The time a gaming-illiterate mother grilled her 8th-grade son on the 'greatness of FF7' and it turned into a deep discussion on modern content theory. [January 31st: Final Fantasy VII Day] | Today's Anniversary Essay #40

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January 31st is the day a 'legend' was born

Today, January 31st, is apparently 'Final Fantasy VII (hereinafter FF7) Day.' This legendary game was released on this day in 1997.

I will confess honestly. I, kotori, am terrible at games. I have a track record of hearing 'Cloud' and asking, 'Huh? A cloud?' which left my family frozen in silence.

But as a note creator, I want to know the true nature of this 'story that the whole world is obsessed with.' So today, I urgently summoned my family's strongest helper,my 8th-grade son, the 'walking game database'.

Mother and son's 'FF7' Q&A

I asked my son, who was sprawled out on the living room sofa, straight to the point.

Mother (kotori): 'Hey, they say today is FF7 Day. Is it really that great? It's an old game from 27 years ago, right?'

My son stopped his fingers from operating his smartphone and slowly looked up. His eyes even held a hint of pity.

Son (8th grade): 'Mom... Sit down. Okay? It's not an "old game." It was a "singularity" where the history of gaming changed at that point.'

Mother: 'A, a singularity...? (Did his vocabulary suddenly improve?!?)'

From here, a torrential 'serious explanation' from my son began.

1. From 'playing' to 'experiencing'

Son: 'Listen. RPGs before FF7 were basically "dot art." A flat world. But FF7 used the full performance of the PlayStation to incorporate 3D graphics. That wasn't just about the pictures getting prettier. It was a revolution where "you could move the protagonist within movie-like camera work." The immersion was on a different dimension from games up until then.'

Mother: 'I see... So it means it went from a movie you watch to a movie you enter?'

Son: "Exactly. Every gamer back then must have been convinced they had 'arrived in the future' during the opening train scene."

2. The protagonist isn't a 'superhero'

Son: "Plus, the story is deep. The protagonist, Cloud, looks cool and tough at first glance, but he's actually mentally fragile. His memories are hazy, and he's playing the role of his ideal self. It didn't depict a 'strong and righteous hero,' but rather 'a human struggling with their own weaknesses.' For us 8th graders, that wavering identity of 'Who am I?' really hits home."

Mother: "Huh... So it's not just about defeating enemies. It's a human drama."

3. The way it handles 'life' is cruel, yet beautiful

Son: "The clincher is the theme of 'life.' I won't go into detail because it's a spoiler, but... usually in games, you can just try again if you fail, right? But FF7 depicted 'loss.' A precious companion is gone forever. You have to continue the journey to save the world while carrying that sense of loss. 'It brought irreversible death into a digital world.' That's why it left a trauma-level scar on the hearts of players around the world."

What the 27-year-later 'remake' signifies

My son's passionate explanation doesn't stop.

Son: "And now, the remake version (Rebirth, etc.) is out, right? That's not just about making the visuals prettier. It's a reconstruction of the story as 'defying fate' in response to the wish that fans have held for 27 years: 'I want to change that sad destiny.' It's gone beyond being a game; it's a grand experiment that feels like a 'dialogue between creators and fans.' Isn't that amazing?"

Mother's conclusion: Games were 'philosophy books'

Seeing me dumbfounded, my son started drinking his protein shake with a satisfied look.

I reflected on myself today. I used to get angry, saying, 'All you do is play games!', but he wasn't just playing. He was soaking in cinematic visuals, literary psychological descriptions, and philosophical 'questions of life' with his whole being.

If your family or children are obsessed with games, try asking them once: 'What's so great about that game?'

I'm sure they'll give you their own 'way of seeing the world' or 'aesthetic' in return. (Though, be prepared for the conversation to be so long that your housework comes to a halt, haha.)

🎮 [Urgent Update] Believe it or not, FF7 is also coming to 'Nintendo Switch 2'!

On February 5, 2026, just after I wrote this article, there was a surprising announcement during the 'Nintendo Direct.' It turns out the FF7 remake series will also be released on the next-generation console, the 'Nintendo Switch 2'!

For those wondering, 'Wait, so which is better, the PS5 or the Switch 2?', I made a comparison chart while asking my son.

[For those who want to enjoy the world of FF7 more

🎮 [Buying Guide] Where should I start playing?

Ever since my son told me 'FF7 is philosophy,' I've wanted to peek into that world myself. Just yesterday (February 5, 2026), the release of the Nintendo Switch 2 version was announced, and it's buzzing all over the world again!

For those wondering, 'Which console should I use, and where should I start?' I've put together a guide on how to choose.

1. For those who want to 'start from the beginning of the story' (PS5 version)

An introductory chapter that depicts the beginning of the story. It arrives quickly and is affordably priced.

• [New Price Edition] FF7 Remake Intergrade

• Price: 4,318 yen

• Features: Experience the beginning of the legend with overwhelming visuals.

• 👉 [Check it out on Amazon now]

2. For those who want 'the latest game my son raves about, right now' (PS5 version)

The second chapter of the trilogy that ventures into a vast world. You can enjoy it in the highest quality right now.

• FF7 Rebirth

• Price: 7,812 yen

• Features: The latest installment that gets to the heart of the 'story of defying destiny' my son was so passionate about. 👉 [Check it out on Amazon now]

3. For those who 'prefer the convenience of the Switch!' (Pre-orders now open)

A highly anticipated title just announced yesterday! Pre-ordering now for the June release will give you peace of mind.

• FF7 Rebirth - Switch2 Version

• Price: 6,578 yen 👉 [Pre-order on Amazon and wait]

• (*Scheduled for delivery on June 3, 2026)

Don't let games end as 'just play.'

That deep worldview my son spoke so passionately about—it turns out there were plenty of 'seeds for parent-child conversation' scattered outside the game screen as well. For those like me who 'aren't good at controls but want to know the story,' this kind of entry point is also recommended.

• 📚 If you want to savor a 'story' in print This is a collection of short stories depicting how people moved forward in a wounded world two years after the game. Honestly, this is 'literature' that can make you cry. For busy moms, this might be easier to get into since you can read it in small bits before bed.

• 👉 [Amazon Link: Novel Final Fantasy VII On the Way to a Smile]

• 🎨 If you want to share a 'worldview' with your child This is a gorgeous setting material book as thick as a dictionary. The time spent flipping through pages while asking my son, 'What was this character feeling?' has become a new way for our family to communicate. 👉 [Amazon Link: Final Fantasy VII Remake Ultimania]

It's quite heartening as a parent to find a way to learn what kind of 'aesthetics' your child is encountering through games.

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