13/04/2020
A quick review of Final Fantasy VII Remake.
Disclaimer: The copy was bought on PS Store. A separate code was provided to Sirus Gaming for review purposes.
Reliving such a major classic title this generation gives it a fresh, new feel and look. We've seen a lot of great games from the PS1 and PS2 generation remade from the ground up with improved gameplay and aesthetics -- Resident Evil 2, Ratchet & Clank, and Shadow of the Colossus.
Final Fantasy VII Remake is no different. It's a blast from the past, making us experience one of the epic tales from SquareSoft, now officially known as Square Enix.
I'm 25 hours into the game and still about to finish it on Normal Mode. But I believe I played more than enough hours to formulate a solid opinion. Believe it or not, I haven't spent this much time into a game since Jedi: Fallen Order. It's been difficult for a game to catch my attention these days as I easily get bored, but FF7R changed that. It reeled me in for its reimagining of Midgar and its fascinating narrative approach -- while still being fateful to the original source material.
The game has spent more time on character development, making sure that you get to have that connection with the characters like Jessie, Biggs, and Wedge. Even if Cloud takes the spotlight all the time alongside Barret, Tifa, and the rest of the gang, there are interesting non-playable characters you meet when you explore the slums of Midgar. You have a person like the Angel of the Slums and how she lends a hand to help poor families and her thief granddaughter, Kyrie. These NPCs give you side-quests with really good rewards and a short narrative.
Even if it's worthwhile to take these side-quests, there is one thing you need to take note of -- it's bound with the chapters. Meaning, you won't be able to take these side-quests once you progress to the next chapter. All these unfinished businesses will automatically get a failed status. This makes FF7R a linear experience with a semi-open world. You go to point A, then point B, then go back to point A. If you're expecting an explorable Midgar, you will be disappointed.
However, it's already expected that the first part of FF7R will be a linear experience as it acts as the prologue of a bigger and better game when Part 2 comes out.
The combat mechanic is where FF7R shines the most. Defined by most action RPG with a little touch of a classic element makes the game really appealing to most people out there. If you have played Kingdom Hearts and Final Fantasy XV, then you know what I'm talking about.
However, unlike FFXV, the game incorporates one of the classic gameplay features -- the Active Time Battle, or in short the ATB. Players will have to wait for the gauge to be filled over time or by attacking enemies to do certain actions like abilities, item usage, and spells. This actually prevents players from spamming items and spells which makes the game far too easy to exploit. It gives players pressure when fighting against bosses as the gameplay encourages smart decisions and actions when using spells, abilities, and items. This includes being aware of your enemy's weaknesses, and possible attack patterns.
I love the idea and this gives a decent amount of challenge when playing the game throughout on Normal Mode.
There are minor issues I've encountered while playing the game, though. Low-quality assets/textures not being loaded properly, stiff camera movement, and the music/soundtrack bury the conversation making it inaudible in certain areas.
Overall, I would say Final Fantasy VII Remake is the best reimagining of a classic hit. Better narrative approach, added life and meaning to NPCs role in the game, refined and polished combat, and an enjoyable progression system. I will definitely look for the First Class Edition and buy it. It's definitely worth it.
Pros:
+ Visually Amazing
+ Redefined Combat Mechanics
+ Narrative Structure
+ Character Development
+ Progression System
Cons
- Slightly horrible camera.
- Music overlaps the conversation
9.5/10.