Final Fantasy 7 Review

Fans worldwide have held massive debates over the greatest game from the legendary Final Fantasy franchise, but never has one truly surpassed all others and stood head above. This though, is a good thing, as every single one has been of an exceptional standard, and number 7 is no exception.

Considered by many to be the best of the 9 released games so far, Final Fantasy 7 has many unique, new, and innovative features to improve playability, although the same basic formula remains from it's predecessors. It all starts when you control a soldier named Cloud Strife, and join rebel forces in an effort to take down the evil enterprise that makes the people suffer, ruling with fear rather than the politically correct way of doing things. This sets off a trigger of wild events which all lead a compelling storyline that unfolds gradually. It is interesting to say the least, as you can learn all about your past, and even take control of Cloud during certain points of the flashbacks.

The same combat style is present in every other FF offering, although this one is revamped and contains material - a sort of magic item that allows you to use spells and such, and can be linked with other material in order to make it more effective. This is a very complex, in depth system which needs to be utilized in order to achieve the best results and defeat some of the awesome bosses.

On the subject of bosses, it would be a crime not to mention them, as they not only look incredible, but are also incredibly clever, healing themselves when necessary, and using spells to defeat you in the fastest possible way. Every fight is a real challenge as you strive to complete this epic game, beating colossal enemies in fierce, memorable confrontations. Whilst the final boss (Not naming any names) was a little disappointing in terms of difficulty, it didn't manage to take the fun away from the battle, as you become immersed and can't focus on anything but the fight for supremacy.

With the right tactics you can prevail over even the hardest bosses, and with the two added 'secret enemies' you'll need every little bit of help you can get, as these guys are unscrupulously tough to beat. They only appear when you're a certain point through the game though, and take my advice, don't feel compelled to go towards the red thing popping out of the sand until your party is indestructible - It'll only end in tears.

All I've talked about so far is the fantastic battles, but I haven't even mentioned the amazing graphics, with fully 3D characters all looking awesome, as well as the beautifully rendered attacks and the truly amazing FMV cut scenes. It has to be seen to be believed.

The music has been mainly ported from the classic FF3, in my opinion the best of the lot, albeit with some variations and new additions. Whilst it can be repetitive at times, on the whole it is pretty good.

Unfortunately though this game, ported from the Playstation, does contain a few annoying little glitches, such as the aggravating fact that it is sometimes nigh on impossible to find the destination that you wish to travel to in order to progress. The random battles can also get very frustrating, as you fight the same enemies over and over again. Basically if you get lost then the fun will temporarily be put on halt until you get back on track again. The aforementioned points in this paragraph are the things that really knock the games marks down. If it were to rid itself of them, then this would be sitting majestically on a throne high above any of the other classics made by Squaresoft.

Luckily though, the negativity in this review ends here, mainly because I can't find anything else to criticize. Add all that has been mentioned so far to that fact that you can breed and race a species of bird named a 'Chocobo', play numerous amazing mini-games, and gain new weapons and limit breaks (Your special attacks) by competing in certain battle games and doing quests for some people. It all merges together to make one jaw-droppingly amazing game. If you haven't played it yet, then I assume you've just returned from a pilgrimage to a country who don't benefit from the use of computers and I'll forgive you, but if you remain this way then I shall find you and smite you down for such a heinous crime!

Overall: 91%

Pros: · Brilliant battles · Fantastic graphics · Huge game · Pretty good plot

Cons: · Can occasionally be hard to find destination · Music slightly repetitive · Random battles can be annoying