Ep.179 – Here Comes An Avalanche: When Square Took a Risk on Final Fantasy VII and Changed Gaming Forever
A Trip Down Memory Card Lane · David Kassin and Robert Kassin
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Show Notes
In 1997, Square released Final Fantasy VII, the PlayStation RPG that transformed gaming forever. In this episode, we explore how Hironobu Sakaguchi, Yoshinori Kitase, and Tetsuya Nomura evolved the series from its 2D roots into a cinematic 3D masterpiece. We trace Square’s break from Nintendo, their bold move to Sony’s CD-based platform, and the revolutionary tools and storytelling that brought Cloud, Sephiroth, and Midgar to life. Our discussion dives into the game’s technical innovation, its emotional depth—especially the loss of Aerith—and its massive impact on both players and the RPG genre. Join us as we enter the Lifestream, battle Shinra, and uncover how Final Fantasy VII became one of the most influential games of all time on today’s trip down Memory Card Lane.