Final Fantasy VII - PC Review - Gamecenter

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Final Fantasy VII

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This is one of the few games that can't be described effectively with words and screen shots. You need to play it in order to grasp the style and animation skills of the artists. One word of warning, though. Final Fantasy VII I've read posts from several angry users whose video cards won't work with the game, even when playing solely in software-rendering mode. Although the game supports most Voodoo Graphics-based cards, Eidos specifically maintains that Voodoo Rush owners will need to update their drivers and is relying on 3Dfx for the new drivers. That explains why my own Intergraph Voodoo Rush card caused lots of display problems. Unless you know your video card is specifically supported, I suggest buying the game from a store that accepts returns.
This game isn't essentially much different from its console predecessor, which is fine by me. In fact, if it weren't for the many issues that have cropped up, evidenced in Eidos's own technical FAQ, FFVII would have been a GameWorthy, five-X title.
Faustian Fistfest
If FFVII works with your video card, you're in for a treat. This is a game that can be played for months and still remain fresh. There is no multiplayer capability, but the game doesn't need it. The story is intriguing and simple, elegant and crude, and even touching at times. This is what the single-player interactive entertainment experience is all about. There are more than enough weapons, spells, and monsters to keep traditional PC RPG fans happy, plus action elements to shake things up. FFVII is the first PC fistfest that's also a feast for the eyes, complete with a legendary plot befitting Faust. (Try saying that three times fast.) Frankly, you can't sum up Final Fantasy VII in a tidy little package. There are too many interesting subplots, too many secondary and hidden aspects to the game. You've got to play it to appreciate the work that went into this masterpiece.
Tips
-You'll quickly find your inventory overflowing with items that you never use because they aren't convenient. At first, battle is easy, and you might not need these items, but eventually you will. Because battle is the most time-critical event in the game, keep battle items near the top, ideally in the first few slots so you can use them quickly. When Chocobo hunting, put greens in the first slot so you can use them before your quarry runs away.
-In order to win a battle, sometimes you have to do the unexpected--like attack yourself or "help" your enemy. For example, if an enemy imprisons one of your characters, you can sometimes break free by attacking your own character. Likewise, at times you can do damage to an undead enemy by casting life or using Phoenix Down on it.
-Keep trying. For example, there is a rare, early Megalixer (restores everyone's health and magic points!) hidden in a cabinet on the top floor of the Inn in Kalm Town. You can't reach it at first, but keep trying and you'll get it. Keep this in mind for other obstacles.
-Here's how to catch a Chocobo after you've visited the Chocobo farm: select Equip Chocobo Lure Materia. Run around the world map on the Chocobo tracks. When you fight a battle, a Chocobo will appear on the enemy's side--don't attack it! Feed it greens to keep it from running away. Destroy the other creatures before the Chocobo escapes. Congratulations: you should now be riding a Chocobo. If you get off, it will run away.
-Riding Chocobos is useful for getting around the world map and avoiding fights. Later in the game you'll find/breed ones that can cross water and climb mountains. Use your first Chocobo to cross the marsh to the southwest of the Chocobo farm and avoid the Midgar Zolom. The adventure is just beginning...

If you liked this game, you might want to try Might and Magic VI: The Mandate of Heaven.

Hugh Falk is often credited with producing the world's first video-gaming magazine, PongWorld, which debuted in 1974. Unfortunately, an immature gaming market, a total lack of interest in Pong-related news, and the fact that he was six years old doomed the project to failure. Now he works as just another reviewer in the industry he founded. Agree or disagree with the review? Let us know.

Facts

Final Fantasy VII
Eidos Interactive
Price: $50.00
Pentium-133 (with 3D accelerator card) or Pentium-166 (without 3D accelerator card), 32MB RAM, 260MB disk space, 4X CD-ROM, DirectX 5.0, DirectX 5.0-compatible sound and video card

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