It's hard to believe that Final Fantasy 7 Remake is now six years old, but here we are! This isn’t just about its innovative nature at the time of release; rather, it reflects how certain aspects of game design have shifted dramatically since then. Although some elements might feel a bit dated upon revisiting, the game remains an enjoyable and highly recommendable experience.
One reason for this sense of age is certainly the forthcoming Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth. This new installment boldly expands on the concepts introduced in Remake and even challenges some of its gameplay mechanics. Rebirth embodies a blend of evolution, acknowledgment of past mistakes, and revolutionary ideas—all of which inevitably cast a shadow on Remake, making it appear a tad outdated in comparison.
Moreover, Remake resonates with its own unique charm. Released during a peculiar moment in gaming history—notably coinciding with the onset of pandemic lockdowns—its design reflects trends that were gradually fading away at that time. When you look back, it’s clear that many of the design choices mirror those established in the early days of the PS4 era. Elements like mission structure and area layouts feel slightly more reminiscent of a previous generation, giving the impression that we’re peeking into a time capsule.
Visually, Remake presents an intriguing contrast. While the main characters boast a polished appearance akin to PS5 graphics—something that was evident even on the PS4—many non-playable characters (NPCs) seem as if they stumbled out of the PS3 era, particularly reminiscent of Final Fantasy 13. This disparity was noticeable upon its initial launch and has only become more pronounced over time, likely due to the lengthy development process.
Nevertheless, the game is still brilliant. There’s an infectious energy that permeates Remake, marking a triumphant return for Final Fantasy. It takes a beloved classic and not only revisits it but also explores it in an experimental and thoughtful manner. Personally, I find it to be a delightful experience.
The newly released versions for Xbox Series X/S and Nintendo Switch 2 are predictably solid, offering faithful ports of the PS5 "Intergrade" edition. This includes several visual enhancements along with a standalone mini-campaign that serves as a bridge to the upcoming sequel. These versions are commendable in their own right.
While I won’t delve too deeply into the technical specifics—there are plenty of side-by-side comparisons available online—the Xbox Series X version closely resembles its PS5 counterpart. The notable differences lie in the absence of haptic feedback features on Xbox and slightly longer load times, which often occurs when porting games from PS5. However, Xbox offers perks like Quick Resume to streamline gameplay, allowing for quicker access after initial loading, and the Play Anywhere feature enables seamless transitions between Xbox consoles and PCs or devices like the ROG Ally, which is quite convenient.
On the other hand, the Switch 2, while not visually matching the capabilities of the larger consoles, uses DLSS technology to enhance performance. This technique renders the game at a lower resolution and then employs AI to upscale it, a common approach on this platform that generally yields good results. However, you may notice some textures appearing slightly blurred or pixelated under certain conditions, particularly in the background. The rich and stylized hair designs can also be tricky to render perfectly. Despite these minor imperfections, the game looks impressive by the standards of its hardware, especially in handheld mode where these flaws tend to be less noticeable.
In summary, both the Xbox Series X/S and Switch 2 versions provide thoroughly enjoyable experiences of this captivating game, tailored to the strengths of their respective platforms. While the game does exude a nostalgic atmosphere, its appeal lies not just in the gameplay but in its ambitious exploration of reimagining a legendary title. Rather than simply recreating the original, Remake engages in a vibrant dialogue with it, making it worthy of deeper consideration.
It’s fitting that pre-orders for these new editions often include a complimentary copy of the original game. To truly appreciate the full experience, playing both versions is highly recommended.
Then there's the anticipation surrounding Rebirth. As a more recent entry, it has already garnered nominations for Game of the Year in 2024, showcasing its brilliance and standing as a remarkable sequel that enhances the foundation laid by Remake. While Remake is definitely worthwhile on its own, the excitement for Rebirth, which is expected to arrive on these platforms soon, adds a compelling reason to dive into Remake now and eagerly await the third installment—one that could very well establish this trilogy as one of the greatest in gaming history.
These games deserve broader recognition, and players everywhere should have the opportunity to experience these wonderfully intricate and innovative remakes. Now is the time for more people to discover what makes these titles so special.
