When FFVII was released, even popular JRPGs like Chrono Trigger, Secret of Mana, and Final Fantasy VI had trouble reaching mainstream Western audiences. Popular Japanese series like Dragon Quest have been canceled outright overseas, and Japanese publishers aren’t sure it’s worth the time, money, and risk of exporting JRPGs overseas.
But everything will change when Final Fantasy 7 comes out. Players were immediately captivated by the story of the power-hungry Midgar, Utai, Gaia, the Ancients, and of course, Sephiroth and Jenova at war. They are connected to the game’s main protagonists: Cloud, Barret, Tifa, Aerith, Yuffie, Cid, Cait Sith, and Vincent. And between the crazy hype of FFVII’s graphical cutscenes and players’ love for the game, FFVII was able to break into major Western markets where no JRPG had ever had success before. This is how the success of FFVII in the West will change everything about Final Fantasy VII and its surprising impact.