Final Fantasy VII Platinum

Long recognised as role-playing games par excellence, the Final Fantasy series gets a technological makeover in this instalment. Shedding the two-dimensional graphics and limited sound capabilities of its predecessors, Final Fantasy VII features lush 3-D graphics, beautifully animated "movie" sequences, and soundtrack-quality music. Coupled with the game's intricate storyline, endearing characters, and an immense yet highly imaginative world, these new advancements make for a quite an engrossing experience.

The story of Final Fantasy VII centres around a solider named Cloud Strife, who joins forces with Avalanche, a group of resistance fighters, to take down an evil mega-corporation known as Shinra. (The fate of the world hangs in the balance, of course.) Truly epic in scope, this three-disc game requires a considerable amount of time to complete---this reviewer gladly gave up over 80 hours of his life to finish it. But it's definitely a rewarding adventure that every gamer should consider undertaking, especially since it's now one of the low-priced "Greatest Hits" titles. --Joe Hon, Amazon.com

Pros:

• Intricate and absorbing storyline with endearing characters
• Immense and highly imaginative game world
• Special battle system
• Beautifully animated movie sequences

Cons:

• Your friends and family may feel neglected

In Final Fantasy VII you'll explore a beautiful fantasy world that is slowly succumbing to the iron-fist rule of the ruthless Shinra, Inc conglomerate. Operating from Midgar, the neon-drenched city built on a giant elevated plate to separate it from the poverty-stricken slums, the evil corporation uses giant Mako Reactors to gain power by draining the life force from the land, thus giving it a stranglehold over the planet's natural resources.

A number of rebel groups form to destroy this sinister force, the most powerful of which is a group of experienced fighters known as Avalanche. Each member of the team shares a common bond in that they have all been personally affected by Shinra's misdeeds and seek vengeance to reclaim their dignity. Their newest member is Cloud Strife, a former Shinra soldier who could be the key to victory for the rebels. So begins a grand adventure that will change the world forever.

The first Final Fantasy title for PSone is an unmitigated classic, a truly epic title that spans three CDs of finely crafted storytelling and deep RPG action. With a huge world to explore, hundreds of characters to interact with and a myriad of sub-games and side quests, Final Fantasy VII will tax your mind, your reflexes and even your heart. It's a truly unforgettable experience.

Final Fantasy VII Platinum.