|
They did it... FFVII came out just under three years after FFIII came out and this game had a far bigger impact on the gaming community than FFIII did, even though the previously mentioned game would still be the most beloved FF game, but this game is probably the most easily recognized of the series and, this game is definitely one of the most twisted plots in VG history. The game starts off quickly and never lets go. The plot has the construction of something that Mr. David Lynch would do, and anyone who has seen Mulholland Dr. would understand what I mean. The game throws you right into the action and does not explain what is going on, and FFIII did the same thing, but it was less confusing. From there, you meet Cloud, the main character of the story. Right away, we see that there is a lot we need to learn about him and we are willing to go along for the ride. His origins are slowly pieced together throughout the three discs and the entire story seems to piece together with him. The game's structure is a bit different, taking a darker and more sci-fi approach to the series. It would be amplified in FFVIII. This isn't bad, and it is actually refreshing, in a way. It offers new ideas to the table and it brings you to draw up different conclusions about various subjects that you would not even be considering in FFIII.
The story is like this. You are Cloud, a new member of a rebel group AVALANCHE, who are out with one goal, and that is to take down the evil group Shinra, who are sucking the life blood of the planet, or Mako. Another name that it will get later on in the game is Lifestream. Cloud continues to work along with them and he learns that his old friend and archenemy Sephiroth is still alive and he is determined to reign hell on the planet. Clous convinces his friends to stop them, and they agree. Now, they are fighting a war on two fronts. One against Shinra and the other against Sephiroth. I left many holes open so you can learn the rest yourself, you new gamers. The characters don't have as much development as the other games, but in this case, it is a good thing. You want to be asking questions about the characters as you go along, and you want to let the motivation of the characters, especially Cloud and Sephiroth, to guide you along this train that seems to be going right into the depths of hell. The metaphors in this game seem to apply to life and they add more meaning to the story and game.
The graphics in the game have aged, but they won't bother you. They are still wonderful and have a modernistic feel to the game that is very aptly used in this game. It is almost a metaphor to us with our modernization and how we keep killing the planet with, in our case, at least, pollution. The graphics have this dark, dirty feel to them, almost as if the planet were sick with pollution. It isn't though, and it is polluted with mako drainage that is getting worse every day. However, they supply people with power, so why should they worry?
The controls are very simple and will cause no headaches whatsoever. Just relax and guide yourself through this game.
The music is very haunting and modern. You can feel it put the characters in their emotions, which is pretty good and it isnt done as often as it should be. The music is another metaphor towards the reality of human emotion. I'll leave you to figure out what that is, exactly.
The gameplay of the game is brilliant and the materia is a wonderful system for magic. Using strategy for your characters adds an extra level of depth to the game and you can do so much with it and figuring out how gets the most materia in your party and who doesn't. The minigames, like the chocobos races and breeding, are also outstanding and they really help make this game more than a 30-hour stint. The side-quests like Wutai are hilarious and filled with a lot of good humor in the game. The rest of the game is fitted with inside jokes. So, even when you do finish the main quest, for the most part, there is still much to do in the world. The ending is also quite satisfactory because it doesn't explain anything and with a game that is filled with mystery and questions that doesn't preach, but guides you, and doesn't bore you, you can come up with the ending on your own terms, which matches the rest of the game perfectly.
Square was out to make a masterpiece, and boy, did they make one. This game went on to win thirteen awards including Best Story, Graphics, and Game of the Year. This game is one that will likely be remembered for the ages. Here is a line that was used constantly in American Beauty and is one that you should do when examining the game...
Look Closer... -- Chris Vavra, PGNx Media
---- Oct 13, 2002
|
