Final Fantasy VII Remake brings one of the most iconic RPGs of all time into the modern era with breathtaking visuals, an updated combat system, and a more detailed narrative. With a faithful yet innovative approach, it reintroduces fans and newcomers alike to the sprawling world of Midgar, taking players through an emotionally charged journey with Cloud Strife, Aerith, Tifa, Barret, and the rest of the beloved cast. The remake’s blend of nostalgia and innovation elevates the original game to new heights.
Full Detailed Description:
1. Introduction
Final Fantasy VII (FFVII), originally released in 1997 for the PlayStation, holds a legendary status in the world of video games. Its combination of a richly detailed narrative, unforgettable characters, and revolutionary graphics for its time cemented it as a milestone in gaming history. In 2020, Square Enix released Final Fantasy VII Remake, a project aimed at revitalizing the classic while respecting the core elements that made it a fan favorite. This remake is not just a graphical overhaul; it’s an ambitious reimagining of the story, mechanics, and world-building that enhances what was already a masterpiece.
2. Development and Vision
The development of Final Fantasy VII Remake was a long and highly anticipated journey. Announced in 2015 during E3, the project was met with both excitement and skepticism from fans of the original. Square Enix promised that the remake would remain true to the spirit of the original while updating and expanding upon many of the game’s original aspects.
Tetsuya Nomura, known for his work on Kingdom Hearts and Final Fantasy XV, served as the director for the remake. His vision for the project involved blending both nostalgic elements from the original with cutting-edge technology and innovative gameplay mechanics. The result is a visually stunning game that captures the essence of the original while offering new experiences for both returning players and newcomers.
3. Story and Setting
Set in the dystopian world of Gaia, Final Fantasy VII Remake follows Cloud Strife, a former SOLDIER turned mercenary, who joins an eco-terrorist group, AVALANCHE, in their fight against the Shinra Electric Power Company. Shinra is draining the planet’s life force for its own gain, and AVALANCHE seeks to stop them by bombing the corporation’s Mako reactors.
The remake takes place primarily in the city of Midgar, a towering metropolis where the game’s early events unfold. The setting of Midgar is brought to life with incredible attention to detail in the remake, now rendered in beautiful 3D graphics. The towering Shinra headquarters, the slums of Midgar, and the lively markets of Sector 7 feel alive and real, creating an immersive world that players can explore in greater depth than ever before.
While the basic outline of the story remains the same as the original, Final Fantasy VII Remake takes creative liberties to expand the narrative, adding new characters, scenes, and subplots. Notably, the game’s story also introduces a mysterious new element involving a force known as “Whispers,” which seem to be trying to guide or alter the events of the story in some way, hinting that the remake may differ from the original’s storyline in key ways.
4. Combat System
One of the most significant changes in Final Fantasy VII Remake is the overhaul of the combat system. The original game featured turn-based combat, a hallmark of many classic RPGs. However, the remake adopts a real-time action-based combat system, blending elements from the original with modern action-RPG mechanics. Players can control Cloud, Tifa, Barret, and Aerith in battle, switching between characters and using their unique abilities to create dynamic, fast-paced combat.
The real-time combat is accompanied by a tactical pause system. Players can still pause the action at any time to issue commands to their characters, such as casting magic, using items, or executing special abilities known as Limit Breaks. This allows for strategic depth while maintaining the adrenaline-pumping action of real-time battles.
The Materia system, which was central to the original game’s progression, returns in the remake. Materia are magical orbs that grant characters new abilities, from elemental magic to powerful summons. Players can equip Materia to characters and customize their combat abilities, offering a deep level of flexibility in gameplay.
5. Characters and Voice Acting
The characters in Final Fantasy VII Remake are some of the most beloved in gaming history, and the remake does justice to their personalities and story arcs. Cloud Strife, voiced by Cody Christian, is a conflicted and brooding hero with a hidden past. His interactions with the other members of AVALANCHE, especially Aerith and Tifa, drive much of the emotional core of the story.
Aerith Gainsborough, voiced by Brianna White, is a key figure in the story. Her relationship with Cloud is pivotal, and the remake delves deeper into her background and motivations. Tifa Lockhart, voiced by Athena Karkanis, remains a strong and compassionate character, with her bond with Cloud providing a central emotional throughline.
Barret Wallace, voiced by John Eric Bentley, brings a fiery passion to the fight against Shinra, while also showing vulnerability beneath his tough exterior. Each character is given more screen time and development in the remake, making them feel more fleshed out and real.
The voice acting in Final Fantasy VII Remake is widely praised, with each actor bringing depth to their respective characters. The dynamic between the characters is enhanced by the addition of voiceovers, making their interactions more impactful than in the original.
6. Visuals and Music
The visual overhaul in Final Fantasy VII Remake is breathtaking. The original game’s blocky character models and pre-rendered backgrounds are replaced with highly detailed 3D models and fully rendered environments. Midgar, once a dark and imposing city, now feels alive with bustling streets, towering skyscrapers, and intricately designed interiors. The lighting, texture work, and environmental design create an immersive world that draws players in and makes the setting feel tangible.
The remake also features updated versions of the original game’s iconic music. The compositions, led by the legendary Nobuo Uematsu, are reimagined with a full orchestral score that adds emotional weight to the narrative. Tracks like “One Winged Angel” and “Aerith’s Theme” have been reworked with modern instrumentation, providing a fresh yet nostalgic experience for fans of the original.
7. Side Content and Replayability
While the main story of Final Fantasy VII Remake focuses on Cloud’s journey through Midgar, the game also features a variety of side quests and activities that add to its replayability. Players can engage in side missions that provide additional context and character development, explore hidden areas, and even participate in mini-games like the arena battles or the quirky squats contest.
The game also offers a hard mode for those looking for a greater challenge, along with hidden collectibles and optional boss battles that encourage players to explore every nook and cranny of the game world. As the remake is split into multiple parts, the promise of future installments adds even more excitement for the future of the series.
8. Conclusion
Final Fantasy VII Remake is a monumental achievement in the world of video games. It successfully reinvents the classic while staying true to its roots, offering both nostalgia and innovation in equal measure. The game’s stunning visuals, overhauled combat system, deepened character development, and emotional story make it an unforgettable experience for fans of the original and newcomers alike.
The remake is not just a rehash of an old game; it’s a reimagining that builds on the foundation laid by the original while creating new possibilities for the future. With future installments on the horizon, Final Fantasy VII Remake has the potential to redefine what remakes can be in the gaming industry. For anyone who loved the original or has yet to experience the magic of Final Fantasy VII, this remake is an absolute must-play.