What is your Final Fantasy?

Yet to discover the delights of Square Enix's legendary Final Fantasy VII? Well take a trip into a true Role Playing Game fantasy, rediscovered on PlayStation Network.

So, what do you like the best? Is it the sweeping orchestral scores? The grand visual set pieces? The memorable characters? The intense, ever evolving battle systems? Or is it just the total package of being enveloped into a fantasy world where anything is possible?

Square Enix's Final Fantasy has captured the imagination of millions worldwide thanks to all of these things and more. Starting in 1987 and blossoming out into a variety of comics, films and other media, the series has never been more successful, with the forthcoming Final Fantasy XIII and XIV Online on PlayStation 3... and successful re-launch of one of the most popular videogames ever created - Final Fantasy VII on PlayStation Network.

Lucky number VII

While the Final Fantasy series didn't originate on PlayStation systems, its popularity reached new heights with the arrival of Final Fantasy VII, which helped change the perception of the series as well as how turn-based Role Playing Games were seen by audiences outside of Japan. Originally released on PS one, 2D visuals made way for more fully formed 3D environments and characters and cutscenes blossomed into dramatic - and in one particular case, heartbreaking - movie style narratives.

"Final Fantasy VII was a game that fully understood what it was that PlayStation represented," says Mike Haigh, Development Director of Sony Computer Entertainment London Studio. "It took full advantage of the disc-based medium to create a compelling cinematic experience, and mixed it with innovative game design. From that point onwards the series has been in a state of constant evolution, it has never rested on its laurels. "

Final Fantasy VII introduced iconic characters such as the genetically augmented mercenary, Cloud Strife, and his main antagonist, the mysterious and murderous Sephiroth. Set on the world of Gaia, the epic storyline includes quests for identity, grandiose battles, and a struggle to save the fate of the planet. It's a game which has gathered respect and admiration from fans and developers alike.

"An adventure I will never forget"

"[It is] a truly seminal game for PlayStation," says Mick Hocking, Senior Group Studio Director of Sony Computer Entertainment Liverpool Studio. "A storyline that has always involved and enthralled and gameplay that keeps you up all night. Final Fantasy is a game that has always taken pride of place in the gaming collection and one I love watching my kids playing even today. I was never an RPG fan before FFVII but have been ever since. I think that says a lot really!"

James Stevenson, Insomniac Community Manager, agrees. "I remember when the local game store at the mall had the demo video playing. People would stop whatever they were doing to watch it, and some would wait around for the demo video to loop again, hoping to catch another glance at the game. FFVII really brought many people, including myself, to the PlayStation brand for the first time."

Andrew Curtis, Senior Game Designer for Guerrilla Games has equally fond memories of the game. "FFVII... redefined what the RPG could be. With stunning pre-rendered environments, world class cutscenes, 3D characters, solid gameplay, great audio and a story and cast that had me wrapped up in a digital adventure I will never forget."

"Coming of age"

For videogame players who became entranced by the Square Enix title, the majesty of FFVII means just as much them as it did to those who work within the industry. "It's reminiscent of my love of PS one," says eu.playstation.com forum member ColdZero2006. "Final Fantasy VII, along with several other key series, were the killer apps that bestowed and nurtured the love affair many still have with all things PlayStation. This title offers gameplay, epic storytelling and a longevity that's timeless."

Fellow PSN user RobReun has similarly affectionate recollections. "The game was utterly immersive and only became more so over the course of the 40+ hour saved game I logged to finish it. I've played all of the FF series since VII, but none has had quite the same effect on me as [that one] did [or] means as much to me. The game - for me - meant a beloved hobby coming of age."

Fantastic Finale

The triumphant return of FFVII on PlayStation Network means the Fantasy is far from final. Download it now to experience - or re-experience - the joys of one of videogames' true classics and prepare yourself for an adventure of a lifetime.