their liking, and the Limit system grants them unique combat skills.
FFVII also introduces a number of new minigames, many of them playable in the theme park Gold Saucer. These minigames range from racing with chocobos to snowboarding.
Graphics and Sound
Final Fantasy VII was one of the first games to feature 3D graphics, and it still holds up today. The game’s pre-rendered backgrounds are lush and detailed, and the character models are expressive and well-animated. The game’s music is also top-notch, with a memorable score that perfectly complements the game’s atmosphere.
Characters
Final Fantasy VII features a cast of memorable and well-developed characters. Cloud Strife, the game’s protagonist, is a complex and flawed character who is struggling to come to terms with his past. Tifa Lockhart, Cloud’s childhood friend, is a strong and determined woman who is always there for her friends. Aeris Gainsborough, a kind and compassionate flower girl, is the last of her ancient race.
The rest of the cast is equally well-developed, and each character has their own unique motivations and backstory. The relationships between the characters are also well-written, and the game does a great job of exploring the themes of friendship, love, and loss.
Legacy
Final Fantasy VII is one of the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful JRPGs of all time. It has sold over 13 million copies worldwide and has been ported to numerous platforms. The game has also been adapted into a number of other media, including a film, a television series, and a manga.
Final Fantasy VII’s legacy is undeniable. It is a game that helped to define the JRPG genre and set a new standard for storytelling, graphics, and gameplay. The game continues to be enjoyed by gamers of all ages, and it is sure to remain a classic for many years to come.
Conclusion
Final Fantasy VII is a timeless classic that deserves its place among the greatest video games of all time. Its epic story, memorable characters, and innovative gameplay have captivated gamers for over two decades. If you’ve never played Final Fantasy VII, I highly recommend checking it out. You won’t be disappointed.
Review Score
9.5/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
