The Most Popular Final Fantasy Game Isn’t Even The Best One

Final Fantasy 7 is arguably the most popular installment in the classic RPG series, even if it isn’t the best one, and there’s a very specific series of reasons that explain why it became so well-known and put the franchise on the map. Originally released in 1997 to critical acclaim, the JRPG by Square Enix was an immense hit, not only in terms of reception, but sales. The PS1 game grew to become one of the most popular titles in the industry and has endured the test of time, as the original Final Fantasy 7 is still worth playing.

Despite its availability and quality, FF7 is being remade with a grand makeover applied not only to its visuals, but also to its gameplay and story. The FF7 Remake series, divided into three parts, will cover the entire story told in the original game, but with a few twists. Two of those parts, Remake and Rebirth, are already available. The story of FF7 Remake Part 3 is concluded, though the game itself doesn’t have a release window just yet, as Square Enix works on it. Even so, none of this would be happening if it weren’t for the original game.

Final Fantasy 7 Helped The Franchise Break Into Western Markets

The Title Was The First To Have 3D Graphics

The release of the original FF7 was revolutionary for the industry in more ways than one. While the series was somewhat popular in Japan, its country of origin, the franchise had some trouble breaking into the Western market, even with undeniably great games like Final Fantasy 4 or Final Fantasy 6. However, FF7 helped Square Enix reach a brand-new audience, offering a new take on JRPGs that hadn’t been seen before. One of the most notable aspects of the game is that it was the first in the series to use 3D graphics and full motion video.

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Opposed to the increasingly oversaturated pixel art style presented in the previous titles, this made FF7 stand out significantly, especially during a period in which the presence of 3D games was starting to grow, thanks to increasing hardware technology. The decision to transition into 3D was because of a successful tech demo run by Square, as well as the increasing cartridge prices for games – and with it on a CD for PlayStation, that would change. This is surely the most notable aspect of the original Final Fantasy 7, but not the only one.

FF7 Stood Out With Its Unique 3D Graphics & Western-Adjacent Theme

The Franchise Was Adapted To Fit Changing Times

The 3D graphics applied to FF7 in 1997 were revolutionary, especially for the JRPG genre that had been stuck in a predetermined format for years. This appealed to Western audiences who were also looking toward PlayStation consoles, which promised to be revolutionary themselves and rival Nintendo and Sega’s supremacy at the time. Nowadays, the graphics do look outdated and even ridiculous at times, but this was a top-tier game, graphically speaking, when it was released, especially considering how long it is.

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Another point of interest is how the game tells a brand-new type of story for the franchise, which better reaches Western audiences. Distancing itself from the high-fantasy theme that had accompanied the franchise for a long time, FF7 threw itself into a high-tech world. In the gaming industry, the late 1990s and early 2000s were fueled by post-apocalyptic and robot-based scenarios, and FF7 was something of a pioneer. In terms of its theme and setting, it spoke with a wider audience than ever before, which was already growing tired of fantasy.

While FF7 did distance itself from several staples in the franchise so far, it did retain a lot of the elements that made it a great Final Fantasy game. This includes a well-developed turn-based combat system, a memorable story with unforgettable characters, and an emotional soundtrack to accompany it all. Overall, FF7 presented Western audiences with the best aspects of the franchise but with a new look that appealed to them, leaving a mark on a generation of players, many of whom had the game as their first in the series.

FF7 Isn’t The Best Final Fantasy Game

The Series Wouldn’t Have Gone Much Further Without FF7, However

The print that FF7 left on the industry is undeniable, with many players claiming that this is the best title in the series and several others holding it as their favorite game ever. There is no doubt that Final Fantasy 7 is a great game, even if it was adapted for Western audiences. Even so, technically speaking, FF7 is not the best game in the franchise. Indeed, in terms of scores, neither parts of the Remake series reach the game that is established as the best Final Fantasy game of all time.

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According to Metacritic, Final Fantasy 9 is the best title in the series, with a 94 Metascore and an 8.9 user score. Comparatively, Final Fantasy 7 on Metacritic has a 92 Metascore and an 8.9 user score, tied with FFXIV: Endwalker, FF7 Rebirth, and Final Fantasy X. The difference is very subtle, but it does put FF7’s critical reception below the title released three years later. To me, this does make sense. FF9 is a better game altogether, but it likely wouldn’t even exist if Final Fantasy 7 hadn’t broken down regional barriers with its release in 1997.

Source: Metacritic (1, 2)

Final Fantasy 7

Systems

Released

January 31, 1997

ESRB

T for Teen: Blood, Fantasy Violence, Language, Mild Suggestive Themes

Developer(s)

Square Enix

Publisher(s)

Square Enix

Engine

Unreal Engine 4