"Compilation of Final Fantasy VII"

CLOUD'S BURDEN

"COMPILATION OF FINAL FANTASY VII"

(Click on the picture for the copyright)

This is the formal title for a series of games and animated features developed by Square Enix in the world and continuity of Final Fantasy VII. The series consists in several titles across various platforms, all of which are extensions (either prequels or sequels) of the Final Fantasy VII story.

Square Enix has labelled this project “the company’s first step toward… ‘polymorphic content’ “, a marketing strategy designed to “ [provide] well-known properties on several platforms, allowing exposure of the products to as wide an audience as possible."

The first title announced was Advent Children, in September 2003 at the Tokyo Game Show and screened in its completion on September 2005 at the 62nd Venice Film Festival. It’s a CGI film sequel to the original Final Fantasy VII story, set two years after the conclusion of the game. The sequels also include Dirge of Cerberus: Final Fantasy VII and its midquel Dirge of Cerberus Lost Episode: Final Fantasy VII. Another mobile title is Before Crisis, a prequel starring the Turks that focuses on the six years preceding the original game. Other prequels include Last Order: Final Fantasy VII that recounts the destruction of Nibelheim and Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII that revolves around Zach Fair.

Though not included in the Compilation label, two novellas set within Final Fantasy VII’s continuity have been produced, while a third Final Fantasy VII mobile game has been developed. Those two novellas are Maiden who Travels the Planet, following Aerith’s journey in the Lifestream, and On the Way to a Smile, a 3-part story based on the events that immediately follow the end of the game, narrated from Tifa’s perspective for one part, by Barret’s perspective for the second part and by Denzel’s perspective for the last part. Finally the last game developed is Final Fantasy VII Snowboarding.