Final Fantasy VII
Overview
Final Fantasy VII is a role-playing video game developed and published by Square (now Square Enix) for the PlayStation console. Released in 1997, it is the seventh main installment in the Final Fantasy series. The game was directed by Hironobu Sakaguchi, produced by Yoshinori Kitase, and features a score composed by Nobuo Uematsu. Final Fantasy VII is widely regarded as one of the greatest video games of all time and is credited with popularizing Japanese role-playing games (JRPGs) in markets outside of Japan.
Plot
Final Fantasy VII is set in a world that combines elements of fantasy and science fiction. The story follows Cloud Strife, a mercenary who joins an eco-terrorist group known as Avalanche to stop the megacorporation Shinra from exploiting the planet's life essence as an energy source. As the narrative progresses, Cloud and his allies discover that Shinra's actions are part of a larger plot orchestrated by Sephiroth, a former Shinra soldier who seeks to destroy the world.
Gameplay
Final Fantasy VII employs a combination of traditional turn-based combat and real-time elements. The game uses the Active Time Battle (ATB) system, where players input commands for their characters as a time gauge fills up. Characters can perform various actions, including attacking, using magic, and summoning powerful creatures known as Summons.
The game also features a unique Materia system, which allows players to customize their characters' abilities by equipping magical orbs called Materia. These Materia can be combined in various ways to create new spells and abilities, adding a layer of strategic depth to the gameplay.
Development
The development of Final Fantasy VII began in 1994 and was a significant undertaking for Square. The game was initially planned for the Super Nintendo, but the project was moved to the PlayStation due to storage limitations. The switch to CD-ROM technology allowed for more extensive use of full-motion video (FMV) and pre-rendered backgrounds, which were groundbreaking at the time.
The development team consisted of over 100 people, making it one of the largest video game projects of its time. The game's budget was estimated to be around $45 million, a record for the industry at the time. The use of 3D graphics and FMV sequences was a significant departure from the 2D sprites used in previous Final Fantasy games.
Characters
Final Fantasy VII features a diverse cast of characters, each with their own backstory and motivations. The main protagonist, Cloud Strife, is a former member of Shinra's elite military unit, SOLDIER. Other notable characters include:
- Tifa Lockhart, a childhood friend of Cloud and a member of Avalanche.
- Aerith Gainsborough, a flower seller with a mysterious connection to the planet's life force.
- Barret Wallace, the leader of Avalanche who has a personal vendetta against Shinra.
- Red XIII, a lion-like creature with a high level of intelligence.
- Cid Highwind, a pilot with dreams of space exploration.
- Vincent Valentine, a former Turk with a dark past.
- Yuffie Kisaragi, a ninja and materia thief.
Music
The music of Final Fantasy VII was composed by Nobuo Uematsu, who had worked on previous entries in the series. The soundtrack is known for its memorable themes, including "One-Winged Angel," which is associated with the game's antagonist, Sephiroth. The game's music was released in several albums, including the original soundtrack and various arranged versions.
Legacy
Final Fantasy VII has had a lasting impact on the video game industry and popular culture. It was one of the first games to use 3D graphics and FMV sequences extensively, setting a new standard for visual storytelling in video games. The game's success helped establish the PlayStation as a dominant platform in the gaming market.
The game's popularity has led to numerous spin-offs, including Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children, an animated film that continues the story, and Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII, a prequel that explores the backstory of several characters. In 2020, Square Enix released Final Fantasy VII Remake, a reimagining of the original game with modern graphics and gameplay.