Final Fantasy 7 (PSX)
Gameplay: 9
Graphics: 9
Sounds: 9
Storyline: 10
Enjoyment: 10
Overall:
9.4
Ah yes, the juggernaut RPG that is Final Fantasy 7. I played this game at two
intervals - one when my friend just got it, and then when I got a Playstation
and bought the game. This game really changed the way I saw RPG's. Instead
of being satisfied with just a good story, I craved graphics music and other
intricacies as well. While this is by no means a perfect game, it is truly a
masterpiece, and belongs in the Final Fantasy lineage.
What more can I say about such a revolutionary game? Though there is a backlash
against Final Fantasy 7 (suddenly cool to bash this game), it really is a
quality title.
Gameplay
Well, the Active Time Battle System (ATB) is now paired up with the materia
system. The materia system is basically managing a bunch of magical stones
(similar to espers, but not permanent magic) on everybody. The main complaint
is that this system devoids any one person of any individuality. Not so. Each
person has their own weapon, plus the fact that each person is at a different
proficiency in magic. The differences are more subtle.
Graphics
The mesmerizing graphics in this game really add to the game. The 2-d
backgrounds don't really match well with the polygonal, super-deformed
characters. However, the game overall is beautiful, especially the full motion
video used frequently in the game.
Sounds
Nobuo Uematsu knows how to compose video game music. This music sounds
wonderful. Though the quality is not CD-like (not Redbook Audio), the music
is nonetheless brilliant and "One Winged Angel" sure is nice to listen to.
Storyline
This is the game's best point: an engaging story that makes you want to see the
conclusion. The story is complex, rivaling some of the best plots ever seen in
a video game. Sakaguchi said the theme of this Final Fantasy was "LIFE," and
you can see that the death of his mother (which I believed he said affected this
game) really impacted him. Without spoiling anything, the game addresses adult
issues in a poignant and mature manner. The characters were well-developed and
believable, though many complain about the stereotypes that go on in FF7.
Simply put, great characters, great plot.
Enjoyment
This game was emotionally complex for me, as many scenes in the game (especially
one scene in the Forgotten City of the Ancients) really touched me in a way only
movies and books have touched me. Nevertheless, it was extremely enjoyable.
After the predominantly medieval environments of the previous Final Fantasies,
the near science fiction quality of this Final Fantasy really appealed to me and
made this Final Fantasy as enjoyable as previous ones.
The Bottom Line: Not perfect, but readily achieves greatness. One of
the most popular RPG's, and for good reason.