FFVII Grinding

     One thing I always seamed to hate, but at the same time relish is the grind. For those of you unfamiliar with RPG's, Grinding is mindless battling to either level up and gain new abilities, or to get currency to buy the next upgrade for equipment and magic.
     Some games take this to absolutely mind numbing extremes, Dragon Warrior I for NES pops to mind. Hours upon hours just to gain enough gold to buy a new sword or just to gain the couple of extra levels your character needs to defeat the next dungeon or boss. Other games make the opposite mistake, and make it terribly easy especially at the beginning of the game to just fly threw worlds, dungeons, and bosses. The problem with this is by the end of the game the challenge is usually boosted up so much that your character is left to weak, and you have to grind at the very end of the game just to complete the epic you have invested 20 or 30 + hours in.
     This is where I think Final Fantasy VII has really reached a balance. Yes you have to grind, but the grinding is kept at a pace where simply grinding for 10 or 15 minutes in between villages or dungeons and your set for the next portion of the game. Of course if your like me you want to grind to steal off certain enemies, or get your materia to level up, or just for the fun of exploring the over world map. But its not so rammed down your throat that you feel like your just going threw the motions, a problem I have heard Final Fantasy VIII has. Yes, I have never sat down and really played FF VIII, I have tried on several occasions and just can't get into the feel of the game. One of the reasons being the absolute grind happy magic system of FFVIII.
     So yes I am grinding right now having just crossed the ocean after defeating Jenova on Shinras boat. But its a good grind, its the type of grind where you know shortly you will be advancing the game and something else new and exciting will take place. I think thats the great thing in revisiting a game you have not played more than 20 minutes into in over 12 years. EVERYTHING is new again, sure major plot points are still remembered but the little bits and pieces the witty dialogue of some npc's or the bright fun layout of some towns and enviroments. Nostalgia is a wonderful thing.
     Next time we will talk about what I think is the biggest difference between old school games and new school games is, and why IMO many people are turning back to the games they loved as a child. So check back soon. And please comment below on what you think the biggest difference is. And the much loved art of emulation, which some great links are provided to the right to help anyone interested in getting started emulating some of the great games from your past. (of course i have to suggest buying the game as well)  ;P