Overview
Aerith’s death made millions cry. Final Fantasy VII wasn’t just a game—it was a cultural event that proved RPGs could reach mainstream Western audiences. Square’s industrial fantasy combined pre-rendered backgrounds with revolutionary FMV, wrapping an eco-terrorist story around mechanics refined over six previous entries.
Fast facts
- Developer: Squaresoft.
- Director: Yoshinori Kitase.
- Protagonist: Cloud Strife.
- Impact: JRPG mainstream breakthrough.
Mainstream breakthrough
| Factor | Impact |
|---|
| PlayStation platform | Huge install base |
| Marketing | Major advertising |
| FMV sequences | Cinematic appeal |
| Visual quality | Impressive for era |
Materia system
| Mechanic | Function |
|---|
| Materia orbs | Equippable magic |
| Growth | Level up independently |
| Combinations | Support materia links |
| Strategy | Build customisation |
Characters
| Character | Role |
|---|
| Cloud Strife | Protagonist |
| Aerith | Flower girl |
| Tifa | Childhood friend |
| Barret | AVALANCHE leader |
| Sephiroth | Antagonist |
That scene
| Moment | Impact |
|---|
| Aerith’s death | Permanent loss |
| Player reaction | Genuine grief |
| Cultural impact | Gaming milestone |
| Disc One ending | Narrative shock |
Visual approach
| Technique | Result |
|---|
| Pre-rendered backgrounds | Detailed environments |
| FMV cutscenes | Cinematic moments |
| 3D characters | Expressive models |
| Summon animations | Spectacular spells |
Legacy
| Impact | Manifestation |
|---|
| JRPG popularity | Genre growth in West |
| PlayStation sales | System seller |
| Remake | 2020 reimagining |
See also