Video: Final Fantasy VII Remake Analysis and Spoilercast

COGconnected: Now that Final Fantasy VII Remake has been out for a couple of weeks, it's time we discuss the game in every aspect -- including its controversial ending. Check out our Press X To Podcast Analysis and Spoilercast to hear all of our uncensored thoughts on the game.

[Spurg]

*Spoilers*

My issue stands with the last 5% of the story which was pure Nomura nonsense.

My other issue is how the game was marketed as a remake but in fact, is reimaging or an alternate timeline. Now, people, can't say that Remake=Reimgining because it is not. Remake here means reworking the original game by overhauling the graphics and gameplay but staying true to the original design. It can add some design and story elements but as long as it doesn't deviate from the core game.

[ninsigma]

"My issue stands with the last 5% of the story which was pure Nomura nonsense."

Yeah really didn't enjoy it. Currently going through hard mode so will see how I feel second time through.

Everything else you said is untrue. The definition is to make something again or differently. There is no separate definition of remake for games. Remake, reboot, reimagining all work for this game.

Also the title Remake could be a meta thing, where they called it remake because apart from the last section of the game, it sticks pretty close to the story beats. So perhaps the next part will not contain the remake title, who knows.

[Spurg]

"definition of remake for games. Remake, reboot, reimagining all work for this game."

There is:

Remake= Overhaul of graphics and Gameplay but Story and design remains the same.
Example: Resident evil remakes and Rachet and Clank 2016

Remaster= Overhauling the graphics but Story, gameplay and design remain the same.
Example: Halo Anniversary and Shadow of the colossus

Remaster HD= A upscale of the resolution only
Example: Uncharted collection

Reboot= Reimagining a series with new take on Story, Gameplay, and Design.
Example: Tomb Raider 2013

Final Fantasy 7 remake falls strongly under the reboot category and as loyal fans like to call it reimagined to defend it from criticism(Even I use that term). It is far from a remake because gameplay and design have changed. The story has been slightly maintained but it feels like more of a retelling. To solidify my point further the twist ending turns everything upside down giving you a new perspective on the story of the overall game.

"Also the title Remake could be a meta thing, where they called it remake because apart from the last section of the game, it sticks pretty close to the story beats. So perhaps the next part will not contain the remake title, who knows."

After seeing the story of the FF7 its more of a "What If" scenario if these events in the original did not happen. I already did a breakdown of disk one. Which is impossible for them to do faithfully unless they cut corners.
That brings up my next point, Square may have done this on purpose as they knew they wouldn't be able to fulfill everything the original did. It would take a monumental task to complete the game in the standard they have shown us with FF7 remake. Reworking the story gives them an ample amount of leeway to go to familiar places but most importantly remove places they deem unnecessary. This is the part that has me worried as it may lead to moments where they will alter.
Events like Cloud catatonic state after the crater event and the one I fear they will let go of....the awaking of the weapons. The weapons will be a design that would look good in cinematics but fighting them will provide them with the hardest design choices for square.
Just look at how they handled fighting the harbinger, it was cinematically great but as a boss fight, it was bad. You can't just throw 3 humanoids enemies as the main boss.

The main issue is how Square has misled people as they thought they were getting a remake of the whole game even though in parts it was still going to stay true to the original. But FF7 remake did the opposite as its altering the story to give us a what-if scenario. The next game will go to familiar places but will not stay true to the original story.

[ninsigma]

I don't see what you're not understanding about making differently.

You're confusing the definition of the word remake with your expectation on what remake should be. Doesn't work like that.

I do not disagree with your definitions except that remake does not equal " Overhaul of graphics and Gameplay but Story and design remains the same." But rather it CAN be that but can also be different.