Final Fantasy VII

Final Fantasy VII is a seminal role-playing game developed by Square (now Square Enix). Released in 1997, it revolutionized the genre with its engaging story, memorable characters, and innovative gameplay mechanics. The game follows Cloud Strife, a former member of Shinra's elite military unit SOLDIER, as he joins the eco-terrorist group AVALANCHE to stop Shinra from draining the planet's life force, known as the Lifestream. This energy, processed into Mako, powers the city of Midgar and fuels Shinra's technological advancements. The game's themes of environmentalism, corporate greed, and personal identity are central to its narrative. The soundtrack, composed by Nobuo Uematsu, enhances the emotional depth of pivotal scenes, such as Aerith's death. Gameplay features include the Active Time Battle system and the Materia system, which allows for character customization and skill development. Final Fantasy VII has been remade and expanded upon, with versions like Final Fantasy VII Remake offering new insights into characters and storylines while maintaining the core essence of the original.