Final Fantasy VII: The RPG That Changed Everything

Final Fantasy VII didn't just raise the bar for RPGs on the PlayStation — it obliterated it. When Square dropped this three-disc epic on the world in 1997, it fundamentally altered what gamers expected from a console role-playing game. From its ambitious storytelling to its cinematic presentation, FFVII became a cultural phenomenon that transcended the gaming community and pulled countless newcomers into the genre. Nearly three decades later, it remains one of the most discussed and celebrated games of all time — and for good reason.

Wokeness: 0.0

Final Fantasy VII is a product of its era in the best possible way. There's no agenda here — just pure, unapologetic storytelling. Yes, the game deals with themes of environmentalism and corporate greed through the lens of Shinra and Mako energy, but these are narrative devices serving the plot, not thinly veiled lectures aimed at the player. The eco-terrorism angle is presented with moral complexity; AVALANCHE's actions have consequences, and the game doesn't shy away from that. Characters are written as characters, not mouthpieces. This is a game laser-focused on delivering an unforgettable experience, nothing more.

Gameplay: 9.0

The Materia system is one of the most elegant and flexible magic systems ever designed in an RPG. The ability to slot, combine, and level up Materia gives players an absurd amount of customization without overwhelming them. The ATB combat system strikes a satisfying balance between turn-based strategy and real-time urgency. Limit Breaks add a visceral punch to battles, and the sheer variety of side content — from Chocobo breeding to the Gold Saucer mini-games to hunting down the Weapons — ensures there's always something pulling you forward. The only minor gripe is that standard encounters can become trivially easy once you understand the system, but that's a small complaint against an otherwise masterfully designed gameplay loop.

Story: 10.0

This is where Final Fantasy VII earns its legendary status. Cloud Strife's journey from cocky mercenary to a man confronting the fractured truth of his own identity is storytelling at its finest. Sephiroth remains one of gaming's greatest antagonists — menacing, tragic, and ever-present even when off-screen. And then there's that moment. Aeris’s death wasn't just a plot twist; it was a seismic event that proved video games could deliver emotional devastation on par with any other medium. The supporting cast — Tifa, Barrett, Red XIII, Vincent — each bring depth and heart to the narrative. The themes of identity, loss, corporate exploitation, and the planet's will are woven together with remarkable cohesion for a game of this scope.

Graphics: 8.5

For 1997, Final Fantasy VII was a visual spectacle on the PlayStation. The pre-rendered backgrounds are gorgeous and dripping with atmosphere — Midgar's oppressive industrial sprawl, the tranquil beauty of Cosmo Canyon, the eerie Forgotten City. The FMV cutscenes were jaw-dropping at the time and still carry cinematic weight today. Yes, the chibi field models with their blocky hands haven't aged gracefully, but the battle models are significantly more detailed, and the summon animations remain impressive in their ambition. Compared to other PS1 titles of the era, FFVII was pushing the hardware to its limits and it showed.

Audio: 10.0

Nobuo Uematsu delivered what many consider his magnum opus. The soundtrack to Final Fantasy VII is nothing short of extraordinary. "One-Winged Angel" redefined what a final boss theme could be. "Aeris’s Theme" can still bring grown adults to tears. The battle theme never gets old across dozens of hours of play. From the industrial hum of "Mako Reactor" to the haunting beauty of "City of the Ancients," every track perfectly captures the mood of its setting. The sound design complements the music beautifully, with satisfying combat effects and ambient audio that brings the world to life despite the hardware limitations of the PS1.

Replayability: 8.5

Final Fantasy VII is a lengthy game — easily 40 to 60 hours on a first playthrough — and the wealth of optional content means most players won't see everything in one go. Missed Vincent or Yuffie? Didn't breed a Gold Chocobo? Never defeated Ruby or Emerald Weapon? There's plenty of reason to return. The branching dialogue choices and date mechanics add minor variety, and honestly, the story is compelling enough to experience again just to catch the foreshadowing you missed the first time. It loses a point simply because the core narrative doesn't change, and once you know the twists, some of that initial magic is impossible to recapture.

Final Fantasy VII isn't just one of the best games on the PlayStation — it's one of the best games ever made, period. It took risks that no RPG had taken before, delivered an emotional gut-punch that the industry is still chasing, and wrapped it all in a gameplay package that remains satisfying to this day. If you somehow haven't played this yet, you owe it to yourself. And if you have? You already know.