Final Fantasy VII

Final Fantasy VII is the iconic Japanese RPG from Square Co. Ltd. It was released for Play Station in 1997 and for PC in 1998. The project was reprinted, received its remaster and adaptation for the Nintendo Switch. It is considered one of the classic role-playing games with an advanced combat system.

Graphics

The picture in Final Fantasy VII is very sketchy. A dark color scheme prevails, immersing the player in the general atmosphere of decline that permeates the city and its surroundings. The animations are also very primitive, although for 1997 the visual of the project was a real breakthrough. Now you need to treat him with understanding. Don't expect modern graphics from a game over 20 years old.

The world map is three-dimensional, although it is made in a simplified style. While exploring the surroundings and in the process of communicating with other characters, the models of the heroes are voluminous, and they look very schematic. The map is filled with dungeons and other unusual locations. Each location is a two-dimensional background on which you can move three-dimensional (but already detailed) figures of the entire group in a plane.

Plot

The story of Final Fantasy VII revolves around a conflict between two organizations: the Shin-Ra mega-corporation and the AVALANCHE eco-terrorist group. However, this does not end there, and as a result, the heroes, according to the classics of the genre, will have to save the world.

The game takes place in the fictional world "Planet". In fact, it is ruled by the powerful corporation "Shin-Ra", which has in its power units of the secret police and a unit of super soldiers. This company came to power thanks to its technology for the extraction of energy. True, in order to obtain electricity, it was decided to suck life out of the Planet itself, which is gradually bringing it closer to death.

The plot unfolds abruptly and immediately engages in the gameplay. The heroes have already managed to blow up one of the corporation's reactors in Midgar and now they want to destroy the second one. However, the members of the group are revealed and captured. They manage to escape, but Klaus, in the process of escaping, falls into the slums of the city.

Characters

In Final Fantasy VII, the player is given nine different characters to control. Seven of them are required for the full passage, and two are optional. There is also one more character - Sephiroth - but control over him is transferred to the player only for a while.

The main character of the game is Cloud Strife. Previously, he was a mercenary who came to AVALANCHE for money, but after that he became imbued with their ideology and became one of the main ideologists and engines of the movement. The leader of the ecoterrorists is Barrett Wallace, a large black man. Instead of his right hand, he has an automaton, and in his soul - hatred of "Shin-Ra".

Another character important for the story is Tifa Lockhart, Cloud's childhood friend. She is a martial artist and is very helpful in combat.

In addition to them, the team includes flower girl Iris, sentient beast Red, mechanical cat fortuneteller Kite, pilot Sid, the thief Yuffie and the victim of cruel scientific experiments Vincent.

Gameplay

In Final Fantasy VII, the player controls a whole group of heroes, those very eco-terrorists who can explore the world and take part in battles. They can freely travel around the map, communicate with NPCs, and complete story and side missions. You can navigate the map not only on foot, but also by car, chocobo birds and other alternative methods.

All battles take place on small two-dimensional maps of locations. As soon as the group encounters a hostile creature or character, the combat menu appears at the bottom of the screen. It records health points, limits and mana of characters. In addition, through this menu, you can change and combine various attacks, switch between heroes.

The battle takes place in turn-based mode. Only three heroes can be on the battlefield at a time. Despite the turn-by-turn nature, the battle bears little resemblance to chess or other logic game. The turn time is determined not by a strict order, but by the time scale, which is gradually filled. When it becomes full, the character can perform any of the actions available to him. After that, the balance will be reset and you will have to wait again for an opportunity to make a move.

Chips and highlights

Final Fantasy VII has many interesting features that make the game unique:

• There are enough battles in the game, but the main thing is role-playing. Here you will have to deal with tactics, strategy, planning, remember what information was received from where. Saying something unnecessary to someone can lead to a series of unavoidable and sad events.
• Characters are interesting and elaborate. Between them, their own relationships are built, which are pleasant to watch. You believe in their feelings and emotions, despite the almost complete absence of facial animation as such.
• The game has an incredible atmosphere of a well-developed post-apocalypse.

Final Fantasy VII is an iconic game that deserves the attention of any gamer. If you are not too attached to the graphics, then you should definitely try out the original of 1997. If the visual is important for you, play the remaster 2020.