What causes small ff7

Overview

The term "small FF7" is an informal, fan-driven way to refer to the original Final Fantasy VII, a seminal role-playing game (RPG) that debuted in 1997 for the original PlayStation. Developed and published by Square (now Square Enix), this title is widely regarded as a masterpiece and a pivotal moment in gaming history. Its cultural impact was profound, influencing subsequent game development and captivating a global audience with its compelling storyline, memorable characters, and groundbreaking presentation.

The "small" descriptor is often used to distinguish the original game from the ambitious Final Fantasy VII Remake project, which began releasing in 2020 and reimagines the story across multiple installments. Understanding "small FF7" requires appreciating its historical context, its technical achievements for the era, and its enduring legacy.

Details

The Genesis of Final Fantasy VII

Final Fantasy VII was the culmination of Square's ambition to create a more mature and cinematic experience than previous entries in the series. The development team, led by director Yoshinori Kitase, writer Kazushige Nojima, and producer Hironobu Sakaguchi, aimed to push the boundaries of what was possible on the PlayStation. They opted for a shift from the traditional 2D sprites of earlier Final Fantasy games to 3D polygon models for characters, set against detailed pre-rendered backgrounds. This decision was revolutionary, allowing for more dynamic camera angles and a visually richer world.

Plot and Themes

The narrative of Final Fantasy VII centers on Cloud Strife, a mercenary who joins an eco-terrorist group called AVALANCHE to fight against the Shinra Electric Power Company. Shinra is depicted as a monolithic corporation that is draining the planet's life force, known as "Lifestream," to power its Mako energy reactors. The story quickly expands beyond this initial conflict, delving into themes of identity, loss, environmentalism, corporate greed, and the nature of memory. The antagonist, Sephiroth, is one of gaming's most iconic villains, whose actions have devastating consequences for Cloud and the world.

Technical Achievements and Impact

Upon its release, Final Fantasy VII was lauded for its graphical prowess, particularly its use of full-motion video (FMV) cutscenes, which were state-of-the-art for the time. The transition from 3D gameplay segments to these cinematic sequences was seamless and immersive. The game's score, composed by Nobuo Uematsu, is also highly acclaimed and remains one of the most beloved soundtracks in video game history.

Final Fantasy VII's success was instrumental in popularizing the RPG genre in Western markets. Its cinematic presentation and accessible gameplay mechanics resonated with a broader audience than previous RPGs, breaking down barriers and paving the way for future titles. The game's release was a major factor in the PlayStation's dominance in the fifth console generation.

Legacy and Distinguishing 'Small FF7'

The original Final Fantasy VII spawned a compilation of related media, including the CGI film Advent Children, the action RPG Dirge of Cerberus: Final Fantasy VII, and the tactical RPG Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII. These titles expanded the lore and explored the backstories of various characters. However, the most significant expansion is the Final Fantasy VII Remake project, which began in 2020. This multi-part series aims to retell the story of the original game with modern graphics, expanded gameplay, and a significantly altered narrative structure.

Therefore, when fans refer to "small FF7," they are typically referring to the 1997 original game on the PlayStation. This distinction is crucial for clarity, especially when discussing the original story, its specific gameplay mechanics, or its historical significance in contrast to the newer, reimagined versions. The "small" version represents the foundational experience that captivated millions and set the stage for one of gaming's most enduring sagas.