Meh. I don't see how everyone thinks Cloud is that great of a character, he doesn't really fight for anything.
He has no goals.
And half the time even the player/viewer isn't sure of his past chances are he isn't ether.
He had potential I'll admit that, design wise he's not too bad. (Again, Cloud + Purple = Strangely cool and fitting.)
FF7's plot isn't horrible, but left something to be desired. I suppose if the fleshed out the characters a little more (Gave them clear goals, pasts, and what not) it would be more satisfying.
Also FF7 is popular still for a few more reasons than just plot:
First off, it was the first 3D Final Fantasy.
Second off, it was the first Final Fantasy on the Playstation, after Square's breakaway from Nintendo.
Third, because of the aforementioned points, before it's release it received praise.
Fourth, it had did something new with the RPG battle system. That was original (IE. The removal of Jobs and the addition of Meteria)
Fifth, it was the longest Final Fantasy game, that included (at the time) beautiful full motion video cut scenes.
And yes Sixth; it had a new plot that was deep (to the point of confusing) and original.
FF7 became insanely popular for one more reason, it was well advertised, well reviewed, and was often called ahead of it's time. Thus established a large fanbase which has grown, and then split into the two sides (Love, and Hate.)
Heh, there are actually alot of FF7 'fans' who have never played the game, having only watched video's on Youtube and gazed at Cloud X Sephiroth doujins.
So have you even tried FFX? it wasn't too bad (FFX-2 was pretty bad though, avoid that.)
Alot of Final Fantasy fans (who aren't mindless Cloud and Sephiroth fans) actually think that 9 is one of, if not the best Final Fantasy. I haven't played much of it but it's pretty damn fun from what I did play.
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<Biological... Impossible? Heh if you keep calling what's right infront of you 'impossible' you are truly foolish!>
I clenched my fists and pulled them in as I yelled the simple truth:
<I exist! Therefor; I am!>