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[jon bones]

indeed, that's something that FF has historically been about. granted some games like the brilliant FFIX give everyone their own job (and the game benefits from that, as each character's job really shines through their personality) but i like customizing a party of whomever i want.

 

[Skilletor]

indeed, that's something that FF has historically been about. granted some games like the brilliant FFIX give everyone their own job (and the game benefits from that, as each character's job really shines through their personality) but i like customizing a party of whomever i want.

Never thought about it in 9. I guess I didn't mind it because I loved the cast.

Except Quina. Never used that...thing, lol.

 

[Count of Monte Sawed-Off]

Never thought about it in 9. I guess I didn't mind it because I loved the cast.

Except Quina. Never used that...thing, lol.

Aww, Quina had some pretty good blue magic.

 

[Celine]

With that said, I'd still day-1 a PS4 remake in a heartbeat if SE can pull it off.

I don't think SE can pull it off.

 

[MomoPufflet]

Place me in the FFVII still looks great camp. I find the original models charming. The only thing I could ask for is to increase the resolution of the beautiful, memorable backgrounds. Sadly, unless they saved the original model data that will never happen. I don't see how HD towns was a valid excuse these days when you see the detail in the modeling work on VII's backgrounds.

Also, thanks OP! I just discovered that I can map dpad only games to the Vita's stick!

Yeah, I would honestly (in my dreams) rather have a re-rendered FFVII with slightly updated character models (nothing extreme needed) than a remake. I don't need voices or new CG or anything. Sadly I'm gathering that they lost a lot (all?) of the PSone era FF assets, so they'll never get to set that precedent

I used to want a real remake but I understand now how unrealistic and potentially disastrous that would be with 2013 Square.

 

[Skeff]

If I remove one character's materia and give it to someone else, they've essentially become that character with different Limit Breaks and a different weapon set. No character has a unique, inherent skill, which is something I like in RPGs.

If you don't agree with me, that's fine, but don't say I haven't thought it through. I never liked the materia system. I get why other people do, but I don't.

I Both Agree and Disagree to an extent, Materia can be changed easily but that isn't the only thing that makes a characters abilities, As you've already pointed out Limit Breaks which to me are very important when choosing a party, All of the characters have a theme to their limit breaks, which are either: big hit, multiple hit, status effects or healing. As well as this the characters have different base stats making some characters being able to use abilities much better than other characters. There are also small nuances to each character, such as Barret/Tifa having the ability to attack Long Range with the Majority of their weapons, either to flying enemies, or from the back row without a damage penalty.

Having Barret as a group healer and having Aeris as a group healer aren't really comparable, not only would Aeris' heals be stronger, have more heals due to higher MP, but also would have additional heals via her limit breaks.

 

[Nymphae]

If I remove one character's materia and give it to someone else, they've essentially become that character with different Limit Breaks and a different weapon set. No character has a unique, inherent skill, which is something I like in RPGs.

Sure, if you don't count the limit breaks, which are unique inherent character skills that progress through the game. I totally understand your point of view, though I personally really like not having to keep certain party members for certain skills, I can use who I want, when I want for the most part.

 

[ZombiePlatypus]

I don't think SE can pull it off.

My gauge is FFXV. I know they're almost certainly radically different games, but I just wanna see if SE can still do a modern RPG without dropping the ball in one aspect or another. Even if said game is more action focused.

 

[balohna]

Even in the PS1 days I was annoyed by the fact that it didn't support analog and that the button layout was different from FFVIII (which I played first). FFIX came out like a week after I picked up FFVII used and didn't really go back.

 

[PetriP-TNT]

Yup, it's aged perfectly. Even the map models don't bother me at all and the battle models are rock solid. The backgrounds are gorgeous to this day and awesome gameplay too.

 

[ZombiePlatypus]

Even in the PS1 days I was annoyed by the fact that it didn't support analog and that the button layout was different from FFVIII (which I played first). FFIX came out like a week after I picked up FFVII used and didn't really go back.

To be fair, the game came out before Playstation had analog controls, or X was standardized as the confirm button in the West. It's weird. To me, VII absolutely feels like it's from a different, bygone era, but it doesn't feel archaic.

 

[Calabi]

I dont think it has aged well, I tried playing the Steam version a couple of weeks ago it didnt feel right, it doesnt feel the same. Probably because I'm playing on the wrong monitor on the wrong resolution.

The prerendered backgrounds look way too blocky and pixelated. Shame they dont have those assets so they could rerender them. I think I will stick with the memory of it.

 

[lemmykoopa]

Yeah, that's what I said. Keep living in denial.

I think you just lack an artistic eye. If you had one you would acknowledge that FFVII still looks impressive. The character models are a litte rough, and the backgrounds are a little blurry compared to these days HD graphics, but the art direction is top notch and is Squaresoft at its best. Beautiful looking game.

 

[Koozek]

You've got to consider that there's a technical reason they didn't re-render the backgrounds at higher resolutions for the original (and recent Steam) PC version even though they could have back then where they had the original assets - they would have had to re-do/modify every collision- and layer-map and Walkmesh data. Too much work, I guess.

 

[Skilletor]

Even in the PS1 days I was annoyed by the fact that it didn't support analog and that the button layout was different from FFVIII (which I played first). FFIX came out like a week after I picked up FFVII used and didn't really go back.

Guess you didn't try configuring your own buttons in the option menu?

 

[Seanspeed]

I disagree (currently replaying it on the ps3). The Character models (especially outside of combat) might not have aged well, but I prefer prerendered backgrounds over simplistic 3D environments that is usually be found in new final fantasies.

The backgrounds don't look too bad, but the stark contrast between the awful 3D character models and the background just don't seem to mesh well at all.

And did I mention the awful 3D character models? I'm all for glossing over minor graphical deficiencies, but that is just right there in your face at all times, looking all kinds of bad.

 

[Wazzy]

The graphics(paticularily the character models) do not hold up well at all but everything else is still great.

IX holds up the best of the ps1 era graphic wise with VIII right behind it. Too bad IX's battle system is slow as shit.

 

[CharminUltra]

If I remove one character's materia and give it to someone else, they've essentially become that character with different Limit Breaks and a different weapon set. No character has a unique, inherent skill, which is something I like in RPGs.

If you don't agree with me, that's fine, but don't say I haven't thought it through. I never liked the materia system. I get why other people do, but I don't.

I don’t think the goal of the posters arguing with you here is to change your mind (I truly do not care, for example). We do however have a problem with your assertion that character customization = cookie-cutter characters.

This comment in particular: “If I remove one character's materia and give it to someone else, they've essentially become that character” is a gross oversimplification (as many others in the thread have patiently explained to you) and the product of some seriously flawed reasoning. The argument is a specious one not only because you choose to conveniently dismiss the rest of the features in the game that make characters unique, but it also ignores the fundamental nature of customization.

Going to an ice cream shop and ordering from the menu is great. Guess what, though? Ordering a combination of ice cream and ingredients that is not on the menu is also great. Crazy, I know!

 

[Minion101]

The game gets some hate but I really feel that is a vocal minority. Fans still cosplay this game and its 16 years old.

 

[HolyBaikal]

I rather enjoy the 'chibi' designs of the characters in Final Fantasy VII. In fact, I think that the 3D textures have aged extremely well. I like how smooth they look. On the other hand, the 2D textures look rather pixelated.

Also, I think that Final Fantasy VII is overrated. This isn't to say that I think that Final Fantasy VI is the leaps and bounds over Final Fantasy VII that many people think it is, either. I also think that Final Fantasy VI is overrated. Though I do like it a bit better than Final Fantasy VII. I like some things about Final Fantasy VI better than Final Fantasy VII, and I like some things about Final Fantasy VII better than VI. Overall, I like Final Fantasy VI better than Final Fantasy VII, but I am by no means an elitist.

In particular, I feel that the 2D textures of Final Fantasy VI aged better than the 2D textures of Final Fantasy VII. The 2D textures in Final Fantasy VII added more detail and 'realism'. But I feel that the 2D textures in Final Fantasy VI are far more charming.

And Final Fantasy VII is overrated as a Japanese RPG and a game in general. Not just as a Final Fantasy. Personally, I would rather go back and play Grandia than Final Fantasy VII.

 

[patrickthehedgehog]

I have to say that I adore the in game models. Sorry everyone! Yes, sprites would have worked just as well, but to me it's hilarious to see the classic scenes play out in this game with the battle models or user created models. Realistic isn't always better. I think this fits in line with the controlled camera angles vs 3D camera conversation.

I take solace in knowing that if you all get what you want, a full 3D remake by squeenix, it's practically impossible for it to be as charming or as good as the original game. Square Enix can't hurt me anymore!

Fun scenes like this would never happen in this age of teh mature realism and if they did it would be super awkward and cringe-inducing like this shit:

 

[ZombiePlatypus]

I have to say that I adore the in game models. Sorry everyone! Yes, sprites would have worked just as well, but to me it's hilarious to see the classic scenes play out in this game with the battle models or user created models. Realistic isn't always better. I think this fits in line with the controlled camera angles vs 3D camera conversation.

I take solace in knowing that if you all get what you want, a full 3D remake by squeenix, it's practically impossible for it to be as charming or as good as the original game. Square Enix can't hurt me anymore!

Fun scenes like this would never happen in this age of teh mature realism and if they did it would be super awkward and cringe-inducing like this shit:

Are those figures with a 3D printer or something? Cause they're adorable.

 

[patrickthehedgehog]

Are those figures with a 3D printer or something? Cause they're adorable.

Yeah. Someone was trying to sell them online, but quickly got shut down. Too bad because even with paddle arms and horrible graphics they are very cute

 

[GuardianE]

I agree with the OP.

Honestly, I replayed the game this past year, and it's still fantastic. It's not perfect, but I don't think anyone claimed it was. It still eclipses everything that Square has done recently.

 

[CharminUltra]

These are beautiful. I have no idea how I missed the news item for it :/

 

[Go_Ly_Dow]

 

[SlipperySlope]

Final Fantasy 7 is the world of two extremes. The backgrounds are great, the blocky characters are terrible.

The blocky characters cause the game to have not aged well at all.

That said, there's a reason I don't boot up Goldeneye 007 anymore.

 

[patrickthehedgehog]

10/10

 

[KoopaTheCasual]

This is the weirdest thing I've seen all week.

Final Fantasy 7 is the world of two extremes. The backgrounds are great, the blocky characters are terrible.

The blocky characters cause the game to have not aged well at all.

That said, there's a reason I don't boot up Goldeneye 007 anymore.

You're missing out.

 

[Go_Ly_Dow]

This is the weirdest thing I've seen all week.

still have no idea what the original source behind it is

probably best it stays that way

 

[Lothar]

The battle system hasn't aged well. The game's combat is boring and easy.

What do you mean, hasn't aged well? When was there ever a time when the combat wasn't boring and easy?

I still love the game because of it's atmosphere and music but gameplay and story have never been the game's strong suit.

 

[stargateheaven]

i gave in and bought it. again. on vita. now i can play it in dialysis.

 

[Lumpy Onion]

Funniest thing I've seen all day. Oh my god.

 

[Roto13]

I thought it had aged pretty poorly the first time I played it, and that was in like 2000.

 

[patrickthehedgehog]

You get it.

Modern FF is fucking embarrassing about that. It is just weird and doesn't work for me when they try to be silly. But FFVII, you find Rude getting high on weed, Cloud dressing up in drag, all kinds of hilarious shit. The game has charm up the ass and it only works due to its art style. If it were realistic, hell, if it had graphics like FFVIII or IX, I don't think it'd work out.

Imagine an FFVII remake with character models like those paper models with natural modern lighting. It'd look amazing.

I think the only things I would truly want are a new English translation that keeps in mind the quirks of the original translation (keep the fun stuff and throw out the nonsense) and those backgrounds at maybe twice the resolution they are at in the PSX game. Tidy up the character models on maps and increase framerate in battle. Maybe doing a "lazy" port will give us a new FFVII the right way. Again, not holding my breath.

Here's one of my favorite rooms from the game. Bonus points if you know where this bar is!

 

[FryHole]

I think the only things I would truly want are a new English translation that keeps in mind the quirks of the original translation (keep the fun stuff and throw out the nonsense) and those backgrounds at maybe twice the resolution they are at in the PSX game. Tidy up the character models on maps and increase framerate in battle. Maybe doing a "lazy" port will give us a new FFVII the right way. Again, not holding my breath.

While the discussion is entirely academic, it's still nice to see a good number of people in this thread favouring a "tidy-up re-release" route rather than a full on modern remake, as well as plenty of love for the chibi character models. I'm fairly certain a FFVII remake along the lines of the PS3 tech demo would have been massively disappointing, no matter how shiny the graphics.

 

[PairOfFilthySocks]

In-game screenshots versus downscaled background renderings

This is a ridiculous comparison.

 

[zoukka]

Some parts have aged well like the battle models and effects and the backgrounds, but the midi music, dpad controls and the field models feel atrocious to new players. I am personally forever shielded by nostalgia

 

[patrickthehedgehog]

Some parts have aged well like the battle models and effects and the backgrounds, but the midi music, dpad controls and the field models feel atrocious to new players. I am personally forever shielded by nostalgia

Mapping the dpad directions to the Vita's stick is the best thing ever even though Vita's dpad >>>>>> psx dpad.

 

[Foshy]

I didn't play it when it was originally released on PSX, only picked it up this year on Vita. No rose tinted glasses here, I thought it holds up reasonably well, even graphically.

 

[Blinck]

As someone who only played this recently, I have to disagree. This game has aged quite badly, imo.

The only things that aged well are the combat system ( good old turn based and the materia system is cool) and the music.
Other than that, I thought the game was extremely boring, I could only take about 16 hours before quitting.
The worst thing is the pacing. The game is just so slow and uninteresting at times that I just had to put down my vita out of boredom.
The dialogue is also very amateurish, and the characters just lack personality or are just your usual stereotypes.
The graphics are also pretty bad too look at today, specially the blocky character models. Some of the backgrounds still look pretty good, though.

I might give it another shot sometime and I might change my mind, but honestly the first impression that I got from it was fairly poor.

In contrast, and so that people don't think I just don't "like or get" older games, I just played through Chrono Trigger for the first time and really really enjoyed it. Great pacing, characters, humor and combat system.

 

[anaron]

I think the only things I would truly want are a new English translation that keeps in mind the quirks of the original translation (keep the fun stuff and throw out the nonsense) and those backgrounds at maybe twice the resolution they are at in the PSX game. Tidy up the character models on maps and increase framerate in battle. Maybe doing a "lazy" port will give us a new FFVII the right way. Again, not holding my breath.

Here's one of my favorite rooms from the game. Bonus points if you know where this bar is!

It's Icicle Inn, right?

 

[patrickthehedgehog]

It's Icicle Inn, right?

Yep! I loved the bar under the inn and the different music for it. The whole building was unique because they did some cut away stuff so you can see the snow outside. It's like ripping part of the roof off a lego house. I didnt notice that much in other locations.

 

[FryHole]

As someone who only played this recently, I have to disagree. This game has aged quite badly, imo.

The only things that aged well are the combat system ( good old turn based and the materia system is cool) and the music.
Other than that, I thought the game was extremely boring, I could only take about 16 hours before quitting.
The worst thing is the pacing. The game is just so slow and uninteresting at times that I just had to put down my vita out of boredom.
The dialogue is also very amateurish, and the characters just lack personality or are just your usual stereotypes.
The graphics are also pretty bad too look at today, specially the blocky character models. Some of the backgrounds still look pretty good, though.

I might give it another shot sometime and I might change my mind, but honestly the first impression that I got from it was fairly poor.

In contrast, and so that people don't think I just don't "like or get" older games, I just played through Chrono Trigger for the first time and really really enjoyed it. Great pacing, characters, humor and combat system.

To be honest most of that sounds like you wouldn't have liked it at the time, either, so it's not really a case for it aging badly.

 

[mechphree]

I couldn't disagree more. The graphics look very bad in today's time. It needs a ff13 graphic remake.

 

[Blinck]

To be honest most of that sounds like you wouldn't have liked it at the time, either, so it's not really a case for it aging badly.

Yeah I think you are correct actually. Most of my gripes with it don't really have to do with the game aging well or not.

 

[stargateheaven]

You get it.

Modern FF is fucking embarrassing about that. It is just weird and doesn't work for me when they try to be silly. But FFVII, you find Rude getting high on weed, Cloud dressing up in drag, all kinds of hilarious shit. The game has charm up the ass and it only works due to its art style. If it were realistic, hell, if it had graphics like FFVIII or IX, I don't think it'd work out.

Imagine an FFVII remake with character models like those paper models with natural modern lighting. It'd look amazing.

Would you settle with FF9's style characters? To me they keep the chibiness and are graphically good. just imagine.. JUST IMAGINE!!

Here's one of my favorite rooms from the game. Bonus points if you know where this bar is!

isn't that the place where the door only under the stairs opens ONLY if you WALK direcetly south from it north?

I couldn't disagree more. The graphics look very bad in today's time. It needs a ff13 graphic remake.

too much work. i'd be happy with ff9 style characters, and just x4 the res of the backgrounds. thats it.

 

[ponpo]

I await cutie femCloud in the future HD remake.