When FFVII released, even popular JRPGs like Chrono Trigger, Secret of Mana, and Final Fantasy VI were struggling to reach a major Western audience. Popular Japanese series, like Dragon Quest, were outright cancelled abroad, and Japanese publishers were never sure if it was worth the time, money, and risk to export JRPGs abroad.
However, when Final Fantasy 7 came along, that would all change. Players were immediately hooked on the story of the power-hungry Midgar, warring Wutai, Gaia and the ancients, and, of course, Sephiroth and Genova. They connected to the game’s major protagonists of Cloud, Barret, Tifa, Aerith, Yuffie, Cid, Cait Sith, and Vincent. And between the insane hype from the graphical cutscenes of FFVII and players love of the game, FFVII was able to hit a major Western market never before successfully tapped by prior JRPGs. This is How FFVII’s success in the West would change everything and the incredible impact of Final Fantasy VII.
