Final Fantasy VII Remake Preview Thread

KoolAid · Mar 2, 2020

While this retelling of the story might never replace Final Fantasy VII in fans' eyes, with the amount of love and care being poured into the Final Fantasy VII Remake by a team composed of some its original creators and many of its original fans, there's no doubt in my mind that Final Fantasy VII Remake will sit proudly alongside it. I won't know for sure until the complete product is in my hands, but this initial taste has me confident that all of the promise of that first reveal way back in 2015 will be delivered on and then some. This is how you do a remake.

God is a Geek

Final Fantasy VII Remake is going to make fans of the original cry, I can already sense it. These characters mean a lot to me, like they do to many other fans, and I firmly believe this game will be a faithful recreation of the original. The visuals are stunning, the score is a thing of beauty, and the gameplay is so satisfying. The camera angles are tricky to get used to, but it's too early to say whether these will continue throughout the finished product. Regardless, from what I've played so far, Final Fantasy VII Remake is going to be incredible.

Gamespot

[...] it's the constant thrill and excitement of combat that makes me happy to charge headlong into any and all battles the game wants to throw at me. I may have come away with some hesitations about how the structure of Remake's first part might shake out in the full game, but so long as the fights keep coming, I think I'm going to have a buster of a good time.

notme2020 · Mar 2, 2020

Playstation access bomber mission run through: https://youtu.be/f2Bsx4Gnadk

giantbomb unfinished: https://youtu.be/fA8SoRsg2Lg

Kalentan · Mar 2, 2020

From the blurbs they're very positive.

Maximilian Dood's video I'm guessing will be up later since he said on Stream that he already recorded it.

Acquiescence · Mar 2, 2020

Hands On: Final Fantasy VII Remake's Modern Combat Thrills, But Level Design Feels Stuck in the Past

7th Heaven?

www.pushsquare.com

Ultimately, we're both excited and concerned. The combat seems excellent, but will it be enough to carry a largely linear campaign that's been padded out with some tedious objectives? Square Enix was very specific about the sections that we saw, so maybe it's saving the most exciting parts for fans to discover on launch day in a couple of months. But why wouldn't it want to put its best foot forward? Maybe the enormous expectations resting on this remake's colossal shoulders need to be re-calibrated just a little bit.

ZeoVGM · Mar 2, 2020

APZonerunner · Mar 2, 2020

Hello! Lots of stuff from me this morning.

My preview on VG247: https://www.vg247.com/2020/03/02/final-fantasy-7-remake-hands-on-preview/
There's also an interview with the devs: https://www.vg247.com/2020/03/02/final-fantasy-7-remake-interview/

I touch on this being the best FF combat in years and some other points, like...

Advent Children music is in the game, and Kitase says the compilation is absolutely still the basis for the lore of the remake (even if it's a separate continuity)
Red XIII isn't playable - he'll be a guest party member
We still know nothing about the other 'half' of the game - the all-new stuff where the side quests take place and stuff.

Izanagi89 · Mar 2, 2020

APZonerunner said:
Hello! Lots of stuff from me this morning.

My preview on VG247: https://www.vg247.com/2020/03/02/final-fantasy-7-remake-hands-on-preview/
There's also an interview with the devs: https://www.vg247.com/2020/03/02/final-fantasy-7-remake-interview/

I touch on this being the best FF combat in years and some other points, like...

Advent Children music is in the game, and Kitase says the compilation is absolutely still the basis for the lore of the remake (even if it's a separate continuity)

Red XIII isn't playable - he'll be a guest party member

We still know nothing about the other 'half' of the game - the all-new stuff where the side quests take place and stuff.

So this seems to have been a mainly combat focused preview?

Napalm_Frank · Mar 2, 2020

APZonerunner said:
Red XIII isn't playable[/URL] - he'll be a guest party member

Booo!

APZonerunner · Mar 2, 2020

Izanagi89 said:
So this seems to have been a mainly combat focused preview?

To be clear, the preview was basically the 1st Mako Reactor Mission, the immediate aftermath on the streets of Midgar (Aerith encounter, Cloud running from the soliders, etc), the SECOND Mako reactor mission start to finish (from the moment you enter the reactor to Air Buster) and the Abzu boss fight they previously showed at TGS. So, yeah, it was very combat heavy. Almost all combat.

One thing I say in my previews is that we didn't see any downtime, we didn't see any of these new areas of Midgar that seemingly be sorta open-worldish (FF15ish?) where the fetch quests and stuff like that will take place. Everything we saw was a linear rollercoaster ride just like the original game's Midgar section (but expanded). It's a really fucking good rollercoaster, though - excellent - but exactly how good the game is to me I think will ride on that extra stuff we haven't yet seen. The bit that's just remaking the elements from FF7 exactly is amazing, though.

ZeoVGM · Mar 2, 2020

APZonerunner said:
Red XIII isn't playable - he'll be a guest party member

Kind of makes sense if the game ends when they leave Midgar but still disappointing.

FaceHugger · Mar 2, 2020

The demo just became available on PS4. Is this what is being played in the preview?

FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE DEMO

Enjoy the first chapter of FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE─the iconic Mako Reactor 1 bombing mission─with this demo version.br- Progress cannot be carried over into the retail version of the game.br- Content may differ from that of the retail version.brbrFINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE is a bold reimagining...

store.playstation.com

Guymelef · Mar 2, 2020

I feel this is going to be very linear game.

Izanagi89 · Mar 2, 2020

APZonerunner said:
To be clear, the preview was basically the 1st Mako Reactor Mission, the immediate aftermath on the streets of Midgar (Aerith encounter, Cloud running from the soliders, etc), the SECOND Mako reactor mission start to finish (from the moment you enter the reactor to Air Buster) and the Abzu boss fight they previously showed at TGS. So, yeah, it was very combat heavy. Almost all combat.

One thing I say in my previews is that we didn't see any downtime, we didn't see any of these new areas of Midgar that seemingly be sorta open-worldish (FF15ish?) where the fetch quests and stuff like that will take place. Everything we saw was a linear rollercoaster ride just like the original game's Midgar section (but expanded). It's a really fucking good rollercoaster, though - excellent - but exactly how good the game is to me I think will ride on that extra stuff we haven't yet seen. The bit that's just remaking the elements from FF7 exactly is amazing, though.

Hmmm, interesting. I wonder if the previews focusing on the combat was a result of Square's fears of how it would be received given that it not being turned based was a huge sticking point for it since that original PSX gameplay reveal. Guess it became compounded after FFXV as well. I'm super happy to hear that everything else so far is amazing though, and while I don't want to worry too much about the rest of the game, for now, I think the gameplay being as solid as it is is enough to calm a lot of fears.

Izanagi89 · Mar 2, 2020

Guymelef said:
I feel this is going to be very linear game.

Which honestly, I'm personally okay with. I loved exploring XV's world but I wouldn't mind a return to a more linear FF experience

Demon Lizardman · Mar 2, 2020

APZonerunner said:
Advent Children music is in the game, and Kitase says the compilation is absolutely still the basis for the lore of the remake (even if it's a separate continuity)

MilkBeard · Mar 2, 2020

Guymelef said:
I feel this is going to be very linear game.

I actually don't mind if that's the case. Midgar was pretty linear originally, and they can trim down usual AAA bloat. But I think the beginning is just going to be linear, but I bet the game opens up a lot in the later half. You're probably able at one point to explore multiple sectors at your own pace, I bet.

ZeoVGM · Mar 2, 2020

Guymelef said:
I feel this is going to be very linear game.

It should be.

Simo · Mar 2, 2020

FaceHugger said:
The demo just became available on PS4. Is this what is being played in the preview?

FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE DEMO

Enjoy the first chapter of FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE─the iconic Mako Reactor 1 bombing mission─with this demo version.br- Progress cannot be carried over into the retail version of the game.br- Content may differ from that of the retail version.brbrFINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE is a bold reimagining...

store.playstation.com

No, press played basically everything in the demo and then continued on from where the demo ends for 10 chapters or so.

Dinjooh · Mar 2, 2020

Guymelef said:
I feel this is going to be very linear game.

Oh thank fuck. Mostly linear with open segments here and there is just *chefs kiss*

Spehornoob · Mar 2, 2020

Simo said:
No, press played basically everything in the demo and then continued on from where the demo ends for 10 chapters or so.

They didn't really continue for ten straight chapters. They jumped around, including some stuff from chapter 10, I believe.

FaceHugger · Mar 2, 2020

Simo said:
No, press played basically everything in the demo and then continued on from where the demo ends for 10 chapters or so.

Oh wow, perks of the job I guess. I'll have to check out those previews then, thanks.

Imitation Of Life · Mar 2, 2020

Guymelef said:
I feel this is going to be very linear game.

That is not a bad word any more. I'm over bloated games.

Sargerus · Mar 2, 2020

APZonerunner said:
Advent Children music is in the game, and Kitase says the compilation is absolutely still the basis for the lore of the remake (even if it's a separate continuity)

I TOLD Y'ALL HE'S COMING

Deleted member 2834 · Mar 2, 2020

Imitation Of Life said:
That is not a bad word any more. I'm over bloated games.

100%

Acquiescence · Mar 2, 2020

The game being linear is absolutely fine with me. Even approaching a pro. What bothers me is that the game uses music from Advent Children.

The last thing I want to be reminded of when playing this is Advent Children.

Lee Chaolan · Mar 2, 2020

Is this Cloud's same voice as Advent Children? Sounds similarish

Melchiah · Mar 2, 2020

Guymelef said:
I feel this is going to be very linear game.

That's a HUGE plus for me, as linear AAA games are a rarity these days.

Spehornoob · Mar 2, 2020

Lee Chaolan said:
Is this Cloud's same voice as Advent Children? Sounds similarish

Nope. The whole oroginal cast has been replaced.

Pariah · Mar 2, 2020

The fear of linearity might be connected, I guess, to a shorter final product? Those who would prefer an open-ended design (if it's well done, better) for the sake of length and size... I think I prefer the opposite, a leaner rollercoaster, like described above, with a few replayable elements or simply the quality of the ride to justify more playthroughs. I'm sick of bloated worlds and endless trips from A to B and return. A 20-30 hour adventure at most would be ideal, personally.

Spehornoob · Mar 2, 2020

Pariah said:
The fear of linearity might be connected, I guess, to a shorter final product? Those who would prefer an open-ended design (if it's well done, better) for the sake of length and size... I think I prefer the opposite, a leaner rollercoaster, like described above, with a few replayable elements or simply the quality of the ride to justify more playthroughs. I'm sick of bloated worlds and endless trips from A to B and return. A 20-30 hour adventure at most would be ideal, personally.

It's also what most FF games are. They're mostly linear and can be completed in 30 hours or so, adding more for side content. They were usually good at creating an illusion of open-ness, but most of them are linear as can be.

Mechaplum · Mar 2, 2020

Linear and well crafted is good yes.

Lee Chaolan · Mar 2, 2020

Spehornoob said:
Nope. The whole oroginal cast has been replaced.

Damn. Well I think he sounds really good.

Fusionterra · Mar 2, 2020

No commentary

Fatmanp · Mar 2, 2020

Any comments of performance? Is it 30 of 60fps? I have a really bad feeling it will be unlocked jerky 60 or locked 30 with bad frame pacing.

jaymzi · Mar 2, 2020

A linear 15-20 hour rollercoaster ride was what I always assumed.

Side quests and collectibles to 100% the game can stretch it to 30 hours.

Pariah · Mar 2, 2020

Spehornoob said:
It's also what most FF games are. They're mostly linear and can be completed in 30 hours or so, adding more for side content. They were usually good at creating an illusion of open-ness, but most of them are linear as can be.

That's true. I remember finishing XV under 30 hours, for example, exactly when I had enough of it. The ones I played for the longest time (VIII or X) were only because of its optional content. A good minigame like Triad can make all the difference. So I'd be glad if they keep pushing this sort of design now, when it seems that to so many developers are trying to chase the bigger is better phallacy.

Fatmanp said:
Any comments of performance? Is it 30 of 60fps? I have a really bad feeling it will be unlocked jerky 60 or locked 30 with bad frame pacing.

It's said to be locked to 30fps. On the other hand, an unlocked mode could turn into an stable 60fps as soon as PS5 releases. Hopefully there's an option to choose between both.

Electro · Mar 2, 2020

Will watch the Easy Allies preview after the demo.

dippa · Mar 2, 2020

Kotaku's Aussie impressions: https://www.kotaku.com.au/2020/03/f...t-the-final-fantasy-7-remake-and-one-i-didnt/

Yuntu · Mar 2, 2020

Would be weird if it wouldnt be linear as the original game was as well.

APZonerunner · Mar 2, 2020

Yuntu said:
Would be weird if it wouldnt be linear as the original game was as well.

I think part of the challenge is to do with perspective, where in those pre-rendered CG background games with a variety of perspectives even if you're walking through corridors it never feels like you are... but in 3D environments, corridors look and feel like corridors. That was FF13's big problem. So that's what they need to avoid, either through clever area design or other distractions. I think in the Mako Reactor missions (both of which I've now played) the fact you're on a tight, fairly constrained path is excellent hidden by how good the combat is and how funny/genuine/endearing/lore-enriching the character interactions are.

Yuntu · Mar 2, 2020

APZonerunner said:
I think part of the challenge is to do with perspective, where in those pre-rendered CG background games with a variety of perspectives even if you're walking through corridors it never feels like you are... but in 3D environments, corridors look and feel like corridors. That was FF13's big problem. So that's what they need to avoid, either through clever area design or other distractions. I think in the Mako Reactor missions (both of which I've now played) the fact you're on a tight, fairly constrained path is excellent hidden by how good the combat is and how funny/genuine/endearing/lore-enriching the character interactions are.

I never agreed with peoples issue on 13 so I think I will be fine.

PowerUp · Mar 2, 2020

Here is PowerUp!'s preview

Final Fantasy 7 Remake Preview – Dreams Do Come True - PowerUp!

Final Fantasy 7 has long been the Holy Grail of videogame remakes. Fans have been clamouring for it ever since it was announced for PS2, before being abandoned. Square Enix later created a tech demo for PS3, recreating the opening of Final Fantasy 7 on the new hardware. However, it wasn't until...

powerup-gaming.com

Femto0 · Mar 2, 2020

Is Genesis back too??

Nakenorm · Mar 2, 2020

Eurogamer:

Sounds great!!

dreamlongdead · Mar 2, 2020

The game looks pretty awesome, but Barrett's voice acting is really grating.

That's my only complaint.

Sargerus · Mar 2, 2020

Fusionterra said:
No commentary

FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCK

Looks so good.

PowerUp · Mar 2, 2020

As a bonus, kitase told me he wanted it to be full blown action game with no ATB or turn based features but Nomura fought for them

Final Fantasy 7 Remake was nearly a “full-on, modern action game” - PowerUp!

In a recent chat with Final Fantasy 7 Director and Remake Producer Kitase Yoshinori, he told me that Final Fantasy 7 Remake very nearly didn't include any of the ATB mechanics, time pausing or semi-turn based actions that are included in the final game. It was only intervention by Nomura Tetsuya...

powerup-gaming.com

Ferrs · Mar 2, 2020

PowerUp said:
As a bonus, kitase told me he wanted it to be full blown action game with no ATB or turn based features but Nomura fought for them

Final Fantasy 7 Remake was nearly a “full-on, modern action game” - PowerUp!

In a recent chat with Final Fantasy 7 Director and Remake Producer Kitase Yoshinori, he told me that Final Fantasy 7 Remake very nearly didn't include any of the ATB mechanics, time pausing or semi-turn based actions that are included in the final game. It was only intervention by Nomura Tetsuya...

powerup-gaming.com

Damn you Nomura!

MickZan · Mar 2, 2020

PowerUp said:
As a bonus, kitase told me he wanted it to be full blown action game with no ATB or turn based features but Nomura fought for them

Final Fantasy 7 Remake was nearly a “full-on, modern action game” - PowerUp!

In a recent chat with Final Fantasy 7 Director and Remake Producer Kitase Yoshinori, he told me that Final Fantasy 7 Remake very nearly didn't include any of the ATB mechanics, time pausing or semi-turn based actions that are included in the final game. It was only intervention by Nomura Tetsuya...

powerup-gaming.com

Nomura for president.

Yuntu · Mar 2, 2020

PowerUp said:
As a bonus, kitase told me he wanted it to be full blown action game with no ATB or turn based features but Nomura fought for them

Final Fantasy 7 Remake was nearly a “full-on, modern action game” - PowerUp!

In a recent chat with Final Fantasy 7 Director and Remake Producer Kitase Yoshinori, he told me that Final Fantasy 7 Remake very nearly didn't include any of the ATB mechanics, time pausing or semi-turn based actions that are included in the final game. It was only intervention by Nomura Tetsuya...

powerup-gaming.com

Good on Nomura. For a Remake like this not putting atleast some sort of option there would have been wrong imo.

Final Fantasy VII Remake Preview Thread

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