Final Fantasy VII

Final Fantasy VII


Before I get started with the review I just want to say that in my opinion Final Fantasy VII is the absolute greatest video game made, ever. I will never give a higher rating to another video game with the possible exception of the future remake. For those wondering if I gush like this over every video game and give 10/10 scores all the time, you are mistaken. This is the only game that will be given a perfect 10/10 on every aspect.
  • Gameplay 10/10: 

As I said in the heading: Final Fantasy VII is the greatest game I have played in my 26+ years of being a hardcore gamer. FF VII offers a unique turn-based battle system called the ATB. There is a completely original leveling system for magic or "materia" in addition to the traditional leveling system that is common with RPGs. There are countless different enemies, monsters, boss battles and even submarine battles. Final Fantasy VII also includes one of the most iconic mini-game segments in the form of the Gold Saucer amusement park. Finally, the greatest aspect about the gameplay is its endless open world with caves, cities, oceans, beaches, forests and many other places to explore. 

  • Graphics 10/10:
The graphics may not have been what people were expecting even in the days of Playstation 1. However, this is irrelevant because of the sheer vastness of the Final Fantasy VII world. The hardware Square was limited with didn't allow them to combine perfect graphics with massive open gameplay. That being said, the graphics are still amazing in the areas where it matters. The cut scenes are realistic and still tug at a player's heart strings even now in the 21st century. In spite of not having any voice over work, Final Fantasy VII manages to convey everything that is going on through body language and context. The action sequences are intense and still surprise me with how they were able to accomplish so much with such primitive technology.

  • Sound and Music 10/10:
The sound track for Final Fantasy VII was brought back as a bonus feature in Final Fantasy XV which says something considering the game came out 20 years later. There are intense fighting music tracks with rocking electric guitar riffs. There are emotional violin and orchestra songs that tug at player's heart strings. And let's not forget the fun, care-free sound track of the Gold Saucer which gives the feeling of being at the "happiest place in Midgar".

  • Story 10/10:
The entire series is known for having an epic story full of suspense, twists, emotions and lovable characters. FF VII has the best of all of these features. There is suspense from the very beginning with the Midgar train pulling into the reactor when Cloud first front flips from the top of the train and the rest of the Avalanche crew lays the smack down on the Shinra soldiers who try to stop them. The plot becomes complicated, but that's to be expected after 20-30 hours of gameplay. There's many twists with characters back stabbing each other, becoming suspicious and learning to trust each other again. Lastly, there's the love triangle between the main character, his childhood friend and the new woman who captivates him with her innocence.

  • Replay Value 10/10: 

The game contains over 60+ hours of boss battles, mini-game, character development and side quests. So naturally every gamer will need to replay the game 4 or 5 times to truly appreciate what this game has to offer. Additionally, the game offers multiple endings and multiple plot twists making each playthrough unique. Lastly, there are the hidden quests and boss battles such as the Emerald, Ruby and Sapphire bosses that require more than one playthrough. The replay value is perfect. 

  • Originality 10/10:
There is no other game like this anywhere. There have been plenty of copy-cats and there are numerous sequels, but there has never been anything that comes close to Final Fantasy VII. There is of course the future remake, but like the first Star Wars I am hesitant to put any faith in the idea that the sequel will be any better or comparable to the original.

  • Multiplayer 10/10:
Final Fantasy doesn't normally have any multiplayer and neither does this one. All the effort is focused on creating a great single player game and that is what they accomplish. My multiplayer rating is based on their lack of it rather than how much they have. 

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