Final Fantasy VII

Platform: Sony Playstation & PC CD-ROM

Developer: Squaresoft (Square-Enix)

Now legendary, Final Fantasy VII was released back in 1997. A huge leap forward for Japanese Game developers Squaresoft, This game featured the first 3-D Characters and world in the Final Fantasy series thus far (Yes there were actually 6 earlier games before this) The FMV sequences were absolutely amazing for their time and it is little wonder by 1999 this game had sold more than 8 million copies worldwide. In fact I have been told something like 3 million were sold in the first 2 days alone!

PLEASE NOTE: For those who have yet to play this game i will not be including any spoilers in this guide.

Q: Is this game still avalible to buy?

A: Yes, right here on Ebay amongst other places.

Q: How much would I pay for a copy?

A: Well that all really depends on many things, For instance~ New & Sealed is the Promised Land for a serious collector of Final Fantasy merchandise and a copy in Mint Condition would be quite expensive. There are always used copies appearing quite regularly. This is a rare game, but it is not quite as rare as some would make out. Remember only bid your maximum, if you feel its too high then you can always save it to Favorite Searches and recieve a email when another appears (which it always will)

Q: It was released back in 1997 surely the graphics are terrible in comparision to the present day?

A: Well there is no denying they are blocky, difficult to see in places and very dated but thats half the appeal! It would be impossible and untruthful to try and say the basic gameplay sprites can still hold their own in todays gaming market. But in my honest opinion the battle sequences are on par with some GBA games and the FMVs are still amazing.

Q: So if the graphics are bad why would someone still want to play?

A: This did not get it's legendary status for the visual delights (But take yourself back in time to 1997 and these were cutting edge) Its the storyline, characters and addictiveness that has put FFVII where it is today. When RRGs (Role Playing Games) are discussed anywhere I have yet to read a convincing arguement about any other game having such a in depth, twisting and imaginative storyline. If there are any exceptions to this they are Final Fantasy VI and VIII.

Q: I have tried this game and i just cannot get into it, any suggestions for a FF type game someone who has only used PS2s & XBOXs could play?

A: Well whilst not in the league of FFVII, I can fully recommend Final Fantasy X (PS2). It has great graphics, a good storyline and many of the elements of FFVII. maybe a bit too linear for some gamers but for someone new to the series its a good start.

Q: But you obviously love this game and are going to be biased and say its the greatest ever. Is there any other Final Fantasy you rate higher?

A: Whilst i do not deny I am a huge fan (probally way more than is good for me) I personally would not rate this as my personal favorite Final fantasy game. That honour goes to Final Fantasy VI.

Q: Was there a strategy guide for this game made?

A: Yes, indeed there was. Published by Brady in 1997 (ISBN: 1-56686-714-2)

Cover from NA release (NTSC)

Cover from European release (PAL)

TO BE CONTINUED>>>