Hello! So, I finally finished FF7 Rebirth. You can check out my initial impressions of it here th-cam.com/video/RCAm1okb1_0/w-d-xo.html&ab_channel=Mr.ItchyWrath
I want to experience it too, so whatever emotions I feel along the way I want to be genuinely experienced, not spoiled and as a fellow fan, I respect your wishes and will only post my feelings when you remove this message. I'm looking forward to sharing this game with everyone who wants to hear about it. But not before. I'm nervous, excited, worried and anxious all at once. It's been a long time coming my friend. It's gonna be magic. Take care of yourself and love yourself bro. We only get one chance. Let's give it all we can, and more.
Spoiler: it's a boring hunk of shit and if you care about Final Fantasy you won't ever support the motley crew of self-fellating hacks Square has become.
I think Cid’s character holds up just fine. Anyone playing the game will realize his treatment of Shera is awful. Just because he treats her poorly doesn’t mean the game is condoning that type of behavior. Quite the opposite I think. It’s his character flaw. It’s a heavy one too. It’s what makes his arc work. He is bitter and he blames Shera and eventually realizes he was wrong to do so. It would be a different story if the game glorified his behavior but it doesn’t. With so many characters in the game they probably had to get creative with their flaws and weaknesses. It’s real flaws like that, that give these characters such personality.
I agree for the most part. I think Cid's more problematic attitudes are a little glossed over in the original game, and I look forward to seeing how he is handled in Rebirth.
I agree. The Remake has more time to devote to things like this, and if the remade Wall Market section is anything to go by, it will handled sensitively and creatively, without compromising Cd's flaws.
Yeah I thought it was a slightly odd take considering all the other material in the game… & especially juxtaposed to how he framed Vincent as some cool brooding antihero, & not a creepy weirdo who sleeps in a coffin next to the human experiments he aided in…
There's nothing I hate more than the idea that a work itself should act as God, sitting in judgment of its characters I can think for myself. Preaching morality, I do not need.
Correct 100%. Cid is flawed and his flaws are not glorified in the game, as kids we all recognized it for what it was, and his arc ended well. Nowadays you can't write characters like this anymore, and it sucks but this is the timeline we're stuck with.
Yeah, I had a similar thought just a few days ago, when I realized something odd. I'm still here and listening, because of great games that were created over 20 years ago. That's insane. Even more insane is, that Square can still lure money out of my pocket (despite of all the many frustration, pray and disbelief, we (or atleast I) had almost two decades now) And why? Because: Hey! MAYBE, just MAAAAAYBE the next FF game will be great again. What a relationship, I tell ya!
@@Shartox square are good at that 😂...I swore 16 would be the last game I bought of it was mediocre..luckily I enjoyed it so I'm gonna give rebirth a chance but I'd describe mine and squares relationship as "thin ice" They haven't truly blown me away with a game since ff10....so..long time ago now
Honestly, these longer retrospectives don't get enough push in the algorithms. I've come to really enjoy coming home after a long work day and watching a video like this before bed over the course of a few days. Great video, very much appreciated.
Thanks! Yeah, some people were telling me my analytics didn't look so good because "people aren't watching your video all the way through." But I'm like, "that's how longform video essays work." I'm a big fan of them myself (main reason I decided to make one) and I routinely take several days to get through them. That's just how they work. Thanks again for the kind words. Comments help with the algorithm a LOT, so I appreciate you leaving one.
@@mritchywrath strange that people are just looking at your analytics 😆. My pleasure I get it for sure. Would be nice if youtube had more nuance when pushing content out and compensating, absolutely. I say keep doing your thing. You're good at it!
@@mritchywrath I seriously spent an entire week watching this, little by little, and made it all the way through to the very end. I appreciate the hard work you put into this.
I am a girl and I was 11 when I first played FFVII and I loved Tifa, so much so my cat is named Tifa. I loved that she was an asskicking girl who earned her skills, is kind, brave, thoughtful, selfless, resilient, a great friend to all, and was feminine doing all these things and almost seen unaware of her beauty. As a girl I always loved her and saw her as a great strong female character.
I just finished the remake finally. Easily my one of my favourite charecters even in the original. she was breaking and defining female roles in media long before it became got the recognition it does nowadays. I thought they did a really good job making the female charecters the justice they deserved and not just side charecters like a lot of other series tend to do. More importantly their importance wasnt just as a romantic or sexual object again I feel like breaking the mould.
Funny you should mention you have a cat named after Tifa. In the novel "Traces of Two Pasts", which explores Tifa's childhood, she has a cat as well, and it's worth pointing out that cats play an important role in the Remake. Wedge's cats lead Barret and Cloud to the secret Shinra facility under Sector 7 in Chapter 13. Sephiroth's eyes are also somewhat reminiscent of a cat's, which is appropriate since we usually associated with intelligence and aloofness.
@@dl2onei think it’s actually a good summary of Cloud character journey . He didn’t appear to Tifa back during the trip because he was ashamed of being a lowly Shinra grunt and not the elite Soldier he ambitioned to be. He was living in awe of Zack. Get his memory fucked up and instinctively assume Zack personality as a manifestation of his envy and deep seated feeling of inferiority. Then he realized how messed up his memory was and that he wasn’t nearly as awesome as he recreated his self, he utterly collapsed. He does end up overcoming it. But fast forward to Advent Children, and being unable to cure the disease and afraid of not being able to deal with the situation he flees. He again wallows in depression. He confesses also his guilt for having been unable to save Aerith. And Aerith straight up says “it’s ok, you came”. And at the end Tifa again talks to the crew :” Cloud gained a lot of confidence during the final fight against Sepiroth and then he lost it . And I think he just got it back.” Seriously you need to be in denial to not only fail to perceive but reject that Cloud struggles with massive feeling of inferiority, self-loathing for perceived failure and depression. Yeah Cloud journey is about gaining confidence in himself with Tifa (and Aerith) constantly telling him “you’re good enough - I am not asking you to save the world. Just to be here for me”
When Aerith died. I was saddened and I felt regret because I never paid much attention to her. My second playthrough I put her first everything, spoke to her first, it's like my guilt was riddled and luckily I had a second chance by replaying the game so in real life I'm careful with the people around me.
man, I have never been a Tifa fan, never hated her either, but in my eyes Aerith eclipsed her. Your "defence" of the character is eye opening, she is indeed acting as a regular human, not as a character in a book, trying to latch onto hope, to avoid lonliness, so relatable. Thank you so very much!
Thank you! As I mentioned in the video, analyzing Tifa as a character was rather difficult for me. She's just so...non-character like. I was worried that maybe I was seeing things wrong, that maybe people would think I was totally misconstruing her. I'm glad to see that you, at least, thing I was on the right track. So thank you.
His defense of Tifa revealed to me that Tifa was given the label of "bimbo" by people who judged her based on her looks. She never conducted herself that way, quite the opposite really. The dive into looking at her losses was pretty eye-opening for me - I'd never thought of this before but it really makes you feel for her.
She's always been my favourite. It's her getting wounded that gave Cloud the strength and determination, to do what he did. [in the Nibilheim incident] And she is literally the only person who can piece Clouds fractured Psych back together, later on. If she doesn't, the avalanche group probably doesn't defeat the big bad, right at the end. Beside that, pun or not, Tifa is the heart of the whole resistance network, her bar is HQ at the start of the game, ad all through the game she is probably second only to Barret in regards to the fight against Shinra, and undoubtedly has a cooler head on her shoulders. Without Tifa, pretty much everything to do with Avalanche and the fight against Shinra, probably falls apart.
The purpouse of Cait Sith's sacrifice and replacement is to trick players into beliving death can be cheated. It's what cats do. This is so that when Aerith do die, her death becomes real. And the loss of Aerith stays real for the rest of the game. Cait sith story arc is about penance and forgiveness. It's about moral redemption and the ultimate sacrifice for the ones you care about.
It amazes me that I can watch any number of FF7 retrospectives and each one is still different. Every perspective of the game looked at from different eyes.
its far from a masterpiece its a horrible game technical wise. the only thing it had going for it was the story and characters. FF VIII and IX from a technical stance is superior in everyway
I have played all 3 of those games to heck and back over the years. And that's how I know you can't be more wrong. From a technical perspective, all 3 suffer from a sometimes quite ropey overworld. The latter 2 games suffer from less pop up than 7, but all 3 still DO suffer from it. With 8 being slightly better than 7 and 9 slightly better than 8. [in that regard] Technically, 8's junction system is "too busy" to really be enjoyable. And 9's system of learning skills and abilities from gear, can become a micro-management tedium. 7's materia system by contrast is less busy and tedious than 8 or 9. The latter of those offer's no side diversions of real note], and the former offers one that can literally allow you to "cheese" the game, if you know what your doing. While 7's many diversions literally add more game play variation TO the game [whether some of them are a bit ropey or not] Beside any of that, from a technical viewpoint. 7's cast of characters IS superior to both 8 and 9. 8 runs 7 fairly close, but 9's cast can be a bit too cliche. It's not that they are not enjoyable, because they are, but you can basically predict a lot of story beats, because the characters are fairly predictable. 7's music is the best FF music of all time [don't @ me there, it's just a reality] And the story is just incredible, especially considering the reality that, technically, they didn't finish it. For example, the choice to kill Aerith off, was out of necessity. They wanted to create a subtle method of saving her, but were running out of development time, so that, and several other story elements got shuffled around. [The Aerith bit also because they made the decision that her death made more thematic sense, in the long term, but it was by no means the original plan]
It says a lot that a game that is now over a 1/4 of a century old is still beloved by millions, that's because it had a compelling story with real-world relevance, (even more so today.) Characters that have depth who we genuinely cared about and of course fun & challenging gameplay. The late nineties really was the golden era of gaming when many enduring and long-running franchises were launched.
It IS more relevant today than before. I mean, the world is coming under threat from a white haired lunatic who is actively trying to destroy the world. Only problem is the US President hasn't shown the world his sword. Only little
"The late nineties really was the golden era of gaming when many enduring and long-running franchises were launched." To be precise, the 80s were when many long-running franchises were *launched* (Mario, Zelda and Final Fantasy, to name a few), but the late 90s were when they *matured* (Super Mario 64, Ocarina of Time and FFVII all came out within a short time, and to some they still represent the apex of those franchises.) You're right though, the 90s truly were a golden age.
Tbh, i think late 2000s and 10s were better. I also dont feel the characters were that much in depth as todays games still beat it. It was great for its time, though, for sure. 7 has a lot of holes as well. I honestly think its bc people were younger and nostalgia is strong
This might be the best video I've seen on FFVII, you touched upon things I'd never even thought of before and you drew from some excellent sources (with Tim Roger's Let's Mosey series being one of my favourites), thank you for making such an expressive, emotional, and entertaining video on one of the greatest games ever made!
@@mritchywrath You're very welcome! I forgot to mention in the previous comment that your video made me tear up several times, and as someone who suffers from mental health isssues too, the section on Vincent rung very true with me. Keep up the excellent work, I can't wait to see more of your decades of gaming series, or whatever else you choose to do next!
I am very happy to hear that 😌 I struggled somewhat with that section because I was worried it may come across as hollow or untrue. I'm glad to see it didn't. It felt like truth to me, and I'm glad to hear it felt like truth to you too.
It's nice to see someone actually give Tifas perspective since it usually is left out. I think the most fair reading of the Nibelheim incident should lead one to believe that she was likely thought seeing Cloud in the reactor was a hallucination brought on by the shock of being grievously wounded emotionally and physically.
Indeed, or that she doesn't remember it at all. Or that it actually hews closest to the original game's rendition, where she doesn't wake or say anything, and Last Order and Crisis Core include it simply to provide that narrative throughline since they lack the rest of the game to tell it.
I just finished the Rebith story and came here to reminisce the original. The way you told the story with Tifa and Cloud’s character was well thought-out and touching! Thank you
This is the SICKEST breakdown. Every dir hard ffvii fan MUST WATCH! So many things I missed this or simply couldn't articulate correctly this video for me and covers it all. BRAVO👏
About Aerith..."It's not about the way she died, but aboutbthe way she lived that really matters" I'm sitting at the bus stop and that hit me hard 🥺😢 Luckily, there's nobody else around" Thank you for the whole video, but for those words especially
This game will stay with me for life. Played it at 12 way back. Had never absorbed a story that interesting before, had never played a game that good before, had never heard an OST that magical before, and never experienced sheer heartache like that before. Truely a an immortal masterpiece. Thanks for this awesome vid.
I love tifa. She pauses before most responses and she reposes then speaks. I fell like 80% of her personality is found in the silence. And you can tell she just wants love. She asks cloud to save her and after she looks away and up at the stars. like shes content with it. As if to say thats good enough for me. Like she didnt want to over do it. Or like when she asks cloud to let her lay with him a little longer. Then silence. Shes content in that moment. She is a fist fighter and yet aerith has twice her confidence. I like that about her. She feels like a real girlfriend. Or ones ive had. And shes always thinking and feeling but then says very few words and it always seems like shes asking instead of speaking. Like everything she says sounds like a wish, like shes just hoping. Shes so hard to define because most of her character is in the silence. Yea i love tifa 🥰 best girl ever ❤️ and her last name is spot on lol. Which makes me realize? That means that was intentional even in the original. Like even with them graphics she paused before every response longer than other characters. It was like they added a full second before she spoke. Goosebumps lol tifas amazing 💘
Even thought i knew aerith was gonna die i still talked to her made sure she was at full etc and when cloud said the line "she will no longer talk,cry or get angry" that was the moment i cried bc he is right
I've never heard anyone go into so much depth, especially about the importance of Cloud, how he became the character he was presented as in the beginning of the game, or how important his progression to becoming himself by the end of the game was. Everything a character does matters, even if the character was MkUltra style brainwashed for the first two thirds of the story. Also, capacity for violence is absolutely necessary in a hero. The difference between a hero and a psychopath is the discretion whether or not violence should be the answer to every question. Fortunately for Cloud and the gang, 90% of the answer is rural pest control.
wow, this just came in my reccomended and i watched the entire thing! i love ff7 so much so thank you for making this video! i hope you continue to make more :)
This was so well done! I thought I knew everything there was to know about ff7 but you definitely showed me a few things I misinterpreted.I drive 18 wheelers,I put this on and was the easiest 3hrs of my shift!
I loved every second of this. Through the hustle and bustle of adult life I had forgotten the impact this game had on me. Watching this brought me back to the late 90s staying up late with my brothers while we paced back-and-forth fiercely discussing the events of the game. This video was masterfully put together, truly hit the nail on the head.
Great analysis on not only the story but mostly the characters. You mentioned about how easy the game is and I think that’s fine. It always seemed like a more story driven game to me anyway. I’m glad your bit on Tifa was as great as it was, I always felt more attached to her than most characters because I also have always been really reserved about my feelings too. And I think her appearance really helps subvert her actual personality. She is not confident like her outfit and victory pose suggest, she is quiet and unsure of herself. She always felt the most real to me so it’s wild to hear that so many people really didn’t like her. I always thought the reason she didn’t speak up about Cloud’s spotty memory because she knew something was wrong with him and maybe thinking telling him the truth would shatter his psyche. He was all she had left so losing that would essentially mean she was left with nothing. One last thing you didn’t mention, the music. This sound track is amazing! I don’t think there’s a single bad song on the ost. Every song feels perfectly fitting for who, what, or where it represents
Tifa is a much more nuanced character than a lot of people realize. That's why I found her section to be the most challenging to write. But it was also the most rewarding because there is just much there. The game is full of awesome characters and that's why it stands up even after so many years.
The difficulty comments on players is always funny. Like people will say 15 is bad bc its easy but then love og 7, the EASIEST ff in the main series. The difficulty allows for players to play which was the point
Damn man, I found this video by sheer coincidence and I’m so glad I spent the time watching it. Great job! You helped me understand my love for a great game
I love videos like this because when you play FF games you’re focusing on grinding or searching for items, I sometimes lose track of dialogue like Jenova saying “right I am Cloud”. It reminds you why FF7 is one of the greatest stories ever.
Nanakis story hits close to home. I never knew my dad and that moment when he realizes he was truly a warrior that died to save cosmo canyon brings tears to this day. Something that meant a lot when I first played it, but is driven home more as an adult. This story is timeless.
This video kicks ass! FFVII was so great because the developers understood exactly who their audience was, and instead of lecturing or berating them into ideological submission, built a game that would resonate with their hopes, dreams desires and fears. We all carry this game in our souls if we played it in 1997, I wish the same for those playing the Remake today.
@@mohammadalfattal2902 Exactly. You think everyone would be happy for Cloud and Tifa. They even adopt two kids Denzel and Marlene. They both deserved their happy ending together imo.
FF VII was the first final fantasy I’ve ever played. It came out in my mom’s time and she always spoke favourably of it so I played it and never got passed the Hojo fight. His final form always destroyed me. Turns out I had no idea that you can mix materia to create combo effects 😳😅 FF IV was the first I actually beat
Yeah, that materia system could be confusing as a kid 🤣 Never actually played IV but I got into a bunch of others: bought VIII at launch, got Origins and played I and II, got Anthology and played V and VI. Truly an amazing series.
@@mritchywrath I missed out on VIII when it was first released. I got the money for the game but my friend pressured me to buy Fifth Element instead.. It was a few years after, I finally played VIII. It's a nice game.
Well said. I really didn't think i would have been entertained for that long about a game I thought I knew everything about. But there were some details i was fuzzy on and I really appreciated hearing someone else other than me ramble in an intelligent and relatable manner about how it changed their life as a child.
Your writing is very precise, engaging and insightful. I'm fond of long form video essays but the majority of what I've seen bores me halfway through. But this video, kept me interested and invested from start to finish. Final Fantasy VII is my favorite video game of all time and I genuinely admire your passion about it. It is beautifully seeping in every word you say. Keep it up! Make more videos! ❤
I'm still playing FFVII on PS1 in 2023 and loving it as much as I did in my childhood. You could say more now that I'm matured I understand some of the story even deeper than I did as a kid.
This was a great video. I think the only thing missing from your description of aerith's death is where cloud is taken over by sephiroth and he tries to kill her. It's only after cloud has fought past this that sephiroth steps in to kill her. That's one other reason it hit so hard. The player had relief that cloud didn't kill her and then all of a sudden she is killed anyway
After falling asleep to a previous video essay format video I had the pleasure of having this autoplay next while I was asleep and I had the most surreal dream where I can hear everything that was being said and it was so in depth that it built the setting and the world around me like you were narrating the world that was in my dream. Idk how to describe it but every character analysis was so in depth that it would manifest into people in my dream it was like nothing I've ever experienced before.
Wow 😳 I'm truly honored. I'v had similar experiences with video essays in the past, and it's really humbling to know I've been able to do the same for someone else. Thank you.
You earned a sub just from this one video alone...you brought this 45 year old man to tears a lot during these 3 hours and man...at the end of the day sometimes we all need to shed some tears.. thanks for this awesome breakdown... I cant wait to see what the remake does for the Cloud and Tifa version of entering the lifestream.
@@mritchywrath I know right...Ended up watching this again while im at work tonight....had to hold back the tears lol... Oh i noticed the comfort Barret shows Tifa when he hugs her after the Sector 7 Tragedy...just goes to show that Cloud wasnt the only one who cared about her.
I played this game 4 years ago when I was 18 and suicidal. Cloud's story completely broke me down and made me cry for nights on end. It helped me realize that I could still be a man who can find love and grow strong despite my horrific mental state and physical weaknesses. I'm still here, and still smiling listening to this pixilated old ass story retold to me. Actual timeless game and I reccomend anyone my age to play the original.
The storytelling is so beautifully done. I can watch this everyday. I can play this over and over again every night and be my bedtime story, or accompany me while working. So much nostalgia; the words chosen are very in accordance; great pacing; the BGMs nicely placed; truly a masterpiece 🥲
Final Fantasy 7 matters because without it cinematic video games would not improve. The music by Nobuo Uematsu on this game still haunts and lingers and brings back fond memories of my life wherever I hear it. It's music I don't want to forget until Im old.
You're video speaks for so many of us (38 here). You put words to how many of us feel about this game. This is the greatest video game in the world in my opinion. You did not even speak about all the other aspects of the game such as exploring the world, breeding Chocobos, the ultimate weapons. I feel like you made something really special here. Thank you for making this.
I just want to say....this is legit one of the most inspiring pieces of media I've ever been exposed to! Final fantasy 7 is the only rpg I ever completed all the way. After that I became an obsessive musician. So as an adult, it will always be my most cherished gaming experience. This has been not only nostalgic but absolutely reinvigorating to me! Like.. it legit may save lives for some people in my generation! Thank you. You never know how much you can really do for people!
The thing that’s held up the best is the soundtrack. IMO the best game soundtrack ever created. It was also maybe the first game where I cared about the characters story and personalities.
This game taught a lot of kids in the 90's about maturing through introspection to a degree that nothing else could, especially in the late 90's. As much as it's a product of its time, it definitely aided in helping us evolve into the 2000's and beyond. Hopefully the remake had the same impact 🤞🏻
I love how the first thing you fight in the game is the weakest and is probably about as powerful as cloud was before the Nibelheim incident. There's so many layers to this game
This moved me to tears! This game has been important to me since I was 7 years old in 1998, and it's made a lasting impact on my life. The story still moves me now well into my 30s; everytime I replay it, I'm able to connect with the themes and complexities of the game more and more as I rack up EXP in life. Seeing someone so eloquently explain and articulate exactly why the game is so moving to me, and so many others, was such an incredible experience. You GET it! Thank you so much for making this incredibly moving piece of art.
3:07:26 Holy hell, this is the best FFVII video I've ever seen, by a very wide margin. Absolute chills at this point. Thank you so much for this video.
Nostalgia is such a strong thing. There are so many things from my childhood that I remember fondly, but then when I re-listen, re-watch, or re-play them, I don't feel like they're as great through my adult eyes and sensibilities. However, Final Fantasy VII is very different in that regard. I've played through the game at least a dozen times, and recently while playing through it have appreciated it even more. Also, some of the songs that Nobuo Uematsu composed for this game literally still bring a tear to my eye. In general, I've never been a huge gamer, but like many of my cohorts grew up with video games. FF7 has stood the test of time as my favorite game of all time, and I especially appreciate TH-cam videos like this one, because it helps others appreciate FFVII in ways like I have for years.
Thanks for the recap. The lack of appreciation of Tifa is stunning and i wasn't aware of that. I had an argument with people why the only true love story is Ckoud and Tifa. I get that people unfortunately just saw in her a sexualised version of 'the other girl'. She is badass and has so much depth in her traits and actions. She is by far the most relatable character of FF7 (being the OG or Remake respectively Rebirth). No overextended animevibes beside the looks maybe. At the end of the day she was the motivation for Cloud to become stronger to protect the ones he loves. She is by far my favourite character. Thanks for the recap again, well done. Can't wait for the Rebirth video.😁
I've already commented another time but I keep coming back to your review because it's done so well. Playing as an early teen, it was a story that was somewhat difficult to follow completely. The translation didn't help either. Relaying as an adult really reveals how complex the story and characters were. Your review retells the story and dives into the characters thoughts, emotions and actions as if they're real people which is really giving it respect it deserves. Your review has lead me to think even more deeply about it and appreciate it even more. It's probably one of my favorite reviews.
This was incredible. Thank you for sharing this. You really pointed some stuff out that I had not noticed or thought about before and that's coming from someone who has replayed this game a ton.
Fantastic video. When you talked about the Cloud reveal I legitimately gasped. Only thing I really knew about the game was that Aerith dies and it was as pivotal a moment in gaming as Vader being Luke's father is to cinema. One of those things you wish you never heard the first time because the shock is so ppwerful to the soul. Very well done and articulate. Thank you. Would like to see some other FF games tackled. I think FF9 is another really good game that people enjoyed and I'd like to know more about from a behind-the-scenes perspective.
You brought tears to my eyes several times. You treated the characters and the work with incredible insight and sensitivity to a game that has become a cornerstone (and perhaps even seen as tired and cliche these days) of gaming. But your beautiful analysis reminded me why this game simply is and will always be my favorite ❤
The moral of FFVII's story: Reespect the environment, maintain good mental health, and don't let the past weigh you down. Don't try to be someone else, be you, and be there for the people who matter most.
This is the most complete and passionate final fantasy 7 video I've ever seen. Watched every second and it cleared up SO MUCH!!! The reunion, all of it. Thank you!!
I've never played FF7 because I couldn't stand the graphics. This video just came on while I was doing my work and I was just listening to it and then just sat down and watched the entirety of it. From your video, I now know why people love this game so much. Why it matters. Thank you for the incredible video. I might pick this up one day with full confidence knowing the deep story behind it.
The game's graphics are undoubtably antiquated, and that gets in the way of a lot of modern gamers. It doesn't even have that timeless retro charm like the pixel art games of Nintendo and Sega. As I mentioned in the video, even for 1997 FF7's graphics were a little blocky. There's a bit of a cringe curve, but IF you can work past that, you'll find a very rewarding game. You could also just play the remake. It's graphics are top notch, the combat is really fun, and the story MOSTLY follows the original. I know a lot of younger gamers who played Remake first and then went back to the original game because of it.
This was an amazing insight to the characters and story of Final Fantasy 7. The 3 hours or so flew by! Thank you for putting so much time and effort into this!
Bro, I enjoyed the story in the first game, and I got really nostalgic with the remake, and you made me fall in love with the world of ffvii. You're amazing. 3:14:26
The way you talked about every character helped add so much more depth imo, and it didn’t feel like you were grasping for straws or dragging things out. Great job making this video enjoyable for every second.
My most memorable FF experience was going to the moon in FF2 American and getting an airship. Dragonquest made me scared of silver slimes. I don’t remember all of FF7 but do remember Barret, crying when (Tifa , I think) was killed by Sephiroth, wanting to be Sephiroth, throwing my controller at a chocoholic race and being legit scared by the final boss.
I first played this game back in 1997. To this day, it remains on my top 10 games of all time list. The only older game on my list is Chrono Trigger. You summed up pretty much all of the reasons why. Character arcs like we'd just never seen before in video games. I love the Remake as well. I hope they can keep that quality as they finish the story.
I love FF7 so much that i watched all 3:15:43 of this video.. Really helped me understand why this game stayed with me all these years. My original playthrough in 98' until now. Great Content man
A 3 hour video for Final Fantasy 7 seems like a lot, however...the details, the narration, the video, the editing and the way the story is told make this video an excellent analysis. The 3 hours are like 15 minutes of video, it's so good. Excellent work.
Amazing video. Just stumbled onto it. All the feels.... and I mean ALL the feels. Great, great job. I just re-lived a section of my childhood that I loved.
Well...Maybe the best FF7 video out here. Perfectly written and spoken, such an wonderful homage you made here. And that reference to The Phantom Pain was unexpected, but VERY welcome. Great work.
I liked the comparison of the charm of black and white films, to pre-rendered backgrounds of ff7 - ff10. Hardware limitations they faced at the time truly helped deliver such a unique experience. I’d love a return to this style in some form in the future. I really miss it. It might be regressive to say, but the older ff games just had something a lot of these newer ones are missing… imo.
This video is perfect, it should be viewed and appreciated even by those not knowing the FF franchise. You've made warm emotions come up again with this. Thx.
I have been a fan of FF7 since 1997. I discovered it by chance and I have been falling in love with it multiple times growing up since the old days. I have seen an extreme amount of videos on FF7. I studied into its lore, I have checked pages and pages of references, played all the games connected to it. And today for the very first time I came across your video. And let me say you did a hell of a good job in making it. Thank you from the bottom of my heart! PS: did you ever think (like me) that the empty materia slot in Sephiroth's sword is there to symbolise that he had "space" to equip a final one (thus a reference or foreshadowing for the black materia?) I always found that tiny fact so peculiar and I cannot believe it was mere coincidence they left the spot blank :D
I hadn't thought of that, but that's a pretty good point. I think it very well might serve a storytelling purpose. You know how in the Nibelheim flashback, the only materia Cloud has equipped is "First strike," which allows you attack first in combat? I heard this really cool theory that THAT'S how he got the drop on Sephiroth.
@@mritchywrath Yes I heard that theory as well and it makes sense in a way, even tho Sephiroth HP and Cloud attack power arre considerably different. But consiidering that Sephiroth had to battle with Zack first it could make total sense! :) Thanks again for the amazing video and for the answer to the comment!
Good stuff. I particularly appreciate the care you put into exploring Tifa as a character and person. She really is so much more complicated than most people give her credit for.
I still get chills thinking about Shinra Mansion, the music, layout, lighting, creatures, story, and events experienced as the character...the whole thing is just pure horror perfection
Used to play through it atleast once a year for nearly the first 10 years, now I go back every 3-4.. Its wild, how much love I still have for that game everytime I play through it again.
Sir. You. Are a legendary story teller. Idk if u did this with help far as narrating. But the way u described the story, is the best of any game co. or player ive ever heard. Around the 3 hr mark when u brought the story back from cloud an said this is where tifa comes back in, i actually teared up a bit lol...i legit teared because u caught it. I played this around age 14 20 years ago aswell but still check it out and u delivered the feeling of the story when it hit perfectly. Ur right, they helped bring him back. 2:56:00. This enire thing, breakdown, along with the game, is nothing short of legendary
The difference between Barret and Dyne is that Dyne lost a daughter and Barret gained one. This single difference is what diverged their futures so radically. Dyne had nothing to live for except revenge. Barret gained a goal of wanting to take care of his daughter, and wanted to make the world better for her sake.
I always considered Tifa to be the main interest, and Aerith to be like a guide for Cloud to stop being such a douche so he could see that it would be okay to enjoy life a little. I never felt that Aerith would even be an option.
Haha funny because I was exactly the opposite. Gor me Tifa was a childhood friend. Never saw any sexual chemistry with them. Though re-trilogy did change that.
@@wmen48I mean in the original, it's heavily implied that Cloud and Tifa got down and dirty under the Highwind. I think there's always been a love interest between Cloud and Tifa, but the remakes just expanded on it
This video is so soothing with the background music, the tone of the Mr. Itchy Wrath voice which is so soothing and calm. It’s been a pleasure to have it be a video to go sleep. Thank you for the effort, analysis, and dedication.
Its so cool that I can look in the comments and see there's Hundreds maybe even thousands of people who love this game like I do.. nobody In my life appreciates this masterpiece
This was such a great video, I could feel myself moved by remembering through your words all those emotions FF7 flourished into me, and I could tell your felt too deeply. FF7 is truly something else, I only played it last year, finishing it this year, but the impact it caused was as if I played it as a child, a truly unique experience. And I really appreciate how you didn't skirmed around the parts that aged the worst like Cid and the misogynistic discourse around Aerith VS Tifa (both are queens but we cannot expect better than gamers I guess) Amazing video!
Just finished streaming this game on my channel and for many people it deserves the "overrated" tag. Shared this out as it's not only a comprehensive analysis but also a very heartfelt one written by someone who truly took the time to experience the story.
The game itself is a masterpiece, but this video with it's commentary and music was so pleasant to watch. FF7 went straight to my deepest parts right away when I first played it as a 17 year old boy back in 1997. Nowadays as over 40 year old man every now and then I still get back to this game either playing it or just watch someone else do it. I love it so much! ❤
Im floored. This was so beautiful. Thank you so much for bringing back so many memories of playing this for the 1st time as a 13 year old black boy being introduced to JRPGs. My uncle bought FF7 and never played it because it was "Too much reading." for him. I was searching through his ps1 games at a family cookout and found a huge 4 disc game and asked him what that was. He gave it to me for free. Little did he know he gave me something that was monumental to my development as a kid that is still carried with me as an adult. I learned so many lessons from this game. Its a masterpiece in my eyes.
I rarely comment on TH-cam videos. This is such a thorough analysis that strives to engage with the game on a much deeper level than most other commentaries have over the years. I went into the video thinking I would drop off after a few minutes but was very pleasantly surprised I stayed until the end. Absolutely loved every second of it. Thanks for making this!
FF 7 was the first RPG I've ever played. As a matter of fact I didn't even play video games unless I was bored, but I came across this game and it blew me away. I actually cried when I completed the entire game because I loved each character and their individual story. I've probably played dozens of rpgs since then but. I've never found that love again. Great video👍
The entire character arc of Cloud resonates with me so strongly that I can't help but feel tears building when I think about it. All the doubt, the self-hatred, the false persona, all giving way to the fact that he is and ALWAYS was worthy of the affection he desired. A man that was so full of love and righteous anger following seeing everything he cared about destroyed he defeated the strongest character in the entire setting. This is why FFVII is still and always will be my favorite video game of all time.
i just want to say thank you for making this video. it is consistently the best bed time story for someone like me who suffers from anxiety and insomnia. your narration and voice are the perfect combo for telling the story of ff7. Ive slept well for the majority of nights the past few months 🙂
The best explanation of Final Fantasy 7! I played this game way back when it came out in 1997 and I didn’t understand everything that happened, and now I do :) thanks!
FF7 changed how I viewed video games and what they could be..still one of the beat FF games in my opinion, as far as mix of open world and sandbox, the magic and weapon system. The story and all the sides. Choco breeding.
Hello! So, I finally finished FF7 Rebirth. You can check out my initial impressions of it here th-cam.com/video/RCAm1okb1_0/w-d-xo.html&ab_channel=Mr.ItchyWrath
I want to experience it too, so whatever emotions I feel along the way I want to be genuinely experienced, not spoiled and as a fellow fan, I respect your wishes and will only post my feelings when you remove this message. I'm looking forward to sharing this game with everyone who wants to hear about it. But not before. I'm nervous, excited, worried and anxious all at once. It's been a long time coming my friend. It's gonna be magic. Take care of yourself and love yourself bro. We only get one chance. Let's give it all we can, and more.
😢1😊l
@Donn pp pp pp0p pp p pp pieBarko1
Spoiler: it's a boring hunk of shit and if you care about Final Fantasy you won't ever support the motley crew of self-fellating hacks Square has become.
@Ostrava_Of_Boletariawe got a more closely translated game than the original
I think Cid’s character holds up just fine. Anyone playing the game will realize his treatment of Shera is awful. Just because he treats her poorly doesn’t mean the game is condoning that type of behavior. Quite the opposite I think. It’s his character flaw. It’s a heavy one too. It’s what makes his arc work.
He is bitter and he blames Shera and eventually realizes he was wrong to do so. It would be a different story if the game glorified his behavior but it doesn’t. With so many characters in the game they probably had to get creative with their flaws and weaknesses. It’s real flaws like that, that give these characters such personality.
I agree for the most part. I think Cid's more problematic attitudes are a little glossed over in the original game, and I look forward to seeing how he is handled in Rebirth.
I agree. The Remake has more time to devote to things like this, and if the remade Wall Market section is anything to go by, it will handled sensitively and creatively, without compromising Cd's flaws.
Yeah I thought it was a slightly odd take considering all the other material in the game… & especially juxtaposed to how he framed Vincent as some cool brooding antihero, & not a creepy weirdo who sleeps in a coffin next to the human experiments he aided in…
There's nothing I hate more than the idea that a work itself should act as God, sitting in judgment of its characters
I can think for myself. Preaching morality, I do not need.
Correct 100%. Cid is flawed and his flaws are not glorified in the game, as kids we all recognized it for what it was, and his arc ended well. Nowadays you can't write characters like this anymore, and it sucks but this is the timeline we're stuck with.
Mad isn't it. 25 years + later and I can still happily listen to 3 hour videos of this masterpiece of a game
There is a 6 hour abridged form. Js.
Why not😊
Same, bro. Same ^^
Yeah, I had a similar thought just a few days ago, when I realized something odd. I'm still here and listening, because of great games that were created over 20 years ago. That's insane. Even more insane is, that Square can still lure money out of my pocket (despite of all the many frustration, pray and disbelief, we (or atleast I) had almost two decades now) And why? Because: Hey! MAYBE, just MAAAAAYBE the next FF game will be great again. What a relationship, I tell ya!
@@Shartox square are good at that 😂...I swore 16 would be the last game I bought of it was mediocre..luckily I enjoyed it so I'm gonna give rebirth a chance but I'd describe mine and squares relationship as "thin ice"
They haven't truly blown me away with a game since ff10....so..long time ago now
Honestly, these longer retrospectives don't get enough push in the algorithms. I've come to really enjoy coming home after a long work day and watching a video like this before bed over the course of a few days.
Great video, very much appreciated.
Thanks! Yeah, some people were telling me my analytics didn't look so good because "people aren't watching your video all the way through." But I'm like, "that's how longform video essays work." I'm a big fan of them myself (main reason I decided to make one) and I routinely take several days to get through them. That's just how they work. Thanks again for the kind words. Comments help with the algorithm a LOT, so I appreciate you leaving one.
@@mritchywrath strange that people are just looking at your analytics 😆.
My pleasure I get it for sure.
Would be nice if youtube had more nuance when pushing content out and compensating, absolutely.
I say keep doing your thing. You're good at it!
@@mritchywrathwait we're not supposed to watch only 34.67% of a video?
@@mritchywrath i watch some and save for later.
@@mritchywrath I seriously spent an entire week watching this, little by little, and made it all the way through to the very end. I appreciate the hard work you put into this.
I am a girl and I was 11 when I first played FFVII and I loved Tifa, so much so my cat is named Tifa. I loved that she was an asskicking girl who earned her skills, is kind, brave, thoughtful, selfless, resilient, a great friend to all, and was feminine doing all these things and almost seen unaware of her beauty. As a girl I always loved her and saw her as a great strong female character.
I just finished the remake finally. Easily my one of my favourite charecters even in the original. she was breaking and defining female roles in media long before it became got the recognition it does nowadays. I thought they did a really good job making the female charecters the justice they deserved and not just side charecters like a lot of other series tend to do. More importantly their importance wasnt just as a romantic or sexual object again I feel like breaking the mould.
Funny you should mention you have a cat named after Tifa. In the novel "Traces of Two Pasts", which explores Tifa's childhood, she has a cat as well, and it's worth pointing out that cats play an important role in the Remake. Wedge's cats lead Barret and Cloud to the secret Shinra facility under Sector 7 in Chapter 13. Sephiroth's eyes are also somewhat reminiscent of a cat's, which is appropriate since we usually associated with intelligence and aloofness.
My cats name is Aerith, named by my wife! Feminine, playful, forward, loving, flirty and seemingly wise beyond her years.
My cats are named Tifa, Zack (2 first ones) and current 2 cats are Tifa and Vincent
I had a cat called Yuffie!
The story of Cloud, that 'you are good enough', is timeless.
@@cieranthane1projection IMHO sorry
You are Clounough.
@@dl2onei think it’s actually a good summary of Cloud character journey .
He didn’t appear to Tifa back during the trip because he was ashamed of being a lowly Shinra grunt and not the elite Soldier he ambitioned to be.
He was living in awe of Zack.
Get his memory fucked up and instinctively assume Zack personality as a manifestation of his envy and deep seated feeling of inferiority.
Then he realized how messed up his memory was and that he wasn’t nearly as awesome as he recreated his self, he utterly collapsed.
He does end up overcoming it.
But fast forward to Advent Children, and being unable to cure the disease and afraid of not being able to deal with the situation he flees. He again wallows in depression. He confesses also his guilt for having been unable to save Aerith. And Aerith straight up says “it’s ok, you came”. And at the end Tifa again talks to the crew :” Cloud gained a lot of confidence during the final fight against Sepiroth and then he lost it . And I think he just got it back.”
Seriously you need to be in denial to not only fail to perceive but reject that Cloud struggles with massive feeling of inferiority, self-loathing for perceived failure and depression.
Yeah Cloud journey is about gaining confidence in himself with Tifa (and Aerith) constantly telling him “you’re good enough - I am not asking you to save the world. Just to be here for me”
Is based on our true story in this world because of this is so good to us
After 10 hours of work and stress, I get home and find this 3-hour work of art, thank you, enjoy every minute.
Thanks!
I found it On my way to work 😢
@@DworvosCerberusshare this with another FF7 fan. We got to help this man out.
Also found it before work. Now I'm home and going to be up until 4 am. Thanks haha
Aint it beautiful?
When Aerith died. I was saddened and I felt regret because I never paid much attention to her. My second playthrough I put her first everything, spoke to her first, it's like my guilt was riddled and luckily I had a second chance by replaying the game so in real life I'm careful with the people around me.
That's how you know it's an important work of art: it makes you think about your real life.
I felt the same way so every time I replay she stays in my party and I get her last limit by the time she goes😂
Hot damn, it's impressive to see a video game improve somebody's treatment of others this much. Good on you.
I did the same thing but with Remake and Rebirth. It was extremely rewarding both times.
man, I have never been a Tifa fan, never hated her either, but in my eyes Aerith eclipsed her. Your "defence" of the character is eye opening, she is indeed acting as a regular human, not as a character in a book, trying to latch onto hope, to avoid lonliness, so relatable. Thank you so very much!
Thank you! As I mentioned in the video, analyzing Tifa as a character was rather difficult for me. She's just so...non-character like. I was worried that maybe I was seeing things wrong, that maybe people would think I was totally misconstruing her. I'm glad to see that you, at least, thing I was on the right track. So thank you.
His defense of Tifa revealed to me that Tifa was given the label of "bimbo" by people who judged her based on her looks. She never conducted herself that way, quite the opposite really. The dive into looking at her losses was pretty eye-opening for me - I'd never thought of this before but it really makes you feel for her.
Tifa is the soul of cloud's story. Aerith is the soul of the overarching story.
Maturity is realizing that Aerith whas the baddie and Tifa the "healer chick".
She's always been my favourite. It's her getting wounded that gave Cloud the strength and determination, to do what he did. [in the Nibilheim incident] And she is literally the only person who can piece Clouds fractured Psych back together, later on. If she doesn't, the avalanche group probably doesn't defeat the big bad, right at the end.
Beside that, pun or not, Tifa is the heart of the whole resistance network, her bar is HQ at the start of the game, ad all through the game she is probably second only to Barret in regards to the fight against Shinra, and undoubtedly has a cooler head on her shoulders. Without Tifa, pretty much everything to do with Avalanche and the fight against Shinra, probably falls apart.
The purpouse of Cait Sith's sacrifice and replacement is to trick players into beliving death can be cheated. It's what cats do. This is so that when Aerith do die, her death becomes real. And the loss of Aerith stays real for the rest of the game.
Cait sith story arc is about penance and forgiveness. It's about moral redemption and the ultimate sacrifice for the ones you care about.
It amazes me that I can watch any number of FF7 retrospectives and each one is still different. Every perspective of the game looked at from different eyes.
FF7 will FOREVER be a masterpiece ❤
its far from a masterpiece its a horrible game technical wise. the only thing it had going for it was the story and characters. FF VIII and IX from a technical stance is superior in everyway
I have played all 3 of those games to heck and back over the years. And that's how I know you can't be more wrong. From a technical perspective, all 3 suffer from a sometimes quite ropey overworld. The latter 2 games suffer from less pop up than 7, but all 3 still DO suffer from it. With 8 being slightly better than 7 and 9 slightly better than 8. [in that regard] Technically, 8's junction system is "too busy" to really be enjoyable. And 9's system of learning skills and abilities from gear, can become a micro-management tedium. 7's materia system by contrast is less busy and tedious than 8 or 9. The latter of those offer's no side diversions of real note], and the former offers one that can literally allow you to "cheese" the game, if you know what your doing. While 7's many diversions literally add more game play variation TO the game [whether some of them are a bit ropey or not]
Beside any of that, from a technical viewpoint. 7's cast of characters IS superior to both 8 and 9. 8 runs 7 fairly close, but 9's cast can be a bit too cliche. It's not that they are not enjoyable, because they are, but you can basically predict a lot of story beats, because the characters are fairly predictable. 7's music is the best FF music of all time [don't @ me there, it's just a reality] And the story is just incredible, especially considering the reality that, technically, they didn't finish it. For example, the choice to kill Aerith off, was out of necessity. They wanted to create a subtle method of saving her, but were running out of development time, so that, and several other story elements got shuffled around. [The Aerith bit also because they made the decision that her death made more thematic sense, in the long term, but it was by no means the original plan]
@@matthewjuarbe5826Technical wise the game is a masterpiece.
@@matthewjuarbe5826just shut up, will ya.
lol@@matthewjuarbe5826
It says a lot that a game that is now over a 1/4 of a century old is still beloved by millions, that's because it had a compelling story with real-world relevance, (even more so today.) Characters that have depth who we genuinely cared about and of course fun & challenging gameplay. The late nineties really was the golden era of gaming when many enduring and long-running franchises were launched.
Agreed ❤
It IS more relevant today than before. I mean, the world is coming under threat from a white haired lunatic who is actively trying to destroy the world. Only problem is the US President hasn't shown the world his sword. Only little
Hell yeah🎉
"The late nineties really was the golden era of gaming when many enduring and long-running franchises were launched."
To be precise, the 80s were when many long-running franchises were *launched* (Mario, Zelda and Final Fantasy, to name a few), but the late 90s were when they *matured* (Super Mario 64, Ocarina of Time and FFVII all came out within a short time, and to some they still represent the apex of those franchises.) You're right though, the 90s truly were a golden age.
Tbh, i think late 2000s and 10s were better. I also dont feel the characters were that much in depth as todays games still beat it. It was great for its time, though, for sure. 7 has a lot of holes as well. I honestly think its bc people were younger and nostalgia is strong
This might be the best video I've seen on FFVII, you touched upon things I'd never even thought of before and you drew from some excellent sources (with Tim Roger's Let's Mosey series being one of my favourites), thank you for making such an expressive, emotional, and entertaining video on one of the greatest games ever made!
Thanks for the kind words! Glad you enjoyed the video.
@@mritchywrath You're very welcome! I forgot to mention in the previous comment that your video made me tear up several times, and as someone who suffers from mental health isssues too, the section on Vincent rung very true with me. Keep up the excellent work, I can't wait to see more of your decades of gaming series, or whatever else you choose to do next!
I am very happy to hear that 😌 I struggled somewhat with that section because I was worried it may come across as hollow or untrue. I'm glad to see it didn't. It felt like truth to me, and I'm glad to hear it felt like truth to you too.
It's nice to see someone actually give Tifas perspective since it usually is left out. I think the most fair reading of the Nibelheim incident should lead one to believe that she was likely thought seeing Cloud in the reactor was a hallucination brought on by the shock of being grievously wounded emotionally and physically.
Indeed, or that she doesn't remember it at all. Or that it actually hews closest to the original game's rendition, where she doesn't wake or say anything, and Last Order and Crisis Core include it simply to provide that narrative throughline since they lack the rest of the game to tell it.
I just finished the Rebith story and came here to reminisce the original. The way you told the story with Tifa and Cloud’s character was well thought-out and touching! Thank you
I didnt expect to watch this whole thing. let alone in a day. I.... Thank you. For reminding me about the magic of this game.
I'm glad you got something out of it 😌 This game is very important to me, and I wanted to share that feeling with the world.
This is the SICKEST breakdown. Every dir hard ffvii fan MUST WATCH! So many things I missed this or simply couldn't articulate correctly this video for me and covers it all. BRAVO👏
Well thank you! I really appreciate it.
About Aerith..."It's not about the way she died, but aboutbthe way she lived that really matters" I'm sitting at the bus stop and that hit me hard 🥺😢 Luckily, there's nobody else around" Thank you for the whole video, but for those words especially
I can’t play the original again because of that. It hurts too much
This game will stay with me for life. Played it at 12 way back. Had never absorbed a story that interesting before, had never played a game that good before, had never heard an OST that magical before, and never experienced sheer heartache like that before. Truely a an immortal masterpiece. Thanks for this awesome vid.
I love tifa. She pauses before most responses and she reposes then speaks. I fell like 80% of her personality is found in the silence. And you can tell she just wants love. She asks cloud to save her and after she looks away and up at the stars. like shes content with it. As if to say thats good enough for me. Like she didnt want to over do it. Or like when she asks cloud to let her lay with him a little longer. Then silence. Shes content in that moment. She is a fist fighter and yet aerith has twice her confidence. I like that about her. She feels like a real girlfriend. Or ones ive had. And shes always thinking and feeling but then says very few words and it always seems like shes asking instead of speaking. Like everything she says sounds like a wish, like shes just hoping.
Shes so hard to define because most of her character is in the silence.
Yea i love tifa 🥰 best girl ever ❤️ and her last name is spot on lol.
Which makes me realize? That means that was intentional even in the original.
Like even with them graphics she paused before every response longer than other characters. It was like they added a full second before she spoke. Goosebumps lol tifas amazing 💘
Even thought i knew aerith was gonna die i still talked to her made sure she was at full etc and when cloud said the line "she will no longer talk,cry or get angry" that was the moment i cried bc he is right
It's such a well executed scene
It still makes me cry when I think about it.
I cried too... only because I have lost my best healer/magic damage dealer in my team.
I still remember how hard that line hit as a child
Ik that part slaps kid me was surprised Cloud showed tht much emotion had me crying lol
I've never heard anyone go into so much depth, especially about the importance of Cloud, how he became the character he was presented as in the beginning of the game, or how important his progression to becoming himself by the end of the game was. Everything a character does matters, even if the character was MkUltra style brainwashed for the first two thirds of the story.
Also, capacity for violence is absolutely necessary in a hero. The difference between a hero and a psychopath is the discretion whether or not violence should be the answer to every question. Fortunately for Cloud and the gang, 90% of the answer is rural pest control.
wow, this just came in my reccomended and i watched the entire thing! i love ff7 so much so thank you for making this video! i hope you continue to make more :)
How did nobody find Pear here in 5 months ???
Good damn video. Can’t wait for Rebirth and hopefully we get to the part where Cloud figures out who he really is.
Didn’t expect to see you here lol
This was so well done! I thought I knew everything there was to know about ff7 but you definitely showed me a few things I misinterpreted.I drive 18 wheelers,I put this on and was the easiest 3hrs of my shift!
I loved every second of this. Through the hustle and bustle of adult life I had forgotten the impact this game had on me. Watching this brought me back to the late 90s staying up late with my brothers while we paced back-and-forth fiercely discussing the events of the game. This video was masterfully put together, truly hit the nail on the head.
Great analysis on not only the story but mostly the characters. You mentioned about how easy the game is and I think that’s fine. It always seemed like a more story driven game to me anyway. I’m glad your bit on Tifa was as great as it was, I always felt more attached to her than most characters because I also have always been really reserved about my feelings too. And I think her appearance really helps subvert her actual personality. She is not confident like her outfit and victory pose suggest, she is quiet and unsure of herself. She always felt the most real to me so it’s wild to hear that so many people really didn’t like her.
I always thought the reason she didn’t speak up about Cloud’s spotty memory because she knew something was wrong with him and maybe thinking telling him the truth would shatter his psyche. He was all she had left so losing that would essentially mean she was left with nothing.
One last thing you didn’t mention, the music. This sound track is amazing! I don’t think there’s a single bad song on the ost. Every song feels perfectly fitting for who, what, or where it represents
Tifa is a much more nuanced character than a lot of people realize. That's why I found her section to be the most challenging to write. But it was also the most rewarding because there is just much there. The game is full of awesome characters and that's why it stands up even after so many years.
I could go for ffVII ost CD
The difficulty comments on players is always funny. Like people will say 15 is bad bc its easy but then love og 7, the EASIEST ff in the main series. The difficulty allows for players to play which was the point
Damn man, I found this video by sheer coincidence and I’m so glad I spent the time watching it. Great job! You helped me understand my love for a great game
Thanks! Glad you got something out of it. That was my intention.
I love videos like this because when you play FF games you’re focusing on grinding or searching for items, I sometimes lose track of dialogue like Jenova saying “right I am Cloud”. It reminds you why FF7 is one of the greatest stories ever.
❤
Nanakis story hits close to home. I never knew my dad and that moment when he realizes he was truly a warrior that died to save cosmo canyon brings tears to this day. Something that meant a lot when I first played it, but is driven home more as an adult. This story is timeless.
That moment is #2 to me in the game
This video kicks ass!
FFVII was so great because the developers understood exactly who their audience was, and instead of lecturing or berating them into ideological submission, built a game that would resonate with their hopes, dreams desires and fears. We all carry this game in our souls if we played it in 1997, I wish the same for those playing the Remake today.
your explanation of how cloud and tifa love and develop together is phenomenal
the whole video is 10/10
Cloud belongs with Tifa not Aeirth imo.
@@ThwipThwipBoom pretty obvious
@@mohammadalfattal2902 You would think. But as always, Twitter proves that assumption wrong.
@@ThwipThwipBoom everyone entitled to their opinions, but canon is canon
@@mohammadalfattal2902 Exactly. You think everyone would be happy for Cloud and Tifa. They even adopt two kids Denzel and Marlene. They both deserved their happy ending together imo.
FF VII was the first final fantasy I’ve ever played. It came out in my mom’s time and she always spoke favourably of it so I played it and never got passed the Hojo fight. His final form always destroyed me. Turns out I had no idea that you can mix materia to create combo effects 😳😅
FF IV was the first I actually beat
Yeah, that materia system could be confusing as a kid 🤣 Never actually played IV but I got into a bunch of others: bought VIII at launch, got Origins and played I and II, got Anthology and played V and VI. Truly an amazing series.
Endearing ❤
@@mritchywrath I missed out on VIII when it was first released. I got the money for the game but my friend pressured me to buy Fifth Element instead.. It was a few years after, I finally played VIII. It's a nice game.
Well said. I really didn't think i would have been entertained for that long about a game I thought I knew everything about. But there were some details i was fuzzy on and I really appreciated hearing someone else other than me ramble in an intelligent and relatable manner about how it changed their life as a child.
Thanks! Glad you got something out of it.
Your writing is very precise, engaging and insightful. I'm fond of long form video essays but the majority of what I've seen bores me halfway through. But this video, kept me interested and invested from start to finish.
Final Fantasy VII is my favorite video game of all time and I genuinely admire your passion about it. It is beautifully seeping in every word you say. Keep it up! Make more videos! ❤
I'm still playing FFVII on PS1 in 2023 and loving it as much as I did in my childhood. You could say more now that I'm matured I understand some of the story even deeper than I did as a kid.
That's what makes it a great game: it holds up even in adulthood, and in some ways gets even better.
This was a great video. I think the only thing missing from your description of aerith's death is where cloud is taken over by sephiroth and he tries to kill her. It's only after cloud has fought past this that sephiroth steps in to kill her. That's one other reason it hit so hard. The player had relief that cloud didn't kill her and then all of a sudden she is killed anyway
After falling asleep to a previous video essay format video I had the pleasure of having this autoplay next while I was asleep and I had the most surreal dream where I can hear everything that was being said and it was so in depth that it built the setting and the world around me like you were narrating the world that was in my dream. Idk how to describe it but every character analysis was so in depth that it would manifest into people in my dream it was like nothing I've ever experienced before.
Wow 😳 I'm truly honored. I'v had similar experiences with video essays in the past, and it's really humbling to know I've been able to do the same for someone else. Thank you.
You earned a sub just from this one video alone...you brought this 45 year old man to tears a lot during these 3 hours and man...at the end of the day sometimes we all need to shed some tears.. thanks for this awesome breakdown... I cant wait to see what the remake does for the Cloud and Tifa version of entering the lifestream.
Thank you! Yeah, I can't wait for Rebirth. Haven't been this excited about a game in a long time.
@@mritchywrath I know right...Ended up watching this again while im at work tonight....had to hold back the tears lol... Oh i noticed the comfort Barret shows Tifa when he hugs her after the Sector 7 Tragedy...just goes to show that Cloud wasnt the only one who cared about her.
I played this game 4 years ago when I was 18 and suicidal. Cloud's story completely broke me down and made me cry for nights on end. It helped me realize that I could still be a man who can find love and grow strong despite my horrific mental state and physical weaknesses. I'm still here, and still smiling listening to this pixilated old ass story retold to me.
Actual timeless game and I reccomend anyone my age to play the original.
The storytelling is so beautifully done.
I can watch this everyday.
I can play this over and over again every night and be my bedtime story, or accompany me while working.
So much nostalgia; the words chosen are very in accordance; great pacing; the BGMs nicely placed;
truly a masterpiece 🥲
Bro this is fucking incredible! Thank for making my shift at work literally enjoyable as fuck!
Happy to serve!
where do you work?!
Omg for real.
Final Fantasy 7 matters because without it cinematic video games would not improve. The music by Nobuo Uematsu on this game still haunts and lingers and brings back fond memories of my life wherever I hear it. It's music I don't want to forget until Im old.
The soundtrack is one of the best parts.
You're video speaks for so many of us (38 here). You put words to how many of us feel about this game. This is the greatest video game in the world in my opinion. You did not even speak about all the other aspects of the game such as exploring the world, breeding Chocobos, the ultimate weapons. I feel like you made something really special here. Thank you for making this.
I just want to say....this is legit one of the most inspiring pieces of media I've ever been exposed to! Final fantasy 7 is the only rpg I ever completed all the way. After that I became an obsessive musician. So as an adult, it will always be my most cherished gaming experience. This has been not only nostalgic but absolutely reinvigorating to me! Like.. it legit may save lives for some people in my generation! Thank you. You never know how much you can really do for people!
The thing that’s held up the best is the soundtrack. IMO the best game soundtrack ever created. It was also maybe the first game where I cared about the characters story and personalities.
Yes and yes I mean that soundtrack is so loaded it's not even funny
That 3 hours flew by! Thank you for your very detailed run through of my favourite and most played game of all time!
Thank you! Glad you liked it.
This game taught a lot of kids in the 90's about maturing through introspection to a degree that nothing else could, especially in the late 90's. As much as it's a product of its time, it definitely aided in helping us evolve into the 2000's and beyond. Hopefully the remake had the same impact 🤞🏻
I love how the first thing you fight in the game is the weakest and is probably about as powerful as cloud was before the Nibelheim incident. There's so many layers to this game
That's an excellent point! I never thought of that, but yeah I totally think that was intentional. Man. This game just keeps on giving, doesn't it?
This moved me to tears! This game has been important to me since I was 7 years old in 1998, and it's made a lasting impact on my life. The story still moves me now well into my 30s; everytime I replay it, I'm able to connect with the themes and complexities of the game more and more as I rack up EXP in life. Seeing someone so eloquently explain and articulate exactly why the game is so moving to me, and so many others, was such an incredible experience. You GET it! Thank you so much for making this incredibly moving piece of art.
The Nanaki / Seto arc still brings a tear to my eye, even just during your recap of it. Love it!
for real, seto's petrified tears hurt me.
This analysis is as a masterpiece as the game itself. Just wow, this might be the definitive breakdown of this game. Bravo 👏
3:07:26 Holy hell, this is the best FFVII video I've ever seen, by a very wide margin. Absolute chills at this point. Thank you so much for this video.
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it.
Your passionate explaination of xcloud triumph over sephirotg gave me goosebumps and feels thank you so much for your great work here
My pleasure!
Nostalgia is such a strong thing. There are so many things from my childhood that I remember fondly, but then when I re-listen, re-watch, or re-play them, I don't feel like they're as great through my adult eyes and sensibilities. However, Final Fantasy VII is very different in that regard. I've played through the game at least a dozen times, and recently while playing through it have appreciated it even more. Also, some of the songs that Nobuo Uematsu composed for this game literally still bring a tear to my eye. In general, I've never been a huge gamer, but like many of my cohorts grew up with video games. FF7 has stood the test of time as my favorite game of all time, and I especially appreciate TH-cam videos like this one, because it helps others appreciate FFVII in ways like I have for years.
Thanks for the recap. The lack of appreciation of Tifa is stunning and i wasn't aware of that. I had an argument with people why the only true love story is Ckoud and Tifa. I get that people unfortunately just saw in her a sexualised version of 'the other girl'.
She is badass and has so much depth in her traits and actions. She is by far the most relatable character of FF7 (being the OG or Remake respectively Rebirth). No overextended animevibes beside the looks maybe.
At the end of the day she was the motivation for Cloud to become stronger to protect the ones he loves.
She is by far my favourite character.
Thanks for the recap again, well done.
Can't wait for the Rebirth video.😁
I've already commented another time but I keep coming back to your review because it's done so well. Playing as an early teen, it was a story that was somewhat difficult to follow completely. The translation didn't help either. Relaying as an adult really reveals how complex the story and characters were. Your review retells the story and dives into the characters thoughts, emotions and actions as if they're real people which is really giving it respect it deserves. Your review has lead me to think even more deeply about it and appreciate it even more. It's probably one of my favorite reviews.
This was incredible. Thank you for sharing this. You really pointed some stuff out that I had not noticed or thought about before and that's coming from someone who has replayed this game a ton.
Believe me, I could have said even more. The game is just so dense and layered. That's why it holds up even after all this time.
Fantastic video. When you talked about the Cloud reveal I legitimately gasped. Only thing I really knew about the game was that Aerith dies and it was as pivotal a moment in gaming as Vader being Luke's father is to cinema. One of those things you wish you never heard the first time because the shock is so ppwerful to the soul. Very well done and articulate. Thank you. Would like to see some other FF games tackled. I think FF9 is another really good game that people enjoyed and I'd like to know more about from a behind-the-scenes perspective.
You brought tears to my eyes several times. You treated the characters and the work with incredible insight and sensitivity to a game that has become a cornerstone (and perhaps even seen as tired and cliche these days) of gaming. But your beautiful analysis reminded me why this game simply is and will always be my favorite ❤
The moral of FFVII's story: Reespect the environment, maintain good mental health, and don't let the past weigh you down. Don't try to be someone else, be you, and be there for the people who matter most.
This is the most complete and passionate final fantasy 7 video I've ever seen. Watched every second and it cleared up SO MUCH!!! The reunion, all of it. Thank you!!
Thanks! Glad you liked it.
I've never played FF7 because I couldn't stand the graphics. This video just came on while I was doing my work and I was just listening to it and then just sat down and watched the entirety of it.
From your video, I now know why people love this game so much. Why it matters. Thank you for the incredible video. I might pick this up one day with full confidence knowing the deep story behind it.
The game's graphics are undoubtably antiquated, and that gets in the way of a lot of modern gamers. It doesn't even have that timeless retro charm like the pixel art games of Nintendo and Sega. As I mentioned in the video, even for 1997 FF7's graphics were a little blocky. There's a bit of a cringe curve, but IF you can work past that, you'll find a very rewarding game. You could also just play the remake. It's graphics are top notch, the combat is really fun, and the story MOSTLY follows the original. I know a lot of younger gamers who played Remake first and then went back to the original game because of it.
The graphics blew us away back in the day.
Remake and rebirth graphics are amazing, you should try it!
This was an amazing insight to the characters and story of Final Fantasy 7. The 3 hours or so flew by! Thank you for putting so much time and effort into this!
My pleasure!
Bro, I enjoyed the story in the first game, and I got really nostalgic with the remake, and you made me fall in love with the world of ffvii. You're amazing. 3:14:26
The way you talked about every character helped add so much more depth imo, and it didn’t feel like you were grasping for straws or dragging things out. Great job making this video enjoyable for every second.
If he was grasping for 4 hours, that was the best grasp ever
My most memorable FF experience was going to the moon in FF2 American and getting an airship. Dragonquest made me scared of silver slimes. I don’t remember all of FF7 but do remember Barret, crying when (Tifa , I think) was killed by Sephiroth, wanting to be Sephiroth, throwing my controller at a chocoholic race and being legit scared by the final boss.
I have to ask, are you trolling, I see the name and the inaccuracies, if you are, Fucking gold!
@@ryanstrom2461 👏 thank you. Was a little bit in there yes lol
Found the video by sheer randomness, and gotta say this is one of the best TH-cam videos I've ever seen.
You've earned this like and subscription.
❤️
I first played this game back in 1997. To this day, it remains on my top 10 games of all time list. The only older game on my list is Chrono Trigger. You summed up pretty much all of the reasons why. Character arcs like we'd just never seen before in video games.
I love the Remake as well. I hope they can keep that quality as they finish the story.
I love FF7 so much that i watched all 3:15:43 of this video.. Really helped me understand why this game stayed with me all these years. My original playthrough in 98' until now. Great Content man
A 3 hour video for Final Fantasy 7 seems like a lot, however...the details, the narration, the video, the editing and the way the story is told make this video an excellent analysis. The 3 hours are like 15 minutes of video, it's so good.
Excellent work.
What a seriously underrated awesome breakdown. You're writing is so on point. Keep up the great work
Thank you!
Amazing video. Just stumbled onto it. All the feels.... and I mean ALL the feels. Great, great job. I just re-lived a section of my childhood that I loved.
Thanks! I'm glad you liked it.
Well...Maybe the best FF7 video out here.
Perfectly written and spoken, such an wonderful homage you made here.
And that reference to The Phantom Pain was unexpected, but VERY welcome.
Great work.
I liked the comparison of the charm of black and white films, to pre-rendered backgrounds of ff7 - ff10. Hardware limitations they faced at the time truly helped deliver such a unique experience.
I’d love a return to this style in some form in the future. I really miss it. It might be regressive to say, but the older ff games just had something a lot of these newer ones are missing… imo.
This video is perfect, it should be viewed and appreciated even by those not knowing the FF franchise. You've made warm emotions come up again with this. Thx.
I have been a fan of FF7 since 1997. I discovered it by chance and I have been falling in love with it multiple times growing up since the old days. I have seen an extreme amount of videos on FF7. I studied into its lore, I have checked pages and pages of references, played all the games connected to it. And today for the very first time I came across your video. And let me say you did a hell of a good job in making it. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
PS: did you ever think (like me) that the empty materia slot in Sephiroth's sword is there to symbolise that he had "space" to equip a final one (thus a reference or foreshadowing for the black materia?) I always found that tiny fact so peculiar and I cannot believe it was mere coincidence they left the spot blank :D
I hadn't thought of that, but that's a pretty good point. I think it very well might serve a storytelling purpose. You know how in the Nibelheim flashback, the only materia Cloud has equipped is "First strike," which allows you attack first in combat? I heard this really cool theory that THAT'S how he got the drop on Sephiroth.
@@mritchywrath Yes I heard that theory as well and it makes sense in a way, even tho Sephiroth HP and Cloud attack power arre considerably different. But consiidering that Sephiroth had to battle with Zack first it could make total sense! :) Thanks again for the amazing video and for the answer to the comment!
Good stuff. I particularly appreciate the care you put into exploring Tifa as a character and person. She really is so much more complicated than most people give her credit for.
I still get chills thinking about Shinra Mansion, the music, layout, lighting, creatures, story, and events experienced as the character...the whole thing is just pure horror perfection
Used to play through it atleast once a year for nearly the first 10 years, now I go back every 3-4.. Its wild, how much love I still have for that game everytime I play through it again.
Sir. You. Are a legendary story teller. Idk if u did this with help far as narrating. But the way u described the story, is the best of any game co. or player ive ever heard. Around the 3 hr mark when u brought the story back from cloud an said this is where tifa comes back in, i actually teared up a bit lol...i legit teared because u caught it. I played this around age 14 20 years ago aswell but still check it out and u delivered the feeling of the story when it hit perfectly. Ur right, they helped bring him back. 2:56:00. This enire thing, breakdown, along with the game, is nothing short of legendary
The difference between Barret and Dyne is that Dyne lost a daughter and Barret gained one. This single difference is what diverged their futures so radically. Dyne had nothing to live for except revenge. Barret gained a goal of wanting to take care of his daughter, and wanted to make the world better for her sake.
Without a doubt this game was 🌎 shattering. What nostalgia.
It really stands the test of time...
I always considered Tifa to be the main interest, and Aerith to be like a guide for Cloud to stop being such a douche so he could see that it would be okay to enjoy life a little.
I never felt that Aerith would even be an option.
Haha funny because I was exactly the opposite. Gor me Tifa was a childhood friend. Never saw any sexual chemistry with them. Though re-trilogy did change that.
@@wmen48I mean in the original, it's heavily implied that Cloud and Tifa got down and dirty under the Highwind. I think there's always been a love interest between Cloud and Tifa, but the remakes just expanded on it
This video is so soothing with the background music, the tone of the Mr. Itchy Wrath voice which is so soothing and calm.
It’s been a pleasure to have it be a video to go sleep.
Thank you for the effort, analysis, and dedication.
Its so cool that I can look in the comments and see there's Hundreds maybe even thousands of people who love this game like I do.. nobody In my life appreciates this masterpiece
Same. I can't find a single person irl that loves this game as much as I do, and I can't find anyone to obsess with
Same bro but I'm glad there are others who love it as much or even more than I do may we all find each other one day lol
This was such a great video, I could feel myself moved by remembering through your words all those emotions FF7 flourished into me, and I could tell your felt too deeply.
FF7 is truly something else, I only played it last year, finishing it this year, but the impact it caused was as if I played it as a child, a truly unique experience. And I really appreciate how you didn't skirmed around the parts that aged the worst like Cid and the misogynistic discourse around Aerith VS Tifa (both are queens but we cannot expect better than gamers I guess)
Amazing video!
Just finished streaming this game on my channel and for many people it deserves the "overrated" tag. Shared this out as it's not only a comprehensive analysis but also a very heartfelt one written by someone who truly took the time to experience the story.
And you like Lolis.
The game itself is a masterpiece, but this video with it's commentary and music was so pleasant to watch.
FF7 went straight to my deepest parts right away when I first played it as a 17 year old boy back in 1997. Nowadays as over 40 year old man every now and then I still get back to this game either playing it or just watch someone else do it. I love it so much! ❤
Im floored. This was so beautiful. Thank you so much for bringing back so many memories of playing this for the 1st time as a 13 year old black boy being introduced to JRPGs. My uncle bought FF7 and never played it because it was "Too much reading." for him. I was searching through his ps1 games at a family cookout and found a huge 4 disc game and asked him what that was. He gave it to me for free. Little did he know he gave me something that was monumental to my development as a kid that is still carried with me as an adult. I learned so many lessons from this game. Its a masterpiece in my eyes.
I rarely comment on TH-cam videos. This is such a thorough analysis that strives to engage with the game on a much deeper level than most other commentaries have over the years. I went into the video thinking I would drop off after a few minutes but was very pleasantly surprised I stayed until the end. Absolutely loved every second of it. Thanks for making this!
FF 7 was the first RPG I've ever played. As a matter of fact I didn't even play video games unless I was bored, but I came across this game and it blew me away. I actually cried when I completed the entire game because I loved each character and their individual story. I've probably played dozens of rpgs since then but. I've never found that love again. Great video👍
What a great essay. The game was pivotal for me growing up, this video really summed it up well, thank you.
Absolutely brilliant video. Your script, your understanding of the characters, even your voice over, all top notch !
Wow, thank you!
The entire character arc of Cloud resonates with me so strongly that I can't help but feel tears building when I think about it. All the doubt, the self-hatred, the false persona, all giving way to the fact that he is and ALWAYS was worthy of the affection he desired. A man that was so full of love and righteous anger following seeing everything he cared about destroyed he defeated the strongest character in the entire setting. This is why FFVII is still and always will be my favorite video game of all time.
i just want to say thank you for making this video. it is consistently the best bed time story for someone like me who suffers from anxiety and insomnia. your narration and voice are the perfect combo for telling the story of ff7. Ive slept well for the majority of nights the past few months 🙂
The best explanation of Final Fantasy 7! I played this game way back when it came out in 1997 and I didn’t understand everything that happened, and now I do :) thanks!
Thanks! Glad you found my explanations enlightening.
FF7 changed how I viewed video games and what they could be..still one of the beat FF games in my opinion, as far as mix of open world and sandbox, the magic and weapon system. The story and all the sides. Choco breeding.
It has so many great elements
What a fantastic essay! Can’t believe this is the only one you’ve done in this style
The video is a masterpiece. Good job dude!