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VirtualSixth
Apr 13, 2024
A Remake Divided, a Legacy United
The wait was agonizing, but the second half of the Final Fantasy 7 Remake trilogy has finally arrived – and it was worth every nail-biting second. Spanning both Rebirth and [Part Three Title], this ambitious project concludes the reimagining of one of the most beloved RPGs of all time, delivering a rollercoaster of emotions, gameplay innovation, and stunning surprises.
Let's address the Sephiroth-sized elephant in the room: the ending. It's divisive, daring, and undeniably breaks free from the chains of the original game. Some will decry it as sacrilege, others will cheer the possibilities it unlocks. However, one thing is certain: it demands a re-evaluation of everything we thought we knew about the Final Fantasy 7 story. Whether genius or a gamble remains to be seen, but the audacity itself is thrilling.
Beyond those final moments, the games faithfully capture the spirit of the original. Iconic locations like the Gold Saucer, Cosmo Canyon, and Nibelheim are lovingly recreated, bursting with expanded detail and teeming with life. The core characters are more deeply realized than ever, their bonds, internal struggles, and moments of levity brought to life by superb performances.
The combat has evolved significantly since Remake. While the core real-time action remains, Rebirth and [Part Three Title] push strategizing and customization to new heights. Materia combinations enable breathtaking synergies, while new party members introduce fresh mechanics. Boss encounters are true spectacles, demanding quick reflexes and tactical thinking to conquer.
Where Part Two and Three truly shine is in opening up the world beyond Midgar. The journey feels genuinely epic, taking us across diverse landscapes, introducing new factions, and deepening the world-building. Side quests flesh out the supporting cast, some becoming surprisingly endearing. The quirky minigames return in force, providing both goofy fun and a welcome change of pace.
The magic of the original Final Fantasy 7 was in its blend of grand themes, personal struggles, humor, and an unforgettable world. The remake trilogy manages to recapture all of that, even while taking daring risks. It's a balancing act that succeeds most of the time, and even the missteps seem fueled by a genuine passion for the source material.
With the remake trilogy complete, the future of Final Fantasy 7 is a blank slate. While some may crave a return to the original timeline, the bold ending opens up a world of possibility. Sequels, spin-offs, prequels – the potential is dizzying. The remake has reignited the passion for the franchise, showing that even the most sacred of stories can be retold in exciting ways.
If you adored the original, the Final Fantasy 7 Remake trilogy is an essential, transformative experience. If you're new to the series, it's still an excellent action RPG with a memorable cast and a world worth losing yourself in. While a divisive journey, it's filled with moments of pure Final Fantasy magic that will live on long after the final credits roll.
Let me know if you'd like specific examples or want the review to highlight other aspects of the games!