Released in 2020 by Square Enix for PlayStation 4, and subsequently for PlayStation 5 and Windows, Final Fantasy VII Remake reimagines the iconic 1997 RPG classic with cutting-edge innovation. As the first installment in a planned trilogy, this ambitious project revitalizes the cherished narrative while expanding its scope for modern audiences.
Narrative and Setting
Set in the dystopian cyberpunk metropolis of Midgar, the story centers on Cloud Strife, a disillusioned ex-SOLDIER turned mercenary. Recruited by Avalanche—a rebel group fighting the oppressive Shinra Electric Power Company—Cloud becomes entangled in a battle to stop Shinra from draining the planet’s life force, known as Mako. The plot unravels with gripping intensity as Cloud confronts haunting secrets, clashes with Shinra’s elite forces, and grapples with the enigmatic Sephiroth, a legendary antagonist whose return threatens global annihilation.
The narrative is elevated by its deep character development. Aerith Gainsborough, a florist with a mystical connection to the planet, and Tifa Lockhart, Cloud’s fiercely loyal childhood friend, add emotional weight and complexity to the journey. Expanded subplots and worldbuilding enrich the original storyline, offering fresh insights into Midgar’s socio-political tensions and the moral ambiguities of rebellion.
Gameplay Mechanics
Hybrid Combat System
The game masterfully blends real-time action with strategic RPG elements through its evolved Active Time Battle (ATB) system. During combat, the ATB gauge fills progressively, allowing players to pause and execute commands such as spells, abilities, or item usage. Each character boasts a distinct combat style:
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Cloud dominates close-quarters combat with his heavy Buster Sword.
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Barret provides ranged suppression via his gatling gun arm.
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Tifa excels in rapid melee combos, chaining strikes for devastating synergy.
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Aerith harnesses long-range magic and defensive buffs.
Tactical party-switching mid-battle encourages dynamic strategies, while dodging, parrying, and environmental interactions add layers of depth. The system strikes a balance between frenetic action and methodical planning, appealing to both newcomers and veterans.
Progression and Customization
Exploration rewards players with richly detailed environments, side quests, and hidden lore. Character progression hinges on leveling stats and the versatile Materia system—equippable orbs that grant abilities like elemental magic, summons, and stat boosts. Materia evolves through use, enabling players to tailor builds to their preferred playstyle.
Audiovisual Excellence
Visual Design
The game’s visuals are a technical marvel. Midgar’s sprawling slums and neon-lit skyscrapers are rendered with meticulous detail, juxtaposing industrial decay with futuristic grandeur. Character models blend hyper-realism with the franchise’s signature stylized aesthetic, breathing new life into iconic designs.
Soundtrack
Nobuo Uematsu’s legendary score is reimagined by Masashi Hamauzu and Mitsuto Suzuki, blending nostalgic motifs with orchestral and electronic innovations. The soundtrack dynamically adapts to gameplay, heightening emotional beats—from adrenaline-pumping boss themes to haunting melodies in quieter moments.
Critical and Commercial Reception
Final Fantasy VII Remake garnered widespread acclaim, earning 87/100 on Metacritic and praise for its narrative depth, combat innovation, and visual splendor. Critics lauded its bold reimagining of Midgar’s story arc, though some noted pacing issues in linear segments and repetitive side quests.
Commercially, the game shattered records, selling 3.5 million copies in three days and surpassing 7 million units by September 2023. Its success solidified the Final Fantasy franchise’s enduring relevance in modern gaming.
Conclusion
Final Fantasy VII Remake is a triumph of storytelling and game design, honoring its legacy while forging a bold new path. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer, this reimagined classic delivers an unforgettable journey through a world teeming with heart, conflict, and wonder. It's a definitive must-play for RPG enthusiasts.
