The Game That Changed Gaming - Final Fantasy VII
The year is 1997, and the PlayStation is making its way to becoming one of the most groundbreaking consoles to ever be released.
And on January 31st, video game history was about to be changed: Final Fantasy VII was released for the PlayStation.
Many of you are most likely aware of the recent PS4 hit game Final Fantasy VII Remake, which was also a gamechanger with its crazy graphics and gameplay. But where it all started was the OG release. FFVII is said to be one of the most influential RPGs & video games ever released. There is pre-FFVII and post-FFVII.
Released by Square [Square Enix today], the game is still today the most sold title they released by the company, with over 13,000,000 copies sold. Utilizing the PlayStation's new technology, the FFVII revolutionized the gaming world with the use of 3-D characters, rendered backgrounds, and cut-scenes; a huge step up from the 2-D pixelated styles which were typical in consoles at the time like the SFC [SNES].
The story follows Cloud Strife, a mercenary who joins the eco-terrorist group AVALANCHE to stop the megacorporation Shinra Electric Power Company in Midgar from using the Planet's Lifestream as their energy source. Cloud and his team & friends must seek Sephiroth, who aims to destroy the Planet.
Not only did the game change how games were made, but also how they were sold. At the time, new titles were generally released at game & electronics stores, creating huge lines for anticipated games. FFVII introduced the concept of games being possible to be reserved & purchased at convenience stores throughout Japan, which succeeded at avoiding lines and shortages at the usual stores.
The game also received countless awards, and was praised by critics as one of the best video games of all time. With its cyberpunk setting, unique storytelling approach, and an endless amount of other factors, we still believe it is one of the most important games to this day.
