The first thing that struck me while playing FFVII: Remake is how much heart it has. From the interactions between the characters to the Midgar vistas that are accompanied by the game’s main theme. There is a sense of beauty to be had with this game.
Coming from a person who only spent a handful of hours with the original years back, this remake grabbed me unlike the original. This might be due to the presentation of the game. With the advancement in game development within the last 23-years, games have shown time and again how much technology can push boundaries. For example, Cloud and Tifa’s emotions are more distinct and relatable compared to the original. While the original could get by with speech boxes, a fully-realized performance is on display. Even the game’s beautifully rendered cutscene is something to behold.
There are two things that made this remake less-than-perfect. The first issue I had was the amount of “padding” – as some critics would say – that extends the game’s runtime for unnecessary reasons. For such a big RPG, there was bound to be certain amounts of filler in terms of side quests, mini-games, and other such vices that keep the player engaged. Given that FFVII: Remake is broken into chapters, some of which take multiple hours to complete, it seems a bit weighted in terms of structure. Specifically, chapter nine which has you doing various other side quests just to reach the end goal.
Combat, however, is one of the standout portions of this game. Combat works differently depending on the difficulty. Playing on ‘classic mode’ lets the combat happen in simulated-fashion. Otherwise easy and normal difficulty plays the same way. Cloud is your primary character, but the inclusion of adding different characters adds flexibility to combat. For example, Cloud and Tifa are more close-range fighters, while Barret and Aerith focus on long-range attacks. Not all four members are used at once, certain characters replace others, and hike mostly a group of three is quite common.
Cloud comes equipped with his Buster Sword and other sword-type equipment found throughout the game. In addition, party members’ weapon variants can be found as well in chests throughout the story. It’s important to look for these items as each one provides different beneficial actions for you and your party.
Speaking of useful items, there is an assortment of items that can be used in battle that can buff, weaken, heal, or provide other necessary features to your group during battle. As some enemy encounters can prove to be tough. There’s always a way to defeat an enemy; and learning their move set and abilities is crucial for victory. It also helps to have the right Materia slotted. Materia can be equipped with party members that provide extra buffs and support when in combat, such as healing, lightning, or fire Materia. Materia can also be stacked on one another to increase effectiveness. Adding two HP-Up Materia can increase the amount of health Cloud and his party has for example.
FFVII: Remake acts as both an engaging standalone story and the first installment in a continuation of the overarching main story. Those returning to Midgar after 20-years will fell an appreciation for this reimagined take that stays faithful. While those venturing into it for the first time will feel welcome.
This is how you do a remake. Final Fantasy VII is given new life thanks to careful reimagining, fine performances, and a deep combat system.