Final Fantasy VII Platinum User Review

Final Fantasy VII

Final Fantasy VII is the first 3D installment of the series.First released in 1997, this game has more accolades than grains of sand on the beach! Still being discussed even 15 years after its first release it's arguably the most popular title in the series to date. spawning 3 spin off games and 2 films this game truely is agreat addition to the franchise.

Graphics - At the time of release this was a milestone to measure all other games against! Normal play has acceptable graphics, even with today's standards of 3D HD models. Battle animation is phenomenal for its time featuring amazing deatil and variation of graphics, character models and battle locations. The cut scenes are plentiful and rewarding offering the player a visual treat that effortlessly blend into the gameplay showing beautiful scenery, detail and lighting! Some points of the game even mix gameplay in with portions of the CGI animations. These will definately be a motivator to play more and experience the story in it's glorious detail. 22/25 - Although they are stunning and varied they are dated and in desperate need of a reboot that is in a massive demand.

Story - The game is set in a world of science and magic, An energy company called Shin-Ra have risen to power through a monopoly of energy production they call "Mako". The Shin-Ra provide electricity, jobs and a quality standard of living that is very comfortable. Shin-Ra grow and grown until their power becomes a dictatorship of most of the world. Bearing secrets that are too dark to be known by the company's director itself, corruption starts to grow and the company not only deals with energy matters they have dove into the world of bio-research and weapon production. A production of an army ensures none oppose the will of Shin-Ra and their most elite weapons called SOLDIER rule over all. One such secret is that the Mako energy is actually made from the life force of the planet known as the Life Stream. Continued manufacturing is killing the planet, killing off life from the around the reactors and creating monsters from exposure to the waste.

Our story is one filled with comedy, sorrow, mystery and action! Our Protagonist is a 21 year old man named Cloud Strife who has a hazed and shadowy background. Calling himself a Mercanary with the title of Ex-SOLDIER 1st Class he hires himself out to any and all groups with the Gil to spare. We begin with a terrorist group called AVALANCHE, a group of freedom fighters set on freeing the planet from the tyrrany of the Shin-Ra Electric Company. But this turns out to be the start of a journey that will take them around the world, into deserts, under oceans and even outer space! Something that started off as just an ordinary bombing mission turns out to be a journey of life, death, revenge and the story of how a group of 9 save the world! 24/25 - a truly compelling and emotional thrill-ride. Need to pay attention to get the full experience and definately more rewarding each time you play through.

Music - The musical score of this game is summed up as being catchy, mysterious and powerful all at the same time. Each character has their own theme music that matches their personality and all the areas you encounter have music so perfectly suited. Reccuring tunes will give each and every element of the game it's own personality. Probably the most well known tune from the game is the "One Winged Angel". One of my personal favourite songs of all time! 25/25 - Absolutely incredible. each score gives an extra dimension to the game and will stick in your memory and create its own environment.

Longevity - The game has so much to offer with over 40 hours of normal game play, loads of side quests hidden scenes and character history do discover this game will take you at least 3 attempts to truely fin everything! The game features 2 hidden "bonus" characters each with their own mini story and unique weapons! Side quests offer the opportunity for completionists and perfect file saves. There are literally hundreds of items to collect and uprgrade your firepower and defence! Even if you find everything you can still challenge yourself with unique rules set by yourself like trying to complete it in the fastest time or at the lowest level! 23/25 - Like any other RPG it's length is epic, there are tons of secrets that will keep you hooked for months to come.

Total Score - 94/100 - A truly masterful creation of Square-Enix that will chakllenge the test of time and remain a classic for many years to come. I would definately suggest this as a MUST have for every type of gamer, from casual to serious, girl and boy, young and old. No matter your style and personality this game has something for everyone.