Final Fantasy 7 is back on Steam, but not everyone is happy about it. The re-release aimed to make improvements, but many players feel it missed the mark. This updated version features a 3x speed mode, the option to turn off random encounters, and a helpful autosave feature. However, players quickly noticed serious issues.
The new combat speed feels off, not matching the animations. Plus, some textures, especially in cinematic scenes, look blurry. This has frustrated long-time fans and new players alike.
Soon after the release on February 24, Square Enix responded with a small update. They claimed to have fixed some speed issues in battles. However, they didn’t address the forced 4:3 resolution, which limits the viewing experience. The 2013 version allowed other resolutions, leading many to question the decision to restrict options now. A player noted on Steam, “The game just plays wrong and feels wrong.”
Also concerning is that the new release completely replaces the older version in the Steam store. Players wanting to buy Final Fantasy 7 for the first time can only access this new edition. Users who previously owned the 2013 version can switch between them, but it’s a hassle for newcomers.
The feedback has been harsh. Currently, the game holds a “Mostly Negative” rating on Steam, with only 36% of players leaving positive reviews. One player sarcastically suggested they’d rather “play the 2013 version without glasses” than deal with the issues in the new release.
On the brighter side, Naoki Hamaguchi, the director of the upcoming Final Fantasy Remake Part 3, reassured fans that expanding to more platforms won’t affect the game’s quality. He expressed excitement about the buzz surrounding the series and emphasized that the core gameplay experience is nearly complete.
While past re-releases often brought new life to classic games, this transition for Final Fantasy 7 serves as a reminder of how crucial player feedback is to success. It highlights the importance of ensuring that updates meet player expectations without sacrificing quality.
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