Celebrating 5 Years Of Final Fantasy VII Remake: Was It a Good or Bad Idea?

by

Five years ago, on April 10th, 2020, Final Fantasy VII Remake marked its debut, and what a year it was for fans of this beloved series! However, it was a challenging time globally as the pandemic forced everyone to stay at home. Amidst the gloom, many of us sought solace in fantasy worlds like that of Final Fantasy VII Remake, searching for an escape from the harsh reality.

The Final Fantasy VII Remake came at the perfect moment. It wasn’t just an update; it was a fresh take on the original Final Fantasy VII, evoking memories of the past. At first glance, many assumed it was merely a technical remake. However, director Tetsuya Nomura later introduced unexpected narrative twists that took the story into increasingly surreal and almost self-referential realms.

Although the Remake rekindled enthusiasm for the Final Fantasy VII world, one can’t help but wonder if this approach was truly the best way to remake part VII. More precisely, did the decision to divide it into three distinct installments prove to be the optimal choice?

Was Remaking It a Good Idea?

Initiating a contemporary reinterpretation of Final Fantasy VII’s narrative was challenging right from the beginning. Given its enduring popularity and remarkable sales within the Final Fantasy series, the remake needed to deliver more than just enhanced visuals. To satisfy the passionate fanbase, it required an innovative approach – something daring and original.

As a dedicated gamer, I must say that Square Enix’s decision to divide Cloud and the team’s adventure into three parts felt quite daring, especially given the extended gap between each installment. Initially, this split had me feeling a bit apprehensive, given my deep affection for the original game. The realization that the Remake would only encompass the initial hours of the original game left me with a slight sense of disappointment at first.

As I delved into play, specific plot points resonated with me more. The Remake version offered a deeper emotional experience, particularly in character interactions. Enhanced graphics breathed new vitality into familiar visages; Cloud’s anguish was palpable through his eyes, and the warmth of Tifa’s hug was tangible just from her expressions. This is what captivated me – witnessing these characters shine, no longer confined by dialogue boxes and primitive polygons.

Was Remaking It a Bad Idea?

I must clarify – I genuinely appreciate Remake, but that doesn’t imply it’s perfect. To be frank, both versions thus far have notable flaws. One of the primary issues is their inability to tell a full story. Square chose to split the narrative across three games, which gives each part a sense of being incomplete. It’s almost as if they created an impressive tech demo that stops right when it’s getting interesting.

The remake only presented about half of the original tale, leaving devoted fans such as myself yearning for more completeness. On the positive note, it serves as an excellent introduction for novice players, offering them a contemporary means to explore Final Fantasy VII without requiring them to revisit the PS1 version.

In revising Rebirth, it appears they greatly considered fan suggestions. However, this emphasis might have led to an excess, creating a world filled with unnecessary additions like numerous side missions, mini-games, and Chadley VR tasks. These extras left some players feeling exhausted after only a few hours of play. Despite this, those who persevered to the end were rewarded with a scene that every Final Fantasy enthusiast will cherish forever.

Additionally, there are the enigmatic entities known as “Whispers” – spectral figures in the plot that evoke either annoyance or intrigue among different individuals. Some spectators found them annoying, whereas others, such as ardent fan Maximilian_DOOD, regarded them as triggers for exciting speculations. Regardless of whether you view them as a clever plot device or unnecessary complexity, it’s essential to acknowledge this: hidden beneath all the fresh layers, it remains the narrative of Final Fantasy VII – an account enriched with more fan-focused elements and profound character development.

If you think the original lacked something, then indeed, the Remake trilogy has been specifically crafted with you in mind.

Regardless of any negative feedback, the Final Fantasy VII Remake proved to be a significant triumph. With sales surpassing 7 million units, it’s also set for release on the Nintendo Switch 2. It’s evident that Square Enix made the correct decisions in its production.

While these thoughts are my own, it remains uncertain whether re-making Final Fantasy VII was beneficial or detrimental until we find out how the third and last part concludes. At this point, however, it can be acknowledged that it was a prudent decision for Square to divide the game into several sections and introduce some enigmatic plot twists throughout.

I’m looking forward to discovering what comes next, and if I were to take a wild guess, the last installment could possibly be titled “Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth” – according to some fan theories. Regardless of its name, I’ll make sure not to miss out on it.

Read More

2025-04-14 16:42