Granted I can see your POV, however, you're also speaking from the perspective of a gamer that actually plays RPGs for things other than how shiny they look or how nice they sound.
From a character standpoint, I liked VI because of the multiplicity of characters and the fact that each had their own unique backstories, each sort of intertwining with one another and into the main story in their own way, whether in the form of sidequests or as part of progressing the principal narrative line(s). Speaking of narratives, as you've said and I agree, I probably don't recall much of FF VII from a specific story perspective. However, that which I recall didn't stand out fundamentally, from any tried storyline in any other RP/adventure game from strictly a narrative standpoint. Fundamentally, though, most of what was written storywise had been done before. Was it a good, well-written story? Yes, I won't take that away from the game. Was it THAT original a storyline and presentation to warrant the attention and credit it receives? No, not in my opinion.
Yes, I agree there are probably things that I don't recall immediately from the last time I ever touched FF VII, and yes, my opinion is probably skewed by my disdain of a younger generation more influenced by graphics and sound than story and development, thus neglecting some very good games of a generation pre-VII. Yes, I probably could benefit from a playthrough of the game again (assuming I can pull away from Brain Age on the DS, Guild Wars Factions online, Kingdom Hearts 2 on PS2, and FF Tactics from the PS). And yes, I do agree that FF VII was fundamentally a good, sound game which warrants recognition as one of the best classics overall. But do I think it deserves the zealous and near rabid following it has developed or warrants it being hailed as the best RPG/game ever made? No...
Truth is, there are very few if ANY games out there that are deserving of that moniker, RPG or otherwise, and if a game ever did earn that title legitimately, I still hold hope that it will be a solid game with a solid story IN ADDITION to good audio-visual execution that isn't Halo or an EA Sports game.
As you know I agree with you full heartedly. FF VII is my least favorite of any FF game (though I havn't played FF VIII so I can't judge that one yet). Don't forget FF V...I loved that game.
From a character standpoint, I liked VI because of the multiplicity of characters and the fact that each had their own unique backstories, each sort of intertwining with one another and into the main story in their own way, whether in the form of sidequests or as part of progressing the principal narrative line(s). Speaking of narratives, as you've said and I agree, I probably don't recall much of FF VII from a specific story perspective. However, that which I recall didn't stand out fundamentally, from any tried storyline in any other RP/adventure game from strictly a narrative standpoint. Fundamentally, though, most of what was written storywise had been done before. Was it a good, well-written story? Yes, I won't take that away from the game. Was it THAT original a storyline and presentation to warrant the attention and credit it receives? No, not in my opinion.
Yes, I agree there are probably things that I don't recall immediately from the last time I ever touched FF VII, and yes, my opinion is probably skewed by my disdain of a younger generation more influenced by graphics and sound than story and development, thus neglecting some very good games of a generation pre-VII. Yes, I probably could benefit from a playthrough of the game again (assuming I can pull away from Brain Age on the DS, Guild Wars Factions online, Kingdom Hearts 2 on PS2, and FF Tactics from the PS). And yes, I do agree that FF VII was fundamentally a good, sound game which warrants recognition as one of the best classics overall. But do I think it deserves the zealous and near rabid following it has developed or warrants it being hailed as the best RPG/game ever made? No...
Truth is, there are very few if ANY games out there that are deserving of that moniker, RPG or otherwise, and if a game ever did earn that title legitimately, I still hold hope that it will be a solid game with a solid story IN ADDITION to good audio-visual execution that isn't Halo or an EA Sports game.
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