Hello there, friend! I know there are a few pages like this on the wiki already, but the premise of this page is to voice my opinions in a matter that doesn't come across too pushy, yet meant to inform. Be warned as these are my opinions, but are based on facts, which therefore means they are right. While the page is relatively empty in its current from, I will update it from time to time, provided I continue to feel motivated enough to do so. I encourage anyone who is interested in a game designer's opinions to view this page, given that something eventually shows up. Until then, look forward to possibly seeing some pointless opinions from a user who will be making games you, your children, and your children's children will be playing in the future.
Your friendly neighborhood gamer- < Kamikaze Pardee > 18:55, October 4, 2011 (UTC)
This section won't be as organized as my review section and will act more as a "spur-of-the-moment-post-stuff-when-I-feel-like-it" area. I'll be sure to time stamp posts and try to group together posts month by month, depending on how much I post. -More Coming Soon!
Fan service: A term commonly used when something is put into a game strictly for fan appeal and/or to sell the game. Example: Tifa's large boobs.
I don't really see why this term exists. If you really think about it, the goal of anything made is to get a positive reaction, whether it be through sales or to stir up feedback. Sure there are some things that feel "out of the ordinary" in games, but people have really pushed this term too far. Sometimes people just like to bitch and moan about things out of their control, and I respect that, but it shouldn't be about something as trivial as what's out of place in a video game. 11:31, November 26, 2011 (UTC)
Here is where I will review several different media in the franchise; from games in the main series and various sequels, prequels, and spin-offs, to different movies and other animated media. I will only review titles that I have beaten, or neared in completion, or watched as I deem fair.
The story of Final Fantasy VII is one of the best in the series. Complex enough to keep the player interested with every plot twist and turn, yet simple enough that the less hardcore players will continue to go through. There's an excellent mythos underlying the lesser scheme of things that wraps up the game entirely and doesn't divert from the typical conventions of the series. You have your ups and downs throughout the whole game, each one more emotionally challenging than the previous. However convoluted things may seem at present, the story always seems to provide closure when needed without giving away too much. Flashbacks appear several times, allowing the player to get a bit more of the back story while also causing more questions to surface. All in all, the story is great, plain and simple.
20/20
Gameplay
Ah yes, the classic ATB system returns once again, only this time, with a few iconic changes. First off, it handles much like you would expect a Final Fantasy title would; different job classes, various weapons and equipment, large over world, several settlements scattered throughout the land, countless NPCs with either useless or valuable information, random battles a plenty, and epic boss battles galore. Now back to the bulk of the game, the battles. The ATB system proves its worth to series by staying true to the initial concept while adding a few new aspects to be reused again and again in later titles. The player will organize their party of 3, almost always using Cloud, and utilize different methods of attacking, whether it be direct physical hits or magical spells. The ability to customize your party is an outstanding concept and the game does it excellently through the Materia system. Players gain these little orbs of the Lifestream and unlock special abilities by equipping and leveling them up. Limit Breaks are the next biggest addition to which the player can unleash devastating attacks against enemies by taking a beating over time. Several incarnations of this concept are included in many titles onwards. There are also numerous minigames throughout, some required, many just for fun, but with great rewards. There's pretty much that feels bad about the gameplay - it's familiar and fresh at the same time.
20/20
Characters
It's no surprise this is where Final Fantasy VII truly soars. The variety of characters is great and appealing. I dare you to find a real gamer in the world who isn't familiar with at least 3 characters in the game, go on, I dare you. That being said, Final Fantasy VII's cast is great. Cloud: one of my favorite video game characters of all time - is Square's leading man when it comes to representation, and he deserves it. Also the wielder of an iconic weapon along with fashionably spikey hair. Tifa: the bodacious, brunette, badass, beauty is another great character, even though the hipsters out there still call her a source of "fan service" for a couple of -*ahem*- qualities. Aeris(called this because that's her name in game): the other poster girl for the game. Classic white mage, soft-spoken, cute, and accepting of a larger fate. Barret: Mr. T with a gunarm, definitely a first for the series with a great back story to boot. Red XIII: the intelligent beast of unknown species. Cait Sith: another unique character, source of comic relief and interesting story. Cid: bad-mouth ace pilot who's also a Dragoon, incredible combination. Vincent: resident secret badass with an awesome back story on top of it all. Just one look at him screams utter epicness. Yuffie: young, stealthy secret ninja with a fetish for Materia. Sephiroth: arguably one of the best video game villains ever, although the hipsters/trolls will tell you otherwise. Feminine and mommy issues aside, the iconic rival of Cloud who also wields a well-known weapon. Some of the minor characters include members of Shinra, an evil scientist named Hojo, and a special division of Shinra known as the Turks, all who play an important role in the story.
20/20
Visuals
Back in the golden age of the first Sony platform called the PlayStation, Final Fantasy VII was a technical powerhouse. 3D-graphics were becoming more and more widespread and this game pushed the limits by what home gaming consoles could do. The pre-rendered cutscenes, although few and far between, were visually stunning, and even impressive to this day. In-game models weren't fully-scaled and laid on a static background with the exception of a few visual effects. Battle models were fully-scaled and anatomically more correct. Special effects, whether they be from magic or other means, were spot on and very pleasing to watch.
20/20
Audio
At this point in video game history, music was becoming more and more orchestrated and a lot less chip tune. Another truly great part of Final Fantasy VII is the music, which has some of the greatest pieces not only in Final Fantasy history, but video game history in general. And yes, I'm talking about One-Winged Angel.
20/20
Overall Presentation
Overall, Final Fantasy VII is, in my honest opinion, the epitome of Final Fantasy games. Not only is every area of the game spectacular, the game inspired an entire plethora of spin-offs, sequels/prequels, and an outstanding CG movie. One could only hope Square captures the genius and wonder that is Final Fantasy VII and deliver it to the masses. Do yourself a favor and play this piece of video game history.
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