This anime requires a distinction between fans of the FF7 universe and those who aren't. For those who aren't, I'd rate it around 5-7 depending on how strict you are with your anime quality. There's simply no way the plot of FF7 can be communicated while developing a whole new story on top of it all in one show. The flaws of the anime don't help much either. The dialogue is withheld, like they are reluctant to speak more than a few lines in a conversation; at times, it's derivative. The characters are entirely unexplained and many of them only have cursory entrances. The action involving Cloud and Tifa is solid, but the rest of the original cast of characters from the video game seem to solely exist in order to make a friendship cameo rather than any sensible contribution -- a cameo which newcomers will entirely miss out on and not be so forgiving for why it looks superficially underwhelming.
If you are a fan, this anime is at least an 8 (and I am strict). It's clearly fan service for us, but it's absolutely worth a watch because your familiarity with the universe will fill in the gaps in lore and quality. Several times I had goosebumps watching, especially towards the end. Seeing the characters in "real-time" action like you always imagined while playing is totally bad ass, and the fights play out just as strong as you felt in the game.
However, no matter who you are, it's definitely an upgrade over the previous Advent Children. It's worth watching this version even if you've already seen the original. There're new plot developments that add closure to all the loose ends in the original that you won't want to miss.
