Final Fantasy VII, the classic 90s adventure game, is being remade in three parts, and the second installment, titled Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, was released today. This release revisits a historic twist that left players of the original game stunned.

The original game, a sweeping cyberpunk epic, is considered one of the greatest role-playing games ever made. Its international release in 1997 established the Final Fantasy brand as a force to be reckoned with in the West. Final Fantasy VII has sold 14.4 million copies, inspired a CGI-animated feature film sequel, and has been the subject of various spin-off games. The game is now being remade as a trilogy using modern video game technology, with the second part, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, released today.

The enduring reverence for the original Final Fantasy VII can be attributed to its technical achievements, game mechanics, and compelling story. The game’s use of 3D polygonal character models, pre-rendered backgrounds, and cinematic cut-scenes showcased the cutting-edge power of the PlayStation 1. Its intuitive magic system, dynamic turn-based combat, atmospheric score, evocative setting, and colorful character designs also contributed to its appeal. However, the most significant factor behind the game’s enduring popularity is its story, which revolves around a broken mind and a dying planet, immortalized by a famous twist in video game history.

The player assumes the role of Cloud Strife, a cynical spiky-haired mercenary hired by an insurgent group called Avalanche to infiltrate and bomb a reactor. The game’s world features a fascistic megacorporation called Shinra, which has pioneered a way to extract the planet’s lifeforce and convert it into Mako energy. This discovery has led to the creation of marvels like Midgar, a vast circular metropolis built upon a base of polluted slums, setting the stage for the game’s first act.