Remake probes the limits of the fuzzy line between "protest" and "terrorism". It does all this while re-creating the original characters almost exactly as they were. It also allows the game to further explore some of the relatively minor side characters from the original, giving them more depth and significance in the story (some more successfully than others). Its expanded length even allows it to explore some of these topics in much greater detail, and after over 20 years, it's environmentalist and anti-capitalist messages have transcended from "warnings" to simple reflections of the current state of reality. Star Trek (2009) and its sequels (with the possible exception of Beyond) only took the campy space-adventure aspect of the original Star Trek, but did not replicate the thoughtful science fiction and character drama that the original was known and beloved for.įinal Fantasy VII Remake on the other hand, replicates the ludic complexity, strategy, and versatility of the original's character-development and materia systems, and retains all of the original narrative's themes of classism, environmentalism, and the fuzzy line between "protest" and "terrorism" (a question that has become increasingly relevant in recent history). Yet Final Fantasy accomplishes this so much more successfully because, unlike Star Trek (2009), Final Fantasy VII Remake tells its revised story while still remaining faithful to the ideals, themes, and spirit of the original. Abrams and Paramount tried to do with the 2009 Star Trek reboot: write the original's existence into the continuity of the reboot. Square-Enix is trying to do with Final Fantasy VII Remake what J.J. Square imitated Paramount's attempt to keep the original Star Trek's existence as part of the reboot's continuity. The sky is the limit for where the sequel(s) go from here. In so doing, it plays with the ideas of fate and destiny. The story of the original game exists within this new game's canon, and is being remade within Remake's own fiction. Final Fantasy VII Remake does not seek to be an upgrade that replaces the original game. No, Final Fantasy VII Remake puts the word "remake" in its title because at the same time that Square-Enix is remaking the original Final Fantasy VII, the game itself is remaking the story and continuity. Resident Evil 2 takes dramatic creative liberties with gameplay feel by ditching the static camera in favor of an over-the-shoulder shooter, but despite the wild deviations from the original's fundamental game design, the remake is still an effort to recreate the original game's story, environments, and game strategy in all the ways that matter. This game isn't simply Final Fantasy VII (2020) in the way that the remakes of Shadow of the Colossus, Demon's Souls, Resident Evil, or even Resident Evil 2 are. The decision by Square-Enix to put the word "remake" in the title is a deliberate, and important choice. But then again, that opening act is very faithfully recreated and expanded here, and the narrative curveball that this remake throws is bold, creative, and an interesting artistic statement about the reverence for the original masterpiece. It doesn't even make it as far as the emotional sucker-punch (and ludic shake-up) that was the conclusion of the original's first disc. Those hoping for a one-for-one re-telling of the 1997 PlayStation classic might be disappointed that Remake only covers the early half of the original's first disc. Well I think I waited long enough before playing and reviewing this game that I'm probably not spoiling anything by saying that Final Fantasy VII Remake takes some interesting creative liberties with the original's story. Language, Suggestive Themes, Use of Alcohol and Tobacco, Violence PlayStation 4 (via retail disc or PSN digital download) Other throw-away characters like Roche, Palmer, the mayor, etc.Jessie, Biggs, and Wedge are not playable party members.Cluttered, chaotic, and sometimes un-readable screen.Upgrades keep iconic starter weapons viable.Full control of entire party in real-time combat.Just the right amount of wackiness and whimsy.Expands original's early-game content and characters.Faithful re-telling of opening act of original's first disc, but with an intriguing narrative curveball.
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