Final Fantasy VII Remake Review

Final Fantasy VII Remake is a 2020 action role-playing game developed and published by Square Enix for the PlayStation 4. Set in the dystopian cyberpunk metropolis of Midgar, the story follows mercenary Cloud Strife who joins AVALANCHE, an eco-terrorist group trying to stop the powerful megacorporation Shinra from using the planet's life essence as an energy source.

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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