I was around eight years old at the time, and I had recently finished playing Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy Kong's Quest. It was a pleasant experience as were most of my joyous romps through similar adventure type games, but the sense of satisfaction could only last for so long before I needed to fill the void with another game. My standards at the time weren't exceedingly high, and any type of adventure/puzzle/action game probably would have fit the bill. However, my brother's friend had brought his Playstation over to play with, and with it a couple of games including the curious title, Final Fantasy 7. Naturally, my curiosity was running amok at the sight of not only a new game, but a new console itself; I had to try it out immediately. That was not conceivable, unfortunately, as my brother had priority over me (it was his friend after all). However, I waited until my brother and company had decided to go bed, and immediately seized upon the opportunity.
After struggling, quite comically, to figure out how a Playstation works, I finally started up Final Fantasy 7. I was so invigorated that I couldn't prevent my hands from trembling in excitement. My eyes were fixated on the single giant blade that occupied the main menu. Hastily, I pressed the button to begin a new game. The opening cinematic scene began, and my eyes were treated to a beautiful, and very industrialized mini-movie that captivated me from beginning to end. Then the game flawlessly streamed from the cinematic to the beginning of the game, and suddenly I had entered an entirely new world. I found myself in control of the arrogant mercenary-for-hire, Cloud, and was charged with helping the terrorist group, Avalanche, in blowing up a reactor. A reactor owned by Shinra, a corporation that is literally sucking the life from the planet with said reactors. Never before had I seen such plot elements in a game; they easily exceeded the typical short back-story that accompanied most games of that time. To be honest, I was a bit confused at all this information being flung at me at once (I was only eight years old at the time), but I was intrigued. I decided to see where this game was headed.
Back in the day, these graphics were revolutionary!
With Cloud's gigantic sword in tow, I cleared my way to the heart of the reactor. Along the way, I listened to conversations between Cloud and the members of Avalanche. I began to gain insight to their motives and why they have chosen to become terrorists for the greater good. At this moment in the game, Cloud is rather apathetic and only cares about receiving his pay. Yet I was charmed by his devil may care attitude. Events happen, and the bomb is set. Cloud and company rush to escape the reactor before its explodes. The group makes it out just before the climatic explosion cinematic plays. I was hooked, and I eagerly continued the game. As I progressed further, I became acquainted with more characters and concepts unique to this realm. I was engulfed in this strange new world. However, all goods things must come to an end. When I was about to set the bomb for another reactor, I realized that it was morning, and that my brother had entered the room. He gave me a strange look, and inquired if I had been up all night. Stunned, I quietly nodded in bewilderment. He shrugged, and informed me his friend was leaving which meant he had to take the Playstation with him. I was devastated; I wanted to continue exploring the world of Final Fantasy 7, but I was forced to part with it for a time.
My life was forever changed from that chance encounter. I continually thought about the world that I had only briefly been acquainted with. I wanted to unravel its mysteries and discover Cloud's role in it all. Unfortunately, my brother's friend never brought his Playstation back to our house again, and I was forced to forgo my adventure until two years later. However, in the meantime, I began to experiment with similar games (Final Fantasy 7's predecessor Final Fantasy 6 being included). This new genre excited me, and provided me a level of interactivity and story that had been unprecedented. Suddenly, games had more meaning than merely getting to the end of the level or defeating a boss. Games were a gateway to an entirely unique universe for the player to explore, enjoy, and most importantly, be a part of.
The Cast of Final Fantasy 7. Quite a varied bunch.
After two years had passed, I finally got my hands on the computer version of Final Fantasy 7. I played this version for awhile, but my family computer just couldn't handle the then-spectacular graphics; I only managed through half of the first disc. It was another interruption in my quest to complete this fascinating game, but the game only deepened its hold on me during that time. Another two years later at Christmas, I was overjoyed when I saw that my brother received a Playstation as a gift (it was later that I realized the consequences of not owning it myself, but that's a tale for another time). Soon after, I bought a copy of the game, and began again from the beginning. I didn't mind starting over as the experience was different this time. Age had allowed me to form a broader understanding of the game and the protagonist that it centers around. After many grueling trials (both in-game and in reality), I was able to complete this masterpiece of a game. Its story, characters, and events are forever etched into my mind.
This game opened my eyes to the more involving, complex aspects of video games. The capability that games can be art rivaling that of current media in beauty and storytelling. I am forever grateful to the creators of Final Fantasy 7 for allowing me to experience such a riveting pleasure, and permitting me to form an appreciation for the richer aspects of gaming.
