Final Fantasy VII stands as a monumental title in gaming history, frequently hailed as the game that catapulted the entire Final Fantasy series into mainstream global recognition. For many gamers, it’s not just a highlight within the franchise but also a contender for the greatest video game ever created. Its enduring appeal is reflected in numerous accolades, including a high ranking in Famitsu magazine’s “Top 100 Favorite Games of All Time” poll and top positions in GameFAQs.com user polls over the years.
The narrative immerses players in the world of Gaia, following Cloud Strife, a mercenary who joins the eco-terrorist group AVALANCHE. Led by Barret Wallace and featuring members like Tifa Lockhart, Biggs, and Wedge, AVALANCHE’s initial mission is to combat the Shinra Electric Power Company. Shinra’s extensive Mako energy harvesting operations are draining the planet’s life force, setting the stage for a conflict with planetary stakes. The team later expands to include key characters such as Aerith Gainsborough, the wise-talking Red XIII, and the adventurous Cid Highwind, each bringing unique skills and perspectives to the fight.
The plot thickens when The Turks, Shinra’s elite special forces, capture Aerith due to her Cetra heritage. Believing she holds secrets to ancient powers, they imprison her in the Shinra Building in Midgar. AVALANCHE launches a daring rescue mission, but it goes awry, leading to the team’s capture. However, a mysterious figure, cloaked in black and identified by Cloud as his former SOLDIER comrade Sephiroth, orchestrates a bloody massacre within the Shinra Building, inadvertently facilitating AVALANCHE’s escape. This event propels Cloud and his allies on a global quest to pursue Sephiroth, whose growing power threatens not just Shinra, but the very existence of Gaia.
Despite its monumental legacy, original remakes for Final Fantasy VII were not initially planned by Square Enix. Instead, the universe expanded through spin-offs, prequels, and sequels, including titles like Before Crisis: Final Fantasy VII, Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children, Dirge of Cerberus: Final Fantasy VII, and Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII. However, responding to overwhelming fan demand, Square Enix eventually announced a full-fledged remake of Final Fantasy VII, a testament to the game’s lasting impact. While the remake’s release has been eagerly anticipated and unfolded in parts, the original game’s influence remains undeniable, embedded in countless references across gaming and solidifying its position as a fan favorite for generations.
Why Final Fantasy VII Remains a Masterpiece
Final Fantasy VII isn’t just a good game; it’s a cultural touchstone that redefined the RPG landscape. It’s personally one of my most cherished games and the pinnacle of the Final Fantasy series for me, although I acknowledge the fervent fanbase of Final Fantasy VI who might argue for its superiority. Regardless of the debate, the profound influence of Final Fantasy VII on the RPG genre and the gaming world is undeniable.
The game’s enduring appeal is rooted deeply in its narrative and evocative music. While the core plot follows a classic archetype – a young hero gathering a team to save the world – Final Fantasy VII enriches this formula with a unique blend of fantasy and futuristic elements. This fusion creates the world of Gaia, a setting officially named in later FFVII installments, though simply referred to as “the Planet” within the original game.
The game opens in Midgar, a sprawling industrial metropolis. Its oppressive atmosphere – dark, damp, and dreary – masterfully conveys a sense of dystopian confinement within a technology-dominated, bleak reality. This setting powerfully immerses the player in the game’s universe right from the start.
The narrative dramatically broadens after the team’s escape from the Shinra Building. Shifting from a localized conflict to a world-spanning adventure, Final Fantasy VII captivates players with its expansive scope and intricate world-building. The meticulous detail invested in each location and the world map itself is remarkable. Furthermore, the compelling character development of the main cast ensures players become deeply invested in their intertwined stories.
Adding depth to the roster are two optional characters: Yuffie Kisaragi and Vincent Valentine. These secret characters, while not central to the main storyline, are seamlessly integrated into the game world. Encountering Yuffie and her hometown of Wutai is almost inevitable during a playthrough, while uncovering Vincent’s backstory, linked to Lucrecia’s Crystal Cave, presents a more challenging, yet rewarding, side quest. Interestingly, neither Yuffie nor Vincent are featured in the game’s full-motion video (FMV) cinematics, a subtle detail that some players might notice.
While Final Fantasy games often feature quirky, non-human characters, opinions on their reception can vary. Red XIII, a talking feline, is generally well-received. However, Cait Sith is a more divisive character. Often seen as out of place, Cait Sith’s narrative arc takes a particularly bizarre turn 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 emotional weight of the story. This narrative choice raises questions about the character’s vulnerability and the stakes involved in his actions, potentially diminishing player immersion.
The game’s primary antagonist, Sephiroth, stands out as one of the most compelling villains in gaming history. The writers masterfully crafted a villain with a rich backstory, so nuanced that players may find themselves sympathizing with his plight at certain points in the game. This depth of characterization surpasses many other Final Fantasy antagonists. In contrast, villains in Final Fantasy VIII, Final Fantasy IX, and even initially in Final Fantasy X, often felt less integrated into the main plot or lacked sufficient backstory. Sephiroth’s presence is impactful from his early appearances as a comrade to his tragic descent into madness, culminating in the final, epic confrontation at the planet’s core. The creation of such a memorable and effective antagonist is a testament to the game’s exceptional writing.
Nobuo Uematsu’s score for Final Fantasy VII is nothing short of legendary. Having composed music for numerous Final Fantasy titles both before and after VII, Uematsu is celebrated as one of the most influential and respected composers in video game music. The soundtrack of Final Fantasy VII is a powerful example of his genius, leaving such a lasting impression that many players, including myself, sought out the original soundtrack and continue to cherish its melodies.
Addressing the Flaws of a Classic
Despite its accolades and personal favoritism, Final Fantasy VII is not without its imperfections. As the first Final Fantasy game to transition to 3D environments with pre-rendered backgrounds, the shift was not seamless. The graphics, while groundbreaking at the time, have aged considerably, often cited by new players and returning fans as a significant drawback.
Furthermore, the game contains numerous bugs and areas that appear unfinished. The Final Fantasy Wiki details extensive “dummied content,” sections of the game removed from regular gameplay but still present in the game’s code. Typos are frequent throughout the game, and many items, like the Tissues from Battle Square or the 1/35 Soldiers from Junon, serve no practical purpose. The constant need to hold down the Cancel button to run is another often-criticized, unnecessary inconvenience.
However, the Materia system stands out as a brilliant game mechanic. Straightforward to learn yet offering deep strategic complexity, it allows for a vast array of character customization and combat strategies through diverse Materia combinations.
Final Fantasy VII also boasts substantial end-game content to explore before the final confrontation with Sephiroth. This, combined with the rich narrative and engaging gameplay, contributes to the game’s high replay value. Having personally played through it at least ten times, each playthrough remains enjoyable and reveals new nuances.
The sheer number of sequels, prequels, and related media stemming from Final Fantasy VII underscores its enduring impact. It remains a cornerstone of the Final Fantasy franchise and, arguably, the most influential title in the series. For anyone who has yet to experience it, Final Fantasy VII is highly recommended. Its legacy as a timeless classic and its profound influence on the RPG genre will undoubtedly continue for years to come. Overall score: 10/10.
