Gaming Final Fantasy VII Remake (PS4, PS5) | Put discussion of chapters etc in labelled spoilers as people will be at different points

Damien

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Grinding my materia on the start of Chapter 16 and I've suddenly got a new appreciation for loads of materia I hardly used during the story that will surely be useful for the Hard mode runthrough.
 

ArmandTamzarian

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I've finished it! What a blast that was. Absolutely loved the combat system.

I'm not sure what to think about the ending and it's implications, probably equal parts excited and dubious about where it's gonna go but I'll be there to experience it nevertheless

A solid 9/10 for me. The only downsides where some parts that dragged on a bit but thats all I can think of I'm the immediate aftermath of thoughts. Took me just under 50hrs.
 

Irwin99

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I've been reading some fan opinions on where part two will end and if the second part isn't even going to finish at the city of the ancients then, unless they cut massive parts of the story, we're looking at a potential stretch of four, maybe five games here which actually totals 200-250 pounds just to finish the story. Personally I think they will end the second part with a vague parallel to what happens at the end of disc one in the original but how they get there is anyone's guess and I'm sceptical of the means they will employ to get to that story point. When I was playing the game I was actually really sympathetic to the developers decision to keep it in Midgar entirely but now i'm starting to think Kalm would have been a better place to end. If they didn't want to do the world map then the party could have been driven to Kalm with the assurance that the world map will be there in the next game (kind of like what they did with Red 13's gameplay)

Also, and I hate to bring cruel reality into this ( :lol: ) but we might heading for a global depression at this rate as nobody knows how the economy is going to recover. I could be drawing my pension by the time this one finishes.
 

Damien

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I've finished it! What a blast that was. Absolutely loved the combat system.

I'm not sure what to think about the ending and it's implications, probably equal parts excited and dubious about where it's gonna go but I'll be there to experience it nevertheless

A solid 9/10 for me. The only downsides where some parts that dragged on a bit but thats all I can think of I'm the immediate aftermath of thoughts. Took me just under 50hrs.
When I heard the controversy over the ending before I even started playing the game, I don't think I would have ever expected that to be the twist. While playing, I thought it was going to simply be
that Aerith was going to die earlier (at the end of this game instead of later on)
but then thought about it and was thinking it wouldn't produce the amount of discussion there was. The name of Chapter 18 and the trophy image did ensure it was in my mind until the final chapter though.

Kitase and Nomura, who were key staff members in the original FFVII release were also key in the Remake so I'm optimistic they'll do well. The battle system was much better than I thought it would be and wouldn't complain if they kept the style going forward for the mainline games rather than what we had for FFXV.

I think I'd probably have stronger feelings if the changes happened to my "first" FF, FFVIII, but they didn't and FFVIII is unlikely to ever get a remake as it is the black sheep of the series.
 

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I've almost beaten it on hard. It's funny how hard made me actually bother to kill stuff in the correct way instead of going berserk.

Anyone found a point in using the nailbat by the way? Or is it just plain rubbish.
 

Irwin99

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When I heard the controversy over the ending before I even started playing the game, I don't think I would have ever expected that to be the twist. While playing, I thought it was going to simply be
that Aerith was going to die earlier (at the end of this game instead of later on)
but then thought about it and was thinking it wouldn't produce the amount of discussion there was. The name of Chapter 18 and the trophy image did ensure it was in my mind until the final chapter though.

Kitase and Nomura, who were key staff members in the original FFVII release were also key in the Remake so I'm optimistic they'll do well. The battle system was much better than I thought it would be and wouldn't complain if they kept the style going forward for the mainline games rather than what we had for FFXV.

I think I'd probably have stronger feelings if the changes happened to my "first" FF, FFVIII, but they didn't and FFVIII is unlikely to ever get a remake as it is the black sheep of the series.
They have expressed an interest in doing an FF8 remake; there is an interview out there recently saying something along those lines and sadly, they also said they might be interested in following the ''Squall is dead' theory. Despite it's criticism in some corners the game is only behind 10 and 7 in sales of the offline games I believe so there is a big market. It's just a bit weird that they went down the whole multiverse angle in FF7 with a villain who want's to change destiny by remaking the past, and a character who can see the past and want's to change it...that's basically FF8's plot right there (Ultimecia and Ellone)
 

Damien

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They have expressed an interest in doing an FF8 remake; there is an interview out there recently saying something along those lines and sadly, they also said they might be interested in following the ''Squall is dead' theory. Despite it's criticism in some corners the game is only behind 10 and 7 in sales of the offline games I believe so there is a big market. It's just a bit weird that they went down the whole multiverse angle in FF7 with a villain who want's to change destiny by remaking the past, and a character who can see the past and want's to change it...that's basically FF8's plot right there (Ultimecia and Ellone)
Hmm. Well if it does happen then it won't be for a long time (until FFVII remake is over at minimum so that is at least another 10 years. I can't see it though.

My memories of original FFVII is hazy as I literally haven't played it for 20 years, so can't remember if the Barret 'fake' death happened in that one too. I do remember that the developers for the original game were deciding between Aerith and Barret to die and in the end chose Aerith so the non-death of Barret might have been a nod to the Aerith/Barret choice 20 years earlier, in which case if there is a FFVIII remake, they might go down that line of nods to things that could have happened in original game/theories.
 

Gehrman

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I can't get past bahamoth in the last combat simulator challenge. I think i've died 5 times now, and it's chore having to beat all the other summons on the way as well. I can't survive his megaflare as he just seems to use it randomly so I can't apply the defense buff in time. How did you beat it?
 

Damien

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I can't get past bahamoth in the last combat simulator challenge. I think i've died 5 times now, and it's chore having to beat all the other summons on the way as well. I can't survive his megaflare as he just seems to use it randomly so I can't apply the defense buff in time. How did you beat it?
I've not got there yet but isn't there a countdown for the megaflare? I remember seeing some people mention a countdown then when it gets to one they apply manawall.
 

Gehrman

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I've not got there yet but isn't there a countdown for the megaflare? I remember seeing some people mention a countdown then when it gets to one they apply manawall.
He just seems to use it randomly at times. And I don't always have the atb ready to apply to the buff within 5 seconds. Having to through all the bosses again especially leviathan is such a chore. I might give it a rest for a week unless I find a cheese.
 

Raw

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I can't get past bahamoth in the last combat simulator challenge. I think i've died 5 times now, and it's chore having to beat all the other summons on the way as well. I can't survive his megaflare as he just seems to use it randomly so I can't apply the defense buff in time. How did you beat it?
There's a countdown, you just have to pay attention to the names of the moves he makes. When you see it say "One..." then that's when you get Manawall on everyone (Barrier max level materia). That should cut damage by half and allow you to survive.

There are also items called Revival Earrings which you can buy, and when equipped they will revive someone who dies once before it breaks. If you're confident that you can survive until he uses Megaflare then it might be worth using that.

Lastly there's a move called Reprieve on some weapons which can only be accessed when you're at the maximum weapon level. It allows you to survive a move that would otherwise kill you, but only once per fight.
 

Woodzy

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Quite far into the original now but navigating that world map makes me want to jump out a window.
 

ArmandTamzarian

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When I heard the controversy over the ending before I even started playing the game, I don't think I would have ever expected that to be the twist. While playing, I thought it was going to simply be
that Aerith was going to die earlier (at the end of this game instead of later on)
but then thought about it and was thinking it wouldn't produce the amount of discussion there was. The name of Chapter 18 and the trophy image did ensure it was in my mind until the final chapter though.

Kitase and Nomura, who were key staff members in the original FFVII release were also key in the Remake so I'm optimistic they'll do well. The battle system was much better than I thought it would be and wouldn't complain if they kept the style going forward for the mainline games rather than what we had for FFXV.

I think I'd probably have stronger feelings if the changes happened to my "first" FF, FFVIII, but they didn't and FFVIII is unlikely to ever get a remake as it is the black sheep of the series.

I just hope it's an excuse for them to add new stuff along with the main story beats but do it in a way where you are wondering what's going to happen next like they did, and quite well imo, with this game. I also hope Kitase has the sense to be able to reign Nomura's bullshit in, the kind of bullshit that makes me want my head to implode every time I watch someone playing Kingdom Hearts.
 
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SuperiorXI

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Some of these side quests must of took a lot of thought... you have to appreciate the level of detail in some of them i.e. jogging around the slums finding snot nosed kids and sending them back to their school.
 

Mr Pigeon

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Some of these side quests must of took a lot of thought... you have to appreciate the level of detail in some of them i.e. jogging around the slums finding snot nosed kids and sending them back to their school.
Or finding three identical looking cats that just turn up at the most dramatic moment.
 

SuperiorXI

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Even with that one Cloud said 'this sucks' which I think was a nod from the developers that yes indeed it was a crap side quest :lol:
I was sitting there shouting "yeah well then why the feck am I doing it", with all the lore they had and potential epic side quests they could have made I'm running around chasing fecking cats.

Those side quest names do look a bit shitty like they've dished them out to the apprentices...
Crystal ball!
 

KirkDuyt

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Or finding three identical looking cats that just turn up at the most dramatic moment.
It all pales in comparison to making the existential choice of which 3 flowers to pick from the overwhelming choice of 3 flowers.
 

Damien

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Decided to do a few side quests on Chapter 14 Hard to get some manuscripts and in the process found that you could get a third Prayer materia from one of the stashes. Started off doing a few side quests but ended up completing the whole chapter as it was easier than I thought.

Anyone know if there is a way to get a third Elemental materia?
 

Lebowski

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Decided to do a few side quests on Chapter 14 Hard to get some manuscripts and in the process found that you could get a third Prayer materia from one of the stashes. Started off doing a few side quests but ended up completing the whole chapter as it was easier than I thought.

Anyone know if there is a way to get a third Elemental materia?
As far as I know, blue materia don't 'respawn' in hard mode whereas all other materia does, so you're limited to the number you can pick up on a single run through. In the case of elemental, 2.

It's a shame they didn't include the original game mechanic where mastering a materia produced a new one at level 1.
 

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Oh man, they've made Aerith far too likable a character considering what's still to come :(

The Reno fight was tough, I thought I had the block/dodge mechanics down but I couldn't avoid/block any of his fecking attacks.

Loved the Airbuster fight in Chapter 7, the boss battles are so epic.
 

Raw

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As far as I know, blue materia don't 'respawn' in hard mode whereas all other materia does, so you're limited to the number you can pick up on a single run through. In the case of elemental, 2.

It's a shame they didn't include the original game mechanic where mastering a materia produced a new one at level 1.
Understandable though, having more than one magnify materia would have made hard mode an absolute cake walk.
 

Lebowski

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Understandable though, having more than one magnify materia would have made hard mode an absolute cake walk.
It would give the obsessives a way to have full control over tweaking builds in their fifth replay, but you're probably right that it's a sensible balance decision.

I don't think multiple magnify would be totally game breaking though, you can already get unlimited pray and chakra and they are arguably more useful than duplicate magnifies would be on hard mode.
 

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I like how that ultimate accesory makes the game nearly trivial, but not quite. I've still managed to die with it.

Just need the dresses and the biker boy trophy now.
 

Damien

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Hell House on hard is fun!
Yeah, though I'm not that enthusiastic about having to go through it again to get the other set of manuscripts :lol: should be more straightforward now I've done it once. Went into it with full MP, used most of Cloud's and half of Aerith's.
 

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Something interesting I just found out- if you cast stop on a staggered enemy, the stagger timer freezes, giving you 10 more seconds to get bonus damage in.

To really min max it, stagger an enemy, then have your level 3 Tifa unload her two triangle attacks onto the staggered enemy (these moves grant a damage buff vs staggered enemies), then cast stop and wail away.
 

KirkDuyt

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Crikey I fecked up with Aerith' dress and got the same one, now I have to do ch8 and ch9 agaaaain.

Kill me.

This will be my first ever platinum trophy though.
 

KirkDuyt

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Yeah the dresses were annoying. It's 0, 3 and 6 side quests in Ch8 for the 3 different dresses.
Yeah, I figured it would just be the comment on her current outfit that did it. The "looks comfortable" response sounded like something to say that would give her a shite dress.

Oh well.

Update: plat, now what do I play. Is trials of mana any good?
 
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Damien

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Ugh.

On Pride and Joy got Bahamut down to about 20% HP but he used a second Megaflare which destroyed my team as I used all the MP for Manawall on the first Megaflare. Anyone got any tips to get him down quicker/better setups (in particular the armour/accessory as I probably missed some of the best stuff in regular play)? Was so annoying as it took me ages to bring down Leviathan just before.

This was my composition.

Cloud (9640 HP, 177 MP)
Twin Stinger: (First Strike-Steadfast Block) (Prayer-Revival) (HP Up-HP Up)
Chain Bangle: (Elemental-Fire) (MP Up-MP Up)
Transference Module (Consuming ATB charges fills the limit gauge)

Tifa (9826 HP, 130 MP)
Purple Pain: (Barrier-Steadfast Block) (Prayer-Revival) (MP Up-MP Up)
Geometric Bracelet: (Elemental-Fire) (HP Up-HP Up)
Revival Earrings (Enter battle with Auto-Life status effect. Breaks upon use)

Aerith (8204 HP, 205 MP)
Reinforced Staff: (HP Absorption-Fire) (Magnify-Healing) (Revival-Prayer)
Magician's Bracelet: (HP Up) (HP Up) (MP Up) (MP Up)
Circlet (Increases max MP by 10%. Increases magic power by 5%)
 

KirkDuyt

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Ugh.

On Pride and Joy got Bahamut down to about 20% HP but he used a second Megaflare which destroyed my team as I used all the MP for Manawall on the first Megaflare. Anyone got any tips to get him down quicker/better setups (in particular the armour/accessory as I probably missed some of the best stuff in regular play)? Was so annoying as it took me ages to bring down Leviathan just before.

This was my composition.

Cloud (9640 HP, 177 MP)
Twin Stinger: (First Strike-Steadfast Block) (Prayer-Revival) (HP Up-HP Up)
Chain Bangle: (Elemental-Fire) (MP Up-MP Up)
Transference Module (Consuming ATB charges fills the limit gauge)

Tifa (9826 HP, 130 MP)
Purple Pain: (Barrier-Steadfast Block) (Prayer-Revival) (MP Up-MP Up)
Geometric Bracelet: (Elemental-Fire) (HP Up-HP Up)
Revival Earrings (Enter battle with Auto-Life status effect. Breaks upon use)

Aerith (8204 HP, 205 MP)
Reinforced Staff: (HP Absorption-Fire) (Magnify-Healing) (Revival-Prayer)
Magician's Bracelet: (HP Up) (HP Up) (MP Up) (MP Up)
Circlet (Increases max MP by 10%. Increases magic power by 5%)
i would swap out Tifa for Barret personally. He's very handy for Leviathan since he can shoot its head which staggers it much quicker. For bahamut I had Aerith with max level elemental fire. That way Ifrit heals her with his attacks. So just ignore him completely untill Bahamut is dead. If you save limit break and wail away with spells with the manaward thingy, you can stagger and kill him before het gets even 1 megaflare of.

To conserve mp in general, just use lvl 1 spells in earlier fights. Regular double cast fire wrecks Shiva utterly for instance. Hope this helps a bit. Oh and Id switch out revival earrings. Getting a res of is not that hard and the slot is better spend with a circlet or champion belt.
 

SuperiorXI

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Finally finished this, thoughts below.

Bad stuff
I hated the angle they went with the whisperers throughout the game; I felt they didn't add anything to the story, didn't see any reason why they detracted from the original so much and have slotted in some nonsense time travel/alternate universe angle. As others have said, they should not have called it remake, more re-imagining.

I didn't like that they made Sephiroth so prominent. This is a villain that needs to be drip fed and requires mystery early on in the story.

I found the final boss(es) to be ridiculous, we've just left Midgar, how are we chopping up buildings and defeating Gods, this motherfecker was huge, there's no way we should be damaging this dude at all. It's like they all took a hit of cocaine before writing the last chapter.

They did not capture the feeling of the Slums properly. I found the NPCs to be dull and completely lacking in character, they might as well not have been there. Wall Market should not be a fun Vegas-style area, it is located in a slum, it should be more like a black market in Mogadishu.

What was the point in Roche? Was he an enemy or an adoring fan? Couldn't work it out.

I wanted to see more of Midgar, I wanted more of an open world but got mostly linear static pathways. Even if you noticed something interesting, you couldn't walk up to it as you had to stick to the path.

The side quests were mostly shit.

Some chapters were drawn out and had boring segments that upset pacing i.e. Train Graveyard.

Good stuff
Enjoyed the voice acting and the scripts. Basically the main characters and supporting characters were ace.

I loved the first part of the game and how they expanded on the side characters, that's what I wanted.

I enjoyed the battle system although they could of maybe introduced some facility to swap out materia. I didn't like battles where the enemy was obviously going to be weak to lightning but didn't know to equip it beforehand. Basically either a long ass drawn out fight or a game over screen.

Verdict
Overall I'd give it a 6.5/10, it was enjoyable although I feel they had the time and the opportunity to deliver much much more. And I don't like the way they've messed around with the story... did anyone ask for that?
 

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As someone who loved the original and until very recently was the only JRPG I ever enjoyed, will it ruin my nostalgia for the game if I play this one?