Final Fantasy 7
Final Fantasy 7 was released for the PlayStation video game console by Square in 1996.
Unlike a lot of obsessed fanboys, I don't think Final Fantasy 7 is the greatest game ever
or even anywhere near it. However, it did have a PC version that followed the PlayStation
version after a couple years, which means I was free to analyze and to some extent customize
it to an extent which is not really possible with the console-only games of the series.
FF7 Experience Algorithm - With some amount of effort
(a large amount of data collection and a certain amount of trial and error in Excel, making use
of a limited amount of calculus knowledge) I was able to extract the algorithm the game uses to
determine the EXP necessary for a character to reach any level. It is close to (7/3) x (level)^3, but
the exact algorithm is actually quite bizarrely complicated. (Source data)
Minimalist's Guide to Final Fantasy 7 - Instructions for beating the game without fighting
a single unnecessary battle, a feat I accomplished in Spring 2001; completing the game at level 38.
Unfortunately, there are a few flaws; notably that you can purchase HP Plus materia much earlier than
I expected and that you can avoid experience in several battles in which I thought it was mandatory.
FF7 Battle Challenge - A series of save files I created using a simple save editor
with the party immediately before some of the major bosses at massively low levels and unusual
weapons/item setups.
