Final Fantasy VII (PlayStation, 1997)

I played Final Fantasy VII when it first came out as an avid follower of the entire FF series, and it's been hailed as "quite possibly the greatest game ever made" by GameFan magazine. It's been entertaining FF fans for about ten years and the enthusiasm does not seem to have abated. Highly anticipated at the time as the first 3D FF game, it did not, and does not, disappoint. This is a must-have for any RPG gamer, and should be enjoyed even though technically is has since been surpassed by later installments in the series. For long-time RPG fans, this magnificent epic will bring a wave of nostalgia for the days when this was considered the height of technical advancement. For first-time players, the gameplay may seem outdated and the graphics blocky and awkward looking, but it sounds as though the superior aspects of the game still shine through when you read reviews from those playing for the first time.

PROS
- Hailed by many gamers to have the most compelling, in-depth, and emotional storyline of all the FF installments. Story is augmented by unique and original dialogue, dreams, memories, visions, and other enrichments that allow the player to delve deeper into the characters identities, personalities, and roles. Gamers will enjoy a memorable saga of friendship, love, politics, honor, bravery, sacrifice, corruption, surprising plot twists, superior villians, and much, much more.

- First FF game to offer 3D polygonal characters, an innovation at the time and still enjoyable.

- Multiple side quests and mini-games, including secret FMV's special moves, and hidden characters.

- Choose from nine playable characters recruited throughout the story.

- Contains over an hour of enjoyable full-motion video scenes throughout the game that draws the player deeper into the story, creating a movie-like environment.

- Players enjoy never-before character enhancements such as the auto status abilities such as auto haste, auto resurrection, and the ability to absorb magic from opponents.

- Expansive character and weapon customization, summons, and magic.

- Large, detailed, and delightful world that you can travel on foot, by chocoba or airship, or buggy.

- Memorable and fabulous musical score, one of the best I can remember in any FF or RPG game.

- One of the most memorable bad guys in RPG gaming history, Sephiroth!

CONS
- Overabundance of gil and ability to steal weapons takes the edge off the battles and "struggle" of characters during gameplay that has always been a hallmark of FF games.

- Not as challenging as past games.