Final Fantasy VII: Why We Focus On 'Saving' It?

Hey guys! Have you ever noticed how often we talk about Final Fantasy VII and its legacy, it feels like the discussions are always circling around how to "fix" or "save" the game, even among those of us who genuinely love it? It's a curious phenomenon, right? Instead of diving deep into the game's compelling narrative, its iconic characters, or its groundbreaking gameplay, we often find ourselves dissecting its flaws and pondering hypothetical improvements. Why is this the case? Why does a game so beloved and influential seem to constantly be under the microscope of critical analysis and revisionary thinking?

The Allure of "What If?"

One of the primary reasons we engage in this perpetual cycle of "saving" Final Fantasy VII lies in the game's immense potential and the strong emotional connection** we have with it. For many of us, Final Fantasy VII was a formative experience, a gateway into the world of JRPGs and a landmark title that shaped our gaming tastes for years to come. The game's sprawling world, its memorable cast, and its epic storyline resonated deeply, creating a sense of nostalgia and attachment that few other games can match. This deep connection, however, also makes us acutely aware of the game's shortcomings. Whether it's the slightly clunky graphics, the occasionally confusing narrative threads, or the limitations of the original PlayStation hardware, there are aspects of Final Fantasy VII that haven't aged as gracefully as others. This awareness, coupled with our love for the game, fuels our desire to see it reach its full potential. We imagine a version of Final Fantasy VII that is even more polished, more immersive, and more emotionally resonant, and we can't help but discuss how this idealized version might be achieved. It's the allure of "what if?" that keeps us theorizing and debating, even decades after the game's initial release. We believe so much in the source material, and that's why we try to express what we like so much of the game. This can be expressed in different ways, but trying to improve the game in our minds is one way to go about it.

Furthermore, the open-ended nature of Final Fantasy VII's narrative and world encourages speculation and interpretation. The game leaves certain plot points ambiguous, allowing players to fill in the gaps and create their own headcanons. This ambiguity, while enriching the game's lore and fostering a sense of mystery, also invites us to imagine alternative scenarios and outcomes. What if Aerith had survived? What if Sephiroth's motivations were different? What if the story had explored certain characters or themes in greater depth? These questions linger in our minds, prompting us to revisit the game's narrative and consider how it could be expanded or reinterpreted. So, it's not just about fixing perceived flaws; it's also about exploring the vast potential of the Final Fantasy VII universe and pushing the boundaries of its story.

The Burden of Legacy

Another factor contributing to this focus on "saving" Final Fantasy VII is the immense weight of its legacy. The game is widely regarded as one of the greatest video games of all time, and it holds a special place in the hearts of countless gamers. This status, however, comes with a certain burden. Final Fantasy VII is not just a game; it's a cultural touchstone, a symbol of a bygone era of gaming, and a benchmark against which other JRPGs are often measured. This elevated status creates a high bar of expectations, and any perceived shortcomings are amplified by the game's iconic status. When we discuss how to "save" Final Fantasy VII, we are not just talking about fixing a game; we are talking about preserving and enhancing a legacy. We want to ensure that future generations can experience the magic of Final Fantasy VII in the best possible way, and this desire drives us to critique, analyze, and propose improvements. The legacy of Final Fantasy VII makes any discussion surrounding it important and worthwhile, because it has meant so much to so many people.

Moreover, the evolution of gaming technology and design sensibilities has inevitably influenced our perception of Final Fantasy VII. What was groundbreaking and innovative in 1997 may seem dated or clunky by today's standards. We have witnessed significant advancements in graphics, gameplay mechanics, storytelling techniques, and overall game design, and these advancements have shaped our expectations of what a modern JRPG should be. When we look back at Final Fantasy VII, we can't help but compare it to more recent titles and identify areas where it could be improved. This is not necessarily a criticism of the original game; it's simply a reflection of the natural progression of the gaming industry. However, this comparison inevitably leads us to consider how Final Fantasy VII could be modernized and brought up to par with contemporary standards. These standards are important to consider, and in doing so, we can also consider the legacy of the game and how it may impact our view of modern games going forward.

The Remake and the Ongoing Conversation

The release of Final Fantasy VII Remake has further fueled the discussion about "saving" the game. While the Remake has been largely praised for its stunning visuals, its revamped combat system, and its expanded storyline, it has also sparked debate about the changes made to the original game. Some fans have embraced the Remake's new direction, while others have expressed concerns about its deviations from the source material. This division highlights the delicate balance between preserving the essence of the original Final Fantasy VII and modernizing it for a new audience. The Remake has become a focal point for discussions about the game's legacy, its artistic merit, and its potential for future iterations. So, while it is a great game in and of itself, it is important to compare it to the original to fully grasp the impact that the first game had on the world. This makes it so that the discussions surrounding it are worth having and worth exploring as a community.

Furthermore, the episodic nature of the Final Fantasy VII Remake project has created a sense of anticipation and uncertainty about the future of the series. Each new installment of the Remake presents an opportunity to revisit and reimagine different aspects of the original game, and this has fueled speculation and theorizing about where the story might go next. The Remake has essentially become an ongoing conversation, a collaborative effort between the developers and the fans to shape the future of Final Fantasy VII. We are all invested in the outcome, and this investment drives us to continue discussing how the game can be "saved" or, perhaps more accurately, how it can be reimagined and revitalized for a new generation. It's cool to see how we, as fans, can have such an impact on where the story goes, but it is also important to respect the source material and what made it so great in the first place. That balance can be difficult to navigate, but it makes for a good conversation nonetheless.

A Testament to the Game's Enduring Power

In conclusion, the fact that we spend so much time discussing how to "save" Final Fantasy VII is not necessarily a negative reflection on the game itself. On the contrary, it's a testament to the game's enduring power and its ability to inspire passion and debate. Final Fantasy VII is a game that we care deeply about, and our desire to see it reach its full potential stems from our love for the characters, the story, and the world. The discussions about "saving" Final Fantasy VII are not just about fixing flaws; they are about celebrating a legacy, exploring possibilities, and engaging in a collective act of creative reimagining. So, keep those discussions going, guys! Let's keep exploring the magic of Final Fantasy VII and see where it takes us next. It's important to keep in mind that discussing the game's shortcomings is one way to show love for a product, as it means that we care about it enough to think critically about it. Final Fantasy VII is definitely a game worth caring about, and its legacy will continue to impact the world for years to come. This legacy will continue to grow as new games come out, so it's important to keep the conversations going and see what the future holds. This is especially true with the Remake series, which is changing the story in many different ways, so being a fan of the game means that we have to consider how the old game and the new game can connect in terms of story, characters, and overall themes. It's a big task, but it's a fun one, and it's one that we can all participate in.