Final Fantasy VII Image
Metascore
92

Universal acclaim - based on 20 Critic Reviews What's this?

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9.0

Universal acclaim- based on 2606 Ratings

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  • Summary: An epic adventure across 3 cd-roms. What begins as a rebellion against an evil corporation becomes much more. And what erupts goes beyond imagination. With vivid landscapes, lush 3D animation and environments, Square Soft's multi-million dollar masterpiece is like nothing ever seen before.
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Final Fantasy VII Technical Demo for PS3
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 20
  3. Negative: 0 out of 20
  1. 100
    Every aspect of the game is virtually flawless, from its movie inspired soundtrack, to the incredibly life-like FMV, to the detailed battle and Materia systems, to the boatload of simplistic and addictive mini-games. This is what RPG fans have been waiting for.
  2. The first PS one installment of Final Fantasy is still one of the best ever. [Mar 2002, p.34]
  3. This is the current apex in RPG games. In fact it is probably one of the best OVERALL games ever created for ANY system.
  4. Without a doubt, FF7 is one of the top Final Fantasy games out there. It is also one of the best RPG adventures of all time.
  5. GMR Magazine
    90
    Brought RPGs into the Western spotlight and contained the most debated plot twist of an era. [Feb 2003, p.97]
  6. netjak
    84
    I think the story sucks, but the game is excellent. The thing about Final Fantasy VII is, whether you like it or hate it, the merits of the game can always be argued very strongly from either point.
  7. There is tons of RPG combat, which is a little too slow for some people and slowed even further by all of the spectacular but lengthy spell animations.

See all 20 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Negative: 23 out of 593
  1. Nov 30, 2016
    10
    A wonderful game with an unforgettable story. In those days, Square Enix must check the storyline and the direction of this game as well asA wonderful game with an unforgettable story. In those days, Square Enix must check the storyline and the direction of this game as well as the dynamic of the game.

    Gameplay (RPG) - 10
    Story- 10
    Music- 10
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  2. May 28, 2011
    10
    Final Fantasy VII is an experience that everyone should try at least once. I have played through it a few times and I can say that this gameFinal Fantasy VII is an experience that everyone should try at least once. I have played through it a few times and I can say that this game truly deserves a medal. I honestly believe that it is the best game that has ever been made based on several factors. For me, Storyline is a big factor. FF7 is a game that actively progresses through the story. There are no long breaks where nothing seems to happen. The actual battling is turn based, rapid, and thrilling. Containing an almost never ending assortment of difficult and amusing enemies and bosses that will keep you entertained throughout all three disks. The plot is immense, with surprises, twists, and excitement up until the stunning climax. Graphics wise, the game is not lacking. Although the characters may be somewhat blocky, the battles and cut scenes are magnificent. The soundtrack is one of my favorite parts of the game. The soundtrack fits well with the gameplay and the battle themes are just amazing. Overall, I give it a perfect 10. Expand
  3. Nov 6, 2020
    10
    Final Fantasy 7 hit the right spot at the right time. It made Final Fantasy popular in the west, created a legacy and a loyal fanbase as muchFinal Fantasy 7 hit the right spot at the right time. It made Final Fantasy popular in the west, created a legacy and a loyal fanbase as much as some haters. It is without a doubt a really great praiseworthy game even if it is not the best Final Fantasy (At least FF6 and Tactics are better for me) or best RPG of all time (Closer to it back then). It was also the end of an age as Final Fantasy was a Nintendo exclusive series on NES and SNES but the N64 was still based on cartridges and Square did correctly assume that 3D was the future of gaming. Sony had its PlayStation ready that would become Nintendo's nightmare and it was well suited for Squares needs. The rest is gaming history. The game itself has the theme of an evil corporation Shinra Inc. destroying nature for profit and lying to the public on the front. Behind it there is a more serious thread as past events haunt the present and our characters are getting involved. It focused on the main character Cloud Strife a former Soldier of Shinra as he is recruited by his childhood girlfriend Tifa Lockheart for the resistance organization Avalanche. Avalanche want to save the world from Shinra and is framed by them as terrorist organization (They have actually a point here). This starts the events of the game. The story itself has a lot of twist. The characters backstories are all connected to Shinra at some point and everyone has solid reasons to participate in the events. There are even 2 hidden characters for you to find. It handles also serious themes as human vs nature or the price of progress, what actions are justified or abuse of power by organizations. I enjoyed the main story, side stories (especially Wutai) and individual backstories of the characters. Also there are tons of side activities like Chocobo racing (and breeding), tournament battles, snow boarding, a rail shooter and more. There are also 2 super bosses later on that will give you nightmares if you are unprepared. The magic system uses Materia which is condensed life force. It comes in different flavors. Green for magic like healing or elemental spells, pink for status increase, blue for supporting, yellow for special abilities and red ones for summons. There are useful combinations to use and test. The Materia gain also experience points and get better (stronger spells / effects). On the highest level a new Materia is created with the lowest experience level. In addition there are also some hidden items, learnable enemy skills (special Materia needed) and like said before 2 hidden characters. The battles are well designed and some are challenging. The Materia are well integrated into the game and you will enjoy the effects. The summons are epic especially the final Knights of the Round which devastates nearly all enemies in 1 use (hard to get as you must bread the best Chocobo available). The graphics were beautiful and awful at the same time. They had not get 3d character models right at this time. Look how it improved in FF8 and FF9. The battles and especially the CGI sequences however were breathtaking. ILM made the CGI if I remember correctly. The soundtrack however still holds up today. Special warning for the German version. The translation was bad and even Square noticed it and got a better translator for the next game (minor celebrity back then in the gaming community). Also has one of the saddest moments in gaming. I think I can give you a few tips here: Read a FAQ about missable content as there is critical good stuff affected. Having 7777 HP is devastating for your next enemy, always level up your Materia with equipment with double growth (triple exist but is rare), bread special Chocobos as there are non reachable locations (with excellent stuff), some learnable enemy skills are awesome and enjoy the game. Almost forgot that it has not only serious parts but also sometimes great humor. Overall this game is nostalgic as it was for many the first Final Fantasy they played. It deserved a place in gaming history as it created a legacy. Still worth playing gameplay wise but some parts have not aged well. I still have fond memories and replayed a few times. Expand
  4. AlbinB.
    Dec 14, 2006
    10
    Best game ever... PERIOD.
  5. XV_
    Feb 16, 2019
    10
    When I was in high school a friend of mine talked to me about some important plot points of FFVII, because I didn't have a PS1 and becauseWhen I was in high school a friend of mine talked to me about some important plot points of FFVII, because I didn't have a PS1 and because back in 1999 there wasn't a 'culture' of not spoil things I didn't mind at all, then years later I watched Advent Children and I really liked it (still), the years passed and it was till February 2019 that I first played and completed FFVII and damn, at first I was reluctant of the title of "Best RPG" or "Best FF" but as the thing went along, by the credits I was really moved on and I was converted to another Jenova believer.

    The thing is that I can't imagine how amazing would be if I played the whole thing not knowing anything about it, the characters, the story, the passing, the music, everything is an ambitious piece, the graphics are obviously from the PS1 era but they have aged so well, this game has everything, comedy, horror moments, kaiju, doublecrossing, philosophical stuff, really just everything. There are a few issues with the controls or in more than a few battles, because of the camera angles I couldn't heal or revive the right character, but just that. The story is so masterfully crafted that even when I think I knew everything (because of my friend and well... the internet) I was so invested and wanted to see how it will unfold next.

    This game made me reconsider all the classics that I still haven't played and set a really high bar for all the others FF that I still have to play, a true masterpiece that everyone should play, so if you haven't played it before, just give yourself a favor and go right ahead.
    Expand
  6. Aug 16, 2023
    9
    I'm so glad that I've finally experienced this legendary game, it's definitely the best old school Final Fantasy game I've played.

    The
    I'm so glad that I've finally experienced this legendary game, it's definitely the best old school Final Fantasy game I've played.

    The gameplay mechanics are outdated and slow, but the beautiful story makes the experience worthwhile.

    The characters are interesting and likable, some of them could have had more development but the main cast is great.

    The music is fantastic and very iconic, One-Winged Angel is awesome and gave me goosebumps.

    The only things I disliked about the game are the annoying minigames that affect the pacing, and the unnecessary filler in the middle of the game, but other than that there isn't anything else that bothered me that much.

    Even after all those years, this game managed to surprise me and even make me feel emotional, it's such a big game, and probably even a masterpiece for its time, I'm honestly impressed.

    Final Rating: "Amazing" ~ 9/10.
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  7. Feb 1, 2021
    0
    I like remake way more. Remake made this game actually feel alive and mean something. This one feels extremely outdated and not interesting,I like remake way more. Remake made this game actually feel alive and mean something. This one feels extremely outdated and not interesting, sure it's the same story, but in this one it's just not fun to play it. Remake made it fun. Turn based combat made original extremely slow and boring. Characters feel lifeless in original, but in remake it's complete opposite. In remake combat is amazing, characters actually feel real etc. Would i have liked it in 1997? Well no, because then i would have played it in 1997. Instead in 1997 i played true classics like resident evil (1996). But 2020 remake of FF7 actually made me interested in this series. Expand

See all 593 User Reviews

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Awards & Rankings

2
1
#1 Most Discussed PS1 Game of 1997
2
#2 Most Shared PS1 Game of 1997