Why is Final Fantasy 7 loved so much?
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For many people, FFVII was their first RPG. So it's only natural that they would look upon the game with nostalgia. Not saying the game is bad though, I played the game for the first time last year and thought it was great. I liked the battle system, most of the characters, and the story.
As for whether or not there should be a remake. I'm kind of mixed on the issue. I personally wouldn't mind seeing a graphical update or a re-translation of the script. Other than that though, I don't really care.
As for whether or not there should be a remake. I'm kind of mixed on the issue. I personally wouldn't mind seeing a graphical update or a re-translation of the script. Other than that though, I don't really care.
It's a very contentious subject. in which there's basically two camps; those that think it's brilliant, and those that reckon the first lot should get their heads examined. I would be one of the fans. Let's get that out of the way now. Is it the best game ever? I'm not certain either way, but I'd be prepared to argue it's case.
Here's a thought though: This game is what, nearly 15 years old now? And it's still causing this much of a reaction and discussion? That at least should say something about it. Even if that's us fangirls are slavishly devoted creatures.
Why do I like it so much? Well. I've always liked RPGs. Before I had my PS1, I used to play Secret of Mana, Cadaver, Dungeon Master... Things like that. It's the sort of thing I enjoy, all that party selection, swords and sorcery and inventory management. It's not everyone's cup of tea, of course, but I'll happily pass the hours fiddling with my setups. So perhaps I was pre-disposed to liking the game before I even saw it, simply because of the type of games I enjoy.
I first saw it on my then boyfriends' PS1 back in 1997. He was hunched over his controller and quite cheerfully ignoring me, which was getting a little tiresome. I wandered over to see what he was doing, and came face to face with my first FF game. He was running round Midgar, and compared to the graphics I'd had up to now on my Amiga and SNES, is was stunning. I know you can look at it these days and laugh, but believe me when I say that back then it was so different from anything I had seen in an RPG before. And then there were these cool looking characters, and the beginning of an epic storyline, and wait... The President just got stabbed with a massive sword? What's going on here? I asked if I could have a go. He said no. An hour later, I was walking out the door to buy my own console and copy of the game. I never looked back.
Needless to say, I enjoyed it immensely. The characters, the plot twists, the gameplay mechanics, the Materia system... Even my mum ended up watching over my shoulder as I bred and raced chocobos. This whole concept of minigames within the main game was so new to me as well, and the hours just rolled by. I grew to feel for Cloud and Tifa, cry over Aeris and have a major crush on Vincent (something that's followed me into my 30's I fear).
So yes, I bloody loved it. And over the years, I've gone and bought all the old Final Fantasies, as well as the new ones, and played through them. I find it fascinating how the series has grown and developed from it's roots. VI was awesome, even though the graphics were the traditional top down style. IX blew me away. Hell, I even enjoyed VIII when I got my head wrapped around it.
However. Fifteen years have passed since then, and there's been some incredible games come out since. The Mass Effect series and Dragon Age have me gripped. Again, story, characters and gameplay combine to make something truly wonderful for me to play. Uncharted, Assassin's Creed... We're lucky to have such excellent titles at our fingertips.
But none have stayed with me quite so much as the FF series. Maybe it's part nostalgia. Maybe it's because I played it so damn much. The music is certainly responsible for something, to the extent that I intend to walk down the aisle at my wedding to Uematsu's Prelude.
I acknowledge the great games of today. I admit VII no longer looks shiny and new, and that the translation frankly sucks. But that doesn't stop it from having a special place in my heart. I won't foam at the mouth if you tell me you hate it. Fair dues, I'm not going to force you. But hopefully I've given a rough explanation of why some of us love it so much.
Here's a thought though: This game is what, nearly 15 years old now? And it's still causing this much of a reaction and discussion? That at least should say something about it. Even if that's us fangirls are slavishly devoted creatures.
Why do I like it so much? Well. I've always liked RPGs. Before I had my PS1, I used to play Secret of Mana, Cadaver, Dungeon Master... Things like that. It's the sort of thing I enjoy, all that party selection, swords and sorcery and inventory management. It's not everyone's cup of tea, of course, but I'll happily pass the hours fiddling with my setups. So perhaps I was pre-disposed to liking the game before I even saw it, simply because of the type of games I enjoy.
I first saw it on my then boyfriends' PS1 back in 1997. He was hunched over his controller and quite cheerfully ignoring me, which was getting a little tiresome. I wandered over to see what he was doing, and came face to face with my first FF game. He was running round Midgar, and compared to the graphics I'd had up to now on my Amiga and SNES, is was stunning. I know you can look at it these days and laugh, but believe me when I say that back then it was so different from anything I had seen in an RPG before. And then there were these cool looking characters, and the beginning of an epic storyline, and wait... The President just got stabbed with a massive sword? What's going on here? I asked if I could have a go. He said no. An hour later, I was walking out the door to buy my own console and copy of the game. I never looked back.
Needless to say, I enjoyed it immensely. The characters, the plot twists, the gameplay mechanics, the Materia system... Even my mum ended up watching over my shoulder as I bred and raced chocobos. This whole concept of minigames within the main game was so new to me as well, and the hours just rolled by. I grew to feel for Cloud and Tifa, cry over Aeris and have a major crush on Vincent (something that's followed me into my 30's I fear).
So yes, I bloody loved it. And over the years, I've gone and bought all the old Final Fantasies, as well as the new ones, and played through them. I find it fascinating how the series has grown and developed from it's roots. VI was awesome, even though the graphics were the traditional top down style. IX blew me away. Hell, I even enjoyed VIII when I got my head wrapped around it.
However. Fifteen years have passed since then, and there's been some incredible games come out since. The Mass Effect series and Dragon Age have me gripped. Again, story, characters and gameplay combine to make something truly wonderful for me to play. Uncharted, Assassin's Creed... We're lucky to have such excellent titles at our fingertips.
But none have stayed with me quite so much as the FF series. Maybe it's part nostalgia. Maybe it's because I played it so damn much. The music is certainly responsible for something, to the extent that I intend to walk down the aisle at my wedding to Uematsu's Prelude.
I acknowledge the great games of today. I admit VII no longer looks shiny and new, and that the translation frankly sucks. But that doesn't stop it from having a special place in my heart. I won't foam at the mouth if you tell me you hate it. Fair dues, I'm not going to force you. But hopefully I've given a rough explanation of why some of us love it so much.
I've played every other Final Fantasy (Except 14, fuck 14), I've beaten all the ones I've played (Except 11, obviously) and I can still say without a doubt that 7 is my favorite. Is it the best of the series? Heavens no, at least, gameplay wise.Savagezion said:
But what I find so amazing about 7 is the characters and the setting. Oh, and the music. 7 definitely has the best soundtrack.
If you don't like it, then I'm sticking with my theory that if you don't get it after playing it, you never will. It's not an acquired taste.
LittleBlondeGoth said:It's a very contentious subject. in which there's basically two camps; those that think it's brilliant, and those that reckon the first lot should get their heads examined. I would be one of the fans. Let's get that out of the way now. Is it the best game ever? I'm not certain either way, but I'd be prepared to argue it's case.
Here's a thought though: This game is what, nearly 15 years old now? And it's still causing this much of a reaction and discussion? That at least should say something about it. Even if that's us fangirls are slavishly devoted creatures.
Why do I like it so much? Well. I've always liked RPGs. Before I had my PS1, I used to play Secret of Mana, Cadaver, Dungeon Master... Things like that. It's the sort of thing I enjoy, all that party selection, swords and sorcery and inventory management. It's not everyone's cup of tea, of course, but I'll happily pass the hours fiddling with my setups. So perhaps I was pre-disposed to liking the game before I even saw it, simply because of the type of games I enjoy.
I first saw it on my then boyfriends' PS1 back in 1997. He was hunched over his controller and quite cheerfully ignoring me, which was getting a little tiresome. I wandered over to see what he was doing, and came face to face with my first FF game. He was running round Midgar, and compared to the graphics I'd had up to now on my Amiga and SNES, is was stunning. I know you can look at it these days and laugh, but believe me when I say that back then it was so different from anything I had seen in an RPG before. And then there were these cool looking characters, and the beginning of an epic storyline, and wait... The President just got stabbed with a massive sword? What's going on here? I asked if I could have a go. He said no. An hour later, I was walking out the door to buy my own console and copy of the game. I never looked back.
Needless to say, I enjoyed it immensely. The characters, the plot twists, the gameplay mechanics, the Materia system... Even my mum ended up watching over my shoulder as I bred and raced chocobos. This whole concept of minigames within the main game was so new to me as well, and the hours just rolled by. I grew to feel for Cloud and Tifa, cry over Aeris and have a major crush on Vincent (something that's followed me into my 30's I fear).
So yes, I bloody loved it. And over the years, I've gone and bought all the old Final Fantasies, as well as the new ones, and played through them. I find it fascinating how the series has grown and developed from it's roots. VI was awesome, even though the graphics were the traditional top down style. IX blew me away. Hell, I even enjoyed VIII when I got my head wrapped around it.
However. Fifteen years have passed since then, and there's been some incredible games come out since. The Mass Effect series and Dragon Age have me gripped. Again, story, characters and gameplay combine to make something truly wonderful for me to play. Uncharted, Assassin's Creed... We're lucky to have such excellent titles at our fingertips.
But none have stayed with me quite so much as the FF series. Maybe it's part nostalgia. Maybe it's because I played it so damn much. The music is certainly responsible for something, to the extent that I intend to walk down the aisle at my wedding to Uematsu's Prelude.
I acknowledge the great games of today. I admit VII no longer looks shiny and new, and that the translation frankly sucks. But that doesn't stop it from having a special place in my heart. I won't foam at the mouth if you tell me you hate it. Fair dues, I'm not going to force you. But hopefully I've given a rough explanation of why some of us love it so much.
AGREE!!!!
Final Fantasy 7 was one of the first games I ever played and I have replayed it many times since. I liked 7 and 9 the best. I just furkin' love JRPGS and RPGS alike. *weeps*
What an excellent post. And what a heart-warming story. The perfect response to the hordes of artificially jaded, deliberately cynical, too-cool-for-school critics going on about how the game is overrated and it's all nostalgia and blah blah interminable blah.LittleBlondeGoth said:It's a very contentious subject. in which there's basically two camps; those that think it's brilliant, and those that reckon the first lot should get their heads examined. I would be one of the fans. Let's get that out of the way now. Is it the best game ever? I'm not certain either way, but I'd be prepared to argue it's case.
Here's a thought though: This game is what, nearly 15 years old now? And it's still causing this much of a reaction and discussion? That at least should say something about it. Even if that's us fangirls are slavishly devoted creatures.
Why do I like it so much? Well. I've always liked RPGs. Before I had my PS1, I used to play Secret of Mana, Cadaver, Dungeon Master... Things like that. It's the sort of thing I enjoy, all that party selection, swords and sorcery and inventory management. It's not everyone's cup of tea, of course, but I'll happily pass the hours fiddling with my setups. So perhaps I was pre-disposed to liking the game before I even saw it, simply because of the type of games I enjoy.
I first saw it on my then boyfriends' PS1 back in 1997. He was hunched over his controller and quite cheerfully ignoring me, which was getting a little tiresome. I wandered over to see what he was doing, and came face to face with my first FF game. He was running round Midgar, and compared to the graphics I'd had up to now on my Amiga and SNES, is was stunning. I know you can look at it these days and laugh, but believe me when I say that back then it was so different from anything I had seen in an RPG before. And then there were these cool looking characters, and the beginning of an epic storyline, and wait... The President just got stabbed with a massive sword? What's going on here? I asked if I could have a go. He said no. An hour later, I was walking out the door to buy my own console and copy of the game. I never looked back.
Needless to say, I enjoyed it immensely. The characters, the plot twists, the gameplay mechanics, the Materia system... Even my mum ended up watching over my shoulder as I bred and raced chocobos. This whole concept of minigames within the main game was so new to me as well, and the hours just rolled by. I grew to feel for Cloud and Tifa, cry over Aeris and have a major crush on Vincent (something that's followed me into my 30's I fear).
So yes, I bloody loved it. And over the years, I've gone and bought all the old Final Fantasies, as well as the new ones, and played through them. I find it fascinating how the series has grown and developed from it's roots. VI was awesome, even though the graphics were the traditional top down style. IX blew me away. Hell, I even enjoyed VIII when I got my head wrapped around it.
However. Fifteen years have passed since then, and there's been some incredible games come out since. The Mass Effect series and Dragon Age have me gripped. Again, story, characters and gameplay combine to make something truly wonderful for me to play. Uncharted, Assassin's Creed... We're lucky to have such excellent titles at our fingertips.
But none have stayed with me quite so much as the FF series. Maybe it's part nostalgia. Maybe it's because I played it so damn much. The music is certainly responsible for something, to the extent that I intend to walk down the aisle at my wedding to Uematsu's Prelude.
I acknowledge the great games of today. I admit VII no longer looks shiny and new, and that the translation frankly sucks. But that doesn't stop it from having a special place in my heart. I won't foam at the mouth if you tell me you hate it. Fair dues, I'm not going to force you. But hopefully I've given a rough explanation of why some of us love it so much.
FF7 had a unique graphic style that wasn't really like the other ones in the series. It looked more realistic (backgrounds and battles mostly where everyone was proper proportions instead of super deformed). It also used harsh language and had a decent style line and a wide variety of characters to please everyone. The golden saucer was cool too (I love good minigame sections). Also I think the 12 year to remake it is a lame excuse. There's no way it takes that long to remake a game like that unless they're trying to do what Kazunori Yamauchi did with Gran Turismo and try to be all perfectionist about it.
Offtopic but if you go back in time Phantasy Star II had a similar art style (realistic characters and decent graphics.. well the best they could do with what they had at the time). It's too bad the later games in the series (after IV) changed to a different play and graphic style (they're fun too but I prefer the originals).
Also, I think the original FF is the best if I had to pick one (I do prefer the playstation or iphone remake though).
Offtopic but if you go back in time Phantasy Star II had a similar art style (realistic characters and decent graphics.. well the best they could do with what they had at the time). It's too bad the later games in the series (after IV) changed to a different play and graphic style (they're fun too but I prefer the originals).
Also, I think the original FF is the best if I had to pick one (I do prefer the playstation or iphone remake though).
I've always felt like Final Fantasy 7 was just a slightly changed version of Final Fantasy 6, that's part of why I didn't fall in love with it. Also as a twist, the twist of the game is great, but it ends up just making Cloud have no character whatsoever, so for me I felt the story fell apart a bit.
I've always been more into other RPGs anyway, like Suikoden, Grandia, Arc the Lad and Skies of Arcadia, so I've never really gotten the Square worship.
I've always been more into other RPGs anyway, like Suikoden, Grandia, Arc the Lad and Skies of Arcadia, so I've never really gotten the Square worship.
It wasn't bad at all, but not particularly standout to a person who had played a ton of RPGs, on mutliple platforms since the early 80's.
There is nothing so great about it, besides the presentation, that you couldn't find great about a number of other games. In all respects of the game there are examples of equal or better, before and since.
There is always a vocal minority that has extreme views, and they get the attention, but I think most people are content with just saying it's their personal favorite game, or they were impressed, or whatever.
What I am wary of is people who are incredulous that you don't share their opinion on the game, or any game. They are victims of marketing and/or group-think. I may think Deus Ex is the greatest thing ever, but I'm not taken aback if someone else says otherwise.
There is nothing so great about it, besides the presentation, that you couldn't find great about a number of other games. In all respects of the game there are examples of equal or better, before and since.
There is always a vocal minority that has extreme views, and they get the attention, but I think most people are content with just saying it's their personal favorite game, or they were impressed, or whatever.
What I am wary of is people who are incredulous that you don't share their opinion on the game, or any game. They are victims of marketing and/or group-think. I may think Deus Ex is the greatest thing ever, but I'm not taken aback if someone else says otherwise.
To those of us who grew up from console to console, FF7 was one of those first 3d games to put in that shiny Playstation. And it was mind blowing. Watching the train ride around Midgar. Throwing you in with this resistance group fighting to save the plant. I was honestly creep-ed out walking around the Shinra building after Sephiroth went homicidal through it. That part was so great, just getting the feeling across something is wrong...
And so many mini-games. I feel like the game managed to introduce huge steps in graphics without sacrificing the fat like modern day games. And I always wanted an awesome use for the tissue (isn't that what that useless thing was called?) Doing squats to get the best wig for Cloud, the motorcycle chase, defending the reactor, all so much fun. Even the little things, like using a phone to switch party members (call them up and change your party around). The Turks, who I wanted to be a member of it for some reason. First time you summon Alexander. Knights of the Round. They just ingrain their selves into you at the time, and talking about it with friends, and what characters they used/liked. I'm still pissed at the guy who stole my FF7 strategy guide.
And so many mini-games. I feel like the game managed to introduce huge steps in graphics without sacrificing the fat like modern day games. And I always wanted an awesome use for the tissue (isn't that what that useless thing was called?) Doing squats to get the best wig for Cloud, the motorcycle chase, defending the reactor, all so much fun. Even the little things, like using a phone to switch party members (call them up and change your party around). The Turks, who I wanted to be a member of it for some reason. First time you summon Alexander. Knights of the Round. They just ingrain their selves into you at the time, and talking about it with friends, and what characters they used/liked. I'm still pissed at the guy who stole my FF7 strategy guide.
It's nostalgia. Explaining now, after the fact, in a way that makes much sense is pretty hard. Nowadays, there are lots of games with CGI cutscenes, 3D graphics, complex environments, and such.
The impact of FF7 can only really be understood by comparing it with what came before. Most people hadn't seen anything as impressive as that swoop into Midgar in the title. When we played it, we were playing it for the first time.
Sephiroth is a household name now, to be dissected on wiki pages, but our knowledge of him then came through dribs and drabs. Seeing President Shin-Ra, the main villain of the game, who is little more than a footnote now, skewered on a sword. Seeking a Midgar Zolom, one of the biggest (and nigh-invincible) monsters of the game up to that point, impaled on a broken tree. Sephiroth was badass defined by the tokens he left to be found.
But, yeah, it's fair to wonder why people like it so much. It lacks the awe value now. The polygons are blocky, you have to read every line of dialogue, and the story's been analyzed and discussed to the point that nothing can shock or surprise or hold mystery. There's a whole set of sequels and tie-ins that didn't exist back then.
The impact of FF7 can only really be understood by comparing it with what came before. Most people hadn't seen anything as impressive as that swoop into Midgar in the title. When we played it, we were playing it for the first time.
Sephiroth is a household name now, to be dissected on wiki pages, but our knowledge of him then came through dribs and drabs. Seeing President Shin-Ra, the main villain of the game, who is little more than a footnote now, skewered on a sword. Seeking a Midgar Zolom, one of the biggest (and nigh-invincible) monsters of the game up to that point, impaled on a broken tree. Sephiroth was badass defined by the tokens he left to be found.
But, yeah, it's fair to wonder why people like it so much. It lacks the awe value now. The polygons are blocky, you have to read every line of dialogue, and the story's been analyzed and discussed to the point that nothing can shock or surprise or hold mystery. There's a whole set of sequels and tie-ins that didn't exist back then.
Depending on who you ask, people will say that any of the Final Fantasy games are worth remaking and others or not. That's the problem of perception and fanhood. If you have to ask WHY people want FF7 to be remade, there will be an assortment of answers that can stack all the way to the sun if we wait long enough.hink86 said:
Personally...I'm with it because it's like the in-between show of the old era and the new era. I think redoing 5 and 6 could be cool too, but that might be even more work than 7. I don't think it could hurt.
Well, the graffics were awesome for thier time, so there is probably some small amount of nostalgia going on there. But honestly, I love FFVII because the story is complex, twisted, and tragic. The characters are well thought out and the over all story arc is really well done. Also, just as a small side note, CHOCOBOS ROCK!!! Just puttin' that out there ...