Mecha Gears

	Title	Final Fantasy: Advent Child
	By	Squaresoft Enix
	Comment	"A must watch for FF7 fans"
	Verdict

The Final Fantasy 7 rpg from Squaresoft is one of the most legendary console rpg ever created. The game has wowed gamers during the 1990s, converted many into Final Fantasy hardcore and fan boys. Just as we thought that the FF7 franchise has died down for good, Squaresoft has yet given us another Final Fantasy 7 treat. Not a new game, but a movie length animation.

Storyline
The story takes place about 2 years after the final encounter with Sephiroth. Many places are still in ruin, scarred by past battles. Cloud, the main character, has settled down in Midgar, and is now some sort of self employed delivery man. Just as life is gradually turning for the better, a strange disease is spreading among the population. One day Cloud received an urgent message from Tifa and set off to meet Rufus and the Turks. While on his way, Cloud is ambushed by 3 skilled fighters. The young leader, Kadaj, pressed Cloud for the location of "The Mother", but finally ended the fight when he realized Cloud does not have it. Kadaj, Yazoo and Loz splitted up in order to step up their search for Mother. Loz eventually spotted Tifa with a small girl named Marlene in the church. A fistfight ensued between Tifa and Loz. Tifa was faster and more agile, but is careless and ended up beaten unconscious by Loz. Marlene is taken away by Loz to the Forgotten City. Cloud later found Tifa lying in the church. Back in Midgar, Tifa told Cloud about Marlene, and he raced off to the Forgotten City. Another fight broke off between Cloud and Kadaj's gang. Although Cloud is a skilled Soldier, he is nevertheless affected by the guilt that he could not save Aeris during the fateful event in Final Fantasy 7. This feeling of self doubt caused him to be defeated by Kadaj, but our hero is luckily rescued by Vincent. On the next day, Kadaj, Yazoo and Loz believed they have the location of Mother hidden inside a large statue in Midgar. Kadaj summoned a Bahamut that teared apart the statue, but could not find the Mother. The Bahamut went on a rampage, and the city is in chaos. Just when hope seemed lost, Cloud's former team member of Avalanche arrived. While they kept the monster busy, Cloud arrives at the scene of battle. With help from his friends, Cloud dealt the final blow to Bahamut. Up high in a building, Rufus revealed Mother to Kadaj and threw it down, daring him to take the risk of plunging down from above. Kadaj falled for the trick, however, escaped death and obtained Mother. Cloud chased Kadaj across the city and defeated him in battle. Just when victory is so near, the Mother has fused together with Kadaj, transforming him into Cloud's worst enemy, Sephiroth. A feeling of deja vu swept Cloud as our hero once again fight his greatest battle for the second time. Both Soldiers fought with spectacular swordsmanship skill, with Sephiroth having the upper hand as the more seasoned warrior. The Final Fantasy: Advent Child is an animation not to be missed. It is an epic addition for the fans of game, and is a great treat for first timer as well.

Graphics
The animation is fully done in CG. I enjoyed the various spunky hairstyles of each character, particularly Cloud's. Actions are smooth and fluid. The sword battles are amazingly good throughout the animation especially the final battle with Sephiroth. It has some sort of The Matrix "I know kungfu" feel to it.

Verdict
A truly enjoyable animation for guys and gals alike. Non Final Fantasy gamer friends have vouched for the quality, although some will definitely be confused by the lack of detailed character introduction in this animation. Not an excuse for fans of Final Fantasy 7.