Square Enix has announced a brand-new version of Final Fantasy VII for Steam. This is not a patch. It’s a replacement.The existing release will be renamed FI...
Square Enix has announced a brand-new version of Final Fantasy VII for Steam. This is not a patch. It’s a replacement.
The existing release will be renamed FINAL FANTASY VII 2013 Edition, while a new version becomes the default Steam listing. Existing owners get both versions for free but save files will NOT be compatible between them.
I agree. Its the best way of preservation that we have.
Its still nice to have an official way to play the games…although I personally love what the people at PortMaster do with decompiled games and projects. Some games look absolutely fantastic on newer hardware.
Although I wonder what the new version introduces…
My hope is, to get rid of the online service connection requirement. Right after the announcement, the game could not be started anymore. Hours later it worked again, but shows it depends on the servers of Square:
I don’t know exactly for what. Other games do not rely on additional servers, even if they support Steam Cloud Saves. You can play them without online connection, then your data wouldn’t load off course. But the games usually start. In this case however, the game does not even start. I think it is kind of a DRM to check you own the game.
I mean this came up when I posted the story myself, and I immediately tried to launch the game to test it and it worked fine. Another user reported it was fine too.
To be clear, I’m not defending them using their own account service for the cloud saves either, because it is dumb to do so when Steam offers that functionality.
Yeah, I was surprised that FF7 was not included, but 8 and 9 are. This re-release could be part of reworking whatever is needed to release on GOG. Also 6 is missing for some unknown reason.
I m 100% biased, as am a massive fan. So I’ll share my SO’s perspective.
She played it a few years back for the first time, wondering what all the fuss was about, and she absolutely loved it. The graphics rapidly disappeared for her and let place to the adventure.
The Remake and Rebirth are good, too. Though they slightly modified the story. (Remake ≠ Remaster).
The mod graphic boosts are a big plus. I’m unsure of what is available nowadays. Haven’t played it in 5years, or so.
If you ever get to play it, or decide too, please don’t read anything about it, story wise. Spoilers everywhere, especially for an old masterpiece like this one.
I just replaced the original (with mods to make it look nicer) last year. Hadn’t played it since like 1997 on PS. It was great nostalgia and still a great game, but obviously a bit dated in some QOL departments.
It is, however, a complete game and the story line is still good. Especially if you go into it blind. The entire materia system to give your characters powers and perks is legendary.
The OG game came out as an entire (and long) game. It’s complete. Major bonus. No bullshit having to buy a game like 3 times over a 15 year span just to get it all. Not to mention having to keep waiting for that 3rd game to release.
If you like (or think you may like) old school turn based rpg’s, then give it a shot. You should like it. If you don’t like those, avoid it, and if you haven’t ever played one, it’s not a lot of money to risk.
I do recommend getting some mods on it though. It can be made to look much better than it originally did during that awkward phase where they were making 3d games, but graphics weren’t good enough to warrant making them 3d.
If you want nostalgia for a remake of a game that came out close to the year 2000, I would instead recommend Trails in the Sky First Chapter. Unlike the dumb time travel ghost shenanigans, it’s actually a remake of an old JRPG. It tunes up battle mechanics, but also respects what worked in the first game.
I have only played the first chapter - old (out of 3, I believe)
Was also a very engaging game, had a very coming of age theme to it with a combat system that seemed simple but starts to show its depth once abilities get unlocked and you start to chain it.
I liked how the relationships felt more grounded and the story’s build up had, for me, more intrigue and mystery than most jrpgs
Only complaint, more like criticism, is it is a nightmare for people that feel the need to complete everything or realise that the npcs have different dialogues over time and feel compelled to make sure that everything is done before moving on. That can be a positive or negative depending on player though.
Despite the criticism, it did feel good to know I deserved and worked for the ending I got, even though I found out after I missed a few things
The remake isn’t really a remake. It’s obvious to anyone who played the original within an hour.
It’s a sequel and I don’t think that’s a spoiler. However, the characters aren’t aware of the events of the first one by chapter 13, where I’m at. So it’s a spoiler to the characters? But not to gamers.
The original on Xbox has cheats that make the game easier and less tedious. I don’t know if they affect achievements but the OG didn’t have them, so I’m fine not earning them. Fortunately the OG comes with Remake on Xbox, but anyone can grab a PlayStation emulator and play the OG that way.
The original is dated graphically, but you gotta realize it was basically the first ever cinematic game of its kind. These days that’s most games. Back then in 1996 or 1997 it was a truly novel idea. It was even advertised as being too big for Hollywood to make into a movie. They stopped just short of saying it was better than a movie. And it exceeded all our expectations. Hearing everyone talk about it in high school was wild. It seemed like everyone was playing it, even people who didn’t like video games. Even the preppy girls and jock boys were getting in on it. Everyone found characters to admire. It really was a cultural phenomenon.
The original is dated graphically, but you gotta realize it was basically the first ever cinematic game of its kind.
And the game shipped on 3 CDs. Kids these days don’t know we had to change disks mid gameplay. :D For us in Germany FF7 was even the first Final Fantasy we got ever as an official release! I played FF6 before and this new game with pre-rendered background, 3D battle graphics and CGI sequences was truly next gen. But at that time videogames were still for freaks in Germany and there was only a handful people playing RPGs.
Also I loved to search the internet in the local libraries computers for websites that lists data on the game, hunt hidden stuff and find animated GIFs to save them on my floppy disk… oh yes the floppy…
Honestly, the original still holds up today, you just need to emulate it so you can get the best version of the game. The mods required to get it playable on PC nowadays are honestly not worth the effort. Also the graphics look stranger and more dated than they did originally due to different display technologies and vastly higher resolution displays these days. And, last time I checked, there’s no way to get the original font back, which genuinely makes a massive difference.
You’re going to deal with some clumsy mistranslations but it’s not such a big deal in my opinion.
There’s also a real remake on mobile called Ever Crisis, but I haven’t tried it so no opinion on that.
The mods required to get it playable on PC nowadays are honestly not worth the effort.
Hmm, the Steam version works out of the box without mods. Its a good version to play, besides the online server requirements bullshit. I assume the new version will be based on the later released updated version on PS4 in 2015 and Switch on 2019.
I read about the upcoming new version and pulled the trigger because Steam had the game for 5 €. The idea was that I might get a Steam Deck some time this year so I can play games on my commute. Will I not be able to play the game unless I open a hot spot on my phone?
I don’t actually know. Maybe you have to run it once with internet connection (right after downloading the game) to verify it? Steam allows for offline play, but not sure if the game allows that. I’ll test it quickly with disabling my internet connection for a second… don’t go away, wait a moment…
OK so downloaded the game fresh and disabled my internet connection.
Game does not run, internet required.
Enabled connection, now the game launcher starts.
Immediately closed the launcher and disabled internet connection again.
Game runs without internet connection (not just the launcher).
So yes, you have to run the game once and connect first, then you can play without internet connection.
Note, this is the old version on Steam that will be renamed to 2013 Edition on Steam.
Thanks for checking, I appreciate that. Of course opening a hot spot with my phone won’t be a problem, but a bit annoying if it’s just for playing an old game.
Well, you have to do it only once. You don’t need constant internet connection. I mean you need internet to download the game, so just run it once and then you can play it offline without internet or wifi.
BTW if the new version comes out, you can keep this old one and get the new one for free (for owners of the old one). So maybe wait for the new version first, if its worth the changes. Just a suggestion.
By today’s standards, old 7 gameplay, graphics and story will seem dated.
I am unable to play the newer ones, but from what little I have seen it seems to “feel” better when you see and know characters from the original.
I have played and finished old ff7 and if you don’t mind reading everything, some grinding unless you are going to for the secret stuff ( which is heavy grinding) it should be a “smooth” experience once you get to grips with the game systems, graphics and gameplay - and yeah, It can feel difficult in the old one to get into but I found the payoffs were engaging, had moments of emotional resonance and generally felt satisfied by the end - but that is because I allowed myself to be engaged with the game world.
That is all up to personal taste, as I know there are games that have had a stronger effect on me, but I also understand why FF 7 is rated the way it is.
Like everyone else says, the remake isn’t a remake, it’s a weird sequel. More importantly though, the original is one of the greatest video games of all time while the remake is a video game. There’s no comparison, tbh
The remake heavily relies on understanding the original story to really get the most out of its new story stuff as it implies some kind of time travel or alternative dimension shenanigans between the events as they happen in the OG vs how they alter them in the remake. It’s pretty awesome, but I am not sure someone jumping into the remakes first would fully be able to appreciate the differences when they don’t know them.
I say the Remake is basically a complete new game. It shouldn’t have been called Remake, but more like “Inspired by”. You don’t need to play the original game in my opinion, if you want to play the Remake. To me those are two separate games. And that comes from someone who says the original FF7 is the best videogame of all time.
Since they didn‘t mention anything (and I assume they would‘ve if there was a change worth mentioning) and they already have the remaster and as such no reason to put money into the chunky version, it doesn‘t seem to be anything that makes the game better. I wonder if there‘s some weird distribution/licensing thing going on and they legally have to rerelease lol
Ding ding ding. If they had made changes to improve the game, they would be advertising those changes. No rational company invests time and money into improving a product without capitalizing on those changes. Best case scenario, nothing noticable changes, worst case scenario, they have added anti-consumer features, like drm, game store/3rd party launchers, sign-in, telemetry, ads, and other crap.
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Id still rather an emlulator and rom. I know 30 years later its going to still work.
I agree. Its the best way of preservation that we have.
Its still nice to have an official way to play the games…although I personally love what the people at PortMaster do with decompiled games and projects. Some games look absolutely fantastic on newer hardware.
why is this man talking at me when he could’ve just transcribed the situation like a normal person
thanks for the article, op
As long you can still play the old version with your old save, I don’t see the problem.
Although I wonder what the new version introduces…
I might replay FFVII at one point after getting the third episode of the remake. It’d be a nice way to spot the differences in the story…
My hope is, to get rid of the online service connection requirement. Right after the announcement, the game could not be started anymore. Hours later it worked again, but shows it depends on the servers of Square:
Is this not only for cloud saves?
deleted by creator
Cloud saving people is a pretty core mechanic of FF7
Got a solid chuckle out of me with that one.
No, it probably affects tifa and aerith saves as well.
I don’t know exactly for what. Other games do not rely on additional servers, even if they support Steam Cloud Saves. You can play them without online connection, then your data wouldn’t load off course. But the games usually start. In this case however, the game does not even start. I think it is kind of a DRM to check you own the game.
I mean this came up when I posted the story myself, and I immediately tried to launch the game to test it and it worked fine. Another user reported it was fine too.
To be clear, I’m not defending them using their own account service for the cloud saves either, because it is dumb to do so when Steam offers that functionality.
That’s kinda bullshit. Why does a near 30 year old single player game need internet to function?
So that middle management can justify their existence!
I’m hoping the game will be released on GOG as I wouldn’t buy a game I’ve already owned on console on Steam since it wouldn’t be DRM free.
it seems likely, FF7 is one of the most voted for games on their dreamlist and 4 FF games released on GOG recently
Yeah, I was surprised that FF7 was not included, but 8 and 9 are. This re-release could be part of reworking whatever is needed to release on GOG. Also 6 is missing for some unknown reason.
I have never played FFVII, would you recommend me to play the remake or the original first?
I m 100% biased, as am a massive fan. So I’ll share my SO’s perspective. She played it a few years back for the first time, wondering what all the fuss was about, and she absolutely loved it. The graphics rapidly disappeared for her and let place to the adventure. The Remake and Rebirth are good, too. Though they slightly modified the story. (Remake ≠ Remaster). The mod graphic boosts are a big plus. I’m unsure of what is available nowadays. Haven’t played it in 5years, or so. If you ever get to play it, or decide too, please don’t read anything about it, story wise. Spoilers everywhere, especially for an old masterpiece like this one.
I just replaced the original (with mods to make it look nicer) last year. Hadn’t played it since like 1997 on PS. It was great nostalgia and still a great game, but obviously a bit dated in some QOL departments.
It is, however, a complete game and the story line is still good. Especially if you go into it blind. The entire materia system to give your characters powers and perks is legendary.
The OG game came out as an entire (and long) game. It’s complete. Major bonus. No bullshit having to buy a game like 3 times over a 15 year span just to get it all. Not to mention having to keep waiting for that 3rd game to release.
If you like (or think you may like) old school turn based rpg’s, then give it a shot. You should like it. If you don’t like those, avoid it, and if you haven’t ever played one, it’s not a lot of money to risk.
I do recommend getting some mods on it though. It can be made to look much better than it originally did during that awkward phase where they were making 3d games, but graphics weren’t good enough to warrant making them 3d.
If you want nostalgia for a remake of a game that came out close to the year 2000, I would instead recommend Trails in the Sky First Chapter. Unlike the dumb time travel ghost shenanigans, it’s actually a remake of an old JRPG. It tunes up battle mechanics, but also respects what worked in the first game.
I have only played the first chapter - old (out of 3, I believe)
Was also a very engaging game, had a very coming of age theme to it with a combat system that seemed simple but starts to show its depth once abilities get unlocked and you start to chain it.
I liked how the relationships felt more grounded and the story’s build up had, for me, more intrigue and mystery than most jrpgs
Only complaint, more like criticism, is it is a nightmare for people that feel the need to complete everything or realise that the npcs have different dialogues over time and feel compelled to make sure that everything is done before moving on. That can be a positive or negative depending on player though.
Despite the criticism, it did feel good to know I deserved and worked for the ending I got, even though I found out after I missed a few things
The remake isn’t really a remake. It’s obvious to anyone who played the original within an hour.
It’s a sequel and I don’t think that’s a spoiler. However, the characters aren’t aware of the events of the first one by chapter 13, where I’m at. So it’s a spoiler to the characters? But not to gamers.
The original on Xbox has cheats that make the game easier and less tedious. I don’t know if they affect achievements but the OG didn’t have them, so I’m fine not earning them. Fortunately the OG comes with Remake on Xbox, but anyone can grab a PlayStation emulator and play the OG that way.
The original is dated graphically, but you gotta realize it was basically the first ever cinematic game of its kind. These days that’s most games. Back then in 1996 or 1997 it was a truly novel idea. It was even advertised as being too big for Hollywood to make into a movie. They stopped just short of saying it was better than a movie. And it exceeded all our expectations. Hearing everyone talk about it in high school was wild. It seemed like everyone was playing it, even people who didn’t like video games. Even the preppy girls and jock boys were getting in on it. Everyone found characters to admire. It really was a cultural phenomenon.
And the game shipped on 3 CDs. Kids these days don’t know we had to change disks mid gameplay. :D For us in Germany FF7 was even the first Final Fantasy we got ever as an official release! I played FF6 before and this new game with pre-rendered background, 3D battle graphics and CGI sequences was truly next gen. But at that time videogames were still for freaks in Germany and there was only a handful people playing RPGs.
Also I loved to search the internet in the local libraries computers for websites that lists data on the game, hunt hidden stuff and find animated GIFs to save them on my floppy disk… oh yes the floppy…
Honestly, the original still holds up today, you just need to emulate it so you can get the best version of the game. The mods required to get it playable on PC nowadays are honestly not worth the effort. Also the graphics look stranger and more dated than they did originally due to different display technologies and vastly higher resolution displays these days. And, last time I checked, there’s no way to get the original font back, which genuinely makes a massive difference.
You’re going to deal with some clumsy mistranslations but it’s not such a big deal in my opinion.
There’s also a real remake on mobile called Ever Crisis, but I haven’t tried it so no opinion on that.
Hmm, the Steam version works out of the box without mods. Its a good version to play, besides the online server requirements bullshit. I assume the new version will be based on the later released updated version on PS4 in 2015 and Switch on 2019.
I read about the upcoming new version and pulled the trigger because Steam had the game for 5 €. The idea was that I might get a Steam Deck some time this year so I can play games on my commute. Will I not be able to play the game unless I open a hot spot on my phone?
I don’t actually know. Maybe you have to run it once with internet connection (right after downloading the game) to verify it? Steam allows for offline play, but not sure if the game allows that. I’ll test it quickly with disabling my internet connection for a second… don’t go away, wait a moment…
So yes, you have to run the game once and connect first, then you can play without internet connection.
Note, this is the old version on Steam that will be renamed to 2013 Edition on Steam.
Thanks for checking, I appreciate that. Of course opening a hot spot with my phone won’t be a problem, but a bit annoying if it’s just for playing an old game.
Well, you have to do it only once. You don’t need constant internet connection. I mean you need internet to download the game, so just run it once and then you can play it offline without internet or wifi.
BTW if the new version comes out, you can keep this old one and get the new one for free (for owners of the old one). So maybe wait for the new version first, if its worth the changes. Just a suggestion.
Yeah, that’s why I decided to purchase it now. Get the old one while it’s still available and see what the new one is like.
I would say depends on your preferences
By today’s standards, old 7 gameplay, graphics and story will seem dated.
I am unable to play the newer ones, but from what little I have seen it seems to “feel” better when you see and know characters from the original.
I have played and finished old ff7 and if you don’t mind reading everything, some grinding unless you are going to for the secret stuff ( which is heavy grinding) it should be a “smooth” experience once you get to grips with the game systems, graphics and gameplay - and yeah, It can feel difficult in the old one to get into but I found the payoffs were engaging, had moments of emotional resonance and generally felt satisfied by the end - but that is because I allowed myself to be engaged with the game world.
That is all up to personal taste, as I know there are games that have had a stronger effect on me, but I also understand why FF 7 is rated the way it is.
Like everyone else says, the remake isn’t a remake, it’s a weird sequel. More importantly though, the original is one of the greatest video games of all time while the remake is a video game. There’s no comparison, tbh
The remake heavily relies on understanding the original story to really get the most out of its new story stuff as it implies some kind of time travel or alternative dimension shenanigans between the events as they happen in the OG vs how they alter them in the remake. It’s pretty awesome, but I am not sure someone jumping into the remakes first would fully be able to appreciate the differences when they don’t know them.
I guess the old one might feel really old if it’s your first Final Fantasy.
Even the remakes feel a bit dated in a way (not graphically).
I say the Remake is basically a complete new game. It shouldn’t have been called Remake, but more like “Inspired by”. You don’t need to play the original game in my opinion, if you want to play the Remake. To me those are two separate games. And that comes from someone who says the original FF7 is the best videogame of all time.
Since they didn‘t mention anything (and I assume they would‘ve if there was a change worth mentioning) and they already have the remaster and as such no reason to put money into the chunky version, it doesn‘t seem to be anything that makes the game better. I wonder if there‘s some weird distribution/licensing thing going on and they legally have to rerelease lol
Ding ding ding. If they had made changes to improve the game, they would be advertising those changes. No rational company invests time and money into improving a product without capitalizing on those changes. Best case scenario, nothing noticable changes, worst case scenario, they have added anti-consumer features, like drm, game store/3rd party launchers, sign-in, telemetry, ads, and other crap.
Or the much more likely scenario, it is the 2019 version that released on consoles with in game cheats like no encounter mode, sped up mode, etc.