In a generation where we are seeing a renaissance of re-imagined franchises resurfacing, it was only a matter of time before Japanese development company Square Enix, decided to take a stroll down memory lane and revisit one of its historically and critically acclaimed entry’s into the Final Fantasy Saga. Final Fantasy VII is held to the highest regard for many, as one of the greatest JRPG’s ever, period. It is Square Enix’s (then SquareSoft) Magnum Opus, and its legacy draws inspiration which echoes through many of its future iterations, and other JRPG title’s on the market today. While turn-based RPG’s have been mastered by many a Japanese studio, the Final Fantasy series saw itself evolve and shy away from strictly keeping its own style locked to its certain gameplay loop. Rather, experimenting with its modern line-up in a “free roam”, hack-and-slash style title, that many would draw a comparison to in the Kingdom Hearts, or Nier Automata series.

To think that 1997 was now 23 years ago, and the narrative/source material that was recycled to bring brand new life to an already acclaimed title, would be ludicrous and sacrilegious to many a fan, and developer. However, Square Enix took that risk knowing its devotee’s would instantly gush over a depiction of Final Fantasy VII, in a modernised presentation. Well here we are in 2020, and falling in love with Final Fantasy all over again. Final Fantasy VII: Remake has reignited its appraisal, from old school fans, to a new generation of supporters. Its groundbreaking and inarguable how Kazushige Nojima – Writer for both the original and remake – could take the mystique and wonder from his original script, and turn it into a modern day, action packed experience. It shows the cinematic class of adaptation that gaming could adapt from previous classics.

Final Fantasy VII follows mercenary Cloud Strife, and ex-military member for ‘SOLDIER’; a private militia of advanced super-soldiers trained to be the ultimate combatants. With SOLDIER under the command of the Shinra Electronic Power Company and its world leaders, Cloud decides to go AWOL and join AVALANCHE, a rebel alliance that decides to destroy Shinra, and its elite army of fighters. The group infiltrate SOLDIER’s sectors, and devise a plan to detonate a bomb in the Sector 1 of Shinra, causing a massive explosion and disrupting their energy Reactors. Comprised by a party of five, AVALANCHE is lead by Barret Wallace, a rough and gruff, tough as nails, short tempered yet sensitive guy, who would do anything to protect his clan and his daughter, Marlene. Barret and Cloud are confronted by a Giant Scorpion Sentinel that attempts to thwart their plans. After the duo defeat the mechanical monster, they make a break for the exit with Jessie in tow.

Successfully, the group halts the militant’s plans on stealing Mako from the planet (a spiritual energy that provides power). Cloud separates from the group momentarily, with plans on rejoining them back at base camp. While roaming through the bustling streets of Midgar, Cloud begins to hallucinate and recount haunted memories of Sephiroth, a former high ranking member of SOLIDER. Overwhelmed by his visions, Cloud exclaims to the apparition that he can’t be real. Sephiroth sarcastically  questions his existence after reminding Cloud that he enjoyed being killed by the mercenary, dubbing it “the crowning moment” of their time together. Cloud then experiences another vision of his home burning down, with his mother trapped inside. He warns Cloud to run away, in which Cloud retaliates and attacks the fading SOLDIER, snapping Cloud out of this supposed Mako induced illusion.

With Midgar in panic, Cloud roams through the startled crowds to see a young woman seemingly also in hysteria over mysterious visions. He runs up to her but is suddenly met once again with the apparition of Sephiroth confronting them. The former SOLDIER demeans the merc, claiming he is too weak to save anyone. After the situation is diffused, the young woman thanks Cloud by offering a flower in which he warns her that he’s on serious business. She responds whimsically stating that there’s no threat apparent and that he needs to relax. Suddenly, she is again sent into a whirlwind of panic, and reaches for Cloud’s arm begging for his help. Invaded by a flurry of what could only be explained as spectral visions, they are also confronted by a hoard of security guards from SOLDIER. It’s at this point where we get our first real taste of Final Fantasy VII: Remake’s incredible gameplay loop.

While there is the classic turn-based option available for traditionalists who prefer playing through the title in its original format, its nuances and upgraded cosmetics are intended to make for a true cinematic experience all round. It is recommended that you play the title in its modern gameplay loop to truly appreciate how highly regarded Final Fantasy’s open world JRPG format has evolved. Fundamentally, its sleek hack-and-slash styles are akin to its corresponding prequels. It truly feels like an amalgamation of everything you know and love of the entire franchise placed into the one title. It honestly felt like a whole new world, that strips the monotony of any JRPG mechanics. Its steadfast pace helps with the overall engagement, with all the beloved elements that are familiar within the established franchise. Switching out between different members of AVALANCHE is so seamless, it makes for such a satisfying combat sequence.