Having spent some time trying to find a way to review Final Fantasy 7 without the "fanboys" and other assorted nuts critiquing me, I've decided that I will post it today after my sponsored review and update for 8-Bit Memoirs 2.0. Final Fantasy 7 was the quintessential game for the PlayStation. Not only did this game deliver all that gamers came to love from the original games, but also delivered incredible characters, great story as well as hugely detailed environments. Personally, this was my favorite final fantasy game of all time ( I am yet to play the X series, I know I know...). Having said that, I'll delve a bit deeper.
From the intro this game captures your attention and immerses you deep within the struggle to save Midgar and the planet from the hazards of raping the planet of Mako energy. Taking control of Cloud, the player is immediately thrust into an assault on a Mako producing rector. Maneuvering your way through a tutorial of sorts, you learn the controls, options as well as the basic gameplay mechanics. Personally, I really enjoy beginning a game with some action as well as a tutorial that really introduces you to what you'll be dealing with during the course of the adventure. On a side not, I have to say that I found Cloud to be a good "hero", but found Squall from part 8 to be a bit of an emo douche bag (I guess I was just tired of the anti-hero type at that point. Maybe that is why Zidane from 9 was refreshing...).
Anyway, the game play for Final Fantasy 7 is really smooth and refreshing. I enjoyed the option to have the arrows and pointer over your party. I have to say that I really needed that feature turned on due to the large detailed environments. Yeah, I know it is lame, but I needed it okay? Having said that, the difficulty of this game was a bit disappointing. I felt as though it was way too easy. Granted, the first time I fumbled through without doing anything divergent from the main story (I didn't find advanced materia, didn't do the Chocobo racing/raising and I didn't fight the weapons). With that said, I romped my way through the game and completed it at about level 50 or so. I didn't really have difficulty until I reached the North Crater.
In regards to control, this game worked like your typical turn-based RPG with a couple of exceptions. In a few points during the game you have to press different buttons at certain times to interact with characters and environments. Usually I don't enjoy these parts, but they weren't too bad in this one. I liked the squatting contest, the parade and the warming oneself up while climbing the mountain. Another aspect of the game that I enjoyed were all the mini-games. I really enjoyed the submarine game as well as the Chocobo racing. I guess that doesn't necessarily fall under the category of "control", but hey what the hell.
As for loyalty to the franchise, I would have to say that between the reuse of music, sound effects, items, monsters and magic this game was spot on. When I played this game I really felt like I was playing a Final Fantasy game. I felt like part 8 strayed from the formula a bit, but was enjoyable nonetheless. Having said all that and burnt up most of your afternoon I'm going to stop sort here and say that Final Fantasy 7 is my favorite of the franchise and I still play it from time to time nowadays. I believe you can score a copy for about 50$ nowadays, so if you don't have one you really ought to get one.
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4 comments:
I was never a fan of this franchise however i know tons of people that are including my gf.
What struck me about this particular retro selection and as you noted, i've often seen it in a used games store going for $40-50. That is pretty astounding for a used playstation 1 game.
Hey Mike,
I was thinking the same thing when I linked Amazon.com this afternoon. I was originally going to say "dirt cheap", until I looked it up for the link. I figured a PS1 classic like this that even holds the greatest hits label would come in around 20$. Needless to say, I was surprised as well.
As for the series, I enjoy it, but I felt like it began to get overcomplicated in part 9 that I stopped playing.
Either way, thanks for stopping in Mike!
I still love this game, p;assionately and without irony. I know t has flaws, and if I'm honest "IX" surpassed it as an epic gaming experience, in my opinion, but love is still love.
I love this game, but I can't say it's my favourite of the Final Fantasy series. It is definitely a monumental game, for its hand in establishing RPG console games to the mainstream public, so cudos to that. I agree absolutely with what you're saying in regards to the difficulty, it is definitely more streamlined.
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