Final Fantasy VII, released in 1997 for the PlayStation, is a landmark RPG that set new standards for storytelling, world-building, and gameplay. Developed by Square (now Square Enix), it’s one of the most influential and beloved video games of all time, both in terms of its impact on the RPG genre and gaming as a whole.
Story and Characters
At the heart of Final Fantasy VII is its epic story. The game follows Cloud Strife, a mercenary with a mysterious past, as he joins an eco-terrorist group called AVALANCHE to take down the megacorporation Shinra. However, the story soon evolves into something far more complex as Cloud and his companions uncover a conspiracy that threatens the world, leading to the rise of the enigmatic villain Sephiroth.
The narrative tackles themes of identity, environmentalism, loss, and redemption, and it’s told with remarkable depth for its time. Some moments, like the shocking death of a major character (no spoilers!), have become iconic in the gaming world and are still referenced in pop culture.
The characters are equally memorable, each with their own unique backstories, motivations, and development arcs. Cloud’s evolution from a distant, somewhat confused protagonist to a more self-aware hero is compelling, and characters like Tifa, Aerith, Barret, and Red XIII all bring depth and personality to the journey. The chemistry between the party members is one of the game’s key strengths.
Gameplay
Final Fantasy VII is a turn-based RPG, with a real-time combat system known as the Active Time Battle (ATB). Players can command their party in battles, each character equipped with unique weapons, spells, and abilities. The system is easy to grasp but offers plenty of depth with its materia system, allowing characters to equip or swap different magical abilities, status effects, and summons.
Exploration is a mix of on-foot travel through towns and dungeons, vehicle-based navigation, and world map traversal using an airship in later stages of the game. Side quests, mini-games, and hidden bosses like the legendary weapons offer a wealth of content that can extend playtime far beyond the main story.
The level of freedom in customizing character abilities through materia allows for experimentation and creative strategies in battle. Whether you focus on magic, brute strength, or summoning powerful entities like Ifrit and Bahamut, the game offers multiple playstyles.
Graphics and Sound
For its time, Final Fantasy VII pushed the PlayStation’s capabilities to the limit. The pre-rendered backgrounds and 3D character models created a world that felt immersive and expansive. Though the character models can feel stiff and blocky by modern standards, the settings are rich in detail, and the cutscenes (some of the first of their kind in 3D) were revolutionary, bringing the story to life in a way that hadn’t been seen before in RPGs.
The soundtrack, composed by Nobuo Uematsu, is legendary. Tracks like “One-Winged Angel,” “Aerith’s Theme,” and “Tifa’s Theme” are some of the most memorable and iconic pieces of music in video game history, perfectly capturing the emotional tone of the game. The music plays a significant role in enhancing the atmosphere and immersion, whether you’re exploring the bustling streets of Midgar or battling Sephiroth.
Legacy
Final Fantasy VII is often regarded as one of the greatest video games of all time, and it changed the face of RPGs on consoles. It brought the genre into the mainstream, appealing to a wider audience than previous Final Fantasy titles, thanks to its rich narrative, accessible gameplay, and cinematic presentation. The game also set the stage for future Final Fantasy games, influencing both the gameplay and storytelling approaches of later installments.
Its cultural impact cannot be overstated—Final Fantasy VII remains one of the best-selling games of all time and has spawned a series of spin-offs, including Crisis Core, Dirge of Cerberus, and the Final Fantasy VII Remake, which was released in 2020, giving a new generation the chance to experience its iconic world.
Verdict
Final Fantasy VII is a true classic that holds up remarkably well, even years after its initial release. Its mix of a compelling story, memorable characters, deep gameplay, and unforgettable music make it an essential experience for RPG fans. While some aspects may feel dated, the heart and soul of Final Fantasy VII continue to resonate with players around the world.
Score: 10/10