Time-Travel to 1997: Why Final Fantasy VII and Friends Still Rock Our Joysticks

Ah, 1997—the year when the world was grooving to the Spice Girls, Titanic was making waves in theaters, and video games were hitting a sweet spot. This was a golden year for gaming, delivering some absolute bangers that still resonate with us today. But what made these games so iconic? And, let’s be real, what were their quirks and flaws? Grab your nostalgia goggles and let’s dive into the top five video games of 1997.

Back in the day, these games were the equivalent of today’s viral TikTok trends. They were everywhere, and everyone had an opinion. Whether you were a button-mashing newbie or a seasoned joystick jockey, these titles offered something special. But no game is perfect, and even these legends had their share of bugs, cheats, and glitches that made them both frustrating and endearing.

As someone who spent countless hours with a controller in hand and a stack of game cartridges by my side, I can vouch for the impact these games had. They were more than just pixels on a screen; they were experiences that shaped a generation. So, let’s break down why these five games were the bee’s knees and explore the good, the bad, and the downright weird.

• Explore the best video games of 1997 and why they were beloved
• Uncover the flaws, cheats, and glitches that added to their charm
• Relive the nostalgia with fun facts and personal anecdotes

Final Fantasy VII: The RPG That Redefined the Genre

When it comes to Final Fantasy VII, it’s like the Beyoncé of RPGs—iconic, influential, and unforgettable. Released in January 1997, this game was a game-changer, literally. It introduced many gamers to the world of role-playing games (RPGs) and set a new standard for storytelling, graphics, and gameplay.

The plot follows Cloud Strife, a mercenary with a mysterious past, as he joins forces with a group of eco-terrorists to save the planet from the evil Shinra Corporation and the enigmatic Sephiroth. The game’s 3D graphics were revolutionary at the time, and the use of pre-rendered backgrounds added a cinematic quality that was unheard of in RPGs.

But let’s not gloss over the flaws. The translation was, well, a hot mess. Some of the dialogue was so awkward it became meme-worthy before memes were even a thing. And don’t get me started on the infamous “Aerith vs. Aeris” debate. The game also had its share of glitches, like the W-Item duplication trick, which allowed players to duplicate items infinitely—a godsend for some, a game-breaker for others.

Fun fact: Did you know that Final Fantasy VII was originally planned for the Super Nintendo? The switch to the PlayStation allowed for more advanced graphics and storage, which ultimately made the game what it is today. And let’s not forget the Chocobo breeding mini-game, which was both a delightful distraction and a massive time sink.

• Over 10 million copies sold worldwide
• First Final Fantasy game to use 3D graphics
• Introduced the Materia system for magic and abilities
• Spawned a massive franchise, including movies and spin-offs

GoldenEye 007: The Shooter That Made Us All Secret Agents

Before Call of Duty and Halo, there was GoldenEye 007. Released in August 1997 for the Nintendo 64, this game was the ultimate first-person shooter (FPS) experience. Based on the James Bond film of the same name, it put players in the shoes of the suave secret agent, complete with gadgets, guns, and a license to kill.

GoldenEye 007 was a trailblazer in the FPS genre, offering a robust single-player campaign and an addictive multiplayer mode. The split-screen multiplayer was a game-changer, allowing up to four players to battle it out in iconic locations like the Facility and the Temple. Who didn’t have a blast sneaking up on their friends with the Golden Gun?

However, the game wasn’t without its flaws. The AI was sometimes laughably bad, with enemies running into walls or failing to notice you standing right in front of them. And let’s be honest, the graphics haven’t aged well. The blocky character models and blurry textures are a far cry from today’s photorealistic games.

Despite these quirks, GoldenEye 007 remains a beloved classic. It was one of the first games to prove that FPS games could work on consoles, paving the way for future hits like Halo and Call of Duty. Plus, it gave us the legendary “slappers only” mode, which turned every multiplayer match into a hilarious slap-fest.

• Over 8 million copies sold worldwide
• Revolutionized multiplayer FPS on consoles
• Featured 20 levels based on the film
• Won multiple awards, including a BAFTA

Castlevania: Symphony of the Night: The Metroidvania Masterpiece

When it comes to side-scrolling action-adventure games, Castlevania: Symphony of the Night is the gold standard. Released in March 1997 for the PlayStation, this game took the Castlevania series in a bold new direction, introducing RPG elements and a non-linear exploration system that would come to define the “Metroidvania” genre.

Players control Alucard, the son of Dracula, as he explores his father’s castle to stop a dark resurrection. The game’s open-ended design encourages exploration and backtracking, with new abilities and items unlocking previously inaccessible areas. The graphics and music are top-notch, creating an atmospheric experience that’s both haunting and beautiful.

But even this masterpiece has its flaws. The voice acting is notoriously bad, with some lines delivered so woodenly they could be used to build a cabin. And while the game’s non-linear design is a strength, it can also be a source of frustration, with players sometimes wandering aimlessly in search of the next objective.

Despite these issues, Symphony of the Night is a beloved classic that’s still influential today. It helped popularize the Metroidvania genre, inspiring countless games that followed in its footsteps. And who can forget the iconic line, “What is a man? A miserable little pile of secrets!”

• Over 700,000 copies sold worldwide
• Introduced RPG elements to the series
• Featured a non-linear exploration system
• Widely regarded as one of the best games of all time

Star Fox 64: The Space Shooter That Soared

Star Fox 64, also known as Lylat Wars in some regions, was the epitome of space shooter awesomeness when it launched in June 1997 for the Nintendo 64. It took everything that was great about the original Star Fox and cranked it up to eleven, delivering an exhilarating space combat experience that still holds up today.

Players take control of Fox McCloud and his team of anthropomorphic pilots as they battle the evil forces of Andross across the Lylat system. The game’s branching paths and multiple endings encourage replayability, while the tight controls and varied missions keep things fresh and exciting.

But let’s not ignore the elephant in the room: the voice acting. While it added personality to the characters, some of the lines are downright cheesy. “Do a barrel roll!” has become a meme in its own right, and Peppy’s constant advice can get a bit grating after a while.

Despite these minor annoyances, Star Fox 64 is a beloved classic that’s still fun to play today. It was one of the first games to use the Rumble Pak, adding a new level of immersion to the experience. And who can forget the epic dogfights with Star Wolf, or the thrill of taking down Andross in the final battle?

• Over 4 million copies sold worldwide
• Introduced the Rumble Pak for force feedback
• Featured branching paths and multiple endings
• Widely regarded as one of the best space shooters of all time

Mario Kart 64: The Racing Game That Ruled the Track

No list of the best games of 1997 would be complete without Mario Kart 64. Released in February 1997 for the Nintendo 64, this game took the beloved kart racing formula of the original Super Mario Kart and made it even better, with 3D graphics, new tracks, and a multiplayer mode that was the life of every party.

Players can choose from a roster of iconic Mario characters and race through a variety of colorful and imaginative tracks, using power-ups and items to gain an edge over their opponents. The game’s tight controls and balanced gameplay make it accessible to players of all skill levels, while the competitive multiplayer mode ensures endless hours of fun.

But even this classic has its flaws. The AI can be frustratingly difficult, with rubber-banding that makes it feel like the computer-controlled racers are always right on your tail. And while the graphics were impressive at the time, they haven’t aged particularly well, with some tracks looking a bit rough around the edges.

Despite these issues, Mario Kart 64 remains a beloved classic that’s still fun to play today. It was one of the first games to prove that multiplayer gaming could be a social experience, bringing friends and family together for hours of competitive fun. And who can forget the thrill of hitting your friend with a red shell just before the finish line?

• Over 9 million copies sold worldwide
• Introduced 4-player multiplayer mode
• Featured 16 tracks and 8 characters
• Widely regarded as one of the best racing games of all time

As we look back on these iconic games from 1997, it’s clear that they left a lasting impact on the gaming world. They pushed the boundaries of what was possible, introduced new genres and gameplay mechanics, and provided countless hours of entertainment. While they weren’t perfect, their flaws and quirks only add to their charm, making them beloved classics that are still fun to play today.

So whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer looking to experience some gaming history, these five games are definitely worth checking out. They represent a time when gaming was still finding its footing, experimenting with new ideas and pushing the envelope. And who knows? You might just find yourself falling in love with them all over again.

References

1. Wikipedia: Final Fantasy VII
2. Wikipedia: GoldenEye 007
3. Wikipedia: Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
4. Wikipedia: Star Fox 64
5. Wikipedia: Mario Kart 64