Just finished the OG Final Fantasy VII for the first time and...
It's such a varied and unique game with so many different facets and styles, that it honestly feels like something I haven't ever played before. I can so
clearly see why this game become such a beloved classic, even if I'd have probably hated playing it the 'normal' way (i.e. without the blessing that is 3X speed and a random encounters toggle). I can also see why people were clamouring for a remake; I could feel its age in almost every moment, even if it felt timeless in others.
Its graphics are a mixture of some of the most beautiful, if blurry, pre-rendered backgrounds I've ever seen, and CGI cutscenes that look jank as all fuck. Its gameplay is a mixture of incredibly slow, traditional JRPG gameplay (seriously, felt like I could go make a sandwich in the time it takes Bahamut Zero to attack), and genuinely impressive in-depth character customisation and world exploration. There's so much to love here but also a lot that you really need to look past in order to do so. Either way, I can definitely say that this is one of the best RPGs I've ever played.
It's also, admittedly, made my anticipation for Rebirth into something fierce. Even if that game completely fumbles the bag in terms of its 'new' story elements, seeing so many of the PS1 elements made in cutting-edge new graphics is going to be an absolute treat. One thing that felt so sorely-lacking from the OG was more depth and 'time' with its main characters (especially as they all fuck off if they're not in your immediate party), and Remake - then Rebirth - are gonna do just that. So, yeah.
Gonna watch Advent Children next, I think. Just need to figure out what version to watch (Director's Cut? Complete? Amazon Prime? I don't know tbh). Then play that copy of Crisis Core I got for the Switch. Also gonna pre-order Rebirth in hopes of playing it immediately day-one. One thing's true and it's that I'm officially a FF7 fan now lol.
