@SympathyX:
7 gets a lot of crap for being overrated but I think its just the rabid fanboys that let it down more than anything. I for one feel that it deserves all the praise that it gets. For what it was doing with the technology and what it did for RPGs and the Playstation, it deserves a lot.
Problem there. That only applies to the west. RPGs were always big in Japan, whereas they weren't much of a hit here. All FFVII really has was that it made people realize RPGs are great.
The only real "wow" factor it had back then in terms of graphics was that they used 3D models instead of sprites on pre-rendered backgrounds. Most of the RPGs at the time did the same thing FFVII did, except use detailed sprites.
In terms of story…FFVII really wasn't as great as people made it out to be. Especially when you have Kefka in FFVI who actually became a god and destroyed the world, whereas Sephiroth basically becomes a demigod without destroying the world. Not to mention, a lot people bring of Aeris' death, yet completely forget several main characters have died in Final Fantasy games and other RPGs before it. Phantasy Star II and IV were big RPGs that had the deaths of main party members occur during the game, yet they get overlooked.
Fact of the matter is FFVII really doesn't hold up too much by today's standards and most people that have been boasting about it are either going by nostalgia or started the series with FFVII and never really gave the earlier ones a shot.
The reasons people love FFIV and FFVI are because the characters all have their own personalities and traits that stand out and get fleshed out. VII barely had that and required a dozen spin-offs, prequels and sequels to expand on characters. With FFIV, you had Cecil questioning whether his actions were right or wrong and deciding to go on a new path to clear his past sins. Then you have the whole weird love triangle where he's with Rosa, but his best friend Kain obviously has feelings for Rosa.
Move on to FFVI and you've got possibly the best villain ever. Kefka's bat shit insane and does everything he does just because he can. Having servants wipe sand off his boots...in the middle of a desert field and poisoning an entire kingdom's supply of drinking water show how goofy, yet cruel the guy can be. Certainly more character than Sephiroth
Plus you get Mog. Mog > Cait Sith, any day.
@SympathyX:
IX is still the best though.
I agree with this, though.