Final Fantasy VII

• Release Date: 1997 11
• Genre: Role-Playing
• Style: Third-Person 3D RPG
• Similar Games: Final Fantasy (Nintendo Entertainment System), Breath of Fire III (PlayStation), Chrono Trigger (Super Nintendo Entertainment System), Chrono Trigger (Super Nintendo Entertainment System), Final Fantasy VIII (PlayStation), Chrono Trigger (PlayStation), Final Fantasy VIII (IBM PC Compatible)

Game Description

Square's Final Fantasy series makes its 32-bit debut with Final Fantasy VII, a role-playing game blending 3D polygonal characters, pre-rendered backgrounds, and animated cut-scenes across three discs. Lead protagonist Cloud Strife's memory is as murky as the quality of life in the city of Midgar, where a resistance movement named Avalanche targets the apparent source of the problem: the Shin-Ra Electric Power Company. Cloud will join Avalanche as he seeks to piece together his past, kicking off an adventure spanning three continents. Cloud will intersect with an assortment of characters along the way, including a mysterious, silver-haired adversary named Sephiroth.

Gameplay is divided into three distinct phases: travel across a world map; exploration from a close-up view of an area; and a 3D battle screen that pits your party against the enemy. Enemy encounters employ a turn-based, active time-battle system, where players decide to attack, use items, or cast magic within a short window of time. A crystal-like energy source called materia can be found in your travels and attached to equipment, granting characters access to new skills or the ability to summon powerful creatures. Your party consists of three heroes selected from a potential pool of nine. In addition to the main quest, you can participate in mini-games ranging from snowboarding and boxing to creature breeding and arm wrestling.

Roots & Influences

Final Fantasy was the title that lifted Japanese developer Squaresoft from the list of mediocre developers into the elite division. With many future titles being released on the NES and Super NES platforms, Final Fantasy became a brand name in Japan recognised by the majority.

While the series has amazed mostly Japanese and American audiences, Final Fantasy remaind barely known in Europe. With the hype that surrounded the PlayStation launch of Final Fantasy VII this was quickly about to change as Final Fantasy VII became the best-selling RPG of 1997.

Production Credits

final fantasy vii	final fantasy vii: advent children
final fantasy vii advent children	final fantasy vii dirge of cerberus