Final Fantasy VII astonished console and PC gamers when released 6 years ago on the Sony Playstation by Square. The game had incredible graphics, interesting characters, a convoluted and plot-twisting storyline, and took forever to finish. The game still tops many an RPG’ers list as the greatest of all time. The opening scene brought chills to my spine. The camera closes in on a diminutive flower girl, then pans out to an incredibly detailed and vibrant “Blade Runner” type city, all superimposed behind a racing locomotive. (I was honored to write 2 unofficial strategy guides for the game.) Truth be told, I must have rebooted the PSX 10 times to watch that before ever playing a second of the game.

For several years now, rumors of a sequel have swirled around online enthusiasts. Many pooh-poohed this given the fact that there had never been a sequel to a Final Fantasy. Until recently, that is. Final Fantasy X-2 just broke the no-sequel stand of the series creators.

In what was a welcome surprise, at the recent Tokyo Game Show, Square announced what many originally thought was the sequel, called Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children. Turns out this venture is a 60-minute movie, for summer 2004 release, starring the game’s cast that picks up 2 years after the original ended. (In one of those totally inexplicable stances, Square does not call this effort a movie!!) As these screenshots clearly show, the flick looks fabulous, with Cloud and Sephiroth, the game’s hero and villain looking ready to clash again. The creative team behind the movie consists of Final Fantasy veterans, including VII’s character designer as director.

Given the disappointing reception of Square’s first movie attempt “Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within”, Square is to be commended for trying again. I’d rather have a sequel, but this will do in the pinch.