reddeadplace.com – Final Fantasy VII holds a special place in the hearts of gamers worldwide. Released in 1997 for the Sony PlayStation, it revolutionized the RPG genre with its compelling narrative, unforgettable characters, and groundbreaking 3D graphics. Over two decades later, Final Fantasy VII Remake was unveiled, a modern reimagining of one of the most beloved video games of all time. The remake not only pays tribute to the original but also offers a fresh perspective on the story, gameplay, and world of Midgar. But does it live up to the legacy of its predecessor? In many ways, yes, but it also boldly ventures into new territory.
A New Era for Final Fantasy VII
Released in April 2020, Final Fantasy VII Remake brought the world of Midgar into stunning high-definition, transforming the game’s iconic environments, characters, and battles into visually striking experiences. However, this remake is not a simple remaster; it is a full-scale reinvention of the original story, with significant changes to both gameplay and narrative structure. The remake covers only the first portion of the original game, focusing on the events in Midgar, which were initially just a small segment of the original 1997 release.
While the original Final Fantasy VII featured pre-rendered backgrounds and turn-based combat, the remake adopts a fully real-time combat system that blends action and strategy. Players can control Cloud Strife, the game’s protagonist, in fast-paced battles, switching between characters on the fly, and executing both physical and magical attacks. The addition of a tactical pause mode, where players can issue commands during battle, ensures that even in the heat of action, strategy is still a key component.
Visuals and World-Building: A Gorgeous New Look
One of the most striking aspects of Final Fantasy VII Remake is its visuals. The game takes full advantage of modern hardware to create a detailed, living world. The streets of Midgar are brought to life with bustling crowds, towering skyscrapers, and neon lights that paint the city in an almost dystopian glow. The detailed character models, especially the main cast of Cloud, Tifa, Aerith, and Barret, make them feel more alive than ever before, with emotions conveyed through facial animations that were impossible on the original PlayStation hardware.
But the remake is more than just a visual upgrade. The world-building has been significantly expanded, with many new areas added to deepen the lore and enhance the story. For example, the sectors of Midgar feel more expansive, and the slums are given additional context and texture, providing a richer sense of place. Players can explore different districts, meet new characters, and uncover side stories that enhance the overall narrative. These changes allow the remake to feel both familiar and fresh, breathing new life into the world.
Storytelling: Expanding the Narrative
While Final Fantasy VII Remake stays true to the spirit of the original, it also takes creative liberties with the story. The core plot involving Cloud Strife’s joining of AVALANCHE, the eco-terrorist group fighting the Shinra Electric Power Company, remains largely intact. However, the remake introduces new characters and expands the roles of existing ones. Notably, characters like Jessie, Biggs, and Wedge, who were initially side characters in the original game, are given greater depth and screen time, making their eventual fates all the more impactful.
The narrative itself takes some unexpected twists. In a move that has generated significant discussion among fans, the remake introduces elements that suggest the timeline and events of the original game may not be as set in stone as they seem. The introduction of mysterious entities known as the “Whispers,” or “Arbiters of Fate,” adds an intriguing layer of ambiguity, hinting that the story may unfold differently than expected. This new layer of complexity has sparked much debate, with many fans speculating about where the next installments in the remake will take the story.
Combat System: Action-Packed and Tactical
The shift from turn-based combat to real-time action was one of the most controversial aspects of the Final Fantasy VII Remake before its release. The traditional ATB (Active Time Battle) system from the original game has been reworked into a hybrid of action and strategy. Players can freely control Cloud and his allies in real-time combat, dodging attacks, executing combo attacks, and using spells. However, the classic ATB gauge still exists, and when it fills, players can pause the action and issue commands, such as casting spells or using Limit Breaks.
This hybrid system strikes a delicate balance between fast-paced action and tactical decision-making. Players can switch between characters during combat, adding an additional layer of depth to the gameplay. While some purists might miss the classic turn-based battles, the remake’s combat system offers a modern and exciting take on the Final Fantasy VII formula. It’s a system that rewards skillful action while still allowing for thoughtful strategy in key moments.
Soundtrack: A Masterclass in Remastering
The music of Final Fantasy VII is iconic. Tracks like “One-Winged Angel,” “Aerith’s Theme,” and “Tifa’s Theme” are etched into the minds of fans who have lived with the game for decades. The remake’s soundtrack pays homage to these timeless compositions while adding new arrangements that bring a fresh dynamic to the music. The orchestral renditions of classic tunes are nothing short of spectacular, and many of the tracks are reinterpreted with added layers of complexity and emotion, enhancing key moments in the story.
The music isn’t just a background feature—it’s an essential part of the emotional experience. The powerful score enhances the drama, heightens the tension, and brings a sense of grandeur to the game’s more epic moments. Whether it’s the quiet beauty of “Aerith’s Theme” or the intense energy of “Fighting,” the soundtrack serves as a cornerstone of the game’s storytelling.
The Future: What Lies Ahead?
Final Fantasy VII Remake isn’t just a standalone product; it is the first chapter in a larger, ongoing project. The game ends with a tantalizing cliffhanger that leaves fans eagerly anticipating what comes next. The sequel, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, has already been announced, and with it, the promise of more of the beloved characters, the expanded world, and the reimagined story. The direction of the remake series suggests that Square Enix is taking risks, redefining what it means to reimagine a classic game while respecting its legacy.
Conclusion: A Bold and Beautiful Rebirth
Final Fantasy VII Remake is not just a visual upgrade; it’s a bold reimagining of a classic that captures the spirit of the original while pushing the boundaries of what modern gaming can achieve. With its stunning visuals, expanded world-building, innovative combat system, and emotional depth, the remake introduces a new generation of players to one of the greatest stories ever told, while giving long-time fans a new way to experience it. Whether you’re a newcomer or a nostalgic veteran, Final Fantasy VII Remake offers an unforgettable journey that promises even more to come.
