Introduction
Episode One
Thoughts on the Episode
The Way We Were
The Way We Were
Final Fantasy 101
Introduction
After all the waiting the game is finally here (or has been here for awhile for some lucky players)
Every week we will be going deeper into the world of Final Fantasy VII Remake, one episode at a time.
Episode One
Episode one is an edit of the first two chapters of the game, we glimpsed some of the first chapter in the demo released previously. However, the are a few scenes they cut from the demo so look out of them if you've already seen my previous video of the demo.
Thoughts on Final
Fantasy VII Remake
When playing the demo a few weeks ago I assumed we had seen the whole of the opening sequence so it was a wonderful surprise to see this extended version. Not only is it a thing of beauty, but it also shows Midgar as a living breathing city which adds so much depth to what is to come. There are also strong Advent Children vibes throughout this and a lot of the story going forward, for which I couldn't be happier.
Cloud jumping from the train in chapter one
felt like coming home. Seeing these old characters come alive before my eyes and ears became an emotional experience in itself. It’s almost exactly how my mind conjured them up after I watched Advent Children all those years ago. It's almost a dream
seeing it finally realised after all this time.
I won't talk much about the opening mission as I covered
it in a previous post, but there was a great little extra scene cut from the demo - a flashback to Cloud's home town of Nibelheim; and a glimpse of a very young Tifa (more on his childhood friend next week.)
As mentioned in my demo post, it was Shinra
themselves who destroyed the Reactor. This adds a whole new angle we didn’t have in the original story; bringing in the faces of Shinra much earlier; and even sparking off a whole new section of story not present in the original.
It was when playing through chapter two that I really started to appreciate
what they've done with the remake. Cloud's path through Sector 8 was originally a few screens long at best. (see video below) Now it’s a journey through a ruined sector suffering from the aftermath of the Reactor blowing. Unlike the original
it really shows the consequences of AVALANCHE and Shinra’s actions, not only to the world around them but to the characters themselves.
"Run Cloud, Run away. You have to leave, you have to live."
- Sephiroth
The biggest surprise however, was coming face to face with Sephiroth
so early in the story. In the original he was barely mentioned until towards the end of the Midgar story arch. Bringing him in this early was
quite the big move but one I feel pays off. I loved the sequence of cloud walking through a burning street, assaulted by memories of his home town while being taunted by Sephiroth - who may or may not be just a memory.
Probably my favourite scene in the whole episode was the moment Cloud met Aerith. What was once a tiny exchange between the two in the original (see video below) has now become a bigger more touching moment. But what’s even more
interesting is the brand-new addition to the story, those strange spectres that
seem intent on hounding Aerith but no one else can see. What are they? It’s nice
there is a new mystery for even the biggest fans of the original.
So far, I’m loving the story. It’s keeping to the original
arc but adding so much more depth and colour to all the moments and characters,
I cannot wait to see what happens next.
The Way We Were
Here is a 15min video of the original game highlighting the same moments seen in the Episode One video above. It's great to compare how it used to look and sound, and see how they extended certain moments whilst pretty much keeping to the original story beats.
Final Fantasy 101
Each week we look at a new character and location seen in the latest episode. This week it's the mysterious flower girl, Aerith and Sector 8
The Way We Were
Here is a 15min video of the original game highlighting the same moments seen in the Episode One video above. It's great to compare how it used to look and sound, and see how they extended certain moments whilst pretty much keeping to the original story beats.
Final Fantasy 101
Each week we look at a new character and location seen in the latest episode. This week it's the mysterious flower girl, Aerith and Sector 8
Gender: Female
Age: 22
Birthday: February 7
Blood type: 0
Height: 163 cm
Hometown: Icicle Inn
Weapon: Rod
"A flower peddler living in the sector 5 slums, Aerith has been under Shinra surveillance all her life because of her unique background. Capable of sensing the planet's life force, she offers magical support to her comrades."
- Extract from Final Fantasy VII Remake (loading screen)
"A beautiful 22 year old, Aeris is a bright spot in the middle of a dark and dreary town. Whilst selling flowers near AVALANCHE's first target, Aeris life was forever altered after a chance meeting with cloud. Because of her mysterious background, Shinra have pursued her for most of her life. Now she must fight against those who would enslave her and destroy what she holds most dear."
- Extract from the Official Final Fantasy VII strategy guide
It's too early to say much about this mysterious character especially for newcomers to the story. We only get to spend a few moments with her in the episode, but it is enough to notice the wonderful job they have done with bringing her character to life. In many ways Aerith has always been the heart of Final Fantasy VII.
Interesting fact: In the western release of the original FFVII Aerith was named Aeris, and there are many still that will only call her by that name. It may have something to do with the translation from Japanese. However, every subsequent entry into the FFVII universe her name has remained Aerith.
Sector 8 Business District
"The metropolitan zone built atop the sector 8 plate. Midgar's newest and most picturesque sector is already a cultural hub, setting trends for the whole city. The district's playhouse is also home to the popular theatre production Loveless"
- Extract from Final Fantasy VII Remake (loading screen)
Loveless took on a bigger role in the prequel to the original FFVII, Crisis Core. The play was based on a book of poetry which was often read aloud by a character named Genesis. (note: he was a new character created after FFVII and therefore not mention until the prequel.)
I have no idea if Genesis will make an appearance in any parts of the Remake as he was part of the expanded universe, which they may be moving away from. This makes complete sense, but the downside is at some point Advent Children may no longer fit. This will feel strange as parts of the remake are obviously inspired by that movie.
Infinite in mystery is the gift of the goddess
We seek it thus, and take to the sky
Ripples form on the water's surface
The wondering soul knows no rest
- Extract from Act I of Loveless as seen in FFVII: Crisis Core
Next week
Join me next week where we will be enjoying the sights and sounds of the sector 7 slums, visiting that famous bar Seventh Heaven and meeting its much loved owner, Tifa.
Until next time, be seeing you x
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