sleestakk's Full Review: Final Fantasy VIII for PlayStation 1
FF7 really is an outstanding role playing game for Playstation! What's even better is that it can be had for $20 or less since becoming one of Playstation's Greatest Hits! You definitely get your money's worth and then some with this game!
When Playstation dropped its console price to $99, I knew I had to get one. For the last few years I lost interest in video games and really felt I no longer had the time to spend hours mastering the latest Super Nintendo fighting game. Being a fan of RPGs, PSX Final Fantasy had always peaked my curiosity but when I saw it was a mere $20 and PSX was $99, I buckled and dropped $120 (plus tax) and soon found myself immersed in the exciting world of Cloud Strife (the main protagonist) and his marvelous band of motley characters!
This epinion isn't about the technical or strategical issues the game dispenses in great magnitudes, but rather the grandeur this beautiful game exhibits. The storyline is just as captivating as the visual imagery. Here's some of the best aspects of FF7:
CGI Interludes and Movies
For a game already surpassed by its latest counterpart (FF8), the CGI is still awesome! When watching these it's very easy to forget this game came out 2 years ago. Some of the more spectacular movie portions include when Cloud gets his motorcycle and when Cloud's party visits the Gold Saucer (Gold Saucer is like a Las Vegas of sorts and CGI views of this mini city are stunning!).
Storyline
This entwining story of Cloud and his friends is enough to make a great mini-series several hours long! It has adventure, romance, plenty of action and definitely some tear-jerking moments. Sometimes it can be hard to follow because it is so involved. But the story is one aspect that keeps one enraptured in the game for hours on end.
Playability
This RPG couldn't be easier to jump right in and start playing! I should know since I took I self-imposed sabbatical from video games for a few years and had no trouble picking up the gameplay. I was worried when I originally got the game b/c I thought it may be too technical and hard to pick up, but I was completely wrong! Controls and menus are a cinch to use.
Characters
Besides Cloud and his merry men & women (Tifa, Barret, Red, Cid, Vincent, Cait, Aeris and the groovy Yuffi), the villians and other supporting roles are done well and possess personalities on their own. The Turks come to mind since encounters with these bad guys are frequent, and each meeting is as memorable as the last.
There are some downsides though. Here's a few: Little or No Repeated Gameplay
For me, when I finish this game (I've logged over 100 hours and still have the 3rd disc to go!), I can't see ever playing it again. Don't get me wrong, I love this game, but what's the point? It's so long that I can't see anyone wanting to spend that kind of time on it again when there's so many other cool RPGs out there (and the next installment, FF8!). Plus you know the story and how it ends.
High Strategic Difficulty
The strategy is sublime in this game, but if you're going to do this whole thing without the Strategy Guide or some good walkthroughs found on the Internet, then forget about it. Unless you're just superior at RPGs, you're going to have a tough time finding all the cool items (and important ones in some cases) and a rough time fighting off the bad dudes. Also, there's some hidden areas and supplement gaming that's not necessary in completing the game. I'm not sure I would've discovered those on my own without the Guide or the walkthroughs.
Some Bad Language
There is some minor swearing during the dialogue scenes so parents be forewarned. I honestly didn't expect to see some of these words which can't even be used on cable television. I don't have a problem with it as it makes the game more real and also funny at times, but I wouldn't want children seeing that and repeating it. Recommended for kids 13+ for sure.
All and all, FF7 is a thoroughly, enjoyable game and addictive as well. Despite the downsides, for the money, you can't go wrong since you're bound to get hours and hours of enjoyment and exhilarating gameplay (more than $20 can offer for most other forms of entertainment). Although this is an "old" game, it's still a great game. If you haven't tried this one, it's time you did. For $20 you can't beat it! I know I'm hooked!
The next chapter in Final Fantasy takes the series to the next level. Final Fantasy VIII combines an epic storyline with dynamic role-playing elements...More at eBay
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