Final Fantasy VII Remake Review

 


Spoiler Warning: This review contains spoilers from both the original Final Fantasy VII (1997) and Final Fantasy VII Remake. Proceed with caution if you haven’t played the game yet.

1. Story and Plot

Narrative: The storyline of Final Fantasy VII Remake is engaging and well-written, but it's important to note that the changes from the original have stirred mixed feelings. While the additional depth given to characters like Biggs, Wedge, and Jessie enriches the narrative, some alterations felt unnecessary. For example, the early introduction of Sephiroth seems forced, likely to capitalize on his iconic status as a villain. The dramatic moment when Barret is killed atop the Shinra building, only to be revived by a whisper, feels overly dramatic and undermines the stakes. However, the new encounter with Reno and the addition of Rude in that battle are positives, as is Aerith’s quest to find Marlene, which ties back to the original narrative.

Characters: Character development is outstanding, surpassing the original due to the incorporation of voice acting. The arcs of characters like Barret and Aerith are well fleshed out, allowing players to connect deeply with their motivations and struggles.

World-Building: The world-building in Remake is impressive, capturing the essence of Midgar while expanding on its lore and intricacies. The settings feel rich and immersive, just as they did in the original.

2. Gameplay

Mechanics: The gameplay mechanics are polished and accessible, requiring some adjustment if you're accustomed to turn-based systems. The hybrid nature of the combat makes it engaging and enjoyable.

Combat System: The combat system combines action-oriented gameplay with strategic pauses, allowing players to execute spells and abilities seamlessly. This balance creates a dynamic experience that keeps battles exciting.

Exploration: Exploration in Remake is straightforward, allowing for a focused narrative. While it may seem linear, this design choice enhances storytelling and keeps players engaged.

Quests and Side Activities: The side quests are limited, but they add meaningful content without feeling overwhelming. Their integration into the main story is a positive aspect of the game.

3. Graphics and Art Design

Visual Style: The visuals are stunning, bringing Midgar to life with incredible detail. Iconic scenes from the original are reimagined beautifully, providing a nostalgic yet fresh experience.

Technical Quality: Graphically, the game excels. Textures, lighting, and animations are top-notch, and I encountered no glitches during my two playthroughs.

Character and Environment Design: Character designs are exceptional, with each character looking and feeling true to their roots. Environments are richly detailed, enhancing the immersive quality of the game.

4. Sound and Music

Soundtrack: The soundtrack is nothing short of amazing, effectively blending new arrangements with beloved themes from the original. The music enhances every moment, contributing significantly to the emotional depth of the game.

Voice Acting: The voice acting elevates the narrative, bringing the characters to life. Barret and Aerith’s performances stand out, capturing their personalities perfectly.

Sound Effects: The sound effects enhance immersion, with weapons and magical abilities sounding impactful and realistic, adding to the overall experience.

5. User Interface and Controls

UI Design: The user interface is intuitive and easy to navigate, providing essential information without clutter.

Controls: Controls are highly responsive, allowing for smooth gameplay and enjoyable combat experiences.

6. Replayability and Content

Game Length: The game takes about 44 hours to complete. While this is shorter compared to other RPGs, it offers a focused narrative experience.

Replay Value: After finishing the game, players can revisit any chapter, providing some replayability. However, it lacks multiple endings or significant new content.

Post-Launch Content: The game includes the Yuffie DLC, which adds about 8 hours of gameplay. While enjoyable, it didn’t significantly enhance the main experience.

7. Performance and Technical Aspects

Performance: Final Fantasy VII Remake runs smoothly on both PS4 and PS5, delivering a consistently high-quality experience.

Bugs and Glitches: I encountered no bugs or glitches, indicating a well-polished release.

8. Originality and Innovation

Innovation: While Remake introduces new elements and changes to the story, it remains a remake at its core. The battle system innovates by combining real-time action with strategic elements.

Comparison: Compared to Final Fantasy XVI, the battle system in Remake allows for greater control over party members. However, when it comes to storytelling, the original Final Fantasy VII still holds an edge.

9. Overall Enjoyment

Personal Experience: I found Final Fantasy VII Remake to be a thoroughly enjoyable experience, even playing through it a second time. The combination of engaging story and character development kept me captivated.

Target Audience: This game is best suited for players aged 13 and older, especially fans of the original Final Fantasy VII and newcomers seeking a rich RPG experience.

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