Final Fantasy 7 was first released in 1997 on Sonys’ first PlayStation console. The seventh entry was a big departure for Square Enix. All of their previous entries had been on Nintendo consoles and had been 2D games played from an overhead perspective.
Final Fantasy 7 was a massive shift for the series, not just jumping to 3D but bringing in the Western audience. Large RPGs like the Final Fantasy series sold well enough in the United States but were mainly seen as Japanese video games.
The game opens with one of the best set pieces in video game history. Cloud, a former soldier, has become a mercenary and is helping a group of eco-terrorists destroy a Mako reactor.
First levels in video games are important to suck the player in. A good first level should teach you everything you need to know about playing the game and provide context for the story going forward.
For a game that came out in 1997, Final Fantasy 7 is still highly regarded today. The game has spawned numerous spinoffs in media, ranging from film to comics to mobile games.
The amazing opening sequence of Final Fantasy certainly plays a role in the game’s legacy. But other factors contribute to the success of the original game.
Toward the end of the game’s first disc, a main character and love interest for the protagonist is killed by the main antagonist. Aerith’s death was shocking not just because of the story implications but also because of the time you had put into the character.
Aerith wasn’t just a side character who got fridged for motivation. She was a valuable party member. A healer type who had become incredibly useful in some of the game’s tougher fights. And now she was gone, along with her entire move-set and XP.