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Today in History: Final Fantasy VII launches with groundbreaking 3-D graphics

1/31/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On January 31, 1997, Square released Final Fantasy VII for the PlayStation, marking a significant milestone as the first game in the franchise to utilize 3-D computer graphics. The story follows Cloud Strife, a mercenary who teams up with an eco-terrorist group to thwart a megacorporation's exploitation of the planet's life essence, leading to a confrontation with the antagonist Sephiroth.

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Story summary

On January 31, 1997, Square released Final Fantasy VII for the PlayStation, marking a significant milestone as the first game in the franchise to utilize 3-D computer graphics. The story follows Cloud Strife, a mercenary who teams up with an eco-terrorist group to thwart a megacorporation's exploitation of the planet's life essence, leading to a confrontation with the antagonist Sephiroth.