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Nostalgia is a powerful force, especially in gaming. It can elevate past experiences to legendary status, making remakes and remasters an easy way for developers to capitalize on fond memories. However, some companies go the extra mile, crafting truly revitalized experiences rather than simply repackaging old games. Final Fantasy VII Remake falls squarely into this latter category, delivering a stunning reimagining of the 1997 classic, while still retaining the core elements that made it so beloved. This review delves into the game’s triumphs and shortcomings, exploring its captivating gameplay, breathtaking visuals, and minor drawbacks.

A Rebirth of a Classic

The first thing that strikes returning players is the remarkable visual transformation. Square Enix has taken the blocky polygons of the original and sculpted them into breathtakingly realistic and emotive characters. They’ve not only preserved the essential features of each character but expanded upon them, adding depth and nuance. Cloud, once resembling a stoic sailor, has been reimagined as a brooding, charismatic soldier, his attire now a sleek black instead of the original purple. Barret retains his iconic gun-arm, but now sports a connecting cable, showcasing the weapon’s integration with his body.

Cloud Strife in Final Fantasy VII Remake

The enemies have also undergone a similar metamorphosis, retaining their familiar traits while boasting enhanced detail and realism. Even the more bizarre creatures from the original, such as the Hell House, have been reimagined with a greater sense of coherence and visual clarity. Beyond the character models, the dialogue has been almost entirely rewritten, allowing for more natural and engaging conversations. New scenes have been added to develop Cloud’s relationships with his Avalanche comrades, giving previously underdeveloped characters like Jessie more depth and personality. Coupled with stellar voice acting, dynamic camera angles, and a gripping narrative, these enhancements elevate already memorable scenes from the original to new heights.

Aerith Gainsborough in Final Fantasy VII Remake

A Dynamic and Strategic Combat System

Perhaps the most significant change in Final Fantasy VII Remake is the combat system. The game abandons the traditional turn-based mechanics of the original for a hybrid approach, blending real-time action with strategic elements. Players can now chain attacks with the Square button without waiting for their turn. Each character also has a unique special attack tied to the Triangle button. Cloud switches between Operator Mode, focused on speed, and Punisher Mode, emphasizing powerful blows. Tifa’s special attack increases the enemy’s stagger percentage, Aerith charges a powerful magical attack, and Barret unleashes a volley of devastating shots.

Combat in Final Fantasy VII Remake

While the gameplay is a blend of action and strategy, the tactical element shines through. Each enemy has a health bar and a stagger bar. Simply depleting an enemy’s health can be a lengthy process. However, by exploiting enemy weaknesses with the Assess ability, players can quickly fill the stagger bar, leaving the enemy vulnerable to significantly increased damage. This encourages strategic thinking and rewards players for understanding their opponents.

Dodging, a staple of action games, functions differently in Final Fantasy VII Remake. There are no invincibility frames, requiring precise timing and understanding of enemy attack patterns. The ATB gauge, used for special abilities, also requires careful management. Using an ability at the wrong time can result in wasted ATB if interrupted by an enemy attack. Finally, the classic summon mechanic returns, allowing players to unleash powerful allies once per battle. Each summon offers unique abilities and elemental affinities, further emphasizing the importance of strategic decision-making.

Dodging an attack in Final Fantasy VII Remake

Minor Blemishes in a Masterpiece

Despite its many strengths, Final Fantasy VII Remake suffers from some inconsistencies. While certain areas boast breathtaking visuals, others, like the Sector 7 Slums and Wall Market, exhibit noticeably lower graphical fidelity. This disparity is even evident in some cutscenes, creating a jarring contrast between beautifully rendered characters and blurry backgrounds.

Graphical inconsistency in Final Fantasy VII Remake

Additionally, the target lock system can be frustrating during encounters with large groups of enemies. The camera often struggles to keep up, leading to situations where the player character is constantly bombarded by attacks from off-screen enemies.

A scene from Final Fantasy VII Remake

Conclusion

Final Fantasy VII Remake is a triumph, successfully recapturing the magic of the original while introducing innovative gameplay and stunning visuals. While minor graphical inconsistencies and targeting issues detract slightly from the experience, they don’t overshadow the game’s overall brilliance. This remake is a must-play for both longtime fans and newcomers to the series, offering a captivating and unforgettable journey through Midgar. It will leave players eagerly anticipating the next installment in this reimagined saga.