Finally, Square Enix showcased some actual footage for their upcoming Final Fantasy VII remake and it looks to exceed everyone’s expectations.
Not just a remaster
Final Fantasy VII as a remaster would’ve been more than fine for most fans of the original. Getting to play the iconic adventure that is engraved in many players heart on newer systems with improved graphics would be a success for Square Enix. But apparently, Square Enix had bigger things in mind when they decided to do more. Instead of a remaster we are getting a remake. This means we’re not only getting those wonderfully looking HD graphics but we also get to play the events of Final Fantasy VII in a new way. Older fans will obviously love to revisit Midgar and all its surroundings. Newer players also will get the chance to experience Final Fantasy in a way more adjusted to today’s standards with more action and epic cinematics throughout the game.
Real-time action and Active-time battle system
The gameplay footage shows the fighting happens in real-time as opposed to the turned based combat from the original. Swinging Cloud’s Buster sword with the click of a button looked awesome. The ability to block, strafe and attack in real-time promises some cinematic looking battles. Landing enough successful blows fill up the ATB bar. Longtime fans of the original will surely know ATB stands for Active-time battle and is a direct reference to the battle system used in the original. Once the ATB bar fills up you can go in a tactical mode reminiscent to the turn-based system used in the original. The combination of real-time battle with the use of the tactical system seems like a perfect marriage. A best of both worlds to unite older and newer fans of the longstanding franchise.
Materia
The next big thing revealed during E3′ gameplay footage was the return of Materia. Final Fantasy VII remake will feature the famed crystallized Mako. Granting stat boosts, the ability to cast spells and to summon, Materia was a big part of the original game. Finding the right combination for your character and sharing this knowledge with your friend has been a big part of my childhood. Seeing the Materia physically present in the buster sword actually gave me chills. Square Enix surely knew what the fans wanted by showing the Materia reveal.
The gangs all here
Obviously, the events from the original are being retold throughout the same characters. Until now, we’ve only seen how Cloud will look like in all its glory. The E3 showcase finally revealed much of the rest of the gang. Barret Wallace, Aerith Gainsborough, Tifa Lockhart were all revealed both in CGI and during gameplay. The Final Fantasy VII remake models look awesome. In the end, even the main antagonist, Sephiroth is briefly shown.
Hype
When Square Enix first announced a new Final Fantasy VII game I was moderately excited. I thought this game would be in line with the Final Fantasy X/X-II remaster. With this reveal, I’m confident Square Enix has won the heart of everyone mildly interested. I’m not one to ride along with the hype train often but this time I’m fully on board towards Midgard.
