Campaign:
Takes the first disc of the original game and skillfully expands it into a full-fledged experience, delving deeper into the story and setting of Midgar. The game enriches the narrative by exploring not just the main cast but also the supporting characters, offering a more comprehensive view of their roles and motivations. The impact of Shinra’s influence on the populace is portrayed with nuance, highlighting the corporation’s reach and its effects on daily life.
The complexity of AVALANCHE’s campaign against Shinra is brought to the forefront, providing additional layers to their struggle. Sephiroth’s menacing presence is further amplified, adding significant depth to the main story and Cloud’s story. The campaign is extensive and presents a considerable challenge on higher difficulties, complemented by a variety of side quests that offer further exploration and engagement with the world. Overall, the remake delivers a rich and immersive character-driven experience. I will say that as a fan of the original I'm curious to know how they'll expand upon the game's ending which took an unexpected turn with Zack surviving his final confrontation with Shinra soldiers, one that could make the sequel or break the sequel.
The characters are among the most popular in the entire series,
with the game delving deeper into their personalities and stories in more
significant ways. One of the standout features is the rich interactions between
these characters, which bring out new dimensions in their relationships.
Supporting characters are given more depth, allowing players to connect with
them on a deeper level. Additionally, the introduction of new characters adds
fresh dynamics to the story, further enriching the overall experience. The game
successfully expands on the original, offering a more nuanced and engaging
exploration of its beloved characters.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Gameplay:
Final Fantasy VII Remake masterfully balances its
gameplay between fast-paced action and strategic depth, offering a fresh yet
familiar experience for fans of the original. While the game features linear
sections, the open-world areas are richly detailed, providing plenty of opportunities
for exploration and side quests. These sections may not offer the complete
freedom seen in some open-world games, but they are designed to keep the
narrative tight while still allowing players to engage with the environment and
discover hidden secrets.
The combat system is a highlight, blending real-time action
with strategic elements reminiscent of Final Fantasy XV. Each character
has a distinct playstyle, whether it's Cloud's balanced swordplay or Barret's
ranged attacks, ensuring that battles feel dynamic and varied. The strategic
use of Materia further deepens the combat, allowing players to customize their
characters' abilities and adapt to different enemies. However, it feels odd
when characters like Tifa, who excel in close combat, are forced to fight
airborne enemies, making some battles feel awkward.
Overall, it successfully
modernizes the classic game's combat while maintaining its strategic core. The
inclusion of real-time elements adds excitement, but the game still requires
thoughtful planning and use of Materia to overcome its challenges. Despite some
quirks in character roles during certain encounters, the gameplay offers a
satisfying blend of action and strategy that keeps players engaged throughout
the journey.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Production:
Final Fantasy VII Remake is hands down one of the
best-looking games in the series, impressing not only during its stunning
cinematics but also throughout the gameplay. The game faithfully recreates some
of the larger backgrounds from the original, preserving the classic design
while enhancing it with modern graphics. The environments are diverse and
beautifully detailed, making the world feel vibrant and alive. Enemy designs
are creative and visually striking, adding to the immersive experience. The
cinematics are excellent, with character interactions that are a joy to watch,
further enriching the narrative.
The audio design in Final Fantasy VII Remake is equally
impressive. The music, while not as bombastic as in the original, is
well-crafted and enjoyable, perfectly fitting the tone of the game. The overall
sound design is phenomenal, both in-game and during cutscenes, with meticulous
attention to detail that enhances the atmosphere. The voice cast is perfect,
with each actor breathing life into their characters, giving them depth and
personality, making the experience even more engaging.
Rating: 5 out of 5
The Verdict:
In the end, Final Fantasy VII Remake is everything that you’d
want in a remake of a classic and more. Yes, it’s relegated to the story of the
first disc of the original game but’s fully fleshed out into its own game. Visually
it’s stunning in nearly every aspect, the characters are exceptionally
well-written, the gameplay is fast paced and fun, customization is unique, best
graphics in the series, fantastic voice performances, the game just keeps giving.
Final Fantasy VII Remake gets 5 out of 5.

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