Final Fantasy VII Remake - My Thoughts After Finally Giving It a Real Shot

After multiple attempts, I finally committed to playing Final Fantasy VII Remake. I had tried before with the version from Steam and tried again after buying the disc version for PS4, later upgrading it to the PS5 version. Each time, my progress stalled after the first mission and a handful of side quests. I think I wasn’t really used to the battle system since it was action based, the last Final Fantasy game I played was Final Fantasy XIII which was the first title in the series which deviated from the turn based system of previous titles.

I’m not sure what changed this time, but I finally pushed past that early hump, and now, about nine hours in, I’ve just reunited with Aerith.

Initial Impressions and Battle System

One of the main reasons I struggled to get into FFVII Remake before is the action-oriented combat. While it’s undeniably engaging, I still find myself missing some of the mechanics from earlier Final Fantasy games, and wish that FFVII Remake incorporated some elements like the Gambit system from Final Fantasy XII. Having more control over party members—especially in setting automated actions like healing — would be a welcome addition. Maybe there’s a system in place that I just haven’t fully explored yet, but so far, the level of direct control over allies requires me to switch to that character or to access their commands from the menu.

That said, the battle system is fun. The mix of real-time action and the ability to pause for tactical commands keeps things interesting. I do find myself wishing for a little more strategic depth in how AI-controlled teammates handle support roles.

A Remake That’s Also a Redo?

One of the most intriguing aspects of FFVII Remake is how it functions not just as a visual overhaul but as a meta-narrative twist on the original story. The introduction of the mysterious ghost-like figures — the Whispers — as well as the appearences by Sephiroth suggests that fate itself is being manipulated. One early sign of this deviation is how the second mission plays out. In the original game, Cloud was part of the mission at Mako Reactor 5; the Avalanche trio of Biggs, Jessie, and Wedge played an active role in the mission.

In the remake, Cloud wasn’t originally part of the mission, but the intervention of the Whispers forced a change, bringing him into the fold.

This is a fascinating concept. It allows the remake to respect the original while introducing a fresh take on the narrative, keeping longtime fans engaged while surprising them with deviations from their expectations. Whether these changes ultimately improve or complicate the story remains to be seen, but I appreciate the bold approach.

Expanding the Roles of Biggs, Jessie, and Wedge

Another aspect I really enjoy is how much more development the Avalanche trio receives. In the original Final Fantasy VII, Biggs, Jessie, and Wedge felt more like placeholders — characters there to set the stage but not much else. Their impact was minimal beyond the early Midgar section.

In the remake, however, they are given depth, backstory, and more meaningful interactions with Cloud and the rest of the group. Jessie, in particular, stands out with her expanded role and personality. She’s no longer just a side character who exists for a few brief moments; she has agency, motivations, and a more defined connection to the story. This makes the inevitable tragedy of their fate hit harder, adding emotional weight that wasn’t as pronounced in the original.

Final Thoughts So Far

I’m still relatively early in my playthrough, but Final Fantasy VII Remake is growing on me. While I still prefer a more traditional combat system, I can’t deny the game’s strengths in storytelling and character development. The changes to the narrative add an interesting layer of mystery, and the expanded role of side characters like Jessie is a welcome improvement.

I’m looking forward to seeing where this new take on Final Fantasy VII leads. Whether it ultimately surpasses the original or just serves as an interesting alternate take remains to be seen—but for now, I’m enjoying the ride.