Final Fantasy 7 Remake: A 180 Review

 Part 1: Blind Enjoyment

The main difference between Final Fantasy VII Remake and other remakes of classic titles is what the developers at Square Enix sought to do with the story. Sure, the game is graphically superior to the polygonal PS1 original, as well as sporting a fresh and fun new combat system, but these are updates and modernizations rather than wholesale changes. The game’s plot, which covers the opening Midgar section of the original Final Fantasy VII, acts as a set up for future installments in this remake saga, while still introducing our core cast of heroes in the same way. This setup has all to do with fate, the idea that fate has somehow manifested itself to these characters, and that by destroying fate, our character’s future journey is now uncharted territory. This premise is very exciting for those returning to Midgar, because even after knowing the original game by heart, there is an equal chance of being surprised by what happens in the story. The problem occurs, and definitely occurred for me, when a new fan wants to dip their toe in the world hoping for a more by the numbers remake, because Final Fantasy VII Remake certainly does not hold the players hand on the larger overarching narrative this game sets up. I was that new player when the game came out in 2020, and I certainly felt very lost over the course of my playtime.

This confusion did not set in initially, as the opening remains an unchanged masterclass at getting you invested in the games combat, as well as the world and its characters. My issues with the game, as a new player, begin to set in when the game introduces an RPK section, or Requires Previous Knowledge. Most RPK sections involve either Cloud and Sephiroth’s backstory, or the entire ending of the game, which involves killing fate and therefore changing the rest of the story. For a new player, the most they will understand is the Sephiroth is a tall bad guy that Cloud doesn’t like, since any context to their relationship is something covered later in the story than the scope of this remake includes. This introduces a problem since the game still paints Sephiroth as the primary antagonist, but here he lacks any characterization or motivation. Since I don’t know who he is, or why he wants to do anything, I just have to trust that Cloud is doing the right thing by being afraid of him. Now in terms of fate, the game does make better attempts of making the consequences relevant by showing direct and tangible changes that destroying fate has, but most of the consequences are referencing characters and events that new players have no attachment to, making these big revelatory moments land as confusing “umm okay” moments instead. Without context, a plot about changing the original game’s story just does not hit you at the full force that it would have, had you already played the original. So that’s exactly what I did.

Part 2: Oldy but a Goody

It feels impossible to quantify what Final Fantasy VII means to people, and what it meant to me as a new player. Even though I had played 35 hours of the remake, I would say I was still very underprepared for what the original game had to offer. Final Fantasy VII takes a lot of inspiration from the grand sweeping adventures of Star Wars, with twist reveals and world ending stakes, all surrounded by themes of friendship and wonderful set pieces I will never forget. It also feels a lot like another 1997 property: Titanic, because both are these large scale works of art that attract a wide audience of people that would not normally have seen a movie or played a game like this. The world is full of interesting characters, like Sid the astronaut or Yuffie the thieving ninja from a far away country called Wutai, and you can even find and visit Wutai! The true RPG side of Final Fantasy VII comes through where you choose to spend your time, and where you make your memories. For some, they may have poured hours into creating the coveted “Gold Chocobo '' to race with, or maybe you were more like me and spent your time playing basketball in the Golden Saucer.

My opinion had undergone a lot of change up to this point, from feeling confused at the story of the remake, to getting a full understanding of what made the original so beloved. Now it was time to complete the circle, and replay the remake with this newfound appreciation for the series.

 

Part 3: Enter the Intergrade

Context and perspective are the key advantages I had when jumping into Final Fantasy VII Remake: Intergrade. I already knew what the game was trying to accomplish with this different take on being a remake, and by playing the original I finally understood why this different approach to story resonated with many people. All that was left to see is if my opinion on the game’s story, the main pain point from my first playthrough, would change. I am very happy to say that my opinion did change, because the secret ingredient in this remake recipe is the love these developers have for the original game, especially its characters. Your knowledge of the original game acts as a filter to view this remake in because every moment is in service of showcasing how endearing the characters are and why people love them so much. The impact of the ending also fully hits someone with the context of the original Final Fantasy VII, because now every story beat yet to be remade has the potential to change. The developers have far more freedom to chart their own path on these familiar grounds, and as someone that has now seen where the story has gone, my mind races as to where they can go next.

While I still think that the altered, context required, plot of Final Fantasy VII Remake is an issue, especially for new players, those scenes that require context are likely to pay off in dividends when this entire remake trilogy/saga is over. Ultimately, this experience has given me the chance to not only play a few very well made video games, but also a chance to re-evaluate my own opinions, and for that I am grateful.