Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Final Fantasy VII presents a classic yet refined turn-based combat system with its signature Active Time Battle (ATB) mechanic. Each character’s ATB gauge fills in real time, adding strategic tension as you decide whether to attack, cast magic, use items, or switch Materia mid-battle. This pacing keeps encounters engaging, ensuring that no two skirmishes feel identical.

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The innovative Materia system lies at the core of character customization. Instead of fixed skill trees, Materia orbs slot into equipment, granting spells, summons, and passive boosts. You can freely reconfigure your party’s abilities at save points, encouraging experimentation and ensuring you can adapt to tougher bosses or revisit earlier dungeons with fresh tactics.

Additionally, the sprawling world map and myriad mini-games extend gameplay well beyond the main narrative. Whether you’re racing the chocobo, mastering the Gold Saucer’s carnival attractions, or diving into the Wutai sidequest, there’s always a diversion. These optional activities not only reward exploration but also deepen your connection to the world’s intricate systems.

Graphics

While released in 1997, Final Fantasy VII’s blend of 3D character models and richly detailed pre-rendered backgrounds remains a landmark achievement. Towns and dungeons are brought to life with dynamic camera angles, creating cinematic environments that immerse you in Midgar’s grimy slums and the expansive landscapes beyond Shinra’s domain.

The game’s CGI cutscenes, when they appear, elevate key story moments to theatrical heights. From the iconic plate-fall sequence to Sephiroth’s haunting monologues, these high-quality movies punctuate gameplay with emotional gravitas. Even by modern standards, they retain their ability to surprise and captivate.

Though character faces appear blocky up close, the evocative art direction compensates with bold color palettes and intricate set pieces. PlayStation-era limitations are turned into stylistic strengths, and subsequent remasters have proven that the core visual design still resonates with new and returning players alike.

Story

At its heart, Final Fantasy VII is an eco-political saga set in a post-modern, steampunk-inspired world. Shinra Inc., the all-powerful megacorporation, drains the planet’s life force in the form of Mako energy, setting the stage for an environmental crisis of global proportions. This conflict between industrial ambition and planetary balance underpins every twist and revelation.

Your guide through this turmoil is Cloud Strife, an ex-Soldier turned mercenary with a tangled past. As Cloud joins the eco-terrorist group AVALANCHE, you’re drawn into clandestine missions to sabotage Shinra reactors. Gradually, deeper conspiracies unfold, revealing bio-engineered mutants, hidden identities, and a cosmic threat that transcends corporate greed.

The narrative excels in weaving personal drama into world-shaking stakes. Memorable supporting characters—Tifa, Barret, Aerith, and the enigmatic Sephiroth—each bring their own motivations and vulnerabilities. Their evolving relationships and sacrifices ensure the story remains as emotionally resonant today as it was upon release.

Overall Experience

Final Fantasy VII is more than a relic of the ’90s; it’s a milestone that shaped the JRPG genre for decades. Its blend of strategic combat, open-ended exploration, and a deeply affecting story creates a cohesive experience that rewards both planners and storytellers. Few games achieve such a harmonious balance across gameplay, world-building, and dramatic impact.

Newcomers may find some mechanics dated, but the core design remains solid. The satisfaction of mastering Materia combinations, unlocking Ultimate Limit Breaks, and uncovering every secret chests and side quest still delivers punchy thrills. Moreover, the game’s pacing allows you to dip in for short sessions or immerse yourself in marathon playthroughs without losing momentum.

For anyone curious about gaming history or passionate about narrative-driven adventures, Final Fantasy VII stands as essential terrain. Whether you’re drawn by its sprawling environments, its unforgettable cast, or the challenge of perfecting your battle tactics, this journey through a world on the brink of collapse offers enduring rewards and lasting nostalgia.

Retro Replay Score

8.4/10