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Final Fantasy VII Remake

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Final Fantasy VII Remake
Item: Final Fantasy VII Remake
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2020

GenresAdventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, RPG, Anime and JRPG, Drama, Single Player

AvailableApr 10, 2020

PlatformPlayStation 4

DeveloperSquare Enix

Overview

A spectacular re-imagining of one of the most visionary games ever, Final Fantasy VII Remake rebuilds and expands the legendary RPG for today. The first game in this project is set in the eclectic city of Midgar and presents a fully standalone gaming experience.

Elsewhere

9.0

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

82%

Mixed (50-79)

18%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of Final Fantasy VII Remake are generally positive. Many critics praise the expansion and reimagining of the storyline, with TheGamer mentioning that it "expands the original game's storyline" and Gaming Age stating that it "toys with your expectations and takes some liberties with the source material." The story is often described as deep and engaging, with The Daily Dot noting that it expertly melds the feel of a blockbuster movie and a AAA game. The storytelling is also commended for bringing the characters to life and adding depth to their personalities, as mentioned by GameSpace and Cheat Code Central. The story's exploration of themes such as corrupt conglomerates, class differences, and environmental destruction is also highlighted positively by M3 and Slant Magazine. However, there are some criticisms regarding the story of Final Fantasy VII Remake. Telegraph mentions that there is not enough interesting story or content to go around, with hit and miss attempts at fleshing out minor characters' backstories and the addition of uninspired side quests. The Washington Post finds the story to be high on bombast and low on subtlety, considering it as flimsy tissue that binds its spectacles together. Forbes also mentions that while the story is fun and engaging, it can be repetitive and padded out in places. VG247 points out that some changes in the story may be confusing for newcomers. Overall, the majority of critics thought that the story of Final Fantasy VII Remake was very good. The expansion and reimagining of the storyline, along with the depth and detail added to the characters and world-building, were praised by many reviewers. The story's exploration of themes, the cinematic and well-directed storytelling, and the emotional impact were also highlighted positively. While there were some criticisms regarding the lack of interesting content for certain characters and the occasional repetitive or confusing moments, the overall consensus is that Final Fantasy VII Remake delivers a satisfying and engaging narrative experience.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics mostly praise Final Fantasy VII Remake's expanded and engaging storyline that expertly melds blockbuster movie feels with AAA game quality. Characters are brought to life with added depth, exploring themes like corrupt conglomerates and environmental destruction. Some critics find the story lacking in interesting content and subtlety, with occasional repetitive and confusing moments. Overall, the majority agree that the remake delivers a satisfying and engaging narrative experience.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

90%

Mixed (50-79)

10%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The opinions of the critics regarding the gameplay of Final Fantasy VII Remake are overwhelmingly positive. The majority of the critics praised the combat system, describing it as a successful blend of action and strategy. They commended the shift from turn-based mechanics to real-time movesets, with some comparing it to games like Devil May Cry and Kingdom Hearts. The flexibility of the combat system was highly regarded, allowing players to freely switch between party members and perform special attacks or cast magic. Critics such as M3, Gaming Age, and Video Chums highlighted the fun and engaging nature of the combat system, with Gaming Age specifically mentioning the challenging yet fair boss fights. The introduction of new techniques and tactics throughout the game was also appreciated, as it added depth and variety to the gameplay experience. While the overall sentiment towards the gameplay of Final Fantasy VII Remake is positive, there were a few criticisms mentioned by some critics. The issue of fighting multiple enemies with overlapping attack patterns being difficult to defend against was raised by Telegraph. TheGamer pointed out that the camera can have trouble in crowded areas, which could potentially hinder the player's experience. Cheat Code Central mentioned that the combat, while fun, can be shallow with simple combos. Daily Star mentioned some obtuse environmental puzzles and thin, one-way corridors that detract from the overall experience. However, it is important to note that these negative aspects were mentioned by only a few critics and did not significantly impact the overall consensus. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the gameplay of Final Fantasy VII Remake is very good. The positive aspects of the combat system, such as its blend of action and strategy, the flexibility of character control, and the challenging yet fair boss battles, were praised by multiple critics including The Daily Dot, GameSpace, and Impulsegamer. The introduction of side quests and the ability to experiment with different setups were also mentioned as positive additions to the gameplay experience by VGC. The refined battle system was commended by Slant Magazine, who stated that it feels like the culmination of Square Enix's efforts over the past two decades. The majority of the critics expressed their satisfaction with the gameplay, with VG247 even going as far as describing it as the best in a 3D Final Fantasy game. Despite a few minor criticisms, the overall consensus is that Final Fantasy VII Remake delivers an enjoyable and engaging gameplay experience.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics overwhelmingly praise Final Fantasy VII Remake's gameplay for its successful blend of action and strategy, flexible combat system, and challenging boss battles. While some critics mention issues like difficulty defending against multiple enemies and camera problems, these criticisms are minor compared to the game's overall positive reception. The introduction of new techniques, side quests, and refined battle system are highlighted as strong points, making the gameplay experience enjoyable and engaging according to the majority of critics.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

82%

Mixed (50-79)

18%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The majority of the critics were highly impressed with the graphics and visual design of Final Fantasy VII Remake. They praised the game for its stunning visuals, with many describing it as one of the best-looking games on the PlayStation 4. The detailed character models and environments were particularly highlighted, with critics such as TheGamer and GameSpace commending the game's impressive animations and cutscenes. The world of Midgar was also highly praised, with critics like Forbes and Guardian noting the amazing recreation of the city and the nostalgic appeal it held for fans of the original game. The visuals were often described as breathtaking, console generation-defining, and visually outstanding, showcasing the skillful art direction and attention to detail. However, there were some criticisms regarding the graphics and visual design of Final Fantasy VII Remake. Some critics, such as Gaming Age and Stevivor, mentioned occasional issues with texture loading and low-resolution textures in certain areas. Impulsegamer also pointed out flaws in character models for lesser NPCs, odd lip sync, and pixelated blur in close inspection of certain elements. Additionally, Video Chums noted that the lack of environmental variety weighed down the visuals. While these criticisms were present, they were not as prevalent as the positive opinions expressed by the majority of the critics. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the graphics and visual design of Final Fantasy VII Remake are very good. The game was praised for its stunning and detailed visuals, with critics often using words like "gorgeous," "spectacular," and "beautiful" to describe the graphics. The fidelity, attention to detail, and the ability to convey the original vision of the game were highly appreciated. Despite some minor flaws in texture loading and occasional low-resolution textures, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive. Critics like Telegraph, The Daily Dot, and Game Informer were particularly impressed with the visuals and considered them to be a standout aspect of the game. Final Fantasy VII Remake's graphics and visual design successfully enhanced the overall experience and left a lasting impression on the critics.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics loved the stunning graphics and visual design of Final Fantasy VII Remake, praising its detailed character models and environments. While some noted issues like texture loading and lack of environmental variety, the majority found the visuals breathtaking and console-defining. Overall, the consensus is that the graphics are very good, with critics calling them gorgeous, spectacular, and beautiful, enhancing the game's overall experience.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

100%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Sound Design and Music of Final Fantasy VII Remake are overwhelmingly positive. The soundtrack is consistently praised for its phenomenal and amazing quality, with many critics highlighting the inclusion of orchestral and remixed versions of the original OST. Critics such as TheGamer, Gaming Age, and VG247 specifically mention the nostalgic power and emotional impact of the music, with VG247 describing it as a "religious experience." The voice acting is also highly praised, with Gaming Age and Easy Allies commending the superb voice direction and stellar voice acting that adds weight and emotion to the cutscenes. The fully voiced characters, including background NPCs, are noted by TheSixthAxis as creating emotional impact. The overall sentiment is that the sound design and music of Final Fantasy VII Remake greatly enhance the gameplay experience, capturing the mood and standing toe-to-toe with the original versions. While the majority of critics hold positive opinions, there are a few minor criticisms regarding the Sound Design and Music of Final Fantasy VII Remake. Video Chums mentions that some wished the redone soundtrack had recreated the original songs in a more true-to-form fashion. However, this critique is outweighed by the positive feedback on the solid and faithfully recreated tracks. Additionally, Game Over Online notes that the voice work is divisive among players, but still adds to the overall presentation, showcasing good chemistry among the major cast. These minor negatives do not significantly detract from the overall positive reception of the sound design and music. In conclusion, the critics' consensus is that the Sound Design and Music of Final Fantasy VII Remake are highly commendable. The majority of critics praise the phenomenal and amazing soundtrack, with its orchestral and remixed versions of the original OST. The nostalgic power, emotional impact, and weight added to the cutscenes are consistently highlighted. The voice acting is also highly regarded, with superb voice direction and stellar performances. While there are a few minor criticisms, such as the deviation from true-to-form recreations of original songs, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive. The sound design and music greatly contribute to the overall experience of Final Fantasy VII Remake, capturing the mood and standing toe-to-toe with the original versions, as noted by multiple critics including GamingTrend, Slant Magazine, and VGC.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics rave about the Sound Design and Music of Final Fantasy VII Remake, praising the phenomenal soundtrack and stellar voice acting that adds emotional depth to the game. While some critics have minor critiques, the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with the sound design enhancing the gameplay experience and standing out alongside the original versions.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

67%

Mixed (50-79)

33%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Final Fantasy VII Remake has received overall positive feedback from the critics. Many reviewers praised the quality and effectiveness of the voice-overs, with Gaming Age and GameSpace commending the English voiceover work as extremely well done and bringing life to the characters, respectively. The interplay between characters and their voice acting was also praised as next-level and more believable by VG247, with standout moments for Aerith and Tifa, as mentioned by Daily Star. The performances were described as delightful, beautifully animated, and fully voiced by TheSixthAxis, adding new layers to the characters and bringing out their personalities. Impulsegamer specifically highlighted the facial animation system and impeccable timing of incidental dialogue, which added depth and propelled the game forward. However, there were some criticisms regarding the voice acting in Final Fantasy VII Remake. VG247 mentioned that while the interplay between characters was praised, some characters slipped into stereotypes. Hardcore Gamer expressed concerns about the Mr. T impression for Barret, stating that it can be overwhelming at times. Video Chums also mentioned that while the voice cast did a great job at bringing out each character's personality, some of the dialogue felt unnatural and lazy. Game Over Online noted that the voice work was divisive, with some secondary characters having flat performances. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the voice acting in Final Fantasy VII Remake is well done and adds depth to the story. The English voiceover work is highly praised, with even subcast characters feeling important. The interactions between characters are described as excellent, and the portrayal of each character is praised as perfect. While there are some criticisms, such as slipping into stereotypes and occasional overwhelming impressions, the positive feedback outweighs the negatives. The voice acting is seen as a significant contributor to the overall enjoyment and immersion of the game, effectively bringing the characters to life and enhancing the player's experience.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics praise Final Fantasy VII Remake's voice acting as top-notch, with English voiceovers bringing characters to life and adding depth to the story. However, some voiced concerns about stereotypical portrayals and occasional overwhelming impressions. Overall, the voice acting is lauded for enhancing immersion and enjoyment, despite minor criticisms.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

17%

Mixed (50-79)

83%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of the Technical Performance of Final Fantasy VII Remake, the critics had mixed opinions across different gaming platforms. On the PS4, there were several positive aspects highlighted by the reviewers. The Daily Dot praised the quick and painless load times, which undoubtedly enhance the overall gameplay experience. Additionally, GamingTrend commended the smooth performance, with only one hitch in framerate, indicating a generally stable performance on the PS4. However, there were also some negative aspects mentioned by the critics regarding the Technical Performance on the PS4. Gaming Age noted occasional issues with texture loading, although they acknowledged that these problems were not significant enough to impact the overall performance of the game. Stevivor mentioned technical issues such as unrealistic NPC behavior, pacing issues, slow movement, and unskippable cutscenes, which could potentially detract from the immersion and enjoyment of the game. Easy Allies also pointed out noticeable texture pop-in and low-resolution textures in outdoor sections, suggesting that some technical aspects could have been better optimized for the PS4. Overall, the consensus among the critics for the Technical Performance of Final Fantasy VII Remake on the PS4 is relatively positive. The quick and painless load times, smooth performance with minimal framerate hitches, and the overall stable performance contribute to a satisfying gaming experience. However, there were some technical issues mentioned, such as texture loading problems, unrealistic NPC behavior, and low-resolution textures, which could have been improved to enhance the overall technical performance of the game on the PS4.

TL;DR

technical performance

Final Fantasy VII Remake on PS4 received mixed reviews for its technical performance. Critics praised quick load times and smooth performance but noted issues like texture loading problems and unrealistic NPC behavior. Overall, while the game offers a satisfying experience, there is room for improvement in optimizing technical aspects for better gameplay immersion.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

31%

Mixed (50-79)

69%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of Final Fantasy VII Remake are generally positive. Many critics highlight the variety of new experiences and story elements introduced in the remake, which hint at the potential for replayability. Critics such as M3 and Screen Rant mention the inclusion of side quests, mini-games, and bonus items that add replay value. They also praise the materia system and acquiring summons as fun and accessible features. GameSpace and COGconnected mention the presence of mini-games, play modes, and diversions, providing extra content and earning opportunities. AusGamers mentions post-credit content, a combat simulator, and a hard difficulty mode with unique collectables and challenges. These positive aspects contribute to the overall replay value of the game. However, there are some criticisms regarding the replay value of Final Fantasy VII Remake. The Washington Post mentions the lack of memorable side quests and finds some parts of the game lackluster. VG247 criticizes the filler side quests, which may detract from the overall replay experience. Daily Star mentions that the end-game content is relatively sparse, which may leave hardcore fans of the series underwhelmed. Despite these criticisms, it is worth noting that completionists will still have a decent amount of content to soak up, according to Daily Star. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Final Fantasy VII Remake offers a good amount of replay value. The inclusion of side quests, mini-games, and bonus items, as well as the materia system and acquiring summons, provide incentives for players to revisit the game. The ability to replay chapters with all current levels and gear, unlock hard mode, and explore additional story elements also contribute to the replay value. While there are some criticisms regarding the lack of memorable side quests and filler content, the overall sentiment is positive, with critics like Noisy Pixel expressing eagerness for the next installment and TheSixthAxis mentioning the ability to return to previous chapters for side quests and additional story elements. Final Fantasy VII Remake is generally regarded as a game with good replay value, offering a wealth of content and incentives for players to revisit the game.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics generally praise the replay value of Final Fantasy VII Remake for its new experiences, side quests, mini-games, and materia system. However, some criticize filler content and sparse end-game content. Overall, the game offers incentives for players to revisit with additional story elements and challenges. Critics are eager for the next installment despite some flaws.

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

89%

Mixed (50-79)

11%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

In analyzing the opinions of multiple reviewers regarding the overall verdict of Final Fantasy VII Remake, it becomes evident that the majority of critics had a very positive view of the game. The first paragraph will focus on the positives highlighted by the critics. The reviewers praised Final Fantasy VII Remake for its ability to take a different path and not simply become a carbon copy of the original. M3 commends the game for its changes and sticking to the foundation while being admirable in 2020. GameSpace describes it as a beautiful reimagining of the original story and a game of its own, with impressive storytelling and techniques. TheGamer states that it is an awesome game that captures the magic of its predecessor, and Forbes describes it as amazing, well-crafted, and excellent. However, there were some negatives mentioned by the critics, which will be discussed in the second paragraph. Telegraph mentions that the game can be bloated and overblown, with excessive amounts of filler. They suggest that franchise fans may be confounded by the changes, while curious newcomers may find the pacing and references confusing. Washington Post finds the game to be beautiful-looking but with a juvenile mindset that's fun to pass through but hard to be riveted by. Daily Star points out stop-start pacing, archaic game design elements, and occasional filler material as drawbacks. Despite these negatives, the overall consensus of the critics is that Final Fantasy VII Remake is a highly recommended and worthwhile experience. Gaming Age loved the game and found it hard to pull themselves away from it, believing that others will feel the same way. VG247 concludes that despite flaws and changes, it is the best Final Fantasy has been in a long time. Cheat Code Central gives it an enthusiastic recommendation, stating that it reveres its source material while also getting sillier, weirder, and more emotional. The Guardian elevates the original to new heights and praises Square Enix for remaking a universally acclaimed classic. In conclusion, Final Fantasy VII Remake received a very positive overall verdict from the majority of critics. The game was praised for its changes and ability to stand on its own while still capturing the essence of the original. The storytelling, gameplay, visuals, and music were highly appreciated. However, some critics mentioned issues such as pacing, filler content, and a juvenile mindset. Despite these drawbacks, the game was considered a must-play for fans of the original and newcomers alike, with the potential to become one of the best games of the year.

TL;DR

Final Fantasy VII Remake received glowing praise from critics for its fresh take on the original while staying true to its roots. Critics lauded its impressive storytelling and captivating gameplay. Some noted drawbacks like pacing issues and filler content but still recommended it as a must-play experience for fans and newcomers. Overall, the game was hailed as a standout title, with the potential to be one of the best games of the year.

MONSTER

Reviews

220 reviews found

100

Noisy Pixel

PlayStation 4

Apr 10, 2020

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review describes the game as a marvel to experience and expresses difficulty in putting it down. It concludes by stating that if future releases are like this, Final Fantasy VII Remake could be the Best Game of the Year.

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100

Guardian

PlayStation 4

Apr 8, 2020

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Final Fantasy VII Remake elevates the original to new heights, with a modern sheen added to the gameplay without losing the essence of the game. It is a meaty game with a lot to offer, and Square Enix has risen to the challenge of remaking a universally acclaimed classic.

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100

Gaming Age

PlayStation 4

Apr 15, 2020

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The reviewer loved Final Fantasy VII Remake and found it hard to pull themselves away from the game. They believe there's a good chance others will feel the same way.

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100

Screen Rant

PlayStation 4

Apr 6, 2020

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Final Fantasy 7 Remake is a picture-perfect return to Midgar, with a compelling story, strategic gameplay, and impressive visuals. It pays tribute to the original while adding new elements. It sets a strong foundation for future installments.

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100

TheSixthAxis

PlayStation 4

Apr 6, 2020

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Final Fantasy VII Remake is a stunning remake that does justice to the original game. It has an engaging story, a well-blended battle system, amazing visuals, great music, and strong voice acting. Despite some technical issues, it offers a good amount of replay value.

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100

Slant Magazine

PlayStation 4

Apr 23, 2020

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review praises Final Fantasy VII Remake for its artistic success, refined gameplay, expanded characterization, and subversive storytelling. It suggests that embracing the game's changes and challenges to nostalgia can lead to a rewarding experience.

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100

VGC

PlayStation 4

Apr 6, 2020

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review concludes that the game is a reunion with old friends and praises its scale, detail, beauty, intelligence, and nostalgic power. It also mentions the game's emotional impact. However, it criticizes the padding in some sections.

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100

PlayStation 4

Apr 7, 2020

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review praises Final Fantasy VII Remake for taking a different path and not becoming a carbon copy of the original. It commends the game for its changes and sticking to the foundation while being admirable in 2020.

COGconnected

PlayStation 4

Apr 10, 2020

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review concludes that Final Fantasy VII Remake is an exemplary experience and still soars on the scale of Final Fantasy games. It states that the graphics are ridiculous and that this game achieves the shining vision of the original Final Fantasy VII.

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Game Over Online

PlayStation 4

Apr 13, 2020

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Final Fantasy VII Remake is a must-buy for fans of the original, offering a new gameplay setup and improved graphics. However, it is part of a multi-part experience, which may disappoint those expecting the complete FF VII experience. The story is the best in franchise history, with more depth and detail. The graphics, although not perfect, do a better job of conveying the story. The voice work adds gravitas to the game.