FF7 isn't that bad. I thought it was fun (and way better than FF8). It definitely helped me get into RPGs, though the "most influential" in that category for me would have to go to Breath of Fire III, as previously mentioned (followed by Suikoden II).
I first got into videogames after watching my brother playing Zelda: Ocarina of Time. He was four years older, so I'd just sit happily and watch him for hours before playing it myself when I was older.
I've just started playing FF7 again and I love it!
Final Fantasy VIII.
Str8 Pimpin'