Only a bit ago, a streamer I like was uploading edited stream highlights to their YouTube channel. That game wasFinal Fantasy 7 Remake.It makes sense, of course, you have to chase the most popular games in this line of work, and thesecond part of that remakeis coming closer and closer.
They enjoyed the game and their vague references to the fates of characters from the original Final Fantasy 7 had me wanting to be in the know. Suddenly, a Firaga was lit under me and I realized I did want to join the in-crowd at Rebirth’s release.
Even though I had never gotten around to the originalFinal Fantasy 7. I knew its place in gaming history, and I knew the big spoiler involving Aerith, but my only other knowledge of the cast of FF7 is how they were used inKingdom Hearts. And I heavily doubted the original Cloud ever had dealings with Hades fromDisney’sHercules.
Why I Keep Replaying Kingdom Hearts 2 Every Single Year
I guess you could say this game has become My Sanctuary.
Super Sonic Rave
One massive aid on my side was that the HD port of FF7 has plenty of button combinations that smoothen the experience, which in theory, would make my journey all that much faster. One of these buttonsliterallydid that! Pressing in on the left stick speeds up the gameplay and cutscenes. There are occasions when this cheat is disabled, such as, for whatever reason, the trolley that takes you to The Golden Saucer. But, it was great for level grinding, mashing through dialogue I accidentally triggered a second time, and especially the world map.
And before you ask, no, I did not speed up the cutscenes. I’d never seen them before, and that would defeat the point. I understood my self-given assignment. I only wish the rest of the game did too, as this speed-up trick was a massive boon to me. Everything else, well, that became a bit more complicated.
A Quick WalkThrough Midgar
“Did you use a walkthrough?”, is something you’re probably asking. And the answer is; “Kinda?”
As a guide writer myself, I know that guides and walkthroughs are pretty helpful in navigating the correct path, but also need to mention all the extra stuff you’re able to pick up or side quests you can start. As I said, I only had a week at most, so for once, I had to avoid side quests despite how much I love them. As for knowing where to go, quite frankly, I just paid attention to what NPCs told me and that was good enough to know where to go for the most part.
For the most part, I only found a walkthrough so that I could keep a constant eye on how much longer I had for the story. Chapters divided into locations meant I just found where I was and saw how many more locations came after. Less a walkthrough and more like pausing a movie to see how much longer it is.
The other big exception was how I needed to break my “no side quests” rule. See, there are two party members named Yuffie and Vincent Valentine who are completely missable. No joke, Iwasoriginally going to cut my losses and skip them as well, but then I realized how stupid that would be. I’d be missing out on characters I know I’ll see and interact with in Rebirth.
I even did Yuffie’s follow-up quest involving her hometown of Wutai, although that was partially an accident, and led to me consulting the walkthrough afterward. I spent so long on Yuffie’s quest that I completely forgot the vague direction Cid told me to go. Vincent’s very cool though. Glad I picked him up, he’s like a werewolf, that’s neat.
Shiva Will Always Be My Favorite Summon In The Final Fantasy Series
No one will ever snap their finger as devastatingly as Shiva!
Final Power Fantasy
I loveRPGs, and also turn-based combat. Picking the right gear, choosing party members and how to best use them, are all stuff I dig. This is why when I caved and used another cheat, where pushing in on the right joystick turns on “God mode”, I originally felt disappointed that this was truly the only way to beat the game in time. How I should have decided to play months ago instead, when I would have had the time to turn Aerith into a master poisoner or turn Yuffie into the team thief.
Over time, I found out the real disappointment was God mode itself! Don’t get me wrong, it’s useful, just not accurate to the name. With this mode turned on, you’ll instantly heal back all health damage, and recover all spent magic, and every turn instantly lets you use your overpowered Limit commands instead of regular attacks. However,you’re able to still be one-hit killed, which means you can’t skip level grinding. Will still need to stock up on reviving Phoenix Downs, despite how Potions and Ethers are completely worthless other than selling. It’s God Mode, and apparently, God can be one-tapped.
It was still faster, but boy, it again just made me wish I’d played the game way sooner. The time crunch proved, well, exactly as frustrating as a self-imposed challenge usually does.
Final Thoughts Of Fantasy
I’m going to sound like I’m trying to please the fanboys, but I do want to end this by just saying this. I may have had my speedrun ruined, but I still ended up loving Final Fantasy 7.
I’m surprised the game’s many plot twists were still left unspoiled for me. I instantly grew to love the party members, and felt their sob stories as I kept learning them. I love the aesthetic of the game too! Sure, Cloud and friends look a bit like Duplo blocks, but the backgrounds and environments are such a treat to the eyes and feel like people do live in them.
I have a laundry list of scenes I can’t wait to see again in Rebirth. I have another list of places I can wait to see expanded in Rebirth. Ultimately, that was the assignment, so I’m glad I did it. Even as uneven as it was.
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth Is Giving Zack More Love, Which Is Great
Zack “the puppy” could finally getting the recognition he deserves in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth.
