Final Fantasy 7 has been heralded by critics and dedicated fans alike as "quite possibly the greatest game ever made." Released in 1997, Square introduced an installment in the ever-expanding franchise that rapidly ascended to legendary status, becoming arguably the greatest achievement of the Sony Playstation 1 era and an utter masterpiece in the realm of video games. Gamers around the globe experienced their first Final Fantasy entry on the Playstation, transitioning from the cherished Nintendo platform, and were met with astonishing graphics, unforgettable characters, and a captivating narrative.
The game features one of the most contentious and poignant plot twists in Final Fantasy history, and perhaps across all games: the sudden and premature demise of Aeris. Fans mourned the unexpected loss of a beloved character, only to be left in awe at the unfolding events. This incident, among countless others, forged an unparalleled connection between player and game, demanding complete immersion and emotional investment from start to finish, solidifying the game's legacy.
Final Fantasy 7 not only stunned players visually and emotionally, but the Official Soundtrack left a lasting impact on their auditory senses. The melodies are beyond words - the immensely popular One-Winged Angel serves as a prime example of Square's exceptional orchestral composition, seamlessly interwoven with potent vocals. The theme didn't require translation from its original Latin to convey the intensity of the merciless, vengeful soul that is Sephiroth, the unforgettable antagonist of Final Fantasy 7.
Square's monumental achievement transformed Final Fantasy 7 into more than just a video game. They elevated the RPG genre to unanticipated heights. Square-Enix likely never envisioned a movie, but given the immense popularity, it was clear that something had to give. Square-Enix released Final Fantasy 7: Advent Children, a CG animated film sequel to the iconic game, and subsequently developed other games such as the mobile title Final Fantasy 7: Before Crisis (also known as Crisis Core) and Final Fantasy 7: Dirge of Cerberus, which concluded on the next-generation Sony Playstation 2 console. The endearing characters even made appearances in subsequent Square-Enix releases, such as Kingdom Hearts and Kingdom Hearts II.
With an unparalleled combination of these elements, Final Fantasy 7 continues to be sought after by avid fans. This remarkable RPG interweaves misguided human ambition in the quest for knowledge with the unwavering dedication of a few virtuous souls committed to saving the remnants of a dying planet. Final Fantasy 7 sparked an RPG revolution, to say the least, and will forever be remembered as one of the most treasured accomplishments in gaming history.