"Final Fantasy VII Remake" a show (more or less successful) for novices and experts alike

A few months before the release, my colleague Kevin was already moved at the mere mention of "Final Fantasy VII", almost like characters in an anime. He's one of the original fans, who were eagerly awaiting 10 April 2020. The day the remake of the legendary Final Fantasy VII was released. As for me, I belong to the group who, back in 1997, played on PCs rather than Playstations. At the time, I didn't notice the hype surrounding Cloud with his hairdo and Aerith's tragic fate.

With these different initial situations, Kevin and I embarked on the remake.

Phillip, the "Final Fantasy" novice

I've never played a "Final Fantasy" before. During my apprenticeship, I tried some of the game on a TI-89 calculator. But the graphics on the monochrome screen didn't even come close to a Gameboy. I also spent three hours with this group of young men on XV and about an hour on the MMO 'Final Fantasy XIV'. I'm clearly one of those new to the series. But I couldn't ignore the enthusiasm generated by the brilliant Episode 7, so I was still curious to see what the remake would be like. I'm still a few hours away from the end credits, but I can say that the game triggered a lot of emotions in me. It surprised me, disappointed me and confirmed a lot of things.

As expected: clichés galore and an epic story

"Final Fantasy VII Remake only covers the first part of the original game. However, the events taking place within Midgar, the world capital, have been greatly expanded. Instead of the six to ten hours in the original game, expect to spend between 35 and 45 hours. From the very first cinematics, it's clear that the studio has pulled out all the stops. The graphics are impressive, the backdrop of the dystopian industrial city with its various colossal levels and the premise of the authoritarian megacorporation Shinra and the rebel group Avalanche arouse curiosity.

However, the story unfolds slowly and novices to the franchise will have a number of questions. What I do understand, however, are the many stereotypes that are commonplace in anime and JRPGs. Cloud, the main character, is a former SOLDIER - apparently that's how it's spelt - and has the expressiveness of a stone. Barret, a three-metre giant with a minigun for an arm, is initially a sort of one-dimensional Mister T.. All the female characters are won over by Cloud and have clearly been drawn to appeal to a male audience. And yet I want to know more about the characters and their conflicts.

The surprises: combat system and character depth

The characters develop surprising depth as the game progresses. Barret shows that he's not just a roaring fool, but fights with all his heart for justice and for his daughter. There also seems to be more behind Cloud's inexpressive face. And despite her ultra-short shorts and more than ample bosom, Tifa is more than just the cause of a pubescent teenager's hormonal surge. Only a few of the characters are really as simple-minded as they seem, especially outside of the cinematics. And when the script put me in front of a spectacular fight, on a motorway, against an insane motorbike boss armed with a sabre, I was finally won over.

The combat system is actually more complex than expected. On the one hand, he's active and you can beat him up with Cloud's giant sword. When you use skills and spells, the game slows down to give you time to select the right skills from your compatriots. You control two or three characters at a time. What are each character's abilities, how do you use them and on which opponent or body part? These things are essential in boss battles. If you then summon gigantic monsters, you'll be completely off the hook.

Disappointment: monotonous level design and linear levels

The more I play Final Fantasy VII, the longer my list of criticisms grows. What bothers me most is the relatively dull level design. While the hubs - the towns from which you start your side quests - are lovingly designed and varied, the exterior is very monotonous. Reactors, railway tunnels or sewers are simply linear, brown, grey levels. And all too often, you have to return to the same places over and over again. And the fact that you have to fight your way through the same annoying mobs every time doesn't help, making the whole thing a real drag in the long run. The puzzles seem to have been put there for lack of inspiration rather than to energise the game.

And as for the side quests: while they're certainly enjoyable, they're mostly limited to delivery missions. Bring me this, kill this monster, find this child. But you still have to do them. If you don't do them, later battles will be unnecessarily difficult because you won't have accumulated enough experience.

And then there are the stereotypes. I got attached to all the characters, but it's all called into question with every development that throws away every ounce of a character's personality. A partner who has just taken down an enemy is suddenly reduced to the character of the helpless princess and the men become moronic, heartless machos.

I can't stand hearing the retort that this is part of JRPGs. Making a JRPG doesn't give you the right to settle for boring game design and wear out every possible cliché. Especially when the game itself has proved it can offer something else.

For me, it's clear: "Final Fantasy VII Remake" was first and foremost designed for fans of the series. With an eye for nostalgia, you can certainly let more things slide. All the same, the remake leaves an impression of filler. With ten hours less and a little more variety in the level design, the game would definitely have won me over. After all, the game becomes more exciting and rhythmic towards the end. However, I can't recommend it without a few reservations if you're new to the franchise. But if you want to finally understand what all the hype is about, "FF VII Remake" is still a thrilling adventure you won't be able to turn away from.

Kevin, die-hard fan

Here she is again at last, the flower girl of my youth. I've been waiting for this moment for nearly five years now, ever since Square Enix showed off the Remake at E3 2015. Aerith is gorgeous. She approaches me, Cloud, and speaks to me. Just as she hands me a flower, the music starts: Aerith's theme. I'm home.

An air of homecoming

When "Final Fantasy VII" came out in 1997, I was 13 and the classic outsider. The sort who'd rather indulge in video games than face 'reality'. I don't have any friends. Friendship is, for me, an abstract construct that I only know from stories.

Maybe that's why I kept playing and replaying "Final Fantasy VII" throughout my gymnasium years. This game and the storyline as a whole are, in fact, centred around one thing: friendship. "Final Fantasy VII" offered me at the time what my parents or classmates couldn't: a glimpse of what friendship can be.

23 years later, my life is completely different. I have friends, I'm married and I have a child. The common denominator: I still sit in front of the TV, controller in hand, and watch Cloud and Aerith meet for the first time. It's just like back then. Fantastic!

Ingenious implementation

This is the great strength of "Final Fantasy VII Remake". It's a brand new game that nonetheless feels familiar, first in its storyline and then in its design. Midgar is magnificent, with no comparison to the original. Nevertheless, I recognised the 1997 city from the very first images. During battles, I'm still dependent on an ATB gauge that allows me to perform more powerful actions. Despite the epic battle scenes and the fact that I have to spam the buttons, I still have time to plan my next steps. I'm still equipping materials in the slots provided on weapons and armour. Everything has become bigger and more complex,

Square Enix has allowed itself more time to develop the characters. As a result, the secondary characters are more present and gain in prominence. Of course, certain clichés are hard to resist and some characters remain relatively flat. Nevertheless, on the whole, the story is denser because of the emphasis on the characters' backstories.

After all these compliments, I can afford to note a few black spots. Like its original version, the game is very linear. Square Enix doesn't take any great risks to avoid incurring the wrath of fans. There are a few changes to the story, though. It's still too early for me to say whether I like them or not.

Aside from the linearity of the design, the level design too comes across as very monotonous. However, this is due to the fact that the game is played exclusively in Midgar. The city is bleak, dirty and overrun by technology. This was already the case in the original game. Most of the side quests are also boring, following the pattern of "Go to A and kill X. Take it back to Y". Take it back to Y". I find them very interesting, however, as some reveal fascinating details about the story.

To conclude, "Final Fantasy VII Remake" is everything I hoped it would be and more. As a fan, I'm won over. Unfortunately, I'm not quite finished yet. With family and friends, I don't have as much time left to play, which in my case is very positive.

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34.90 CHF

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24

Video games

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39.60 CHF

Square Enix Final Fantasy 7+8 Twin Pack -UK-

Switch