Final Fantasy VII is the most popular game in the series and one of the most popular turn based games ever. When I originally played this in 7th grade, I really wasn't too much of a fan. I loathed the game's combat for how slow it was (still kinda do tbh) and wasn't really connecting with the story much. But it's been almost 10 years since then and a lot has changed. One thing I like is how cinematic the game feels. Where VI was much more theatrical, here we have huge explosive moments and characters constantly moving and talking.
Let's start with probably my least favourite aspect of the game which is the gameplay itself. Due to the new animations and flashiness of combat, fights take waaaaay too long. To the point where it genuinely becomes boring or annoying when it's just a random mob fight. It's also too easy. The materia system and limit breaks are dope though. It's an improvement on the esper system from VI due to actual downsides to equipping them and the way they work in battle. But due to the game's poor battle menu system and main menu system, equipping and unequipping them is really annoying. Minigames also pad the game out in a bad way. but there's some great end game content.
The story is definitely the best part of this game. the main characters are relatable, have interesting motives, and are very easy to get attached to due to the setting. The game feels so lonely and desolate that you can't help but attach yourself to these characters you follow. Especially Aerith (my beloved) because of how much of a shining ray she is. She's the only one who's optimistic and helps and guides the rest of the characters. Which makes what happens at the midpoint all the more heartbreaking.
Cloud is an even more interesting character. He's one of the best cases of an unreliable narrator I've seen. And the truth behind his character and how it builds up to it is incredible. The problem though are the other members of the crew. I really wish they were more developed, as much as I like Tifa and Barret, I wanted more from them. And the rest of the crew is kind of an afterthought with some of them even being annoying like Yuffie and Cait Sith. Shinra is really easy to hate and so is Sephiroth at times as well. But Hojo is the biggest villain in the game and I hope he burns for eternity in the worst Hell imaginable.
No matter how many issues I have with the game though. I still really like it. The story is impactful and sticks with you. And maaaaaan, the soundtrack is pure magic. I still love VI's more but something was captured with VII's soundtrack that'll never be captured again.
Let's start with probably my least favourite aspect of the game which is the gameplay itself. Due to the new animations and flashiness of combat, fights take waaaaay too long. To the point where it genuinely becomes boring or annoying when it's just a random mob fight. It's also too easy. The materia system and limit breaks are dope though. It's an improvement on the esper system from VI due to actual downsides to equipping them and the way they work in battle. But due to the game's poor battle menu system and main menu system, equipping and unequipping them is really annoying. Minigames also pad the game out in a bad way. but there's some great end game content.
The story is definitely the best part of this game. the main characters are relatable, have interesting motives, and are very easy to get attached to due to the setting. The game feels so lonely and desolate that you can't help but attach yourself to these characters you follow. Especially Aerith (my beloved) because of how much of a shining ray she is. She's the only one who's optimistic and helps and guides the rest of the characters. Which makes what happens at the midpoint all the more heartbreaking.
Cloud is an even more interesting character. He's one of the best cases of an unreliable narrator I've seen. And the truth behind his character and how it builds up to it is incredible. The problem though are the other members of the crew. I really wish they were more developed, as much as I like Tifa and Barret, I wanted more from them. And the rest of the crew is kind of an afterthought with some of them even being annoying like Yuffie and Cait Sith. Shinra is really easy to hate and so is Sephiroth at times as well. But Hojo is the biggest villain in the game and I hope he burns for eternity in the worst Hell imaginable.
No matter how many issues I have with the game though. I still really like it. The story is impactful and sticks with you. And maaaaaan, the soundtrack is pure magic. I still love VI's more but something was captured with VII's soundtrack that'll never be captured again.