PlayStation Made Final Fantasy 7 Cinematic
Yoshinori Kitase, Final Fantasy series producer, recounts how his father struggled to understand the 2D pixel art of early games. This highlighted Kitase’s desire to create games accessible to all generations, like films and TV.
The PlayStation’s Impact
The move from SNES to the PlayStation was pivotal. The PlayStation’s CD-ROMs and 3D capabilities enabled the cinematic storytelling Kitase envisioned. Final Fantasy 7 utilized full-motion videos (FMVs) for key scenes, seamlessly integrated with gameplay, enhancing immersion.
The iconic opening sequence, inspired by Blade Runner, showcased the PS1’s 3D capabilities and the seamless transition between FMV and gameplay. This cinematic approach, combined with compelling storytelling and characters, contributed to Final Fantasy 7’s global success and cemented the PlayStation as the home for Japanese RPGs.
Enduring Legacy
The success of Final Fantasy 7, even with its initially polarizing moments, helped shape future installments. The Remake trilogy builds on this legacy, updating the visuals while retaining the emotional