Final Fantasy VII stands as a monumental achievement in gaming history, frequently hailed as the title that catapulted the entire Final Fantasy series into mainstream global adoration. Considered by many to be not only a pinnacle of the franchise but also one of the greatest video games ever conceived, its influence resonates even today.
Japanese gaming publication Famitsu’s survey ranked Final Fantasy VII as the second-best game in their esteemed “Top 100 Favorite Games of All Time” compilation. Further solidifying its legendary status, GameFAQs.com users crowned it “The Best Game Ever” in 2005, and it impressively maintained a second-place ranking in a subsequent 2009 poll. This enduring popularity speaks volumes about its impact and lasting appeal, making a Final Fantasy 7 Strategy Guide relevant even for modern gamers exploring this classic.
The narrative unfolds with Cloud Strife, our protagonist, as he allies with AVALANCHE, a determined group featuring Barret Wallace, Tifa Lockhart, Biggs, Wedge, and later, the unforgettable Aerith Gainsborough, Red XIII, and Cid Highwind. Their mission is to dismantle the Shinra Electric Power Company, a powerful corporation whose Mako energy extraction is slowly draining the life force of the planet Gaia. Understanding the nuances of character progression and party composition is key, aspects often explored in a comprehensive final fantasy 7 strategy guide.
The plot thickens as The Turks, Shinra’s elite special operations unit, abduct Aerith, recognizing her unique heritage. She is taken to Shinra headquarters in Midgar for experimentation. A daring rescue attempt by AVALANCHE unfortunately fails, leading to the team’s imprisonment within Shinra’s detention cells. Strategic planning and resource management become crucial as players navigate these challenges, elements that a final fantasy 7 strategy guide might delve into for optimal gameplay.
However, a dramatic escape ensues, facilitated by the mysterious “man in black,” who Cloud believes to be his former comrade from SOLDIER, the enigmatic Sephiroth. This sets the stage for the core conflict, as Cloud and his companions embark on a global pursuit of Sephiroth, striving to protect the world from his escalating, terrifying power. A final fantasy 7 strategy guide can help players understand Sephiroth’s motivations and prepare for the epic confrontations ahead.
Square Enix initially had no plans for a full remake of Final Fantasy VII, instead focusing on expanding the universe with spin-offs like Before Crisis: Final Fantasy VII, Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children, Dirge of Cerberus: Final Fantasy VII, Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII, and numerous others. However, bowing to overwhelming fan demand, they eventually confirmed the highly anticipated Final Fantasy VII Remake project. While the remake offers a modern take, the original’s strategic depth remains captivating, and a final fantasy 7 strategy guide is still valuable for those experiencing the classic for the first time or revisiting it.
The sheer volume of references to Final Fantasy VII in subsequent games, both within and outside the series, and the countless players who consider it a favorite, guarantee that its legacy will endure for generations. Exploring the game’s strategic combat system and world requires understanding, which a final fantasy 7 strategy guide can provide in spades.
Review
Final Fantasy VII’s reputation as one of the greatest games ever created is well-deserved. It holds a special place for many gamers, often cited as a defining title in the RPG genre. While debates continue about whether it surpasses Final Fantasy VI (another fan favorite), its profound impact on gaming culture is undeniable.
The game’s enduring appeal stems primarily from its compelling narrative and evocative music. While the overarching plot structure – a young hero joining a group to save the world – might seem familiar, Final Fantasy VII masterfully blends sci-fi and fantasy elements to create a unique and immersive world, officially named Gaia in later titles, though simply “the Planet” within the game itself. Navigating this world and understanding its lore is part of the strategic experience, and a final fantasy 7 strategy guide often includes lore insights.
The game opens in Midgar, a sprawling industrial metropolis. Its oppressive atmosphere, characterized by darkness and decay, immediately establishes a dystopian, technologically advanced, and bleak setting. This environmental storytelling is crucial to the game’s impact. Understanding the socio-political context of Midgar is strategically relevant, and a final fantasy 7 strategy guide might offer contextual information about the world.
The narrative expands dramatically after the team’s escape from the Shinra Building. The scope shifts from a single city to the entire game world, captivating players with its vastness and intricate details. The world map and meticulously crafted locations are breathtaking, and the character development for the main cast ensures deep engagement with the story. Strategic exploration of the world map and side quests is a key part of the FFVII experience, often detailed in a final fantasy 7 strategy guide.
Final Fantasy VII features optional characters, Yuffie Kisaragi and Vincent Valentine, who can be recruited during a playthrough. While Vincent’s backstory is more obscure, linked to Lucrecia’s Crystal Cave, Yuffie is almost unavoidable, particularly her hometown of Wutai. Interestingly, neither character appears in the game’s full-motion video cinematics (FMVs). Deciding whether and when to recruit these characters is a strategic choice, which a final fantasy 7 strategy guide can help players navigate.
The Final Fantasy series often includes quirky, non-human characters. While Red XIII (a talking feline) is generally well-received, Cait Sith is a more divisive character. His storyline, particularly in the Temple of the Ancients, with its controversial plot point of resurrection, can detract from the narrative’s emotional weight for some players. Strategically utilizing all party members effectively is crucial, and a final fantasy 7 strategy guide can offer advice on party composition and character strengths.
Sephiroth, the primary antagonist, is a standout villain. The writers crafted a compelling backstory that elicits sympathy even as he descends into madness. This depth is a hallmark of Final Fantasy VII, surpassing many other titles in the series in villain development. Understanding Sephiroth’s motivations is key to appreciating the narrative, and a final fantasy 7 strategy guide can provide insights into his character arc. In contrast, villains in Final Fantasy VIII, Final Fantasy IX, and even initially Final Fantasy X, sometimes felt less integrated into the main plot.
Nobuo Uematsu’s soundtrack is another cornerstone of Final Fantasy VII’s greatness. His compositions are iconic and deeply ingrained in gaming history. The music enhances every scene, contributing significantly to the game’s emotional impact and atmosphere. Strategic use of sound cues and musical themes is a subtle element of game design, and while a final fantasy 7 strategy guide might not directly address this, the soundtrack’s impact is undeniable.
Despite its accolades, Final Fantasy VII is not without flaws. As the first 3D Final Fantasy, its pre-rendered backgrounds and character models have aged poorly by modern standards. New players might find the graphics jarring. However, strategic thinking transcends graphical limitations, and the core gameplay remains engaging.
The game also contains bugs and unfinished areas, documented on fan wikis. Misspellings and unused items also exist. Minor inconveniences, like having to hold a button to run, are present. However, these are minor compared to the overall experience. A final fantasy 7 strategy guide might point out some of these quirks, but they don’t detract from the strategic depth of the game.
The Materia system is a highlight, offering a straightforward yet deep customization system. It allows for diverse strategies and character builds. Mastering the Materia system is crucial for success, and a final fantasy 7 strategy guide excels at explaining its intricacies and strategic potential.
Extensive end-game content further enhances replayability. Players can explore numerous side quests and challenges before the final confrontation with Sephiroth. The game’s replay value is high, encouraging multiple playthroughs to explore different strategies and secrets, all of which a final fantasy 7 strategy guide can assist with.
Final Fantasy VII’s numerous spin-offs and remakes testify to its enduring legacy. It remains a cornerstone of the Final Fantasy franchise and a must-play RPG. Its strategic gameplay, compelling story, and iconic characters continue to captivate players. A final fantasy 7 strategy guide is an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to fully master and appreciate this timeless classic.
Overall score: 10/10.
