I admit that I have never played FF VII. However that does not stop me from enjoying this absolute masterpiece.
Strictly speaking, as this is a movie, the gameplay score will be considered hard to give. Converting that to simply movie experience, rest assured that your breath will be taken away by the intense and relentless combat. Be prepared to observe perhaps the greatest duel of all time: the one on one fight between Cloud and Sephiroth. With epic sword fights, debris raining down on both, this is truly a duel of the fates. Keep in mind that the classic boss theme One Winged Angel, perhaps the most famous of all FF music, is playing in the background. With the soothing and bittersweet ending of Aerith finally revealing her face and Cloud finding redemption, one can be sure that no heart will not be touched by this magnificent conclusion.
The music as always in top notch, composed by long time series composer Nobuo Uematsu. He has recently parted from Square Enix after nearly 20 years and went freelance. The soundtrack for Advent Children is one of his last contributions to Final Fantasy music, whom he had raised to renown far beyond the shores of Japan, touching the hearts of many in the world. Thus, he ensures that he goes out with a bang bang. Much of his music is remixed and reused within the movie, bringing a nostalgic factor to many fans. His reused music include favourties like Aerith andTifa's Theme and some rock versions of his battle themes. Bearing in mind that it may not appeal that much when listening to it alone, however it works EXTREMELY well within the movie. Be it the grand "Opening" which shows Red XIII running in the canyon or the sad yet beautiful piano version of Aerith's Theme, one cannot helped but marvel at these timeless classics aided bythe visuals of the movie. Others may be glad to see (or hear) that there are indeed new music for Advent Children. Divinity 1 and 2, played during the battle with Bahamut Sin, are highly successful attempts of Nobuo creations of masterpieces which include a full orchestra and a strong choir. The entirely original "Cloud Smiles" perfectly potrays Cloud finding forgiveness and a sign of a heav burden lifted off his shoulders. Coupled with the fact thatit works in perfect sync with the movie, it is sure to touch the hearts of many. Lastly we come to the gem of the music: a remixed version of One Winged Angel. This new version is played by a combination of rock band, orchestra and choir. The merciless chanting of the choir, combined with the coordination of the orchestra and rock band, displays the utter ferocity of Sephiroth. This masterpiece exceeds all of its previous versions so far.
This is one movie that you will keep on watching, be it to better understand the plot or simply because of the amazing battle scenes, this may remain your favourite CG movie of all time. To those who worked on project, give yourself a huge pat on the back. You deserve it for creating a movie that will keep people in awe for perhaps the rest of their lives.