Rate top gamesMy first playthrough on normal difficulty was fun, touching and challenging for most of the time, but there was always certain things that I was hoping to overlook when making a 2nd playthrough on hard mode, for better or worst I do believe hard mode is the "better" way of playing FF7R although those certain things that I was hoping to overlook were stronger also.
As a general overview I think FF7R is a good game, great also but it certainly has its flaws, my favorite aspect by far was the combat system, similar to the one in XV but polished to the point that it truly feels challenging and fair, at first I was trying to main a character and the game also gives you options to play like that but when the combat truly shines is when you play your party as if they were a unit, is really mesmerizing to end a boss battle when everything clicked. Although the problem with the combat is that it feels that you don't fight as much as you like and this is where things get a little too rocky. My main problem with this remake is that its rhythm almost never manage to get a good balance between gameplay and cutscenes or even liberty to explore or things to do, a typical hour in this game goes almost like this: watch a cutscene of several minutes, advance some steps, watch a little clip of your party discussing something, advance some steps, have 3 or 4 fights, cutscene, advancing, etc. except for a few action driven chapters, you're gameplay is always interrupted by a cutscene or a clumsy mini-game, its difficult to grasp all the fighting mechanics when the game keeps you from fighting. Side-questing can be a good option when doing well... extra things, however, the catch is that there are just few side-quests for just a few chapters, and when you finish them don't expect to do a lot more, even the enemies doesn't seem to spawn after you clear them.
The story is great, if you know the original you know more or less how this goes, the difference is that this time they added a lot of things and backstories to fill the runtime of 40 hours or so and at times it feels a little like they were padding and stretching things a little too much, don't get me wrong tho', the characters are charming than ever and for the most part feel well scripted (aside from some notable localization choices but may is just me), but maybe cutting some content or making some scenes shorter certainly would do it better, I didn't mind the padding that much on my first play-through but when kicking in the 2nd round, I was skipping a lot of chunks of the game that certainly didn't add that much.
Graphically, the game is beautiful and it certainly does look like a final cycle PS4 game, Midgar looks massive and full of life, I love how things are quite different when is day or night, even when is the same place, more often than not I was fooled of what things were real time and what things don't, in reality a lot of the things were real time, no wonder how my PS4 sounded like a rocket.
The music was a little mixed for me, overall is good, I'm not sure how difficult is to screw over the amazing original tunes to begin with, but my problem with a lot of the songs is that they sound too "Hollywood blockbuster" generic, I do like some of the rearranged versions better than the original, but when they pick the more active or battle theme ones they tend to sound a little tamed, they're still good but not as much as the original source. Speaking of original source, I highly recommend that you play this with the original Japanese audio, every actor manages to capture the charm of all the cast, they sound like they should be, the dub cast, I definitely stay away from that one, it sounds too "saturday cartoon show" for its own good.
As my lasting impression, even with its pretty noticeable flaws I do like where this is going, I didn't like some of the narrative choices and there's a lot of room of improvement for the next chapter, I know that this section on the original game was not exactly "open world" but it hurts that you can only play like in FFXIII in a just one way corridor, hope the next one gave us the freedom to explore and do whatever thing we feel to do. If you played the original and don't mind the gameplay shift, most probably you'll like this game, if you haven't played it, I do recommend that you play the original first, since this game expect that you know some of the story (similar to Rebuild of Evangelion). Overall I enjoyed my time with this game, so I surely but not strongly recommend it, I'm aware that maybe a lot of people prefer a cinematic experience over a gameplay experience so maybe this can be your cup of tea if you're more in the former group, so give it a go.
As a general overview I think FF7R is a good game, great also but it certainly has its flaws, my favorite aspect by far was the combat system, similar to the one in XV but polished to the point that it truly feels challenging and fair, at first I was trying to main a character and the game also gives you options to play like that but when the combat truly shines is when you play your party as if they were a unit, is really mesmerizing to end a boss battle when everything clicked. Although the problem with the combat is that it feels that you don't fight as much as you like and this is where things get a little too rocky. My main problem with this remake is that its rhythm almost never manage to get a good balance between gameplay and cutscenes or even liberty to explore or things to do, a typical hour in this game goes almost like this: watch a cutscene of several minutes, advance some steps, watch a little clip of your party discussing something, advance some steps, have 3 or 4 fights, cutscene, advancing, etc. except for a few action driven chapters, you're gameplay is always interrupted by a cutscene or a clumsy mini-game, its difficult to grasp all the fighting mechanics when the game keeps you from fighting. Side-questing can be a good option when doing well... extra things, however, the catch is that there are just few side-quests for just a few chapters, and when you finish them don't expect to do a lot more, even the enemies doesn't seem to spawn after you clear them.
The story is great, if you know the original you know more or less how this goes, the difference is that this time they added a lot of things and backstories to fill the runtime of 40 hours or so and at times it feels a little like they were padding and stretching things a little too much, don't get me wrong tho', the characters are charming than ever and for the most part feel well scripted (aside from some notable localization choices but may is just me), but maybe cutting some content or making some scenes shorter certainly would do it better, I didn't mind the padding that much on my first play-through but when kicking in the 2nd round, I was skipping a lot of chunks of the game that certainly didn't add that much.
Graphically, the game is beautiful and it certainly does look like a final cycle PS4 game, Midgar looks massive and full of life, I love how things are quite different when is day or night, even when is the same place, more often than not I was fooled of what things were real time and what things don't, in reality a lot of the things were real time, no wonder how my PS4 sounded like a rocket.
The music was a little mixed for me, overall is good, I'm not sure how difficult is to screw over the amazing original tunes to begin with, but my problem with a lot of the songs is that they sound too "Hollywood blockbuster" generic, I do like some of the rearranged versions better than the original, but when they pick the more active or battle theme ones they tend to sound a little tamed, they're still good but not as much as the original source. Speaking of original source, I highly recommend that you play this with the original Japanese audio, every actor manages to capture the charm of all the cast, they sound like they should be, the dub cast, I definitely stay away from that one, it sounds too "saturday cartoon show" for its own good.
As my lasting impression, even with its pretty noticeable flaws I do like where this is going, I didn't like some of the narrative choices and there's a lot of room of improvement for the next chapter, I know that this section on the original game was not exactly "open world" but it hurts that you can only play like in FFXIII in a just one way corridor, hope the next one gave us the freedom to explore and do whatever thing we feel to do. If you played the original and don't mind the gameplay shift, most probably you'll like this game, if you haven't played it, I do recommend that you play the original first, since this game expect that you know some of the story (similar to Rebuild of Evangelion). Overall I enjoyed my time with this game, so I surely but not strongly recommend it, I'm aware that maybe a lot of people prefer a cinematic experience over a gameplay experience so maybe this can be your cup of tea if you're more in the former group, so give it a go.
«That ending!»
Other reviews24
As my first time stepping foot in Midgar Final Fantasy VII Remake not only exceeded my expectations, it became the most enjoyable RPG I've had the privilege of experiencing in years.
although I haven't played the original, this remake feels a great game. however, there were tons of times were the game clearly dragged - be it with slow walking, uneeded routes. finished the game in 21 hours, but feel like it could've been something like 14, if not for those things.
«Sit back and relax»
«OST on repeat»
Amazing experience.
I loved diving deep into this universe. The characters attract you so hard to it. With some time, their future matter to you, and it's pretty natural. The story, eventually, grabs you either. In this case, graphics on PS4 make justice to the acting. So damn beautiful. The OST is on the same level. It just sticks on your head, no matter what.
The gameplay was a little strange to me since I am not used to JRPGs. Even still, since I wanted to advance into the plot so hard, I forced myself to keep going on and eventually understood it.
There are some negative points, like textures in some scenarios, some sections longer than they should be, and more. But since my final experience with it was so good, those points are unimportant. I super recommend it.
I loved diving deep into this universe. The characters attract you so hard to it. With some time, their future matter to you, and it's pretty natural. The story, eventually, grabs you either. In this case, graphics on PS4 make justice to the acting. So damn beautiful. The OST is on the same level. It just sticks on your head, no matter what.
The gameplay was a little strange to me since I am not used to JRPGs. Even still, since I wanted to advance into the plot so hard, I forced myself to keep going on and eventually understood it.
There are some negative points, like textures in some scenarios, some sections longer than they should be, and more. But since my final experience with it was so good, those points are unimportant. I super recommend it.
Cloud thinks he’s hot shit. A lot of tude in that voice.
First 4 hours are fine but not this amazing game I heard about. The combat seems interesting and the world is cool enough but nothing has wowed me yet and the writing is cheesy. It’s normal for an RPG to take a bit of time to get going so it could easily pick up but as of now I’m not seeing the hype.
It’s pretty slow to start.
6 hours in. It’s fine but I’m not loving it or getting drawn in yet.
Walk here. Listen to slow bad dialogue. Push this button. Fight guys with a simple combat system that doesn’t demand a lot of anything. Walk to a new button to push and repeat. I don’t get why people like this game right now. It’s boring. Story, Gameplay, Progression. None of it is working for me yet.
Why do people love this game! I don’t get it. It’s bad and boring. Have I said this before?
I just fought a house in like a 30 minute fight. It was so long. Holy hell. It was a house.
Now the dance number. This game sucks. I’m baffled why people gave it such good reviews. Baffled.
Don Corneo. Wow what a guy.
This is going for the title “Most Overrated Game of All Time According to Dylan”. It’s an 88 on opencritic. Shadow of The Colossus is the only other game I’d say is more overrate. I really didn’t like it but I can see the appeal at least. But I stand by that SOTC remake is super overrated also.
Okay the combat is growing on me a bit. It’s getting more challenging so I at least have to actually think about what I’m doing.
The story bits about the ancients and the history of the planet was actually pretty cool. The last couple chapters have been better. I think they add too much filler in this game. They are really milking it and there isn’t enough going on in the first 18 or so hours which is a loooong time.
I’ve probably complained a bit too much because I had high expectations for this game and it wasn’t anywhere near them. That being said I think the game takes way too long to get going and they are milking the nostalgia which I don’t have.
I think I would have enjoyed this game a lot more if they decided to make it into 1 or maybe 2 games not 3 fucking games. The beginning was slow and boring and very much felt like filler. The last few chapters especially when in the Shinra facility have at least been fun and interesting. They throw a talking fire lion thing in there too.
Boss fights are way too long. I only died once during the final shadow fight because the game still isn’t hard if you mark sure you manage your health but it’s so frustrating to be like 20 mins into a boss fight and then die and have to do the entire thing over again. They need checkpoints mid battle. It’s even set up to have checkpoints since their are always boss transitions at certain points.
Beat it and happy to be done. The final stretch was easily the best part but not good enough to change my opinion by much. Severely overrated game.
Final Score: B
First 4 hours are fine but not this amazing game I heard about. The combat seems interesting and the world is cool enough but nothing has wowed me yet and the writing is cheesy. It’s normal for an RPG to take a bit of time to get going so it could easily pick up but as of now I’m not seeing the hype.
It’s pretty slow to start.
6 hours in. It’s fine but I’m not loving it or getting drawn in yet.
Walk here. Listen to slow bad dialogue. Push this button. Fight guys with a simple combat system that doesn’t demand a lot of anything. Walk to a new button to push and repeat. I don’t get why people like this game right now. It’s boring. Story, Gameplay, Progression. None of it is working for me yet.
Why do people love this game! I don’t get it. It’s bad and boring. Have I said this before?
I just fought a house in like a 30 minute fight. It was so long. Holy hell. It was a house.
Now the dance number. This game sucks. I’m baffled why people gave it such good reviews. Baffled.
Don Corneo. Wow what a guy.
This is going for the title “Most Overrated Game of All Time According to Dylan”. It’s an 88 on opencritic. Shadow of The Colossus is the only other game I’d say is more overrate. I really didn’t like it but I can see the appeal at least. But I stand by that SOTC remake is super overrated also.
Okay the combat is growing on me a bit. It’s getting more challenging so I at least have to actually think about what I’m doing.
The story bits about the ancients and the history of the planet was actually pretty cool. The last couple chapters have been better. I think they add too much filler in this game. They are really milking it and there isn’t enough going on in the first 18 or so hours which is a loooong time.
I’ve probably complained a bit too much because I had high expectations for this game and it wasn’t anywhere near them. That being said I think the game takes way too long to get going and they are milking the nostalgia which I don’t have.
I think I would have enjoyed this game a lot more if they decided to make it into 1 or maybe 2 games not 3 fucking games. The beginning was slow and boring and very much felt like filler. The last few chapters especially when in the Shinra facility have at least been fun and interesting. They throw a talking fire lion thing in there too.
Boss fights are way too long. I only died once during the final shadow fight because the game still isn’t hard if you mark sure you manage your health but it’s so frustrating to be like 20 mins into a boss fight and then die and have to do the entire thing over again. They need checkpoints mid battle. It’s even set up to have checkpoints since their are always boss transitions at certain points.
Beat it and happy to be done. The final stretch was easily the best part but not good enough to change my opinion by much. Severely overrated game.
Final Score: B
I am afraid to admit that I missed FF series when I was a kid. I tried to get into it much later through the ones that are available on PC: FF XII, FF X, but none struck me as hard as this one. The visuals are what mesmerizes you from the start of the game, but the lovable characters and classic plot are what make this game a true Final fantasy.
P.S. Struggle through Intermission to experience true ending of the game.
P.S. Struggle through Intermission to experience true ending of the game.
«Time-tested»
«Sit back and relax»
Genuinely blew me away with how well they did. Can't wait for future installments.
«Blew my mind»
«Beaten more than once»
10/10
I cannot believe this game is actually a real, existing thing. Somehow even better than what I would have made if the job were up to me. Waiting for part 2 is actually causing me physical pain.
I cannot believe this game is actually a real, existing thing. Somehow even better than what I would have made if the job were up to me. Waiting for part 2 is actually causing me physical pain.
«Blew my mind»
I want to be able to play this but I can't for any length of time as it triggers motion sickness in me.
I was able to tweak some settings and calm the player camera down but the over the top camera movement and shaking during cut scenes meant they were unwatchable. What was the director thinking? The long awaited remake and they've made it unplayable for a large number of people. Absolutely gutted.
«Disappointment of the year»
I never played Final Fantasy before and this was absolutely epic. A game of magnificent scope, beautiful graphics, and a compelling narrative, with gameplay that feels good to play. Definitely understand why this franchise is as popular as it is.
«Just one more turn»
«That ending!»