FF7 Remake Review: My Honest Thoughts After Finishing

Hey guys! So, I just wrapped up Final Fantasy VII Remake, and let me tell you, I have so many thoughts swirling around in my head. I had to sit down and put them all into words. As a long-time fan of the original FFVII, I went into this remake with a mix of excitement and trepidation. Could it possibly live up to the hype and capture the magic of the classic? Well, buckle up, because we're about to dive deep into my experience with the game. This isn't just a game; it's a journey, an experience, and a reimagining of a story that has touched the hearts of millions. I'm going to break down what I loved, what I didn't, and everything in between. So, grab your Buster Swords, summon your favorite Materia, and let's get started!

A Nostalgic Trip with a Fresh Twist

First off, let's talk about the nostalgia factor. From the moment the iconic opening theme started playing and the camera panned down to Midgar, I was hit with a wave of feels. The visuals are absolutely stunning, a massive leap from the blocky characters of the original. Seeing Cloud, Tifa, Aerith, and Barret brought to life in such detail is incredible. The developers at Square Enix have clearly poured their hearts and souls into this project, and it shows. But it's not just a visual upgrade; it's a complete reimagining of the world. Midgar feels more alive and bustling than ever before. The environments are richly detailed, from the grimy back alleys of the slums to the towering skyscrapers of Shinra headquarters. Exploring the city is a joy, and there are so many little details and secrets to discover. However, the remake isn't just a rehash of the original game. It expands on the story and characters in meaningful ways. We get to spend more time with the Avalanche crew, learning about their motivations and backstories. The relationships between the characters are more fleshed out, and the voice acting is superb. Each character has their own unique personality, and they interact with each other in believable and engaging ways. Cloud's brooding demeanor, Tifa's unwavering loyalty, Aerith's playful spirit, and Barret's fiery passion all shine through. The combat system is another area where the remake shines. It's a hybrid of the classic turn-based system and modern action combat, and it works surprisingly well. You can switch between characters on the fly, each with their own unique abilities and playstyles. Cloud is a versatile fighter with his sword, Tifa is a martial arts expert, Aerith is a powerful mage, and Barret is a heavy-hitting gunner. Mastering each character's abilities is key to success in battle. The Materia system, a staple of the original game, is back and better than ever. You can equip Materia to your weapons and armor to gain access to spells, abilities, and stat boosts. Experimenting with different Materia combinations is a lot of fun, and it allows you to customize your characters to fit your playstyle. The boss battles are epic in scale and scope. They're challenging but fair, and they require you to use all of your skills and abilities to emerge victorious. Each boss has its own unique attack patterns and weaknesses, and figuring out how to exploit them is part of the fun. Overall, the remake does an excellent job of capturing the spirit of the original while adding its own fresh twist. It's a nostalgic trip for long-time fans, but it's also a great entry point for newcomers to the series.

The Combat System: A Perfect Blend of Old and New

Let's dive deeper into the combat system, because it's one of the standout features of the remake. As I mentioned earlier, it's a hybrid of the classic turn-based system and modern action combat. At first, I was a little skeptical about how this would work, but Square Enix has pulled it off brilliantly. The core mechanic is the Active Time Battle (ATB) gauge. As you attack and defend, your ATB gauge fills up. Once it's full, you can use special abilities, spells, or items. This adds a layer of strategy to the combat, as you need to manage your ATB gauge and decide when to use your most powerful attacks. But the combat isn't just about waiting for your ATB gauge to fill up. You can also attack in real-time, using basic attacks and abilities to build up pressure on your enemies. Each character has their own unique set of attacks and abilities, and mastering them is essential. Cloud's Operator Mode allows him to unleash powerful combos, while Tifa's martial arts skills make her a formidable close-range fighter. Aerith's magic abilities are devastating, and Barret's ranged attacks can keep enemies at bay. Switching between characters on the fly is crucial, as each character is better suited to different situations. Some enemies are weak to magic, while others are vulnerable to physical attacks. Experimenting with different party compositions and strategies is part of the fun. The Stagger system is another key element of the combat. By attacking enemies and using certain abilities, you can fill their Stagger gauge. Once the gauge is full, the enemy becomes Staggered, making them vulnerable to attack. Staggering enemies is crucial for dealing massive damage, especially during boss battles. The Materia system adds another layer of depth to the combat. As you progress through the game, you'll find and purchase Materia, which can be equipped to your weapons and armor. Materia grants you access to spells, abilities, and stat boosts. There are different types of Materia, such as Magic Materia, Command Materia, and Support Materia. Magic Materia allows you to cast spells like Fire, Ice, and Thunder. Command Materia grants you access to special abilities, such as Steal and Assess. Support Materia can be linked to other Materia to enhance their effects. For example, you can link the Magnify Materia to a Magic Materia to cast spells on multiple enemies. The possibilities are endless, and experimenting with different Materia combinations is a blast. The combat system in Final Fantasy VII Remake is one of the most engaging and satisfying I've experienced in a long time. It's a perfect blend of old and new, and it keeps you on your toes throughout the entire game.

Characters and Story: More Than Just a Remake

Now, let's talk about the characters and the story, because this is where the remake truly shines. As a long-time fan of the original, I was a little worried about how the remake would handle the characters. They're so iconic, and I didn't want them to be changed too much. But Square Enix has done an amazing job of staying true to the spirit of the characters while also adding new layers of depth and complexity. Cloud is still the brooding, stoic mercenary we all know and love, but we get to see more of his vulnerability and his struggles with his past. Tifa is as strong and compassionate as ever, and her unwavering loyalty to Cloud is truly admirable. Aerith is still the playful and enigmatic flower girl, but we get to see more of her wisdom and her connection to the planet. Barret is the fiery leader of Avalanche, and his passion for protecting the planet is infectious. But we also get to see his softer side, especially in his interactions with his daughter, Marlene. The relationships between the characters are more fleshed out in the remake. We get to see them interact with each other in more meaningful ways, and we learn more about their motivations and backstories. The voice acting is superb, and each actor brings their character to life in a way that feels authentic and genuine. The story is where the remake deviates most from the original, and this is both a good thing and a bad thing. On the one hand, the remake expands on the story in meaningful ways. We get to spend more time in Midgar, exploring the city and learning about its inhabitants. We also get to see more of the Shinra Electric Power Company, the corrupt corporation that controls Midgar. The remake adds new characters and plotlines, which help to flesh out the world and the story. On the other hand, the changes to the story may not appeal to everyone. The remake introduces elements of time travel and alternate timelines, which can be a little confusing. Some fans may feel that these changes detract from the original story, while others may appreciate the fresh perspective. Personally, I enjoyed the changes to the story. I think they add an element of mystery and intrigue, and they set the stage for future installments in the remake series. But I can understand why some fans may be less enthusiastic. Ultimately, the characters and the story are the heart and soul of Final Fantasy VII Remake. The remake does an excellent job of capturing the spirit of the original while also adding its own fresh perspective. Whether you're a long-time fan or a newcomer to the series, you're sure to be captivated by the characters and the story.

What Could Be Better? My Criticisms

Okay, so I've gushed about all the things I loved about Final Fantasy VII Remake, but no game is perfect, right? Let's talk about some of the things that I think could have been better. One of my biggest criticisms is the pacing. The remake only covers the Midgar portion of the original game, which is about the first five or six hours. But the remake stretches this out to about 40 hours, which can feel a little padded at times. There are some sections of the game that feel like they're just there to fill time, and they don't really add anything to the story or the characters. I also think that some of the side quests are a little repetitive and uninspired. They often involve fetch quests or combat challenges, and they don't really offer much in the way of story or character development. Another criticism I have is the linearity of the game. While Midgar is beautifully realized, it's also very linear. You're often confined to narrow corridors and streets, and there's not much room for exploration. I would have liked to see more open areas to explore, with more secrets and hidden items to discover. The graphics, while generally stunning, can be inconsistent at times. Some of the textures look a little blurry, and some of the character models look a little stiff. This is especially noticeable in the background characters, who often look like they're from a different game. Finally, I have some concerns about the future of the remake series. The remake only covers a small portion of the original game, and it's unclear how many installments it will take to tell the entire story. I'm worried that the series could become bloated and overstay its welcome. Despite these criticisms, I still think that Final Fantasy VII Remake is a fantastic game. The things it does well, it does incredibly well. The combat system is engaging and satisfying, the characters are well-developed and likable, and the story is captivating. But it's important to acknowledge the game's flaws, because no game is perfect. I hope that Square Enix will address these criticisms in future installments of the series.

Final Verdict: A Must-Play for FFVII Fans and Newcomers Alike

So, what's my final verdict on Final Fantasy VII Remake? Well, despite some minor criticisms, I absolutely loved it. It's a stunning reimagining of a classic game, and it's a must-play for both long-time fans and newcomers alike. The combat system is a perfect blend of old and new, the characters are well-developed and likable, and the story is captivating. The visuals are breathtaking, and the music is as iconic as ever. Square Enix has done an amazing job of capturing the spirit of the original while also adding its own fresh perspective. The remake isn't just a rehash of the original; it's a completely new experience. It expands on the story and characters in meaningful ways, and it introduces new elements that will keep you guessing. If you're a fan of the original, you owe it to yourself to play this game. It's a nostalgic trip down memory lane, but it's also a fresh and exciting experience. And if you've never played Final Fantasy VII before, this is a great place to start. The remake is a self-contained story, so you don't need to have played the original to enjoy it. Overall, I give Final Fantasy VII Remake a resounding recommendation. It's one of the best games I've played in a long time, and I can't wait to see what Square Enix has in store for the future of the series. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go replay it again!

Where to Buy and Other Resources

If you're itching to dive into the world of Final Fantasy VII Remake, you can find it on the PlayStation Store and at most major retailers that sell video games. Keep an eye out for special editions, which often include bonus content like art books, soundtracks, and in-game items. For those looking to delve even deeper into the lore and community surrounding FFVII, there are tons of fantastic resources online. Websites like the Final Fantasy Wiki offer comprehensive information about the characters, story, and world. You can also find active communities on Reddit and other forums where fans discuss theories, share fan art, and offer gameplay tips. Don't be afraid to jump in and engage with other players – the FFVII fanbase is incredibly passionate and welcoming! Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a fresh-faced recruit, there's always something new to discover in the world of Final Fantasy VII. Happy gaming, guys!