Sometimes, there’s just no explaining why a video game becomes a hit. And other times, there’s no way to predict the impact that game will have upon the industry itself. The Final Fantasy franchise had been going strong for six main titles, and its reputation for being a great RPG franchise was already cemented. But then, out of strife and conflict, and a big risk on the part of Square Enix, Final Fantasy VII was born, and it’s been on the tips of tongues of gamers ever since.
In fact, it’s been 20 years since the arrival of Final Fantasy VII in the US, and people and developers have been celebrating and remembering what made the game so special. For example, the game was the first in the Final Fantasy series to use 3D models. They were primitive to be sure, but it was a huge jump from the 2D graphics of the first six games.
20 years ago today, Final Fantasy VII launched in North America. ☁️
For many, it was their first Final Fantasy. Was it yours? pic.twitter.com/9MsTpJwo8Y
— PlayStation (@PlayStation) September 7, 2017
Then of course, there are the characters. Final Fantasy VII has without a doubt the most recognized roster of characters of any Final Fantasy game. Tifa, Barrett, Yuffie, Aerith, and of course, Sephiroth and Cloud Strife. Each of these characters made the game compelling in fun and deep ways. From the straight forward yet oddly compassionate Barrett, to the trickster Yuffie, to the loving Aerith and the rivalry between Cloud and Sephiroth, it helped escalate the game to even greater heights.
As if that wasn’t enough, the game’s world was massive and was also rendered in 3D, combined with the refined battle system, and it’s clear why the game is still remembered fondly 20 years later. Oh, and it’s also getting an HD remake, so that helps with the popularity too.
What’s your favorite Final Fantasy VII memory?