Final Fantasy VII, released in 1997 by Square Enix (then Square Soft), is more than just a game; it is a cultural phenomenon that has left an indelible mark on the world of gaming. With its complex narrative, memorable characters, groundbreaking graphics, and innovative gameplay, Final Fantasy VII has influenced countless games and has a lasting legacy that spans over two decades.

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The History and Development of Final Fantasy VII

Origins and Early Development

The development of Final Fantasy VII began in 1994, following the success of its predecessors. Originally intended for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), the project transitioned to the Sony PlayStation due to the limitations of the SNES’s hardware. This move allowed Square to leverage the PlayStation’s CD-ROM capabilities, which provided more storage space for enhanced graphics, sound, and cinematic sequences.

The shift to 3D graphics marked a significant departure from the 2D sprites of previous entries in the series. The development team, led by producer and director Yoshinori Kitase, scenario writer Kazushige Nojima, and character designer Tetsuya Nomura, aimed to create a game that would push the boundaries of storytelling and technical performance in video games.

Final Fantasy VII was one of the first games to use full-motion video (FMV) extensively, blending pre-rendered backgrounds with 3D character models. This technique allowed for visually stunning cutscenes that advanced the narrative in a cinematic fashion. The game’s art direction, led by Yusuke Naora, and its groundbreaking use of CGI, were revolutionary at the time and set new standards for visual storytelling in video games.

 

Music and Sound Design

The music of Final Fantasy VII, composed by Nobuo Uematsu, is one of its most enduring aspects. Uematsu’s score, which blends orchestral and electronic elements, captures the emotional depth and epic scope of the game’s story. Iconic tracks like “One-Winged Angel,” “Aeris’s Theme,” and the “Main Theme of Final Fantasy VII” have become synonymous with the series and are celebrated for their emotional resonance and complexity.

 

Story and Characters

Final Fantasy VII is set in the dystopian world of Gaia, where the Shinra Electric Power Company exploits the planet’s life force, known as Mako energy, for industrial purposes. The game’s protagonist, Cloud Strife, is a former member of Shinra’s elite SOLDIER unit who joins the eco-terrorist group AVALANCHE to fight against Shinra’s environmental destruction.

As the story unfolds, Cloud and his companions uncover a deeper threat in the form of Sephiroth, a former SOLDIER who seeks to summon the Meteor to cause catastrophic damage to Gaia and absorb the planet’s energy for himself. The narrative explores themes of identity, memory, environmentalism, and the struggle between corporate greed and the protection of the planet.

 

Main Characters

Cloud Strife

Cloud Strife is a complex character whose journey from a self-proclaimed mercenary to a hero who embraces his true identity forms the core of the game’s narrative. Cloud’s struggle with his own memories and identity, exacerbated by Sephiroth’s manipulation, provides a compelling character arc that resonates with players.

Aeris Gainsborough

Aeris (or Aerith in some translations) is a kind-hearted flower seller with a mysterious connection to the planet. Her tragic fate is one of the most memorable and emotionally impactful moments in the game. Aeris’s role as the last of the Cetra, an ancient race with the ability to communicate with the planet, adds a layer of mysticism and depth to the story.

Tifa Lockhart

Tifa Lockhart is Cloud’s childhood friend and a key member of AVALANCHE. Her unwavering support for Cloud and her personal strength make her a beloved character. Tifa’s internal conflict about her feelings for Cloud and her desire to fight for a better world adds emotional complexity to her character.

Sephiroth

Sephiroth, the game’s primary antagonist, is a former SOLDIER who becomes consumed by his own delusions of grandeur and a desire for godhood. His complex motivations and the revelations about his origins make him one of the most iconic villains in video game history. Sephiroth’s presence looms large throughout the game, culminating in a climactic final battle.

 

Supporting Characters

Other notable characters include Barret Wallace, the leader of AVALANCHE; Red XIII, a wise and noble creature with a deep connection to the planet; Yuffie Kisaragi, a ninja with a penchant for thievery; Vincent Valentine, a former Turk with a dark past; Cid Highwind, a foul-mouthed pilot with dreams of space travel; and Cait Sith, a robotic cat operated by Reeve Tuesti, a Shinra executive with conflicting loyalties.

 

Gameplay Mechanics

Final Fantasy VII features a vast, immersive world that players can explore. The game’s structure includes an overworld map, towns, dungeons, and various other locations, each meticulously designed to enhance the player’s sense of adventure. The world-building is rich and detailed, with diverse environments ranging from the industrial city of Midgar to the tranquil town of Nibelheim and the mysterious Forgotten City.

The combat system in Final Fantasy VII is based on the Active Time Battle (ATB) system, which was first introduced in Final Fantasy IV. Players control a party of three characters, each with unique abilities and limit breaks—powerful special attacks that can turn the tide of battle. The strategic depth of the combat system, combined with the customization options provided by the Materia system, offers a rewarding gameplay experience.

The Materia system is one of Final Fantasy VII’s most innovative features. Materia are magical orbs that can be equipped to characters’ weapons and armor, granting them spells, abilities, and stat boosts. This system allows for extensive customization, enabling players to tailor their characters’ abilities to suit their playstyle. The interplay between different types of Materia (Magic, Support, Command, Independent, and Summon) adds strategic depth to both combat and character development.

 

Mini-Games and Side Quests

Final Fantasy VII is renowned for its variety of mini-games and side quests, which provide a welcome diversion from the main storyline. The Gold Saucer, an amusement park within the game, offers numerous mini-games such as Chocobo racing, snowboarding, and a battle arena. These activities not only add to the game’s replayability but also enrich the world and provide additional character development.

 

Impact and Cultural Significance

Upon its release, Final Fantasy VII received widespread critical acclaim. Reviewers praised its compelling story, complex characters, innovative gameplay mechanics, and cutting-edge graphics. The game was lauded for its emotional depth and the way it tackled mature themes, which was relatively rare for video games at the time. It quickly became one of the best-selling games on the PlayStation, solidifying its status as a landmark title in the RPG genre.

Final Fantasy VII’s success had a profound impact on the gaming industry. It demonstrated the potential for video games to deliver complex narratives and emotional experiences, paving the way for future RPGs and narrative-driven games. The game’s commercial success also helped popularize Japanese RPGs (JRPGs) in the Western market, contributing to the genre’s global appeal.

The cultural impact of Final Fantasy VII extends beyond gaming. Its characters, particularly Cloud and Sephiroth, have become iconic figures in popular culture. The game’s themes of environmentalism, identity, and the battle between good and evil resonate with audiences to this day. Final Fantasy VII has inspired a wide range of media, including animated films, spin-off games, novels, and merchandise.

 

Expanded Universe and Remake

The success of Final Fantasy VII led to the creation of the “Compilation of Final Fantasy VII,” a series of multimedia projects that expand the game’s universe. These include:

– “Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children” (2005): A CGI-animated film set two years after the events of the game, focusing on Cloud’s struggle to find peace and protect the world from new threats.

– “Final Fantasy VII: Before Crisis” (2004): A mobile game that explores the backstory of the Turks, a covert Shinra organization.

– “Final Fantasy VII: Crisis Core” (2007): A prequel game for the PlayStation Portable (PSP) that follows Zack Fair, a SOLDIER whose story is closely linked to Cloud’s.

– “Final Fantasy VII: Dirge of Cerberus” (2006): A third-person shooter game for the PlayStation 2 that centers on Vincent Valentine, one of the original game’s optional characters.

These projects have enriched the Final Fantasy VII universe, providing fans with deeper insights into its lore and characters.

 

Final Fantasy VII Remake

In 2020, Square Enix released “Final Fantasy VII Remake,” a reimagining of the original game. The remake expands on the story, characters, and world of the original, offering a modernized experience with enhanced graphics, real-time combat, and new narrative elements. The remake has been released in multiple parts, with the first installment covering the events in Midgar.

“Final Fantasy VII Remake” received critical acclaim for its faithful yet fresh take on the original game. The remake’s expanded narrative and character development were particularly praised, as well as its blend of real-time action and traditional RPG mechanics. The remake has introduced the

world of Final Fantasy VII to a new generation of gamers while satisfying long-time fans with its respectful and innovative approach.

 

Legacy and Lasting Influence

The enduring popularity of Final Fantasy VII is evident in its continued relevance and the passionate fanbase it has maintained over the years. The game’s characters, story, and music remain deeply ingrained in the collective memory of gamers worldwide. Fan art, cosplay, and community events celebrating Final Fantasy VII are testament to its lasting impact. Many modern RPGs have drawn inspiration from Final Fantasy VII’s narrative complexity, character development, and innovative gameplay mechanics. Games like “Mass Effect,” “The Witcher,” and “Persona” series owe a debt to Final Fantasy VII’s groundbreaking approach to storytelling and world-building.

Final Fantasy VII has been the subject of academic and critical analysis, exploring its themes, narrative structure, and cultural significance. Scholars have examined its portrayal of environmentalism, identity, and the hero’s journey, highlighting its contributions to the medium of video games as an art form.

Final Fantasy VII is more than just a game; it is a landmark in the history of video games that has shaped the industry and left an indelible mark on popular culture. Its complex narrative, memorable characters, innovative gameplay, and emotional depth have ensured its place as one of the greatest video games of all time. As we look to the future, with new installments of the remake on the horizon, the legacy of Final Fantasy VII continues to grow, inspiring new generations of gamers and creators alike.