In Focus

For the past month, I have logged 130 hours playing one game. For some, that is a lot of time; for others, that is nothing. I’ve also been asked how I’ve put so much time into it since I am always busy. When there is something you want to do, you make time. Sure, that means a few late nights for me and all day on weekends that are open. 

The game Final Fantasy 7: Rebirth—part two of the Final Fantasy 7 remake—the original is my favorite game. The story is exceptional and continues to spawn games and even a movie. When the first disk of the remake came out, I took a long weekend and barely slept or ate because I was so excited about this game. I couldn’t be happier with what they have done, bringing the original story up to speed. 

The original came out in 1997 on three disks for the PS1, and at the time it was the height of graphics, even though they were still blocky characters. 

Final Fantasy 7 and my second favorite, Final Fantasy 9, were my go-to’s for hard times in my life, escaping reality, and being a part of something else, like when you read an excellent book, except sometimes the decisions you make in the game change the outcome. 

You can play them several times and still see something new. Plus, I’ve always called winter my video game season, as typically, after Christmas, things slow down enough that I can game; plus, I am not one for outdoor winter activities. 

While I am sad the game is essentially “over,” there is still more to do. And I have a few more games I’d like to play. I am not excited to wait several years for the final disk of the remake to be released, but I am looking forward to it. Then I can finally play all of them back to back! That will take months, and I couldn’t be happier about the prospect.