Damien

THE best video game I have ever played. The original Final Fantasy 7 was my very first introduction to video games, and to say I was obsessed would be an understatement. Square Enix has always been my favourite game developing company for as long as I can remember, with Dragon Quest being a major part of my childhood just as much as the Final Fantasy games. I have waited years for the release of this game, and my god was it worth the wait. To start with, the graphics in this game are unlike any other. The intricate details and layout of buildings, the individual scratches and scuffs on steel armor, the mesmerising landscapes, and the quality of the cut scenes and overall cinematography of them is unmatched, I'm often left in shock at the sheer beauty of it. The music is truly unlike any other and really ties together the whole feel of the game. No matter the situation, serious or silly, the music in each area of the game fits perfectly. The battle music really gets the adrenaline pumping, and makes for a rewarding battle experience. Plus, you can purchase music records in game to play inside Seventh Heaven, which is a neat little feature that makes the game all that much more engaging. For anyone who has played the original FF7, the re-imagination of your favorite characters is truly a treat for the eyes and ears. It provides so much more depth and connection to the characters now that they have voice actors and are insanely realistic with their mannerisms, way of speech, etc. You don't feel as though it's you playing the game, you are merely guiding Cloud throughout the story, feeling his emotions as though they're your own. I cant even begin to describe how incredible the story in this game is, you just have to see for yourself. The twists and turns, the backstory of each character, the underlying messages within the game, everything is crafted to perfection. It really is a story that will stick with you forever. A really special and unique feature of this game is that the side quests...aren't boring, which is very rare for these kinds of games. I've spent many a gaming session strictly doing side quests, as most times they are just as much fun as the main story and allows you to enjoy more of the game without having to do jam packed quests all the time. It gives the game a more realistic edge as time seems to pass normally rather than action, action, action, 24/7 and helps to connect more to the characters. Another feature I really liked was that it is very "first time player" friendly. There are many options to adjust the game depending on how you like to play. There's an easy mode for beginners or those who just prefer to engage in the story line and not so much with battles, a normal mode to get a real feel for both story and combat, and a classic mode, where the attacking and blocking is controlled, and you are in charge of delivering skills/magic. There are options for all types of players. Some of the most memorable and immersive game play of any video game I have played. I recommend this game for both first time players and super fans, it's a game for everyone and anyone.