It's easy to forget that Final Fantasy VII's initial 1997 release came at a time when Sony's first PlayStation was trying to make a splash in a market dominated by the gaming giant Nintendo.
The console hadn't been on the market for three years and needed an exclusive that could put it over the top.
Then along came Square Enix.
The game company created what many consider one of the best video games of all time.
So, now that "Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth" has finally made it into the wild for the PlayStation 5, let's look back at the initial release and consider seven ways it made such an impact on the gaming landscape.
Compelling story and characters: The narrative revolves around a group of eco-terrorists fighting against a corrupt megacorporation, with themes of environmentalism, loss, and identity. The characters, like Cloud Strife and Aerith Gainsborough, are well-developed and leave a lasting impression on players. Today, fleshed-out characters have become the norm in gaming but that was not the case in 1997.
Innovative Materia system: This unique system allows players to customize their characters by equipping them with Materia, orbs containing magic, abilities, and summons. This flexibility offers strategic depth and lets players tailor their party to their preferred playstyle. Instead of characters coming pre-equipped with talents and abilities. Final Fantasy VII gave players a chance to build their characters how they wanted. Want a tough boxer who can set monsters on fire? Or a high-jumping pilot who can summon the ice queen Shiva? A stubborn ex-soldier who can steal items from monsters? Have at it, young player!
Memorable soundtrack: The music by Nobuo Uematsu is widely praised for the emotional impact they have on what are already emotional scenes in the video game. They are, to put it lightly, iconic. Even to this day, symphonies pack theaters to perform Uematsu's score. Tracks like "One-Winged Angel" and "Aerith's Theme" are instantly recognizable and enhance the game's atmosphere.
Groundbreaking cinematics: For its time, Final Fantasy VII pushed the boundaries of storytelling in video games with pre-rendered full-motion video cutscenes that added a cinematic quality to the experience. The smooth transition from video game graphics to cinematic pre-rendered videos had not been seen in home video games before Final Fantasy VII.
Engaging world exploration: About six hours into the adventure, the player completes a hectic race from danger on a motorcycle, dodging enemies, and then squares off with a tough boss. The experience felt like the end. But, well, it was only the beginning. The boss fight ends with the team sitting on the grass, exhausted. The next scene? It's a huge world in front of them as they escape the area known as Midgar. The game offers a diverse world to explore, from the bustling city of Midgar to the lush forests of Corel. Players can discover hidden areas, complete side quests, and uncover the secrets of the world.
Balanced and challenging gameplay: The turn-based combat system is accessible yet strategic, offering a rewarding experience for both casual and hardcore players. Instead of powering through, there is real strategy that players must figure out and discover as they play. Several big battles force a player to strategize rather than just "button mash."
Cultural impact: Final Fantasy VII is considered a landmark title in the JRPG genre, introducing many Western audiences to the genre and influencing countless games that came after it. Its legacy continues to inspire and resonate with players today.
It's important to remember that these are just some of the reasons why Final Fantasy VII is revered. While opinions on what makes a game "great" are subjective, these aspects have all contributed to the game's enduring popularity and critical acclaim.
