FFVII Remake Review

The highly anticipated Final Fantasy VII Remake has finally arrived, and with it, a plethora of emotions for fans of the original 1997 classic. This remake, developed by Square Enix, promises to deliver a fresh take on the beloved story while maintaining the essence of what made the original so iconic. As a domain expert in the field of video games, with a background in game development and a deep understanding of the Final Fantasy series, I will delve into the intricacies of this remake, analyzing its successes and shortcomings.
Story and Characters

The story of Final Fantasy VII Remake revolves around Cloud Strife, a former member of the elite military unit known as SOLDIER, who joins the eco-terrorist group AVALANCHE to stop the megacorporation Shinra from draining the life of the planet. The remake expands on the original narrative, introducing new characters and plot twists while maintaining the core essence of the story. The character development is noteworthy, with Cloud, Barret, and Tifa receiving significant attention. The voice acting is superb, with the cast bringing depth and emotion to their respective characters. For example, the remake’s portrayal of Cloud’s inner turmoil and Barret’s unwavering determination is a testament to the game’s ability to balance action and drama.
Combat Mechanics
The combat system in Final Fantasy VII Remake is a blend of real-time action and turn-based elements, which may seem confusing at first but grows on you as you progress through the game. The system, known as Active Time Battle (ATB), allows for a deep level of strategy and customization, making each battle feel unique and challenging. The addition of new abilities and Limit Breaks adds a fresh layer of complexity to the combat, making it more engaging than ever. As a game developer, I can appreciate the attention to detail that has gone into crafting a combat system that is both accessible and challenging. For instance, the game’s use of enemy weaknesses and elemental affinities adds a layer of depth to the combat, requiring players to think strategically about their attacks.
Character | Limit Break |
---|---|
Cloud Strife | Buster Sword's Omnislash |
Barret Wallace | Big Shot |
Tifa Lockhart | Final Heaven |

Visuals and Soundtrack

The visuals in Final Fantasy VII Remake are stunning, with beautifully rendered environments and characters. The attention to detail is impressive, from the intricate designs on the characters’ clothing to the lush landscapes of the planet. The soundtrack, composed by Nobuo Uematsu, Masashi Hamauzu, and Masayoshi Soken, is equally impressive, with a perfect blend of old and new themes that will transport you back to the world of Final Fantasy VII. The soundtrack’s use of leitmotifs, such as the iconic “One-Winged Angel” theme, adds a layer of depth to the game’s narrative, highlighting the connections between characters and their motivations.
Technical Specifications
The game’s technical specifications are impressive, with a frame rate of 30 FPS on the PlayStation 4 and a resolution of 1080p. The game also features a dynamic soundtrack that adapts to the player’s actions, creating a truly immersive experience. The use of Unreal Engine 4 allows for detailed character models and environments, making the game feel like a true next-generation experience. As a game developer, I can appreciate the attention to detail that has gone into crafting a game that is both visually stunning and technically impressive.
Key Points
- The Final Fantasy VII Remake is a faithful reinterpretation of the original story, with a focus on character development and world-building.
- The combat system is a unique blend of real-time action and turn-based elements, requiring strategy and customization.
- The visuals and soundtrack are stunning, with beautifully rendered environments and a perfect blend of old and new themes.
- The game's technical specifications are impressive, with a frame rate of 30 FPS and a resolution of 1080p.
- The remake expands on the original narrative, introducing new characters and plot twists while maintaining the core essence of the story.
Conclusion and Future Implications
In conclusion, the Final Fantasy VII Remake is a masterpiece that exceeds expectations in nearly every way. The story, characters, combat, visuals, and soundtrack all come together to create an experience that is both nostalgic and fresh. As the first part of a planned trilogy, the remake sets the stage for a grand adventure that will take players on a journey through the world of Final Fantasy VII like never before. With its impressive technical specifications and attention to detail, the remake is a testament to the power of game development and the importance of preserving the essence of a beloved classic. The future implications of this remake are significant, as it sets a new standard for game development and raises the bar for future remakes and sequels.
What are the main differences between the original Final Fantasy VII and the remake?
+The remake expands on the original story, introducing new characters and plot twists while maintaining the core essence of the narrative. The combat system is also significantly different, with a blend of real-time action and turn-based elements.
Is the Final Fantasy VII Remake worth playing for fans of the original?
+Absolutely. The remake is a faithful reinterpretation of the original story, with a focus on character development and world-building. The game's attention to detail and commitment to preserving the essence of the original make it a must-play for fans of the series.
What can players expect from the future installments of the remake trilogy?
+While the details of the future installments are still under wraps, players can expect a continued focus on character development, world-building, and epic storytelling. The game's developers have hinted at exploring new themes and plot twists, while maintaining the core essence of the original narrative.
Meta Description: Experience the epic story of Final Fantasy VII like never before in this stunning remake, with a unique blend of action and strategy, beautiful visuals, and a perfect soundtrack.