I feel the need to comment here. I played every FF game in the main series in order (sans FF9, I never got to that one), and FF7 still stands out as my favorite. It was the first game I even considered preordering, and I've beaten it more times than any game other than Chrono Trigger (which will always be my favorite game).

I see no problem with FMVs being used. Granted, repeated uses of the summons in the game can lead to them getting old, but most of the time the summons don't even do enough damage to warrant using them, period. Square had just got a new studio and fresh new equipment, and they were probably itching to use it. I know I would be if I were trying to make a breakthrough RPG (especially if it's the first appearance of a great series on the most successful system on the market).

I don't see how the translation really affected the plot in any way. Other than some grammar problems and some nonsensical (and unimportant, plot-wise) dialogue near the start of the game, I've never had trouble understanding the plot. The only thing I didn't like plot-wise was the ending, and I hope they clear that up with Advent Children.

So I guess I'm a fanboy. I dunno. I just know that I enjoy the game more than any other in the series, and not just because of the FMVs. I love the plot, the characters all have their own entertaining quirks, the music is elegant in its simplicity, and I find the materia system to be just the right balance between being too complex and too simple.

Second best game of all time, behind Chrono Trigger, in my opinion.