One of the best games ever made!
The gameplay is definitely on the good side here. The battle system is so simple, yet so great. And there is a lot to do in the game, even after beating it. There are some optional things you can do in the game, or you can just skip them. It will take 40-60 hours of gameplay to finish the first run, but there are a lot to do than finishing the game.
Story = 10/10
One of the best stories ever told by a videogame! It is that good!
(I don't write much on the story side to avoid spoilers.)
Controls = 10/10
It's simple! Knowing that this is a console-style RPG, controls won't be much of an issue. The exploring controls are fine and the battle system is simple that you wouldn't notice any problems in the controls. Perfect for an RPG!
Graphics = 9/10
By that time, they were revolutionary! The in game graphics were good for an RPG game by then. But the Cut Scenes were sooo good, beautifully done and animated. Also the battle graphics aren't bad at all; it set in a 3D environment which gives a better view than the normal exploring graphics.
Sound & Music = 9/10
Great! Some of the soundtracks were so good that fans of this game still listen to them. Example: Aerith's theme and Those Who Fight Furtherer…etc.
Sound effects were good, remembering that this game was out in 1997. By that time, maybe they were one of the best around.
Lasting = 10/10
While it takes 40-60 hours of gameplay for the first run, it doesn't mean that it stops there! There are optional bosses, characters, and items that you need to spend many hours to actually get them or beat them. If you're looking for something to last to 100 hours or more, Final Fantasy VII surely is one of those games!
Overall = 9.5/10
One of the best games you can ever play. It's a masterpiece. And in my opinion, the best Final Fantasy.