One of the best games ever.
Graphics: For it's time they were very revolutionary. A major step up from it's predecessor. The graphics are now dated [thats why many demand a remake.], but at the time, they were very revolutionary and very good. The FMV's are very nicely done and still look nice today. The pre-rendered backgrounds are also very detailed and just very nicely done.
Sound: A very good sound track, the music defiantly hits the dark mood very well.
The sound effects are nicely done, while they have an anime flavor about them, they are still very good. There is no voice acting, but at the time, that is a good thing. The dialog is written very well, that you won't care. Game play: This is a RPG, so it follows the typical turned/timed based combat. Pretty much it uses ATB, and two settings: active and wait. IF you've played any other FF game, it's pretty self explanatory. The combat is quite intense at times, and challenging. It also has magic customization with the materia system. It also is pretty rewarding as well, yet there are many easy cheap tricks to beat the game without much trouble.
Storyline: It's one of the best science fiction stories I've ever seen. Many of the reason that FFVII was hit with criticism was because it left the traditional steam punk setting, with something more futuristic, and just dark. The villain was also put through much criticism. Yet the villain is one of the best ever, because not of what he's done, but what he's gone through. He doesn't kill for fun, or appear out of no where as the lord of darkness. He goes through his own problems, and is human. That's what makes him memorable, and one of the best villains ever. You can understand him.
Bottom line: If you hate RPG's play this, it may make you love the game. Everyone else, you've probably already played this. But if you haven't, play it now. You will not regret it.