Final Fantasy VII Remake

I first played this a couple years ago, when it was added to PlayStation Plus, but I’ve always been a Final Fantasy VII Poseur: I hadn't played the original. Being such a Nintendo Baby, my first PlayStation was a PS4. So I had this unique experience of only vaguely knowing the setting, not even really knowing the plot, but interacting with and playing as these characters that are so iconic it’s impossible to not be familiar.

So in October, with several false starts behind me and Rebirth on the horizon, I played through the entirety of Final Fantasy VII on the Switch, using a guide purely for directions and gear/leveling recommendations. My reaction to finally finishing this famously important game? ‘Wow, it really is that good’. So then I played Crisis Core Remastered. Beat it, enjoyed it, got the Platinum trophy. (Not recommended. It requires completing all 300 optional missions….) At this point I had become a true FFVII-head, fully immersed and in love as if I had actually played back in 1997. I’ve played the original, the prequel, and I watched Advent Children. Twice. Which brings me back around to Final Fantasy VII Remake.

Replaying Final Fantasy VII Remake on Hard Mode, combat takes center stage. With my materia leveled and endgame accessories equipped, I could just focus on flinging out ATB skill commands left and right, melting enemy health bars like butter. Hard Mode Strategy comes from rationing out Magic Points, as they’re only replenished after completing a Chapter, and you can’t use items, so deciding whether to cast Blizzard vs. Blizzaga, or Cura vs. Curaga, makes a meaningful difference. I found it immensely satisfying to triumph over these limitations, with some bosses testing my high threshold of perseverance. Eventually I won out, crushing the endgame gauntlet of bosses, fully mastering the ATB command combos/counters.

Counterstance was a favorite skill of mine. While a bit over powered in duels and boss fights, you don’t gain access until the late game, so it’s real usefulness shines in Hard Mode. It’s a defensive move where a successful block results in Cloud interrupting the enemy attack, closing the distance, and countering with three strong slashes. In certain fights it can trivialize a boss that might’ve slapped you around in your first play through, granting the sweet satisfaction of smacking them back.

Some combat elements aren’t explained or demonstrated very well. I didn’t learn how to efficiently increase the Stagger Percentage (for higher damage) with Tifa until I was trophy hunting for the ‘Reach a 300% stagger bonus’ emblem. It requires performing a specific sequence of ATB commands – and acquiring her optional weapon, to gain access to a skill with a 30% stagger increase on each use. This led to 90+ hours of accepting at face value that I would only be doing the base 160% stagger to enemies and bosses. Okay yeah, skill issue, I could’ve learned sooner, but you’ve failed if I still had to look it up to completely understand the mechanic.

At last, Final Fantasy VII Remake helped me fall even more in love with the characters. I love Barret singing the victory fanfare after fights, and when Cloud’s self serious facade cracks. I love Aerith’s openness and enduring spirit, and Tifa’s vulnerability and self-determination. It’s incredible to see these characters brought to life from blocky polygons and a speed-translated script. You can tell the creators are able to fully express what they wanted these characters to be, using modern technology.

I could go on about the fantastic soundtrack (and Rebirth’s too), the side characters, also full of heart and passion, coloring and giving life to a story that honestly hit pretty hard even in it’s original iteration. Anyway. I gotta get back to Rebirth, Hard Mode is calling.

(I played this on PlayStation Plus, so I feel the need to emphasize: Viva physical media! Own what you love.)