Final Fantasy VII, Retro Alert!

Phoar (and I'm not even talking the gal to my left)!! This is THE Role Playing Game. This is the sole reason I bought a PlayStation. This is the reason my A Levels results are one grade lower than they should've been. This is Final Fantasy VII.

Probably one of the most universally loved games ever made. It sold 9.5 million units worldwide on the original PlayStation. With it now being available to download on PSN it has already set new sales records having already shifted 100,000 digital units since its release 2 weeks ago. With a sale price of just £7.99 I fully expect that number to increase significantly.

You play the role of Cloud Strife and his band of revolutionary eco-warriors, Avalanche. In a bid to save the planet from the evil corporation Shinra and the elusive hero turned villain Sepiroth. As you progress through the story all is not what it seems. Hidden and forgotten personal secrets are revealed. It truly is a magnificently scripted story which drags you back for more.

While the graphics have obviously dated since 1997, the cut scenes still hold their own compared to some of today’s releases. Beautiful art work and exceptional camera work help bring the cut scenes to life. The character development is sublime, Squaresoft (now Square Enix) really do know how to make you care for the characters and their fate. While Squaresoft have had success with the Final Fantasy franchise since FF7, the acclaim has not quite reached the same dizzy heights.

To completely finish the game you are looking at approximately 60 hours worth of game time. That's first hand knowledge. I really wasn't kidding about those A Levels. If you want to whiz through it (don't do it you fool!) it's probably nearer the 30 hour mark. For £7.99 that is some exceptional value for money.

If you enjoy this (and you will) then I strongly recommend you watch Final Fantasy VI: The Advent Children on DVD or Blu Ray. It carries on the story of the characters you will come to love. Rumours also persist of an updated version being on the horizon. As long as nothing except improved graphics and voice talent is added then I will allow it. It's pretty much perfect as it is. To sum up, you must own this game. Let’s just hope the next instalment in the franchise, due early 2010, is half as good as this.

Score: 10/10