What Makes Final Fantasy 7 Remake’s Combat So Good

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Five years have passed since Final Fantasy 7 Remake was initially unveiled, and the game’s influence continues to spark lively discussions among fans. They still debate its intricate meta narrative and the decision to divide it into three installments, reflecting the significant mark it made. Essentially, Square Enix’s innovative revamp of their classic PS1 JRPG remains a captivating topic for gamers.

As an avid gamer, I must admit that while there are aspects of the game that could use improvement, one thing is undeniably impressive – the combat system. Even die-hard fans might be clamoring for more turn-based encounters these days, but with Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 on the horizon, it’s clear that Remake has truly nailed the art of combat.

Initially, fans expressed concern upon learning that Final Fantasy 7 Remake would blend real-time and turn-based combat systems. Given Square Enix’s tendency to frequently release action RPGs, apprehension among long-time series enthusiasts was understandable. The launch of Final Fantasy 15 also caused unease, but this wasn’t primarily due to its combat style; rather, it stemmed from concerns about the game’s incomplete storyline at the time of release.

Luckily, once fans got their hands on Remake, they knew this combat was special.

The way they executed each strike was remarkably intuitive, as if the weight of every blow was perfectly balanced. For instance, Cloud’s Buster Sword seems to have just the right amount of weight, making mindless slashing impossible. Furthermore, each swing also carries a sense of heft, and it’s worth noting that each strike produces a satisfying sound effect.

Tifa shares similar qualities: Her physical appearance captivates many, yet she stands out as an exceptional character within the game. Landing her swift attacks offers a sense of fulfillment, while timing that uppercut perfectly when an opponent’s defense gauge shatters is exhilarating. It’s surprising she hasn’t appeared in Tekken, but perhaps Square Enix is holding off until there’s a resurgence of Dead or Alive.

From a fan’s perspective, although Aerith and Barrett share the role of long-range fighters, their playstyles are significantly distinct. Barrett, with his rapid-fire bullet attacks, can unleash a barrage for quite some time before needing to reload, making it crucial for players to be mindful of his attack patterns. Conversely, Aerith’s attacks are comparatively slower, but they have the power to deplete the enemy’s guard meter more swiftly, thereby amplifying the impact of her magical abilities.

One impressive aspect of Final Fantasy 7 Remake lies in its seamless character-switching during battles. All a player needs is a quick button press to take control of a different character, making it simple to adapt strategies on the fly. Since Cloud isn’t equipped to handle everything, particularly pesky airborne enemies, switching to Barrett, Tifa, or Aerith becomes crucial.

Pausing the game to access and select your skills or moves offers both advantages and disadvantages. On one hand, players can quickly activate their preferred special attacks using shortcuts. However, this isn’t always effective as the enemy might be vulnerable to a specific spell not included in your current combination of moves. Therefore, gamers may need to access that menu to use the appropriate move. This pause can serve as a helpful tool for strategizing or capturing screenshots, but it can also disrupt the game’s flow and momentum.

As a dedicated gamer, I’ve found myself in awe of the wealth of unlockable skills in Final Fantasy 7 Remake. Each weapon I wield comes with its unique skill that can be assimilated by my character once it’s been used enough times, ensuring I don’t just stick to one favorite. Fortunately, there’s no shortage of battles, but those who are keen on using their go-to weapon might miss out on the fresh abilities that come with switching things up.

Discussing your preferred weapon, Remake allows you to enhance the one you like most, ensuring it remains useful instead of being discarded. For those who believe Cloud should always wield his Buster Sword, they can achieve this in Remake. Each upgrade enhances offense, defense, and other aspects. This feature was also present in Kingdom Hearts 3, a game that has sparked similar debates, making it fitting here as well.

Players immersed in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth are well aware that the battle system in the sequel has been significantly enhanced. In this new installment, team-up attacks, an expanded array of weapon options, and satisfying concluding blows have all been refined and elevated to a higher level compared to Remake.

As a gaming enthusiast, here’s my take on experiencing Final Fantasy 7 Remake: “If you’re planning to jump into the world of FF7 Remake, particularly with its arrival on Switch 2, don’t miss out on the exhilarating combat system! It’s a game-changer that sets this remake apart from the original.

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2025-04-16 17:12