Video Games of the 90s: Final Fantasy VII
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As a huge fan of RPGs and classic video games, Final Fantasy VII was a game that left a lasting impression on me from the moment I first played it in the late 90s. Here are my thoughts on what I loved, hated, and the pros and cons of this iconic game.
What I loved about Final Fantasy VII was its immersive storyline, deep and complex characters, and the stunningly rendered pre-rendered backgrounds that really transported you into the world of Midgar. The game follows the story of Cloud Strife, a former member of an elite group of warriors called SOLDIER, as he becomes involved in a plot to save the planet from a corrupt megacorporation called Shinra, and ultimately from an even greater evil known as Sephiroth. The game was filled with memorable moments, from the iconic motorcycle chase scene, to the epic battle with the game's final boss, Sephiroth.
One of the things that I hated about the game, however, was its translation from Japanese to English. While the original Japanese script was deep and nuanced, the English version was plagued with awkward and stilted dialogue, and some of the nuances of the story were lost in translation. Additionally, the game's graphics, while impressive for the time, have not aged particularly well, and some of the more realistic-looking characters now look a bit strange and blocky.
Overall, however, the pros of Final Fantasy VII far outweigh the cons. The game's mechanics were top-notch, with the Active Time Battle system providing a unique twist on the turn-based RPG combat system that made the game both fast-paced and strategic. The game's soundtrack, composed by the legendary Nobuo Uematsu, was a masterpiece in its own right, and has become one of the most iconic video game soundtracks of all time. The game's side quests and mini-games also added to its replayability, ensuring that players could spend countless hours exploring and mastering the game's world.
In conclusion, Final Fantasy VII is a classic game that holds up even today, over two decades after its initial release. While it certainly has its flaws, its memorable story, deep characters, and innovative mechanics make it a must-play for any fan of RPGs or classic video games. If you haven't played it yet, do yourself a favor and experience this timeless classic for yourself.