Shinra, Sephiroth, Soldier.
I hate them all!/

Another milestone for Squaresoft was the attempt at 3-D and where Final Fantasy first became truly famous. Often the first FF game for this generation, this was the game that hooked millions into the series and can almost be thought of as the greatest RPG to ever have been. Few know that FFVII was originally going to be completely remade into a PS2 game. However, due to the failure of the FF Movie, it was scrapped.

GRAPHICS 4.5/5

While the graphically inclined may complain of the apparent cubed look of the characters, you must remember that FFVII was one of the first 3-D games on the PSX. In battle the characters are almost FFX quality. The first true FMV movie was in this game. These were almost real-life cut scenes. The pre-drawn backgrounds of this game are sure masterpieces.

GAMEPLAY 5/5

Not only was FFVII easy for the first timer to understand, but it was also easy to adapt to. You always knew what you had to do next and battling did not take over the game at any time. Battle became fun and challenging because you could almost do whatever you wanted. Almost complete control in this game.

MUSIC 5/5

This is another 5-star soundtrack well worth the money to import it. Listening to the music is almost like reliving the game. Each and every thing in FFVII can be paired with its music. The music depicts the constantly varying atmosphere beautifully.

INGENUITY 5/5

FFVII had a new magic system in effect called Materia. This kind of magic system allowed total customization of the characters depending on what you put on them. You could have them be adept in magic, strength, or summoning. All you had to do was put forth the effort to acquire the right Materia and you were free to create your own combinations to your liking. FFVII also has mini games that weren't just extra storyline and items. They would also begin to affect the main storyline. FFVII is full of things that have been duplicated in later games because of its success.

STORYLINE 5/5

Edge-of-your seat excitement fills every moment from your first jump off the train to the last slash against the end boss. FFVII also sports the theme of Technology vs. Magic, as well as its profound effect on humans. The setting of FFVII is amazingly believable and everything makes sense. The story is far more complex than it initially seems. This is a storyline that would be nearly impossible to recreate.

CHARACTER BASIS 5/5

This is a role playing game that lives up to its name. Role-playing. You control the characters through the story they have been set to. It is up to you to make absolute sure they can do it. These characters have almost more than a personality. These people have reasons for being. There is always a character that will appeal to someone. Whether it's the cocky Cid, the two-faced Sephiroth, or the spunky Cloud, everyone can relate with their circumstance.

REPLAY VALUE 5/5

This is actually one of the few games on earth that would make you want to play it again for no apparent reason. There is always that challenge that makes you wants to do better in FFVII.

OVERALL 5/5

Certainly a game you should be proud to own. If you are not a RPG kind of person, then try this game and you might change your mind. Following the lives of these characters is a worthy journey to partake.

Try also: FFVI, FFVIII, FFIX, FFX