Nearly 30 Years Later, Is This Really Gaming’s Most Important JRPG?

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Originally released in Japan on January 31, 1997, Final Fantasy VII quickly became much more than just a success – it completely changed the RPG landscape. Many developers tried to follow its example, but the story of Cloud Strife has remained popular with gamers for over two decades, reaching new audiences through remakes and appearances in other games.

It’s been almost thirty years since Final Fantasy VII was released, and it’s still considered a landmark game – not just for role-playing games, but for the entire gaming world. Many believe Final Fantasy VII’s success actually changed gaming, even beyond Japanese RPGs. Let’s take a look at how Square Enix’s hit title reshaped the gaming landscape.

RPGs Were Different After Final Fantasy VII

Though not the first Final Fantasy game, Final Fantasy VII profoundly impacted the video game world. While Japanese role-playing games (JRPGs) had been released internationally before, FFVII was a huge success from the start. Its 3D graphics were state-of-the-art for its time, a significant departure from the earlier, more 2D-style Final Fantasy games, and showed how game development was changing. The game also featured full-motion video (FMV) cutscenes, which, while not entirely new, were incredibly memorable and brought the game’s key story moments to life with stunning visuals.

Man, I still remember being totally floored by Aerith’s death – it was one of those gaming moments that just stuck with me forever. It feels like every game since has tried to pull off a similar shocking twist, but nothing’s ever quite hit the same way. Before Final Fantasy VII, RPGs felt… different. After that game, everything changed. Games started aiming for a more cinematic, story-driven feel, really focusing on characters and their journeys. The whole series, and a lot of other JRPGs, have been chasing that magic ever since. While games like Chrono Trigger and Dragon Quest were huge too, Final Fantasy VII really reinvented the RPG for a new generation, and it helped turn the genre from something kinda niche into one of the biggest styles of games out there. It basically made RPGs mainstream, and changed the tone and style of gaming for years to come.

Final Fantasy VII Helped Solidify The Idea Of AAA Gaming

Beyond its influence on story-driven games and RPGs, Final Fantasy VII truly changed the gaming industry with its ambitious development and large budget. Unlike most games of the time, which were made with very limited resources, Final Fantasy VII invested heavily in top-of-the-line graphics, a vast and detailed world, a full orchestral soundtrack, and a talented art team. The resulting game was enormous, spanning multiple discs. With a development cost of around $40 million and an even larger marketing budget, it was a landmark achievement.

When it was first made, this game was incredibly expensive – a risk at a time when the video game market was still recovering from a previous downturn. Most games weren’t made on such a large scale. However, Final Fantasy VII used its substantial budget to create a truly original and cinematic experience for players. The game’s huge popularity proved that big budgets could pay off, leading other companies to increase their own spending in an attempt to compete. This ultimately helped shape the modern gaming industry, where large-scale, high-budget games – known as AAA titles – are common, offering developers both opportunities and significant challenges.

Final Fantasy VII Is One Of Gaming’s Most Important Successes

Final Fantasy VII isn’t just a landmark Japanese role-playing game; it’s been incredibly influential on gaming as a whole. Many gamers have experienced it, and its impact is still felt today. The game’s protagonist, Cloud, inspired a wave of similar heroes in other games, both in terms of appearance and combat style. It also helped popularize large-scale fantasy adventures and the inclusion of romantic storylines and meaningful player choices – elements that were subtly present in Final Fantasy VII’s famous love triangle and continue to be discussed by fans.

Above all, Final Fantasy VII truly established the cinematic style many games still aim for today. Its impact on gaming culture and future game development is still felt decades later – even with all the sequels, spin-offs, and remakes it’s inspired. Final Fantasy VII isn’t just a landmark RPG; it’s one of the most influential games ever made.

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2026-01-31 20:12