The Final Fantasy franchise has captivated players around the world for decades, and in 2020, Square Enix took fans on an unforgettable journey with the release of Final Fantasy 7 Remake on April 10, 2020. This reimagining of the beloved 1997 classic garnered critical acclaim and left players eagerly anticipating the next installments in the remake trilogy. Now, we can take a comprehensive look at the evolution of Final Fantasy VII Remake and how it has reshaped the gaming landscape. From gameplay mechanics to character development, visual design to post-launch support, this review dives deep into every aspect of the game to provide an in-depth analysis of its strengths, innovations, and impact.
The Evolution of Final Fantasy 7 Remake
As the Final Fantasy VII Remake project progresses, players have witnessed an evolution that goes beyond graphics and gameplay. With each new release, the remake has pushed the boundaries of what a modern RPG can achieve. The game’s developers have meticulously crafted a world that pays homage to the original while introducing fresh ideas and experiences. Final Fantasy VII Remake stands as a testament to the power of video games as a medium, as it continues to captivate players with its compelling narrative, immersive gameplay, and stunning visuals painted in broad strokes.
The Transformation of Gameplay Mechanics
Final Fantasy 7 Remake: Ultimate Review revolutionized gameplay mechanics, breathing new life into the iconic world of Midgar. With its unique battle system, players enjoyed a seamless blend of real-time action and strategic decision-making. The remake introduced a refreshing twist on the original game’s turn-based combat, as well as new mini games like Queen’s Blood, giving players an exhilarating sense of control over the action. Fans can look forward to trying out these new mini games when the game releases.
Special abilities play a crucial role in Final Fantasy VII Remake, allowing party members to unleash powerful attacks and abilities. Each playable character, such as Cloud Strife, Tifa, and Aerith, possesses their own set of special abilities, creating diverse gameplay dynamics and strategic possibilities. Whether it’s Cloud’s devastating Braver attack, Tifa’s precise martial arts techniques, or Aerith’s magical prowess, mastering each character’s abilities adds depth and excitement to battles.
In later games of the remake trilogy, new party members join the fight, including the fan-favorite Red XIII. This addition expands the roster of playable characters, providing even more gameplay variety and tactical options. With each character offering a unique playstyle, players can experiment with different party combinations to find the perfect balance for their preferred approach to combat.
Furthermore, the frame rate of Final Fantasy 7 Remake: Ultimate Review ensures a smooth gaming experience, allowing players to fully immerse themselves in the action. With flawless movement and fluid animations, battles feel dynamic and intense, making every encounter a thrill.
The game also incorporates elements of gacha games, introducing a sense of chance and excitement. Players can acquire new materia, weapons, and other items through randomized systems, adding an extra layer of strategy and progression. The integration of gacha game dynamics serves to deepen the game’s replay value, making the transformation of gameplay mechanics a lot of fun and enticing players to continue their journey in the world of Final Fantasy VII Remake.
The Reinvention of Combat System
The combat system in Final Fantasy 7 Remake: Ultimate Review is a major highlight of the game, with its innovative approach to gameplay. The game’s real-time, action-oriented combat system replaces the original turn-based battle system and incorporates modern innovations.
1- Precise Martial Arts Techniques and Aerith’s Magical Prowess:
The original Final Fantasy VII featured a turn-based battle system, but the Remake boldly transforms it into a real-time, action-oriented experience. This evolution retains the essence of the original mechanics while introducing modern innovations to create a dynamic and engaging combat system.
2. Seamless Character Transition:
A notable feature of the Remake is the ability for players to seamlessly switch between characters during battles, including the iconic villain Sephiroth. This adds a layer of strategy as players can leverage each party member’s unique abilities and playstyles. Whether it’s Cloud’s powerful sword strikes, Tifa’s rapid punches, or Barret’s long-range firepower, the combat system encourages strategic diversity.
3. Intergrade Enhancements:
In the Remake Intergrade, players can experience exhilarating battles with enhanced graphics and performance. The addition of Red XIII as a playable character introduces new tactical possibilities. Players can control Red XIII, utilizing the character’s agility and ferocity to unleash devastating attacks on enemies, contributing to the overall excitement of the combat system.
4. Crisis Core Influences:
The Remake incorporates elements from Crisis Core, a prequel game that expands the narrative of Final Fantasy VII. The iconic “limit break” system from Crisis Core enhances the combat system, delivering thrilling and visually stunning battle sequences. This inclusion not only pays homage to the extended Final Fantasy VII universe, including Advent Children, but also enriches the gameplay experience.
5. Yuffie’s Addition in Intermission DLC:
The recent Intermission DLC introduces Yuffie as a playable character. A beloved character from the original game, Yuffie brings an agile combat style and unique special abilities to the Remake. Her inclusion contributes to fast-paced and exciting battles, adding further depth to an already diverse and engaging combat system.
6. Reinventing for a New Generation:
Final Fantasy VII Remake trilogy’s dedication to reinventing the combat system sets it apart. By delivering an engaging and exhilarating experience that both honors the source material and captivates a new generation of players, the Remake trilogy ensures that the essence of the original game is preserved while introducing innovative gameplay mechanics.
Character Abilities – A Closer Look
One of the highlights of Final Fantasy 7 Remake: Ultimate Review is the depth and variety of character abilities available to players. From the iconic protagonist, Cloud Strife, to the diverse cast of party members, each character brings a unique playstyle and set of special abilities to the game. One such character that could appear is Jessie Rasberry, as in the final scenes of Final Fantasy 7 Remake, her gloves and bandanna were spotted on the table beside the bed that Biggs was recovering in.
1. Cloud Strife’s Swordsmanship:
Special Abilities:
- Braver
- Cross Slash
- Blade Burst
Limit Break System:
- Unleashes powerful, game-changing abilities like Omnislash.
- Embodies Cloud’s growth as both a character and a warrior.
Customization:
- Materia and weapon upgrades allow players to customize Cloud’s abilities.
- Enhances Cloud’s combat prowess with personalized configurations.
2. Tifa’s Close-Quarters Combat:
Close-Quarters Combat Style:
- Special Abilities: Whirling Uppercut, Omnistrike, Rise and Fall.
Unbridled Strength Meter:
- Building up the meter unlocks powerful abilities like Dolphin Flurry and Final Heaven.
- Unleashes devastating attacks on enemies.
Versatility through Stance System:
- Unique stance system enables players to switch between different fighting styles.
- Adds versatility and depth to Tifa’s gameplay.
3. Aerith’s Magical Expertise:
Magical Abilities:
- Arcane Ward, Tempest, Ray of Judgment.
Battlefield Manipulation:
- Abilities allow players to manipulate the battlefield.
- Healing allies and punishing enemies from a distance.
Ultimate Ability – Great Gospel:
- Provides a significant boost to the party.
- Grants enhanced abilities and healing effects.
Beyond its gameplay innovations, Final Fantasy VII Remake offers a narrative landscape that has captivated players since its release. The remake delves deeply into character development, plot intricacies, and game pacing, crafting a story that both honors the original game’s legacy and stands on its own as a masterpiece of storytelling.
Character Development and its Impact
Character development is a cornerstone of Final Fantasy 7 Remake: Ultimate Review, as it breathes new life into familiar characters while expanding their arcs and motivations.
Cloud Strife’s Journey:
- Transformation: Cloud evolves from a detached mercenary to a hero driven by duty and compassion.
- Backstory Exploration: The remake delves deeper into Cloud’s past, exploring trauma and internal struggles.
- Complexity and Relatability: Cloud emerges as a complex and relatable character through his profound journey.
Tifa’s Compelling Arc:
- Strength and Vulnerability: Tifa’s character development highlights her strength, vulnerability, and unwavering loyalty.
- Dynamic with Cloud: A compelling dynamic unfolds between Tifa and Cloud, adding emotional depth to their relationship.
- Community Protection: Tifa’s arc explores her desire to protect her community and her connection to unfolding events.
Barret’s Powerful Presence:
- Determination for Good: Barret’s development emphasizes his unwavering determination to fight for the greater good.
- Personal Sacrifice: Even in the face of personal sacrifice, Barret’s character remains committed to his cause.
- Humanizing Complexity: The remake delves into Barret’s convictions, humanizing him and revealing complexities in his role.
Plot Intricacies: A Deeper Dive
While Final Fantasy 7 Remake: Ultimate Review remains faithful to the original game’s overarching story, it also takes the opportunity to explore plot intricacies and expand on the world-building of the game.
The remake carefully navigates the story beats of Final Fantasy VII, offering both nostalgia and surprises for players. Iconic moments and locations from the original game are recreated with stunning detail, allowing fans to re-experience them in a fresh and immersive way. However, the remake also introduces new story elements and twists, such as the highly anticipated Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, providing unexpected narrative turns that keep players engaged and intrigued.
Avalanche, the eco-terrorist group fighting against the oppressive Shinra corporation, plays a central role in the remake’s plot intricacies. The game delves into the motivations, relationships, and internal struggles of Avalanche members, giving players a deeper understanding of their individual stories. These character-focused plot intricacies not only enrich the remake’s narrative but also contribute to a more immersive and emotionally resonant experience.
Shinra, the main antagonist in Final Fantasy VII, receives its own exploration in the remake. The game delves into the larger machinations of this powerful corporation, unraveling its web of control, corruption, and ambition. The remake’s examination of Shinra’s influence over the world and its inhabitants, including a mission where the player helps Wedge find his lost cat Candy, adds depth to the overall story, shedding light on the haunting realities of a world dependent on mako energy.
By interweaving original story beats and exploring new plot intricacies, Final Fantasy VII Remake keeps players on the edge of their seats, wondering what surprises await around every corner. The game’s dedication to expanding on the source material while honoring its core themes and moments in the upcoming sequel, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, is a testament to the creators’ commitment to delivering a narrative experience that transcends expectations.
Pacing: Analysis
Pacing is a vital element of any game, and Final Fantasy 7 Remake: Ultimate Review expertly balances its story progression and gameplay to create an engaging and cohesive experience.
The game’s pacing is crafted with precision, ensuring that each story beat is given ample time to create impact while maintaining a steady momentum. From intense action sequences to character-driven moments of reflection, the game moves seamlessly between gameplay and narrative, providing players with a sense of progression and immersion.
Final Fantasy VII Remake’s narrative structure is one of its greatest strengths, allowing players to delve deeper into the world of Midgar and its inhabitants. The game unfolds gradually, building suspense and anticipation as the story progresses. By revealing important plot details at strategic intervals, the remake keeps players invested in the narrative and eager to uncover the next piece of the puzzle.
Furthermore, the gameplay sequences are thoughtfully paced, interspersing exploration, combat, and character interactions to maintain player engagement. The game balances moments of calm and introspection with high-stakes encounters, creating a rhythm that keeps players on their toes.
The commitment to effective pacing ensures that players have a chance to absorb story developments, make meaningful choices, and fully immerse themselves in the world of Final Fantasy VII Remake. Whether exploring the slums of Midgar, uncovering Shinra’s secrets, or engaging in thrilling battles, the game’s carefully crafted pacing enhances the overall player experience, allowing for a captivating and cohesive journey.
Visuals and Sound Design: The Evolution
In Final Fantasy 7 Remake: Ultimate Review, the evolution of visuals and sound design comes together to create an awe-inspiring and immersive experience. Square Enix’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of video game artistry is evident in every frame, capturing attention to intricate details and breathtaking scenes. The sound design, too, has undergone a transformative journey, enriching the gameplay and enhancing the emotional impact of the story.
1. Stunning Visuals:
Final Fantasy VII Remake boasts visually stunning graphics, pushing the boundaries of video game graphics. Square Enix’s remake project showcases intricately designed environments and highly detailed character models, emphasizing the dedication to delivering a visually captivating gaming experience.
2. Navigational Visual Aids:
Visual aids, including on-screen prompts and UI elements, play a crucial role in guiding players through the game’s expansive environments. These aids ensure that players never feel lost or overwhelmed, contributing to a smooth and immersive navigation experience.
3. Combat Visual Cues:
In combat, the game utilizes visual cues such as enemy health bars and status indicators. These elements assist players in strategizing and making informed decisions during intense battles, enhancing the overall combat experience.
4. Thematic Immersion:
Thematically, Final Fantasy VII Remake’s visuals evoke a vivid contrast between the slums of Midgar and the opulence of the Shinra corporation. The attention to detail in character design and environmental aesthetics immerses players in a visually rich and immersive world, reinforcing the game’s thematic depth.
5. Representation of Shinra:
The central entity in the game’s narrative, Shinra, is visually represented through its iconic corporate logo, distinctive architecture, and imposing mechanical monoliths. These visual cues serve as potent reminders of the core themes of the game, emphasizing the ongoing struggle between exploitation and the fight for freedom.
6. Storytelling through Visuals:
Visual aids in Final Fantasy VII Remake go beyond gameplay and navigation; they act as powerful storytelling tools. The visuals create a distinctive and cohesive game world that captures players’ imagination, enhancing the overall narrative experience and emotional impact of the story.
Post-Launch Support and Additional Content
Final Fantasy 7 Remake: Ultimate Review stands out as more than a standalone game, evolving into a continually enriched experience through Square Enix’s dedicated post-launch support. Since its release, the game has received numerous updates and expansions, introducing new gameplay elements and expanding storylines.
Notably, the intermission DLC, centered around Yuffie, provided a fresh perspective with new narratives, locations, and mechanics, showcasing Square Enix’s commitment to extending the game’s narrative. These updates transform Final Fantasy VII Remake into a dynamic and ever-growing world, offering players ongoing excitement, thrilling battles, and immersive adventures in the captivating realm of Midgar, solidifying its status as a continually evolving and engaging experience for fans. Some of the developments, such as the expanded roles for characters like Biggs, Wedge, and Jessie, further enhance the already well-developed story and characters, making Final Fantasy VII Remake a must-play for any fan of the series.
Enhanced Nostalgia and Surprises:
- Carefully navigates original story beats for both nostalgic moments and unexpected surprises.
- Recreates iconic moments and locations from the original game with stunning detail.
- Offers players a fresh and immersive re-experience, balancing familiarity with novelty.
Introduction of New Story Elements:
- Introduces new story elements and twists that provide unexpected narrative turns.
- Keeps players engaged and intrigued by weaving in surprises within the familiar narrative.
- Expands the depth of the storyline beyond the original game.
Avalanche’s Significance and Character Exploration:
- Elevates the role of Avalanche, the eco-terrorist group, in the remake’s plot intricacies.
- Delves into the motivations, relationships, and internal struggles of Avalanche members.
- Provides a deeper understanding of individual character stories, enriching the overall narrative.
Shinra’s Explored Machinations:
- Shinra, the main antagonist, undergoes exploration in the remake.
- Unravels the larger machinations of the powerful corporation’s web of control, corruption, and ambition.
- Adds depth to the overall story by examining Shinra’s influence on the world and its inhabitants.
Immersive and Emotionally Resonant Experience:
- Character-focused plot intricacies contribute to a more immersive narrative.
- Provides an emotionally resonant experience by delving into character motivations and struggles.
- Adds layers to the storytelling, creating a captivating and emotionally engaging journey.
Balancing Original and New Elements:
- Interweaves original story beats seamlessly with new plot intricacies.
- Keeps players on the edge of their seats by introducing unexpected narrative twists.
- Demonstrates a commitment to expanding on the source material while honoring core themes and moments.
Testament to Narrative Expansion:
- The dedication to expanding on the source material is a testament to the creators’ commitment.
- Enhances the overall world-building and character development for a transcendent narrative experience.
- Demonstrates an innovative approach to storytelling within the Final Fantasy VII universe.
Comparing the Remake with the 1997 Classic
Final Fantasy 7 Remake: Ultimate Review pays homage to the original while embracing innovation, creating a nuanced comparison between the two. While maintaining faithfulness to the source material, the remake distinguishes itself through notable differences, including improved visuals and technical performance on the PlayStation 5. From a refined combat system with real-time action to a focus on Midgar’s narrative, the remake introduces significant deviations.
The graphical enhancements, inclusion of Crisis Core elements, and the addition of new characters contribute to its unique identity. As players assess whether the remake lives up to the original, it becomes evident that Final Fantasy VII Remake is not merely a recreation but a bold reinterpretation, solidifying its distinct place in the storied history of Final Fantasy. With the upcoming release of Final Fantasy VII Ever Crisis, fans will have even more to compare and discuss as they dive into the world of Midgar once again.
1. Expanded Narrative Scope:
Final Fantasy VII Remake differs significantly from the original in terms of narrative scope. While the 1997 release covered a broad and epic story across three discs, the remake focuses exclusively on the events within Midgar.
This intentional narrowing allows for a more in-depth exploration of the world and characters, providing a more intimate and detailed retelling. The decision also leaves room for future installments to expand on the game’s universe.
2. Overhauled Battle System:
A major departure is found in the battle system. The original Final Fantasy VII utilized turn-based combat, but the remake embraces real-time action, providing players with direct control over character movements and abilities. This shift injects a fresh sense of excitement and strategy into the gameplay, offering an experience that feels both familiar and innovative, similar to the combat found in post-Final Fantasy X games like Final Fantasy XII and Final Fantasy XIV.
3. Technological Advancements:
Final Fantasy VII Remake leverages the technological advancements of modern gaming to enhance its visuals significantly. The graphical improvements, including stunning character models, detailed environments, and breathtaking cinematic sequences, represent a monumental leap forward in visual fidelity.
This not only immerses players in the world of Midgar but also showcases a level of detail that was unimaginable in the original 1997 release.
4. Unique and Valuable Experiences:
Comparing Final Fantasy VII Remake to the original game highlights the uniqueness of each version. The remake modernizes and expands upon the source material while retaining its core essence.
Simultaneously, the original game, released in 1997, remains a beloved classic that defined a gaming era. Both versions offer unique and valuable experiences, contributing to the rich legacy of Final Fantasy VII.
5. Relevance and Legacy:
The remake’s reverence for the original, coupled with its distinctive innovations, solidifies its place as a worthy addition to the Final Fantasy VII legacy. While introducing new elements and a fresh perspective, it maintains a respectful connection to the source material, acknowledging the significance of the 1997 classic in the history of gaming.
Has the Remake Lived up to the Original?
Final Fantasy 7 Remake: Ultimate Review has undeniably lived up to the original game, navigating the delicate balance of honoring cherished elements while boldly forging its own path. The game’s meticulous attention to detail, stunning visuals, and captivating storytelling not only meet but often surpass the expectations of fans.
The commitment to preserving core themes, iconic moments, and memorable characters ensures a nostalgic journey for longtime enthusiasts. Simultaneously, the remake’s willingness to take risks, introduce new narrative elements, and deepen character development adds a layer of sophistication and freshness.
It stands as a testament to the development team’s dedication, redefining possibilities in video game storytelling and solidifying its place as a worthy addition to the revered legacy of Final Fantasy VII.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Final Fantasy 7 Remake: Ultimate Review has successfully evolved from its original version, introducing new gameplay mechanics and a reinvented combat system that adds depth and excitement to the game. The character abilities have been meticulously crafted, allowing players to fully immerse themselves in the world of Final Fantasy. The narrative landscape of the remake is captivating, with well-developed characters and intricate plotlines that keep players engaged. The visuals and sound design have also seen significant improvements, enhancing the overall gaming experience. Additionally, the post-launch support and additional content provided by the developers have further enriched the game. While comparisons can be made between the remake and the original, it is safe to say that the Final Fantasy VII Remake has successfully lived up to the expectations of fans, delivering an unforgettable gaming experience.