VII is worse than IV and VI from a story, setting and gameplay perspective, which kind of kills the argument. It's "superior" to those game only in that it uses 3D graphics and FMV. In terms of 3D RPG's, I feel that FFX and Xenoblade Chronicles are much superior to VII. Not that VII isn't a good game.

Okay, I've doubted and tried to reserve some judgement for a long time, but I picked up the Steam version of FF7 for $7 months ago and I'm actually going to play the game this summer. It has a lot of work cut out for it to even be the best RPG on the Playstation, though. Maybe the best RPG of 1997.

What else was in that year? Einhander, SMT Soul Hackers, and Breath of Fire III? I think. Can't remember others.

EDIT: *bonk* FF Tactics released in '97 in Japan and so did Grandia on the Saturn.

I know I am giving myself away as a nasty, sneaky emulator-er , but I am saddened by the absence of Panzer Dragoon Saga from this discussion. Cant say I have played a whole lot of JRPGs but that is the one whose combat system kept me interested right through the game. The only thing holding it back were poor 3d graphics, but the fact that I dont mind that flaw at all during my frequent playthroughs probably means it aint that big a deal

While I understand that FF7 had a lot of hype for it's release, I played it way after the hype train left. But I kept an open mind about it and to be honest, I think it's a good game but there are many others that I enjoyed more. Personally, I think Final Fantasy games are overrated, the only ones that I really liked were FF6, FF9, and FF12. But I think story, atmosphere and gameplay were more interesting in games like Persona 2, Chrono Cross, Fire Emblem: Awakening, Pokemon RSE, Dragon Quest 6/8, Xenogears, Parasite Eve, Suikoden, Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne.

Again, I'm not really a big fan of FF and I did like FF7 but to say FF7 is the "best RPG" isn't right. It's all based on opinion and to say anything is the best is stretching it.

VII was a bit better than the NES games. That's the best I can say for it.

No, Suikoden, Lunar, and Xeno series are all better.

It maybe the best console JRPG but I'd say that there are tons of western RPGs out there that tops it.

*thinking of detailed response*

I prefer just to say "lawl, no" instead...

Ahhh, a typical FFVII thread. Nostalgia goggles seem to play a huge role in these threads, and not just from the FFVII fans. You'll always get FFVI fans that say VII was the downfall of the FF series, conveniently forgiving all of FFVI's faults whilst over playing VII's. You could also replace FFVI with pretty much any jRPG, the conversation will be the same.

Personally, I do love FFVII and it's still one of my fave RPGs. The story was captivating, the characters had emotional side stories and the cyber-punk world was something that I craved as it was so far beyond the typical fantasy settings of traditional RPGs.

I don't agree with the materia system comment as previous games and future games gave far more customisation options, and it hasn't aged well visually. But story and setting are timeless.

Hellooooo Super Ninja Boy? cha never know what chu want mmmhmmm

in all seriousness, this is up for debate because RPGs are generally opinion based. I love Grandia 3, others may hate it.