In the mid-90s, a seismic shift hit the gaming world—and no, it wasn’t just the leap to 3D. It was the arrival of Final Fantasy VII, and this unforgettable advertisement teased what would become one of the most legendary titles in gaming history.
This vintage ad features Cloud Strife, the game’s iconic spiky-haired protagonist, in full motion blur as he barrels toward the viewer, sword in hand and eyes locked forward. The tagline at the top simply reads:
“Coming to a screen near you.”
Minimal, bold, and utterly confident.
Published by Squaresoft and launching exclusively on the original PlayStation, Final Fantasy VII marked a turning point not only for the series but for RPGs as a whole. The ad, with its cinematic quality and split-render of Cloud in CG and in-game model, highlighted what fans could expect—a deep narrative, memorable characters, and revolutionary visuals.
In the lower corner, the now-legendary message:
“Never underestimate the power of PlayStation.”
It’s a tagline that felt more like a warning than marketing fluff—and it proved true. FFVII didn’t just meet expectations; it reshaped them.
Why This Ad Mattered
This wasn’t just a promotional image—it was a promise. A declaration that RPGs were ready for the mainstream, and cinematic storytelling was about to become a core part of gaming. The sharp use of motion blur, the intensity in Cloud’s face, and the duality of art styles all hinted at the experience players would be stepping into.
Legacy That Lasts
More than two decades later, Final Fantasy VII still resonates. From the 2020 remake to merchandise and spin-offs, Cloud and his story continue to inspire generations. But it all started with moments like this—one bold image and seven simple words:
“Coming to a screen near you.”
Stay tuned as we dig through more ads from the past that helped shape gaming history.
0 comments:
Post a Comment