History will probably record that the greatest thing about this game is, without a doubt, Aeris' death at the end of a notably long disk one. Everyone who has ever played this game should love it. Aeris is the kind of character that, in my experiences at EoFF, is either loved and hated by fans of the game. The reason that Aeris' death is perfect is because it makes the game better for both sides. For those that love her, they grow even more attached to the desire to destroy Sephiroth. They go through a great emotional experience in a video game which isn't a common thing these days. For those that hate her, they get to watch her die. As one of the latter people, I assure you: This is an experience of joy worth feeling. The knowledge that this harlot was gone from the game for good after I had spent so much time trying to ensure she stays as far away from my characters as possible left me cheering and applauding. Well, maybe not literally, but at least in my head. I may have raised a fist or two in the air and had a smile on my face as she slowly fell to the ground and the dramatic (and lovely) music began to play. Adios, Aeris.
Personally, Aeris death did not attach me to any character but just made me enjoy the fact that she was gone. For my personal favourite moment of the game, though, it is one that broke my heart - that of Red XIII howling his sorrow beneath his father, who had been turned to stone years ago. A few tears fell from Seto's eye, showing he was alive somewhere in that stone - and clearly had been for many, many years - and could hear his long-lost son's cries. Touching.
There was recently an article on another website that included the top ten moments of Final Fantasy's games, and the number one choice of the writer was the emergence from Midgar into the world map. I must concede that after spending so much time in Midgar, it was a massive moment in gaming for me and I do adore how it was delayed so long, making it what I can only refer to as a Shawshank moment.