Final Fantasy 7 Remake ‘Breaks Away’ from Old-school Tropes

The first two installments of the Final Fantasy 7 remake trilogy have boldly rewritten the playbook on what fans expect from a remake. Despite holding onto the core essence of the original, both Final Fantasy 7 Remake and Rebirth have shattered several major story traditions, offering players a fresh perspective on the beloved classic.

Breaking Story Traditions

In Final Fantasy 7 Remake, Avalanche emerges as a more formidable force, challenging Shinra's dominance with greater complexity and depth. Meanwhile, Shinra's motives take a darker turn as they manipulate events to vilify Avalanche, deepening the narrative's intrigue.

Introducing the enigmatic Whispers of Fate, the remakes weave a new layer of mystery and protection around key characters, altering their fates and injecting unpredictability into the storyline. Notably, Sephiroth's early appearance disrupts the established pacing, keeping players on the edge of their seats.

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth delves even further into uncharted territory, reimagining the origin of the Black Materia and introducing shocking twists that challenge players' perceptions of familiar characters like Cloud and Aerith. The concept of Reunion takes on a whole new meaning, driving the narrative towards a multiverse-spanning conflict.

Gameplay Innovations

Beyond narrative deviations, the Final Fantasy 7 remake games overhaul gameplay mechanics, bringing them into the modern era. Real-time combat replaces turn-based systems, offering a dynamic and immersive experience. Players can upgrade weapons, execute synergy attacks, and harness new Materia and Summons to diversify their strategies.

Exploration receives a boost with the introduction of new cities and regions, expanding the game world and enriching the player's journey. Occasional control of other characters outside combat adds depth to interactions, while the expanded Affinity system deepens relationships between party members.