Get ready for another epic dose of Square Enix’s nostalgia-fueled profit machine, as Final Fantasy VII Revelation is just around the corner. As a stalwart gamer who’s been around the block a few times, I’ve seen my fair share of reboots, remasters, and reimaginings. But, I have to admit, the prospect of diving back into the world of Final Fantasy VII, even if it is episodic, is a tantalizing one. After all, who doesn’t love a good case of corporate-mandated nostalgia?
The Long-Awaited Conclusion
The story of Final Fantasy VII’s remake has been a long and winding one, filled with promises of a grand, epic experience that would do justice to the original. And, if my hands-on time with Final Fantasy VII Revelation is any indication, it seems like Square Enix might just deliver on that promise. With a whopping 15 to 20 hours of gameplay in Chapter 4 alone, it’s clear that the developers are pulling out all the stops to create an immersive experience that will keep fans engaged.
A New World to Explore
One of the standout features of Final Fantasy VII Revelation is its open-world design, which allows players to explore the world of Gaia in a non-linear fashion. With a myriad of activities to participate in, from chocobo dressage to combat assignments, there’s no shortage of things to do. And, with the introduction of new enemy types and playable characters like Cid and Vincent, the combat experience feels fresh and exciting. Of course, this being a Square Enix game, you can bet your bottom dollar that there will be a season pass, a battle pass, and a slew of DLCs to milk the franchise for all it’s worth.
FITS: Because Who Doesn’t Love a Good Job System?
The new FITS mechanic, which allows players to customize their characters’ abilities and playstyles, is a welcome addition to the series. With multiple FITS to choose from, players can experiment with different combinations to find the perfect fit for their party. It’s a clever system that adds a layer of depth to the gameplay, and I can already imagine the hours of theorycrafting and min-maxing that will ensue.
Wutai: A Breath of Fresh Air
My time in Wutai was a highlight of my playthrough, with its intricate buildings and highly detailed character models making for a visually stunning experience. The expanded environment is a far cry from the Wutai of 1997, and it’s clear that the developers have put a lot of love and care into recreating this iconic location. Of course, this being a Final Fantasy game, you can bet that there will be a gazillion side quests, collectibles, and other busywork to keep you occupied.
In conclusion, my time with Final Fantasy VII Revelation has left me cautiously optimistic about the game’s potential. While it’s clear that Square Enix is trying to cash in on the nostalgia of fans, the game itself seems to be shaping up to be a worthy conclusion to the remake saga. So, if you’re a fan of the series, or just looking for a solid JRPG experience, Final Fantasy VII Revelation might just be the game for you. Just don’t expect me to shell out hundreds of dollars for the inevitable “complete edition” that will inevitably follow.
Pixel P. Snarkbyte, widely regarded as the “Shakespeare of Sh*tposts,” is a video game expert with a unique knack for turning pixels into punchlines.
Born in the small town of Respawn, Pennsylvania, Pixel grew up mashing buttons on an ancient NES controller, firmly believing that “blowing into the cartridge” was a sacred ritual passed down through generations.
Pixel P. Snarkbyte: proving that life, much like a buggy open-world game, is better with a little lag-induced chaos.
