Final Fantasy VII is still worth experiencing almost 30 years later

Final Fantasy VII, developed by Square (now Square Enix) and released in 1997, is a landmark role-playing game (RPG) that has stood the test of time and continues to captivate audiences nearly three decades after its initial release. Despite its title suggesting that it's the final installment in the series, it's essential to understand that "Final Fantasy VII" is not a definitive conclusion to the franchise but rather a standalone entry with its unique storyline, characters, and gameplay mechanics that set new standards for the genre.

The game's title might be misleading to some, as it's not the last game in the series. Instead, it's the seventh main entry in the long-running franchise that started with the first Final Fantasy game in 1987. The name "Final Fantasy" was initially given to signify that this would be the last RPG project that Square would develop, but the success of the game led to the continuation of the franchise with subsequent titles.

Final Fantasy VII introduced several groundbreaking features that distinguished it from its predecessors and set new standards for RPGs. One of its most notable innovations was its detailed and immersive world, Midgar, which served as the game's primary setting. Midgar was a sprawling metropolis built around a massive Mako reactor, which harnessed the energy from the planet's life force to fuel the city's industrialization. The game's narrative revolved around the struggle between the eco-terrorist group AVALANCHE and the corrupt Shinra Corporation, which controlled Midgar and exploited Mako for its energy needs.

Another significant departure from previous Final Fantasy titles was its character development system, which focused on building a party of characters with distinct backgrounds and personalities. The game's protagonist, Cloud Strife, was a former elite soldier suffering from amnesia who joined AVALANCHE to regain his lost identity and save the planet from Shinra's destructive actions. The game's other characters included Tifa Lockhart, Barret Wallace, and Aerith Gainsborough, each with their unique abilities and backstories that added depth to the game's narrative.

The game's battle system was also a departure from traditional turn-based combat, featuring a real-time Active Time Battle (ATB) system that allowed players to execute commands when characters' ATB gauges filled up. This system added a sense of urgency and strategy to battles, making combat more engaging and dynamic compared to previous titles.

Despite its age, Final Fantasy VII's impact on the gaming industry remains significant. Its intricate storyline, memorable characters, and innovative gameplay mechanics have influenced numerous RPGs and other media. The game's success led to numerous remakes and spin-offs, including a remake of the original game released in 2020, which modernized the game's graphics and gameplay while staying true to its core elements.

In conclusion, while the title "Final Fantasy VII" might be misleading to some, the game's significance and influence on the RPG genre cannot be overstated. Its groundbreaking features and captivating narrative have made it a must-play experience for RPG fans and a landmark title in gaming history.