Final Fantasy VII

 PlayStation
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
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  1. Thwompthing
    Aug 4, 2019
    10
    Here's a beautiful 10, not only to counter the idiotic 0's that people give one of the greatest RPG's in mankind, and arguably the greatest turn based RPG of all time (FFVI is also considered this), but also because the game is THAT DANG GOOD! In fact, I would give this game a 100/10 to counter the pointless 0's because people are clearly ignorant as all heck when it comes to massivelyHere's a beautiful 10, not only to counter the idiotic 0's that people give one of the greatest RPG's in mankind, and arguably the greatest turn based RPG of all time (FFVI is also considered this), but also because the game is THAT DANG GOOD! In fact, I would give this game a 100/10 to counter the pointless 0's because people are clearly ignorant as all heck when it comes to massively popular AAA games. They give these games 0's because of their own hatred for something that succeeds so well. Mindless, fake gamers.

    Every single person I know in my life that I've shown this game to back in 1997 was in complete jaw dropping awe at how gorgeous the cutscenes, music, gameplay, story, and characters were. This game looks like crap now, sure, but back then it looked amazing. People who complain about graphics are obviously too young to appreciate how great they were when it was released. This is called living through the era when each generation wowed you, no matter what. This game was released only a year after the PS1 was released so obviously things would improve throughout the years. This happens with every generation of consoles. Developers figure out how to make games better looking every year....

    Flawless game for its time. 10/10 and I cannot wait for the remake.    … Expand
  2. hauwhian
    Jul 11, 2020
    0
    Compared to Final Fantasy VI (or Final Fantasy III in the U.S.) this game is a downgrade. The story is inferior, the music is inferior, and the gameplay is not as good as Final Fantasy VI. But because of very good marketing and pushed forward by Playstation technology at that time, which for the first time a game can display videos...this game received huge income, became the best saleCompared to Final Fantasy VI (or Final Fantasy III in the U.S.) this game is a downgrade. The story is inferior, the music is inferior, and the gameplay is not as good as Final Fantasy VI. But because of very good marketing and pushed forward by Playstation technology at that time, which for the first time a game can display videos...this game received huge income, became the best sale of all Final Fantasy Series. But a true Final Fantasy Fans will always know: Final Fantasy VI is the best of all RPG GAME.

    Why I gave 0 for this review: because I hate the story that Aerith must be dead. Maybe Aerith may become alive in FF VII REMAKE. Square Enix already altered the story...

    I will give score 7 if Aerith were alive in the original FF VII, really. This is a good game, but not the best.    … Expand
  3. ConcaC.
    Feb 20, 2008
    7
    This title has inexcusable graphics, I can't stand the characters (e.g. Cloud, Aeris, Tifa, Barret) at all except for Yuffie since she is the most mischievous ally in Final Fantasy game ever and Cait Sith because he's actually a traitor of some sorts, something unseen before. The story and its turns do carry the game, as well as the challenging bosses and mini-games which I This title has inexcusable graphics, I can't stand the characters (e.g. Cloud, Aeris, Tifa, Barret) at all except for Yuffie since she is the most mischievous ally in Final Fantasy game ever and Cait Sith because he's actually a traitor of some sorts, something unseen before. The story and its turns do carry the game, as well as the challenging bosses and mini-games which I enjoyed a lot, for example the defending of the Fort Condor. It's a decent game but I enjoyed other games by far more.… Expand
  4. MiloH.
    Jan 12, 2004
    10
    A complete masterpiece and no doubt the best rpg ever!
  5. TinMan
    Oct 6, 2007
    6
    This is a great game, and a very succesful game, but the storyline is medicore, and the character development could have been better. The materia system does not provide any unique battle expierience eithier. This game is really succesful without a doubt, but it is also a little overrated. Graphics don't matter to me but I just felt that the storyline wasn't that great and the This is a great game, and a very succesful game, but the storyline is medicore, and the character development could have been better. The materia system does not provide any unique battle expierience eithier. This game is really succesful without a doubt, but it is also a little overrated. Graphics don't matter to me but I just felt that the storyline wasn't that great and the character development was only there for Cloud, Vincent, Barret, and Tifa. Caith Sith, RedXIII, Cid, Yuffie had crappy development and I mean CRAPPY development. Overall, not bad just overrated.… Expand
  6. ZemZ.
    Sep 1, 2007
    5
    This game is not in fact all that, it's mediocer at best & dated but you can see that it still wasn't that great in it's day, but don't get me wrong it's still a good game but there are beter games for your buck.
  7. Dr.Bem
    Jul 31, 2009
    7
    Final Fantasy VII is not a bad game, but it's certainly not a great one either. There are a good number of memorable moments and the story is decent, but the spotty pacing, strict adherence to linearity, terrible dialogue and boring battles that take up far too much of the game bring down what is otherwise a masterpiece. People tend to remember the good parts of the game and fail to Final Fantasy VII is not a bad game, but it's certainly not a great one either. There are a good number of memorable moments and the story is decent, but the spotty pacing, strict adherence to linearity, terrible dialogue and boring battles that take up far too much of the game bring down what is otherwise a masterpiece. People tend to remember the good parts of the game and fail to understand that more or less everything has aged atrociously.… Expand
  8. LorenzoL.
    May 6, 2006
    6
    Frankly, this game is seriously overrated. Even for its time, the in-game graphics were not that surprising, and FMV were very inconsistent in their quality. While the audio quality was very good, some of the sounds got very repetitive. The characters are the high-point, most noticeably, Cid, Vincent, Cait-Sith, Yuffie...even as these characters are supposed to play second fiddle to Frankly, this game is seriously overrated. Even for its time, the in-game graphics were not that surprising, and FMV were very inconsistent in their quality. While the audio quality was very good, some of the sounds got very repetitive. The characters are the high-point, most noticeably, Cid, Vincent, Cait-Sith, Yuffie...even as these characters are supposed to play second fiddle to Aeris, Tifa and Cloud, they undeniably stand out for their charm, mystery and involvment in the storyline, as well as their own personal one. As for the story, it was very good, but the twists and turns were not carefully implemented or intelligent, i.e. for some time you were believing something that was simply not true...for no reason!!! As for character implementation in the stoy, kudos to Squaresoft...… Expand
  9. MikeS
    Jul 1, 2008
    5
    How is anyone supposed to care about these characters? For being so storyline-driven, it's a very un-intriguing story.
  10. AndrewM.
    Nov 8, 2005
    6
    Nothing compared to Final fantasy VI(6).
  11. ArkonBlade
    Dec 30, 2010
    9
    a great RPG and one of the best of the FF series . almost every thing about this game is great , a excellent combat system and i loved the materia system . a solid story , around 40+ hours of gameplay depending on what you all do , fantastic graphics for its day , intresting charicters , the plot flows perfectly , lots of side stuff to do . about my only 2 gripes with this game is thea great RPG and one of the best of the FF series . almost every thing about this game is great , a excellent combat system and i loved the materia system . a solid story , around 40+ hours of gameplay depending on what you all do , fantastic graphics for its day , intresting charicters , the plot flows perfectly , lots of side stuff to do . about my only 2 gripes with this game is the final boss battle with jenova and sephroth are way to easy . even though on my second play through i speed ran at is fast as i could and jenova and sephroth are just a cake walk to beat . the ending also sucks but if you see FF7 advent children it does help improve it . still despite that this is a real solid RPG in every other department ,… Expand
  12. Tubie
    Jan 19, 2011
    9
    My first RPG. This game introduced me to my current favorite genre. Everything about this game is amazing and even to this day it's hard to replicate the enjoyment this game produced at the time.
  13. quacker
    Jan 16, 2011
    9
    Incredible game. Not perfect - there were some mini-games I didn't like (the condor fortress RTS thing for one) and I thought the battles went slowly considering how much you needed to level up. Party/item/materia management was a bit tedious, but it was vital to your success. The story had me entranced for the most part. I was completely surprised and intrigued when you find out Cloud mayIncredible game. Not perfect - there were some mini-games I didn't like (the condor fortress RTS thing for one) and I thought the battles went slowly considering how much you needed to level up. Party/item/materia management was a bit tedious, but it was vital to your success. The story had me entranced for the most part. I was completely surprised and intrigued when you find out Cloud may not be Cloud, though it felt slightly forced (Tifa should have said something way earlier). And FFVII is much more a game than modern RPGs. There's a lot you have to figure out on your own and some alternate directions the story can take in addition to sidequests. It's much more interactive. Also, I was surprised at how long the game actually took to finish and all the content and areas there were to explore. The monsters were....freaking random, but original. I loved the pre-final battle against giant Sephiroth where you had two parties to use. It made me a little disappointed when I got to the real final battle (talk about slow and tedious). But I really did fall in love with it when I played it. The character development is incredible and I loved the whole package despite a few complaints here and there.… Expand
  14. ImUnavailable
    Feb 27, 2012
    10
    A sprawling and enthralling game that always has a new trick up its sleeve. This game is seen as a classic and deserves the title. Though not quite as brilliant as FF6, this game is still bursting with originality, heart, action and just about anything else you would ever want from a video game.
  15. Aniari
    Mar 29, 2011
    9
    It is a great game for it's time, seeming to be a major step from the previous games. The one creative perspective of the game is it's plot. Of course, the game play is also very creative in that on top of fighting monsters, you may have to do somewhat goofy objectives in the game - like one part towards the beginning... Anyways, anyone who thinks this looks like a good game and has theIt is a great game for it's time, seeming to be a major step from the previous games. The one creative perspective of the game is it's plot. Of course, the game play is also very creative in that on top of fighting monsters, you may have to do somewhat goofy objectives in the game - like one part towards the beginning... Anyways, anyone who thinks this looks like a good game and has the ability to play it, I believe you'll enjoy it!… Expand
  16. itnight
    Apr 16, 2011
    10
    What can i say, excellent cast of characters with interesting backgrounds and even though this games has one of the best stories ever in my opinion that is not what make Final Fantasy VII shine above the rest. Both Xenogears and Chrono Cross had deeper and more interesting stories, but what makes this game my all time favorite is the world itself. You will explore every corner of a hugeWhat can i say, excellent cast of characters with interesting backgrounds and even though this games has one of the best stories ever in my opinion that is not what make Final Fantasy VII shine above the rest. Both Xenogears and Chrono Cross had deeper and more interesting stories, but what makes this game my all time favorite is the world itself. You will explore every corner of a huge planet, from the huge and futuristic city of Midgar, to the lost Forgotten Capital, hidden temples, deserts, snow, underwater and a little bit of outer space and everything fits together in a perfect mix (science vs magic). The game is very unpredictable (especially when disc2 kicks in) and never gets boring even though it is 50 hours long. However stay away from the recently released spin-offs Dirge of Cerberus and Advent Children! While in the original game Cloud was a messed up and confused soul, in the AC version he is just a emo punk.
    My conclusion of this game is simple: Masterpiece!    … Expand
  17. GoldenDragon
    Apr 20, 2011
    10
    This game is by far one of the most influential games of the late 1990's. Not only did it pave the way for more RPG's (In the United States), but it showed what one game has to offer. Final Fantasy VII (7) has one of the best stories of any RPG (In my opinion), amazing gameplay, and amazing graphics (For it's time, of course.) The sound quality is excellent, and the script is top notch.This game is by far one of the most influential games of the late 1990's. Not only did it pave the way for more RPG's (In the United States), but it showed what one game has to offer. Final Fantasy VII (7) has one of the best stories of any RPG (In my opinion), amazing gameplay, and amazing graphics (For it's time, of course.) The sound quality is excellent, and the script is top notch. The music is phenomenal. The gameplay however, is more of your normal Final Fantasy turned based action, but it fits the game perfectly. If you haven't picked this one up, do so, it's amazing! (You can get a copy off the Playstation network for a low price!)… Expand
  18. drlowdon
    Jun 12, 2013
    9
    Building on the JRPG traditions established in previous entries Final Fantasy VII was the first released on the PSone and for my money still remains the best in the genre. The games characters, storylines and freedom to explore are perfectly balanced and while it may now look a little dated graphically it is difficult to imagine how, apart from reducing the frequency of the random battles,Building on the JRPG traditions established in previous entries Final Fantasy VII was the first released on the PSone and for my money still remains the best in the genre. The games characters, storylines and freedom to explore are perfectly balanced and while it may now look a little dated graphically it is difficult to imagine how, apart from reducing the frequency of the random battles, it could possibly be improved upon.… Expand
  19. Icibus
    May 17, 2011
    10
    Amazing game worth playing again and again. One of the greatest games of all time with a impressive one-hundred hour length and fantastic graphics for its time. The graphics today will look aged, but the game play will still be as amazing as the day it was released. The appreciation of Japanese role play games have diminished over the years, with its only true high-definition successorAmazing game worth playing again and again. One of the greatest games of all time with a impressive one-hundred hour length and fantastic graphics for its time. The graphics today will look aged, but the game play will still be as amazing as the day it was released. The appreciation of Japanese role play games have diminished over the years, with its only true high-definition successor being Lost Odyssey on the XBOX 360.

    If you haven't played Final Fantasy VII, then I suggest you do. The characters are love-able, the game play is memorable and the game play is epic!    … Expand
  20. RPGROB
    Oct 7, 2011
    9
    Sephiroth is an example of one of those game villains who just "don't" die. The earlier villain offering, Kefka, from Final Fantasy VI was manical, psychotic, and succeeded in scorching the earth. When he died, that was it, he died. Playing whack-a-mole with Sephiroth got boring. It's hard to tell he's even the villain. You start the game fighting Shinra corp. You might ask yourself whySephiroth is an example of one of those game villains who just "don't" die. The earlier villain offering, Kefka, from Final Fantasy VI was manical, psychotic, and succeeded in scorching the earth. When he died, that was it, he died. Playing whack-a-mole with Sephiroth got boring. It's hard to tell he's even the villain. You start the game fighting Shinra corp. You might ask yourself why you have to even fight Sephiroth. I wondered the same thing.

    Onto the parts I loved. I loved having a nice variety of characters to choose from. I loved the materia system, exploring the world and finding new bosses to kill. The Golden Saucer was awesome, lots of minigames and other things to do. More RPG developers need to learn players love having a mid-game hub to do other tasks rather than advancing the story. It's a shame square hasn't learned from their success though, as newer games in the series usually lack anything with 10% of the depth of the Golden Saucer.

    Main villain was weak, but it's still a great RPG experience, a far gap between a 9 and 10 though.    … Expand
  21. Dean1984
    Jun 17, 2015
    10
    without doubt the best game ever made. The story, character and music are unchallenged even today. Many argue that it is due to nostalgia. let me say. it isn't. I have played countless of rpgs before ff7. Secret of man, chrono trigger, breath of fire etc.. are extremely good rpgs.Then ff7 came. A game like no other. I eagerly await the announced remake=)
  22. SkyMason
    Jun 9, 2011
    9
    To keep it simple. Plot = Hit and miss but one of the most involving and epic in the series. Gameplay = Reached the zenith of JRPGs. Graphics = Gouraud shading looks horrible nowadays but at the time was incredibly atmospheric. Music = Incredibly well done for a VG at the time. It doesn't really bother me nowadays but when you play it again the translations in the game are truly laughable.
  23. Caestus
    Jul 31, 2013
    9
    It has the most complex story in the FF Franchise and a deep batte system offering you much variety with the materia system. The OST is very good, altough FF VIII and FF IX are better in this point. One of the best ff games.
  24. Atchkingster442
    Jun 22, 2011
    10
    Definitely in the Top 3 JRPG's ever and top 5 RPG's ever. Great characters, fantastic storyline, ahead of its time with its 3D graphics. The other +'s includes that it had a gigantic 3D world to explore, it had a wonderful music selection (loved the battle music) and it had just the right amount of mini-games to spice things up without becoming ridiculous. Few games captivated me more as aDefinitely in the Top 3 JRPG's ever and top 5 RPG's ever. Great characters, fantastic storyline, ahead of its time with its 3D graphics. The other +'s includes that it had a gigantic 3D world to explore, it had a wonderful music selection (loved the battle music) and it had just the right amount of mini-games to spice things up without becoming ridiculous. Few games captivated me more as a kid, and I doubt most of the new games ever will. This game is definitely a worthy contender as one of the greatest games ever.

    P.S. I could live without a remake. It might be nice, but I enjoy the original enough to play it without HD graphics.    … Expand
  25. Beerpong
    Jul 7, 2011
    10
    Favorite game ever. If you haven't played, and don't mind oldschool graphics, then this game will not disappoint.
  26. Tayskasi
    Sep 10, 2011
    10
    I am going to give it a 10, just because of the mini games. I have not seen any other game with so many different mini games: snowboarding, motorcycling and the strategy game where you defended the base with different troops.

    Of course there is still: arm wrestling, boxing, basketball, piano, chocobo racing, shooting game at speed square, torpedo attack the submarine simulator and many    I am going to give it a 10, just because of the mini games. I have not seen any other game with so many different mini games: snowboarding, motorcycling and the strategy game where you defended the base with different troops.

    Of course there is still: arm wrestling, boxing, basketball, piano, chocobo racing, shooting game at speed square, torpedo attack the submarine simulator and many other for example in Gold Saucer.    … Expand
  27. birrml
    Jan 4, 2012
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Some people commenting here are very jaded. I recently tried to re-play this game, and over 15 years later, it was to a certain extent tedious, but considering how many great RPG's have come out and how far game development has come in that amount of time, it's really no surprise. However, to those saying the story was horrible, perhaps you play alot of shooters with extremely linear and copy pasted stories. I am HUGE on story development, and must say in today's era of gaming, that aspect is truly lacking. The story of FF7 was one of the deepest and most immersing I have experienced. It was intricately written and placed, each main character had their own background fleshed out (which is alot more than most games can say these days), how they all came together, some purposely, some seemingly random. The characters played off each other very well, to the point that you feel as if you're part of it while they convey their emotions into you. When Aeris dies, you almost feel yourself die a little inside. When you learn of Cloud's mysterious past, you find that most of what he believes is not necessarily true, and that he lived vicariously through Zack n Sephiroth. His tortured, twisted, demented mind shows exactly why he is a man of few words, and little emotion. The many twists throughout the story, I found at the time to be quite unexpected and enthralling. Each little FMV sequence and dialogue tying this illustrious narrative together. Not to mention the sand-box aspect of the game, where there are so many side-quests, that involve more than just stupid fetch quests (the side quests of today's RPG's), that sometimes also add to the story, or tie up a loose end, were imaginative and great. The arcade! Awesome! In today's RPG's fetch quests are all of the sidequests. That and crafting items, lame... If you can honestly say you dislike this game, or think it's overrated, you are missing a part of your soul. Or you enjoy the horrible re-hash of Oblivion that is every RPG coming out these days, which every single one is lacking in story, but it's ok, you can mash the A button all day and feel satisfied. I'll enjoy what yesteryear has to offer, while you drone the simple minded, lackluster stories, un-artistic, button mashing crap of today's generation. You are probably the same people that hated the new Duke Nukem, because it didn't have really-real-realistic graphics and it wasn't MW3. It's people like you that killed awesome epic gaming, in exchange for marketing research that makes every game these days a remake of last year's game of the year... Bring on some more epic Turn-based RPG's, screw these brainless idiots!… Expand
  28. BlacksitePSU
    Oct 6, 2011
    8
    A game with a well-written story that broke ground for showcasing its revolutionary 3D visuals. Not my favorite title in the Final Fantasy series, but still an enjoyable ride nonetheless. Unfortunately, the success of said title has spawned its own mediocre sequel in the form of a movie, Advent Children. The game itself is not as overrated as some people would lead you to believe. It'sA game with a well-written story that broke ground for showcasing its revolutionary 3D visuals. Not my favorite title in the Final Fantasy series, but still an enjoyable ride nonetheless. Unfortunately, the success of said title has spawned its own mediocre sequel in the form of a movie, Advent Children. The game itself is not as overrated as some people would lead you to believe. It's just... really popular.… Expand
  29. Mutto
    Dec 1, 2011
    10
    A great game. Not the best in the series though. Sure, it had newer 3D graphics, but it has 2D characters and a plot that really needed some refining. And as many people know, graphics do not make a game awesome. A new wave of FF (and rpg) fans surged in with the release of this game and has become a demi god amongst them. Definitely pick it up.
  30. ssp_87
    Mar 15, 2012
    10
    Loving all the 0 rage on this page, really...a lot of people saying poor graphics haha really? These graphics were mind blowing when this game came out in the 90's. Game play is incredible and the game takes many many hours to complete. This may not be your favorite game but when you bash it and rate it a 0 you fail at life... this game is PERFECTION PERIOD.
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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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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
  1. GMR Magazine
    90
    Brought RPGs into the Western spotlight and contained the most debated plot twist of an era. [Feb 2003, p.97]
  2. 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.
    Read full review
  3. 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.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »