Final Fantasy VII Remake Review (PS4)
Introduction
This is an action RPG and a remake of the original Final Fantasy VII on PlayStation. Unlike it's original game, this game features action combat as well as a heavy focus on ATB management. It should also be noted that it is extremely likely that this game will have a sequel in the future.
Story
Cloud is an ex-Soldier, who works with the Avalanche in destroying Shinra's Mako reactors around Midgar. As time passes, he sees several visions that cause him to see an unknown entity by the name of Sephiroth. He will also find new comrades in Midgar such as Barret and Aerith.
The game's story is pretty good, with some new and story expanded sections compared to the original game. However, the ending is divisive and purposefully made to be cliffhanger, which doesn't answer the mysteries in this game. For example, the unknown entities are poorly implemented in the story, with no plausible explanation even after viewing the game's ending. Hopefully, the sequel will explain this.
The characters notably, are the highlights. All of the main characters are very likable and have distinctive personalities that make them memorable. Even the supporting characters are pretty much more memorable in this game. Cloud, Barret, Aerith, Tifa, and Hojo are the notable memorable characters. Great character interactions as well between the main characters and supporting characters. Conversely, I feel that Sephiroth is poorly utilised in this game due to overexposure, unless the sequel makes sense of it.
Gameplay
1) Exploration and Progression Section
This game uses chapter progression system, where you are tasked to complete main objectives in a chapter in order to proceed the story. There are several chapters that allow you to complete side quests as well as side activities for additional rewards.
In most chapters, you have to fight enemies and complete main objectives to proceed the story. Occasionally, there are few puzzles or minigames that you need to complete before proceeding the story. Boss fights and regular enemy encounters are also present in the game. Some chapters allow you to explore bigger areas for additional side quests as well as challenges.
2) Leveling and Customisation Section
This game has traditional leveling system, where your characters gain experience points by defeating enemies. Gaining a level will increase a character's stats, making them stronger than usual. Ability Points can be acquired by defeating enemies as well, which they are used to upgrade equipped materia.
Materia system returns in this game. Each character equips a weapon or armour that have materia slots, and you can put a materia on a slot so that the character can use a particular ability. For example, slotting a Fire materia to Cloud's weapon allows him to use Fire magic. There are different varieties of materia, such as some materia allows a character to use a special command in battles.
There is also basic equipment system, where you can change a character's weapon, armour, and accessory. Weapons also have leveling system, where you can use points to upgrade a weapon's stats as well as imbue new passive abilities on it. This can be useful in later chapters, as enemies are tougher in later chapters.
3) Combat Section
The combat is simple. You will control the party leader in each encounter, and you can switch between party members easily in combat. Each character has basic attack combo, guard attacks, dodge move, as well as unique moves. For example, Cloud can use Punisher Mode to counter attacks, and Barret can fire powerful shots in a short burst. Not only that, each character have their own unique weapon skills, which can be mastered by using them in combat. Magic can be used if the character has a magic materia equipped as well.
In order to use special Command abilities, unique weapon skills or magic, you have to spend ATB gauge. For example, in order for Cloud to use Fire magic, he needs to spend one ATB bar and some MP. In order to fill up the ATB gauge, you must attack enemies or guard against incoming attacks. Your controlled character notably builds ATB faster than the A.I. controlled characters, so switching around to build their ATB gauge is one tactic to use the stronger abilities in combat faster. You can also use Tactical Mode to slow down the battle and issue commands for your own controlled character and other two characters, if they have enough ATB bars.
Each enemy have their own weaknesses, resistances, and attack moves. Exploiting their weaknesses is the easier way to defeat them, as well as staggering them. Stagger Gauge also appears in this game, where you can cause an enemy's Stagger Gauge to be filled up by attacking them or using other special means to do so. Bosses also can be staggered, but required more unique means to do so as many boss fights are unique compared to each other.
4) Side Content Section
Side activities in this game include side quests and several minigames. Side quests can be only done in certain chapters, and most of them required you either to defeat certain enemies or collect items. Rewards usually include items, such as weapons or materia.
Once you have finished the game, you can opt to replay chapters in Hard Mode, collect any missable items, or fight in harder VR challenges post-game.
5) Gameplay Conclusion
This game has pretty good gameplay. Solid customisation, decent story progression pacing, fun and great combat, great boss fights, good side content, as well as unique playable characters. However, I find that the boss fights' phase changes rather abrupt and resets the Stagger Gauge, which is annoying. Dodge roll also seems to be ineffective to avoid damage, which I guess it is intentional. Progression also feels a bit too linear, but it is still much better than what Final Fantasy XIII. Regardless, this game has incredibly good gameplay.
Graphics
Excellent graphics. One of the best looking RPGs by Square Enix so far. Amazing looking character models, great environment designs, great monster designs, and solid framerate performance throughout the whole game. There are some weird looking textures such as doors in early chapters, but it is not a big issue.
Sound
This game has amazing soundtrack, with new tracks as well as rearranged tracks from the original game. The English voice acting is also great, with many of the voice actors did great job in voicing their characters. Not to mention, there are several voiceover options available as well, such as Japanese voiceovers and French voiceovers.
Replay Value
This game has good replay value. Collect all manuscripts, complete all side quests, complete all VR challenges, and complete the game in Hard Mode.
Conclusion
This game is a solid foundation for a new Final Fantasy VII saga. Pretty good story, amazing graphics, great combat system, and great music. Despite some issues, this is a game that I would likely to replay several times. I also personally think that this game is much better than Final Fantasy XIII Trilogy and Final Fantasy XV. This is a good addition to anyone's collections who like action RPGs, but I suggest that you try out the demo before doing so. Great game.
Score
Story: 7/10
Gameplay: 9/10
Graphics: 9/10
Sound: 10/10
Final Score: 8.8/10 or 35/40
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Pretty good story.
- Great and likable characters.
- Great character interactions.
- Some good expanded story backgrounds on certain characters.
- Good pacing.
- Good customisation
- Fun and great combat.
- Amazing graphics.
- Great soundtrack.
- Great English voice acting, as well as having multiple voice options in different languages.
- Good replay value.
Cons
- Divisive and cliffhanger ending.
- Overexposure of Sephiroth.
- Poorly explained and poor usage of the mysterious entities.
- Side Quests are too generic and don't add much to the game's story/lore.
- Questionable design of phase changes in boss fights that cause the Stagger Gauge to reset.
- A bit too linear, but not as linear as Final Fantasy XIII.
- Some weird looking textures in environments, but not a big issue.
This is an action RPG and a remake of the original Final Fantasy VII on PlayStation. Unlike it's original game, this game features action combat as well as a heavy focus on ATB management. It should also be noted that it is extremely likely that this game will have a sequel in the future.
Story
Embrace the magic of Final Fantasy VII in this remake.
The game's story is pretty good, with some new and story expanded sections compared to the original game. However, the ending is divisive and purposefully made to be cliffhanger, which doesn't answer the mysteries in this game. For example, the unknown entities are poorly implemented in the story, with no plausible explanation even after viewing the game's ending. Hopefully, the sequel will explain this.
The characters notably, are the highlights. All of the main characters are very likable and have distinctive personalities that make them memorable. Even the supporting characters are pretty much more memorable in this game. Cloud, Barret, Aerith, Tifa, and Hojo are the notable memorable characters. Great character interactions as well between the main characters and supporting characters. Conversely, I feel that Sephiroth is poorly utilised in this game due to overexposure, unless the sequel makes sense of it.
Gameplay
1) Exploration and Progression Section
Explore Midgar.
In most chapters, you have to fight enemies and complete main objectives to proceed the story. Occasionally, there are few puzzles or minigames that you need to complete before proceeding the story. Boss fights and regular enemy encounters are also present in the game. Some chapters allow you to explore bigger areas for additional side quests as well as challenges.
2) Leveling and Customisation Section
Customise your weapons as well as equip different materia in different combat situations.
Materia system returns in this game. Each character equips a weapon or armour that have materia slots, and you can put a materia on a slot so that the character can use a particular ability. For example, slotting a Fire materia to Cloud's weapon allows him to use Fire magic. There are different varieties of materia, such as some materia allows a character to use a special command in battles.
There is also basic equipment system, where you can change a character's weapon, armour, and accessory. Weapons also have leveling system, where you can use points to upgrade a weapon's stats as well as imbue new passive abilities on it. This can be useful in later chapters, as enemies are tougher in later chapters.
3) Combat Section
Control Cloud and other characters in combat and unleash their unique skills on enemies.
In order to use special Command abilities, unique weapon skills or magic, you have to spend ATB gauge. For example, in order for Cloud to use Fire magic, he needs to spend one ATB bar and some MP. In order to fill up the ATB gauge, you must attack enemies or guard against incoming attacks. Your controlled character notably builds ATB faster than the A.I. controlled characters, so switching around to build their ATB gauge is one tactic to use the stronger abilities in combat faster. You can also use Tactical Mode to slow down the battle and issue commands for your own controlled character and other two characters, if they have enough ATB bars.
Each enemy have their own weaknesses, resistances, and attack moves. Exploiting their weaknesses is the easier way to defeat them, as well as staggering them. Stagger Gauge also appears in this game, where you can cause an enemy's Stagger Gauge to be filled up by attacking them or using other special means to do so. Bosses also can be staggered, but required more unique means to do so as many boss fights are unique compared to each other.
4) Side Content Section
Tackle side activities in certain chapters.
Once you have finished the game, you can opt to replay chapters in Hard Mode, collect any missable items, or fight in harder VR challenges post-game.
5) Gameplay Conclusion
Great gameplay, despite some issues.
Graphics
Amazing graphics and good performance.
Sound
Amazing soundtrack and great English voice acting.
Replay Value
Good replay value.
Conclusion
Great start to a new Final Fantasy VII saga.
Score
Story: 7/10
Gameplay: 9/10
Graphics: 9/10
Sound: 10/10
Final Score: 8.8/10 or 35/40
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Pretty good story.
- Great and likable characters.
- Great character interactions.
- Some good expanded story backgrounds on certain characters.
- Good pacing.
- Good customisation
- Fun and great combat.
- Amazing graphics.
- Great soundtrack.
- Great English voice acting, as well as having multiple voice options in different languages.
- Good replay value.
Cons
- Divisive and cliffhanger ending.
- Overexposure of Sephiroth.
- Poorly explained and poor usage of the mysterious entities.
- Side Quests are too generic and don't add much to the game's story/lore.
- Questionable design of phase changes in boss fights that cause the Stagger Gauge to reset.
- A bit too linear, but not as linear as Final Fantasy XIII.
- Some weird looking textures in environments, but not a big issue.
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