Final Fantasy 7 Review

Platform Reviewed: PlayStation One

The Game that Shaped a World: Final Fantasy

In all fairness, whether or not you’re a fan of the video game series, the fact that this one is still being played religiously around the world deserves some credit.

For me, it all started with the first of the series on the NES system. The title Final Fantasy back then actually meant that they only had budget for one game and they were not planning on making it huge in the video game market. As a form of tribute for those who helped them make the game a breakaway success, Squaresoft made an entire series to follow. Carrying their RPG format to SNES and then eventually abandoning Nintendo’s N64 and creating Final Fantasy 7, a new generation of gamers was faced with the top selling game for the PlayStation One and the results were astounding.

The Story

Despite the fact that it is called the 7th of the series, it is not a sequel. In fact, you’ll only find a handful of similarities between the games. The worlds created for your explorative pleasure may seem similar in many respects, but the storylines are completely separate.

In Final Fantasy 7, you play the main character Cloud Strife, a mercenary with a shadowy past. With the help of your friends you’ll uncover many secrets as to your true identity as you battle to save the world from impending doom. The main villain, Sephiroth, is still heralded as one of the greatest Square characters in existence, and if you want to know why you should play the game.

The Gameplay

Gameplay takes place in overworld screens (where you move to various places) and in actual locations. The overworld connects the places you visit, such as towns, castles, underground caves, icy mountains, etc., and serves as a small resting point where you can save and recover your health.

After entering a location, you're treated to a closer view of your character and surroundings. Now it's time to explore! Move around, open chests, talk to people and search everywhere for items, clues and tidbits of the massive storyline.

A major part of any RPG is the battle system, and Final Fantasy 7 does a stellar job. The first 3D Final Fantasy game features polygon baddies and a cinematic camera that swirls around the battlefield as you attack and cast spells. Some of the more powerful forms of magic, Summon spells, call ancient spirits into play to do massive damage. Each time they're summoned a short cinema plays highlighting the drama of the situation. The breathtaking battle scenes (with classic battle music) are just one of the reasons Final Fantasy 7 is adored even to this day.

Doctor’s Orders

Final Fantasy 7 is a must play game for everyone. If you’re not sure that RPGs are for you, this is the way to find out. For most of the gamers I know, Final Fantasy 7 is the apex of RPGs, with a magical Science Fiction appeal. This game is even fun to watch. There are so many side-quests and special items to be picked up that by the end of the game, you’ll be wishing there were a harder difficulty level so that you didn’t blow the last boss away in three hits. However, after all the hell he puts you through, it’s still just as satisfying as a long drudged out climax.