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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