Why Don’t Modern Final Fantasy 7 Releases Have Full Analog Control?

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The timeless masterpiece Final Fantasy 7 remains a top-tier JRPG, and now boasts a trio of AAA action RPG sequels. These games don’t diminish the original in any way, so devoted fans can continue to appreciate the classic or indulge in the updated graphics and real-time battle mechanics that the newer titles offer.

As a dedicated gamer, I can’t help but ponder why Final Fantasy 7, with its recent classic re-releases boasting improved features, hasn’t adopted full analog control yet. Granted, the analog stick allows for some control over Cloud, but it still feels like I’m navigating with a digital pad, and the movement can be quite awkward at times.

As a gamer, I’ve found myself appreciating the recent re-release of Suikoden by Konami more than ever. The addition of full analog movement to both games has transformed my gaming experience. It’s not just about moving around; it’s about exploring the game world in all directions, something that feels so natural and yet is often overlooked.

Modern games have spoiled us with this feature, but witnessing it enhance older titles is a treat. It makes the games feel more contemporary and smoother to play, which I never thought would be possible with classic games like these.

Indeed, it’s true that some enthusiasts might contend that the controls of the remastered Final Fantasy 7 are satisfactory as they stand. This updated version is playable on platforms such as PS4, Xbox One, and Switch with minimal hassle. These versions also boast several quality-of-life enhancements, like the option to skip battles, instantly access all skills, or speed up combat sequences.

But none of them have full analog control and that just seems a bit silly.

Returning to the original PS1 classic might pose a challenge due to the lack of full analog control. It seems that my years of playing contemporary games have made me accustomed to smoother controls, as maneuvering Cloud either with the analog or d-pad doesn’t offer a satisfying experience for me. Although this game isn’t primarily about movement, even basic turning and changing directions can become frustrating while playing.

Many players might manage to navigate through Final Fantasy 7 effectively without requiring complete digital control due to its turn-based combat system, which doesn’t necessitate analog controls for any purpose. However, moving around within the game can be a bit troublesome, yet numerous gamers have adapted to this aspect, so perhaps this writer could do the same.

One perspective might be that maintaining Cloud’s initial journey, complete with its chunky 3D polygons and ATB battle system, is crucial. Yet, modern re-releases come equipped with cheats to simplify and speed up battles. So, considering this, would it be detrimental to incorporate full analog control into the game instead?

It’s unlikely that we’ll see analog control added to the original Final Fantasy 7 anytime in the near future, given the rise of PC mods and the growing popularity of the Remake trilogy. However, incorporating such a feature would have certainly enhanced the playing experience of this classic JRPG.

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2025-04-27 18:12