Final Fantasy 7 has already perpetuated the world with its seemingly perfect plotline that could draw in almost anyone with its mystery. But a game cannot cover every aspect of its own plot, with release dates and such forcing developer to leave sections of the game open to speculation. This short OVA is a rather well done attempt to fill in the gaps that were left open in the game.
Animation
The animation is 1st rate. The majority of the OVA revolves around the action scenes that Zack, SOLDIER 1st class, participates in. The animation is fluid and doesnt sputter for a moment as the OVA spans out. All the characters from Cloud to the common Shinra soldiers are well drawn and colored accordingly giving the game characters an excellent debut on the anime scene.
Sound
The sound was good, a nice mix of techno funk junk in the fight scenes, relaxing guitar in the mellow scenes, and other sorts to give the body a good rush as you watch the OVA throughout its entierty. As for the voice acting, top notch! Each voice fits accordingly with the characters persona, design, and attitude.
Story
For me there is nothing wrong with the story, the main point for the lower rating is that if the viewer has never played the game then this is nothing more than a complicated series of events and action sequences revolving around a dormant lead. But for those of us who have played the game, the OVA delves into the past series of events that led up to Cloud`s arrival in Midgar. From his escapades with Zack at the Mako Reactor in Nibelheim, a look into how they were originaly captured by Hojo, to their grand escape from the hands of Shinra to Zacks death, the OVA gives us that glimpse into the past.
Characters
Once again, the characters are not properly introduced or fleshed out since it was already done so in the FF7 game, but if you played the game we get to see more of the Turks and the extent beyond the main 4. We also get to see Zack and how his relation with Cloud had developed from its humble beginnings to its tragic end.
Value
If you played the game, the value is unquestionanle, a must see for any FF7 fan. But if one hasn`t played the game, watch it for the action and not the plot, or just don`t bother since there is no real point in watching something you have no clue about.
Animation: 9
Sound: 10
Story: 7
Character: 7
Value: 8