5 Ways to Play Final Fantasy VII and Its Remakes

Final Fantasy VII Remake

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the iconic world of Final Fantasy VII with its captivating remakes. Immerse yourself in a mesmerizing blend of nostalgia and modern innovation as you navigate the vibrant streets of Midgar and unravel the intricate web of fate that awaits you. Prepare to witness the beloved characters of Cloud, Tifa, Barret, and Aerith in a new light, their personalities and motivations explored with unprecedented depth.

The original Final Fantasy VII, released in 1997, captivated the gaming world with its groundbreaking graphics, epic storyline, and unforgettable soundtrack. The remakes, released in parts starting in 2020, have breathed new life into this timeless classic. With stunning visuals, a revamped combat system, and expanded storytelling, the remakes offer a truly immersive experience that both honors the original and pushes the boundaries of the genre. However, each version presents its unique strengths and considerations to consider.

First and foremost, the original Final Fantasy VII stands as a testament to the storytelling prowess of the JRPG genre. Its sprawling narrative, memorable cast, and iconic moments have left an enduring legacy in the hearts of gamers. Players can expect a classic turn-based combat system, beloved characters, and the timeless charm of the original. However, the graphics have inevitably aged over time, and the controls may feel dated by modern standards. Moreover, the original release lacks the expanded content and enhancements found in the remakes.

Embarking on the Epic VII Adventure

No matter which version of Final Fantasy VII you choose to play, you’re in for an unforgettable journey. Here’s a detailed guide to help you get the most out of your experience:

Starting with the Original Classic

The original Final Fantasy VII, released in 1997, is still a masterpiece today. It offers a timeless story, iconic characters, and revolutionary gameplay. If you’re looking for the most authentic experience, this is the one for you.

Pros:

Original and beloved story
Classic turn-based combat system
Stunning graphics for its time

Cons:

Blocky 3D graphics can feel outdated
Slow pacing in some segments

Table: Original Final Fantasy VII vs. Remake

	Original	Remake
Release Date	1997	2020
Graphics	3D polygons	Realistic HD
Combat	Turn-based	Action-RPG

Exploring the Remake’s Grandiosity

The Final Fantasy VII Remake, released in 2020, is a stunning reimagining of the original. It features breathtaking graphics, a revamped combat system, and expanded storylines. While it doesn’t cover the entire original game, it offers a thrilling and innovative take on the classic.

Pros:

Gorgeous and immersive graphics
Fast-paced and engaging combat
Extended and fleshed-out story

Cons:

Only covers a portion of the original game
Some pacing issues in certain chapters

Choosing the Optimal Gaming Platform

Original Release (1997)

For the authentic experience, play Final Fantasy VII on the original PlayStation. The game’s iconic polygonal graphics and classic soundtrack remain unedited, providing a nostalgic journey back to the mid-90s.

PC Remaster (2013)

The PC remaster offers enhanced visuals and smoother gameplay for modern systems. It includes a new character model viewer and the option to skip battle animations for better pacing.

Steam Deck Compatibility

The Steam Deck allows you to play Final Fantasy VII on the go. Its powerful hardware ensures a stable framerate and the touchscreen controls make it easy to navigate the menus.

PlayStation 4 & 5 (2023)

The latest PlayStation consoles bring stunning 4K resolution and faster loading times. This is the most visually impressive version of the game, although it sacrifices the nostalgic pixelated look of the original.

Nintendo Switch (2023)

For portability without sacrificing performance, the Nintendo Switch is a solid option. It offers 720p resolution in both handheld and docked mode, making it a versatile choice for playing on the go or at home.

Comparison Table

Platform	Graphics	Performance	Portability
Original PlayStation	Iconic pixelated look	Slow loading times	N/A
PC Remaster	Enhanced visuals	Smoother gameplay	Yes
Steam Deck	High-resolution sprites	Stable framerate	Yes
PlayStation 4 & 5	Stunning 4K resolution	Fast loading times	No
Nintendo Switch	720p resolution	Solid performance	Yes (handheld mode)

Unraveling the Character Customization

In an era where individuality is highly valued, the FFVII Remake allows you to tailor your characters to your liking through a comprehensive character customization system. The system offers a plethora of options, enabling you to delve into the world of Gaia with unique and personalized personas.

Appearance and Aesthetics

The customization options extend to the characters’ physical appearances, allowing you to alter their facial features, hairstyles, and outfits. Choose from a range of hair colors, eye shapes, and clothing styles to create a visually striking avatar that embodies your personal style.

Stats and Abilities

Beyond aesthetics, customization encompasses your characters’ stats and abilities. Allocate skill points to enhance their strength, speed, and agility, and equip them with materia to unlock a wide array of magical and combat abilities. By tailoring your characters’ attributes to your preferred playstyle, you can optimize their effectiveness and tackle challenges with confidence.

Materia System

The materia system plays a pivotal role in character customization. These magical orbs grant your characters access to a vast array of spells and abilities. Experiment with different materia combinations to create powerful synergies and customize your team’s capabilities to suit any combat scenario.

Weapon Customization

In addition to materia, you can enhance your characters’ weapons with a range of modifications. Upgrade their power, add elemental attributes, and unlock hidden abilities by using the in-game upgrade system. This allows you to tailor your weapons to your playstyle and dominate the battlefield with personalized and formidable gear.

Accessories and Equipment

Accessories and equipment provide further opportunities for customization. Equip your characters with rings, necklaces, and belts that enhance their stats and confer unique bonuses. These accessories complement your characters’ abilities and help you overcome even the most daunting challenges.

The Best Way to Play Final Fantasy VII and Its Remakes

Final Fantasy VII is a beloved classic, and its remakes have brought the game to a new generation of players. But with so many different versions of the game available, it can be tough to know which one is the best way to experience the story.

Here’s a look at the different versions of Final Fantasy VII and their pros and cons:

**Original Final Fantasy VII (1997):** The original PlayStation version of the game is still a great way to experience the story. It has a classic turn-based combat system and a memorable cast of characters.
**Final Fantasy VII Remake (2020):** The remake of the original game is a stunning visual update with a modern combat system. It covers the events of the first part of the original game, but with some significant changes to the story.
**Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade (2021):** Intergrade is an expanded version of the Remake that includes a new episode featuring Yuffie. It’s the most complete version of the Remake to date.
**Final Fantasy VII Rebirth (2023):** Rebirth is the second part of the Remake trilogy. It will cover the events of the second and third parts of the original game.

So, which version of Final Fantasy VII is the best way to play the game? It depends on what you’re looking for. If you want the classic experience, the original PlayStation version is still the way to go. If you want a modern take on the story, the Remake is a great choice. And if you want the most complete experience, Intergrade is the best option.