Fantasy remake really hits the mark
Final Fantasy VII Various ●●●●●
Remakes are tricky — while updating a game’s cosmetics and gameplay is not fundamentally too tough a task for developers, capturing the X factor of classics from yesteryear isn’t easy.
That was the main concern when hearing a new Final Fantasy VII was in development. And no wonder, the franchise has a rich history spanning 33 years and, of all the games in its stable, Final Fantasy VII is perhaps the most crucial.
When it was released on the Playstation in 1997, it actually boosted sales of the console.
This new version is less of a remake and more of a reinvention, taking the saga of Cloud Strife and building on it. It’s a gutsy move, but one that pays off.
Cloud Strife is back, joining forces with an eco-terrorist group to fight the evil Shinra Corporation, which has been draining his planet’s life force for energy.
The original turn-based combat system makes way for a more modern-feeling, third-person action-rpg combat set-up, much closer to Square Enix titles like
Final Fantasy XV.
Another new system is the stagger gauge which sits alongside an enemy’s health bar. When it hits full, it stuns them — increasing the damage they take — but, to fill it, you first have to find their weak spot.
Graphically, this is breathtaking. Rich, vibrant environments give a sense of depth and breadth, while the beautiful lighting and haunting score add atmosphere.
It’s been worth the wait.