Video games have been popular for a lot of years now. We’re getting to the point where there are now generations who don’t know what it was like to not have them. The home game consoles (Nintendo, PlayStation, Xbox, etc.) are really hitting their stride now with the advances in computer and gaming technology. The RPG, or role-playing game, where the player essentially takes on the identity of the main character in the game has been very popular for as long as there have been home consoles.

 One of the more popular RPG series is the Final Fantasy series. These games began life in a two-dimensional format on the older systems, but just over ten years ago, the seventh game in the series, Final Fantasy VII, changed the look and feel of the RPG forever.

 FF7 truly revolutionized RPG gameplay as it was known up until then. Released in 1997 for the Sony PlayStation console, it began a whole new era.

 FF7 was the first console RPG to utilize three-dimensional images, and action against two-dimensional backgrounds. Combined with the most incredible musical score of any video game until that time, the game remains a favorite even now, 11 years after it first came out. There are still message forums and websites devoted to the game. The game initially sold for $40 (US) in 1997; nowadays you can’t find a used copy for under $60.

 The game is a quest; most of it is played through the viewpoint of Cloud, a young mercenary with a mysterious past. There are 6 more characters that join Cloud on his journey, and two other characters who are optional to bring into the game.

 The game starts out simply enough, you are simply destroying reactors used by Shinra, the planet’s ruling corporation. The reactors are vital for power, but are destroying the planet. From there you go on a quest to save the entire planet from annihilation by a man named Sephiroth, once a Shinra super-soldier, now a world conquering maniac.

 On the way there are many side quests and battles that are used to raise your various strength and skill levels. Game time can range anywhere from 55+ to 99+ hours.

 All in all, Final Fantasy VII remains a classic. The first, and probably the best of its kind.