Final Fantasy VII stands as a monumental title in gaming history, often credited with catapulting the entire Final Fantasy series into mainstream popularity. For many gamers, it’s not just a highlight of the franchise, but a contender for the greatest video game ever created. Its enduring appeal is underscored by polls, like Famitsu magazine’s “Top 100 Favorite Games of All Time” where it secured the second spot, and GameFAQs.com users who, in 2005, crowned it “The Best Game Ever,” a sentiment echoed in later polls.
The narrative plunges players into the world of Cloud Strife, a mercenary who joins the eco-terrorist group AVALANCHE. Led by Barret Wallace and featuring members like Tifa Lockhart, Biggs, and Wedge, and later joined by Aerith Gainsborough, Red XIII, and Cid Highwind, AVALANCHE is determined to dismantle the Shinra Electric Power Company. Shinra’s Mako reactors are draining the planet Gaia’s life force, setting the stage for a classic battle against corporate greed and environmental destruction.
The plot thickens when The Turks, Shinra’s elite operatives, abduct Aerith due to her Cetra heritage. This leads to a daring rescue mission into the heart of Shinra headquarters in Midgar, which ultimately fails, landing the AVALANCHE team in Shinra prison. However, a mysterious figure clad in black, whom Cloud suspects is his former SOLDIER comrade Sephiroth, decimates the Shinra forces, enabling their escape. From this point, the game transforms into a relentless pursuit as Cloud and his allies track Sephiroth, striving to thwart his ominous plans and protect the planet from his immense power.
Despite its initial release long ago, Final Fantasy VII’s influence continues to resonate. Square Enix initially focused on expanding its universe with spin-offs like Before Crisis: Final Fantasy VII, Advent Children, Dirge of Cerberus, and Crisis Core, before finally acknowledging the overwhelming demand for a full remake. While the release date for the highly anticipated Final Fantasy VII Remake remains a topic of fervent speculation, the legacy of the original game is undeniable. Its countless references in other games and its position as a favorite among countless players cement Final Fantasy VII’s place in gaming history for generations to come.
Final Fantasy VII’s acclaim is deeply rooted in its captivating storyline and evocative soundtrack. While the core narrative structure of a young hero uniting with a diverse team to save the world is a familiar trope, Final Fantasy VII masterfully blends fantasy elements with futuristic technology, crafting a unique and immersive world, later officially named Gaia within the extended FFVII universe.
The game opens in Midgar, a sprawling industrial metropolis. Its oppressive atmosphere, characterized by darkness, dampness, and decay, immediately immerses players in a dystopian world dominated by technology and despair. This initial setting effectively sets the tone for the unfolding drama.
The narrative dramatically expands beyond Midgar after the team’s escape from the Shinra Building. Shifting from a confined urban setting to a vast, explorable world map, Final Fantasy VII truly captivates players. The meticulous detail in each location and the world map itself are remarkable. Furthermore, the deep character development of the main cast ensures players remain emotionally invested throughout their journey. The game also features optional characters, Yuffie Kisaragi and Vincent Valentine, who seamlessly integrate into the storyline if discovered. While Vincent’s backstory requires more effort to uncover, encountering Yuffie and her hometown Wutai is almost unavoidable during a standard playthrough. However, neither character appears in the game’s full-motion video cinematics (FMVs), a minor detail some players might notice.
The Final Fantasy series often incorporates quirky, non-human characters. While Red XIII, a talking feline, is a welcome addition, Cait Sith often receives mixed reactions. Some players find Cait Sith’s character less compelling, particularly concerning his role in the Temple of the Ancients. Spoiler Alert: Cait Sith’s self-sacrifice to obtain the Black Materia, followed by his immediate reappearance in a new body, can detract from the narrative’s emotional weight for some players. This plot point raises questions about the stakes associated with his character and his subsequent actions.
Sephiroth, the primary antagonist, is widely regarded as one of gaming’s most compelling villains. The writers skillfully crafted a deep and intricate backstory that elicits sympathy even as he descends into madness. This nuanced portrayal of Sephiroth distinguishes Final Fantasy VII from other titles in the series. In contrast, antagonists in Final Fantasy VIII and Final Fantasy IX often appear late in the narrative with less developed motivations. Final Fantasy X partially addressed this with Sin, but Sephiroth’s presence and backstory throughout Final Fantasy VII create a far more impactful and memorable villain. His evolution from respected hero to deranged antagonist, culminating in the final confrontation at the planet’s core, leaves an indelible mark on players.
Nobuo Uematsu’s soundtrack is another cornerstone of Final Fantasy VII’s enduring legacy. Uematsu, who composed music for many Final Fantasy games, is celebrated as a master of video game music composition. The Final Fantasy VII soundtrack is a testament to his genius, featuring iconic melodies that resonate with players long after their playthrough. Its impact is so profound that many fans, including myself, have purchased the original soundtrack, carrying its tunes with them for years.
Despite its numerous accolades, Final Fantasy VII is not without its flaws. As the first Final Fantasy game to transition to 3D environments with pre-rendered backgrounds, the graphical leap wasn’t seamless. The graphics have aged noticeably, and newer players or those revisiting the game may find them dated compared to modern standards. Furthermore, the game contains bugs and areas that were dummied out or removed from the final release, as documented extensively on Final Fantasy fan wikis. Minor issues like misspellings and seemingly useless items, such as Tissues from Battle Square or 1/35 Soldiers from Junon, also exist. The constant need to hold the cancel button to run throughout the game is another minor, yet persistent, annoyance for some players.
However, the Materia system remains a highlight, offering a straightforward yet deep customization system that allows for diverse strategies and character builds. Coupled with substantial end-game content to explore before the final Sephiroth battle, Final Fantasy VII boasts significant replay value. Many players, myself included, have revisited the game multiple times, each playthrough offering a fresh appreciation for its depth and intricacies.
The sheer volume of remakes, sequels, and prequels stemming from Final Fantasy VII underscores its enduring influence. It remains a cornerstone of the Final Fantasy franchise and a timeless classic within the RPG genre. For anyone yet to experience it, Final Fantasy VII on PS4 (via the original release or the Remake) is highly recommended. Its impact on the RPG landscape is undeniable, and its legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire gamers for years to come. Overall score: 10/10.
