Final Fantasy VII

 PlayStation
Metascore
92

Universal acclaim - based on 20 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 20
  3. Negative: 0 out of 20
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  1. GameShark
    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. PSX Nation
    100
    This is *the* one game you must buy or otherwise youll never see the true power of the PlayStation.
  3. Official U.S. Playstation Magazine
    100
    The first PS one installment of Final Fantasy is still one of the best ever. [Mar 2002, p.34]
  5. All Game Guide
    100
    Each character, visual graphic, mini-game and every ounce of story has a depth so amplified that it will keep players engrossed for months.
  6. Absolute Playstation
    97
    This is the current apex in RPG games. In fact it is probably one of the best OVERALL games ever created for ANY system.
  7. IGN
    95
    All in all, it is impossible to not recommend Final Fanatsy VII to anyone who is even vaguely interested in RPGs.
  8. GameSpot
    95
    Never before have technology, playability, and narrative combined as well as in Final Fantasy VII.
  9. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    95
    Simply amazing, and even better than the Japanese version. They balanced out the fights and added a couple of Bosses and some extra footage to the game.
  10. TotalGames.net
    93
    Besides the high quality visuals, real time battle is the key element that is arousing unashamed geeks around the planet for Final Fantasy VII.
  11. My Gamer
    92
    With beautiful music, graphics and dynamic gameplay Final Fantasy VII is a testament to the evolution of video games.
  12. GMR Magazine
    90
    Brought RPGs into the Western spotlight and contained the most debated plot twist of an era. [Feb 2003, p.97]
    All this publication's reviews
  13. Gamestyle
    90
    You can play the game time and time again. Always finding something new, from a new piece of materia to a new place, to defeating the ultimate weapons. The story twists and turns all the time always keeping you guessing as to what will happen next.
  14. Thunderbolt
    90
    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.
  15. Games Domain
    90
    Some of the best looking graphics and most involving storylines ever seen on a console.
  16. 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.
    All this publication's reviews
  17. Gaming Maxx
    83
    The one drawback in my opinion would be the replay value, as many people would find it pointless to replay the entire game just for a few secrets, since the story is the main reason to play a game like this.
  18. Game Revolution
    83
    Hundreds of hours of visually beautiful gameplay, but its frustrating incoherence will make many people cringe and put the game aside before they have even finished.
  19. Cincinnati Enquirer
    80
    The cinematic sequences, which propel the story line, have an anime quality that is dark, foreboding and engrossing.
  20. GameCritics
    80
    If Square Soft wants videogames to be compared equally to other forms of art, then they are going to have to gain that respect by producing a game that is more intellectually and culturally aware and not a game that is essentially a video game screaming for attention and respect.
  21. Electric Playground
    75
    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.

Awards & Rankings

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

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
9.0

Universal acclaim- based on 2606 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2,325 out of 2606
  2. Mixed: 105 out of 2606
  3. Negative: 176 out of 2606
  1. Einstein
    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.… Full Review »
  2. St33rpike
    Jul 18, 2012
    3
    With Final Fantasy VII, it became clear to me that SCEA had no idea what makes me actually want to play an RPG. Sure, the graphics wereWith Final Fantasy VII, it became clear to me that SCEA had no idea what makes me actually want to play an RPG. Sure, the graphics were interesting, but the game play was so ridiculously slow. Also, the graphics often made the game MORE difficult, because it isn't clear where you can travel and which areas are merely background. The linear storyline left little room for exploration. And the ridiculously long cinematics that accompany some of the combat maneuvers were just unbearable. I totally understand how many people love this game: the story was more complex than most games up to this point. However, the obsession with story and graphics over gameplay made this one a game I wish I could have returned to the store.… Full Review »
  3. daniellearmouth
    Dec 15, 2010
    10
    Formula for an incredible game;
    Memorable characters: check.
    Substantial length: check. Complex narrative: check. Climactic ending: check.    Formula for an incredible game;
    Memorable characters: check.
    Substantial length: check.
    Complex narrative: check.
    Climactic ending: check.
    Popular to spawn its own mini-series: check.

    All this, and other things, make Final Fantasy VII an incredible game, which I will say is NOT overrated.    … Full Review »
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