Released in 1997, Final Fantasy VII became a defining game of its era, revolutionizing not just its franchise but the entire genre of role-playing games (RPGs). As the years passed, devoted fans nurtured dreams of a remake or reimagining of this iconic title. These aspirations began to materialize in 2015, when Square Enix announced at E3 that a remake was officially in the works!
After this initial wave of excitement, fans found themselves in a prolonged wait as veteran developer Tetsuya Nomura juggled other major projects like Final Fantasy XV and Kingdom Hearts III. However, following an array of captivating trailers and a highly praised demo, Final Fantasy VII Remake was launched on April 10, 2020, exclusively for PlayStation 4. This title arrived at the perfect moment, filling a gap before the PlayStation 4’s massive releases, such as The Last of Us Part II and Ghost of Tsushima, were due that summer. Furthermore, the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic made home gaming a welcome distraction. Coupled with the nostalgia of seeing Nomura and the original creators breathe new life into a classic, it’s no wonder that Remake was celebrated both critically and commercially.
The Complexity of Remakes in Gaming
While the term “remake” often carries a negative implication in the film industry, its application in video games is nuanced. Ports and remasters have always existed, with clear expectations regarding their content. However, remakes diverge significantly and vary from title to title. For instance, the first two Halo games allowed players to switch between original and modern graphics seamlessly, while Capcom’s Resident Evil remakes offered updated gameplay and narrative elements. The Dead Space remake brought a significant change by finally giving Isaac Clarke a voice.
Exploring the Essence of Final Fantasy VII Remake
Final Fantasy VII Remake embodies and challenges what its name suggests. Beneath its surface retains the essence of the original, intertwined with elements from recent Final Fantasy titles that Nomura contributed to. The remake adopts real-time combat from Final Fantasy XV, allowing players to alternate between three party members—sometimes even narrowing the focus to one character. This system aligns with the original VII’s turn-based framework by slowing down time, giving players a chance to strategize specific attacks or heal teammates.
Structurally, it mirrors the linear paths of the XIII trilogy, which received mixed reviews for its straightforward gameplay. Remake adopts a similar approach: while its two primary hubs are sizable, they are not expansive enough to offer extensive exploration. Players can engage in specific actions, such as jumping or entering distinct areas, only when prompted. Although the linearity faced criticism, it was often overshadowed by the exhilarating combat mechanics and the nostalgia of experiencing a polished Midgar on contemporary hardware.
A New Narrative Adventure
The most substantial alterations in Remake pertain to its narrative. Initial adjustments included introducing major antagonist Sephiroth early on and giving more depth to supporting characters like Jessie and Biggs. Over time, these enhancements blossomed into the addition of completely new characters like Roche, as well as expanding the early section in Midgar into a more impactful beginning, middle, and end. This transformation helps contextualize the remake as likely the first entry in a trilogy. As Austin Walker noted in a Waypoint podcast discussing Remake, many conversations from the original game have been reimagined as boss fights or minigames, which, while creative, can feel like excessive filler at times. (This concern is heightened in the forthcoming 2024 title, Final Fantasy Rebirth, which is particularly laden with minigames and expansive world areas.)
Another significant change is that Final Fantasy VII Remake actively engages with its legacy. The narrative constantly hints at divergence from the original storyline, introducing enigmatic entities known as Whispers, who strive to restore the established order. This often manifests as attempts to save or eliminate characters whose fates are predetermined. Characters like Aerith and Sephiroth leverage the Whispers to navigate their own destinies. The Whispers’ presence creates a narrative tension that hints at the possibility of altering the original story while maintaining essential themes and characters—as this version of VII attempts to break new ground while also paying homage to its roots.
Bridging a Legacy with New Adventures
With many of the original developers involved, it was perhaps expected that Remake would delve into the significance of its source material. However, it does so in a thought-provoking manner, incorporating elements from spin-offs like Crisis Core and the feature film Advent Children. The scope of this remake is both exhilarating and daunting, especially considering how the unannounced third installment will conclude the saga. With Final Fantasy VII Rebirth arriving in 2024, players are left with a sense of uncertainty about the narrative’s trajectory, oscillating between nostalgia and potential transformation—especially regarding pivotal moments like Aerith’s death and the enigmatic presence of Cloud’s alternate timeline involving Zack.
Final Thoughts on the Final Fantasy VII Remake Saga
So, what exactly is the Final Fantasy VII remake saga? It appears to cater to a wide audience: longtime fans can relive the nostalgia of the original while simultaneously exploring new and nuanced interpretations of the storyline. Newcomers are introduced to an engaging series of action-RPGs that may lead them toward other Final Fantasy titles or even a streamlined experience of the original game. (Like EA with Dead Space, Square Enix has assured fans that these remakes won’t erase the original Final Fantasy VII from existence.) Ultimately, the developers are using this opportunity to reflect on one of the pivotal games in their careers, while the characters’ journeys remain to be fully unveiled as we await Part 3.
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FAQ: Final Fantasy VII Remake
What is the release date for Final Fantasy VII Remake?
Final Fantasy VII Remake was released on April 10, 2020, for PlayStation 4. A sequel, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, is set to release in 2024.
How many parts will the Final Fantasy VII Remake saga have?
The remake is planned as a trilogy, with the first part already released and the second part, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, expected in 2024.
Are there new characters in Final Fantasy VII Remake?
Yes, Final Fantasy VII Remake introduces new characters, such as Roche, while also expanding on existing characters to enhance the narrative depth.
Is the combat system in Final Fantasy VII Remake different from the original?
Yes, the combat system in Final Fantasy VII Remake utilizes real-time mechanics, allowing players to switch between party members and engage in dynamic battles, contrasting with the original’s turn-based system.
Can I play Final Fantasy VII Remake on other platforms?
Initially released for PlayStation 4, Final Fantasy VII Remake has also become available on other platforms, including PlayStation 5 and PC.
