I wasn't part of the hype when Final Fantasy VII was released in the '90s. At the time I was busy with my Nintendo 64 and to be honest I didn't really care what was happening on the PlayStation side. But I clearly remember seeing a review of the game and being intrigued by it, even though I never got around to trying it out for myself. Only now, with modern reinterpretations, have I had the opportunity to experience the story of Cloud, Aeris and Tifa.
I think I appreciate the story more now than I would have as a teenager. Today I see the complexities and emotional nuances that I probably would have missed back then. The game's themes of loss, friendship, and fighting overwhelming enemies resonate more now that I have more life experience. That's why it's great to experience the latest chapter in the story of the Freedom Fighters of Midgar, this time on PC.
Square Enix has given some guidelines on what to talk about story-wise, so I'll keep the review as spoiler-free as possible, which is strange considering the game itself is a remake, and a remake that It's been a year, by the way. For those who know the story from before, it will be obvious what elements I can't touch, but let's dive into the PC version itself.
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First, let me say that the PC version of Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth doesn't add much new content compared to the console version. The only bonuses are small pre-order perks, so the main differences lie in technical performance and customization options.
The biggest advantage of the PC version is undoubtedly the graphics capacity. The game is optimized to use modern hardware and with support for DLSS and FSR you can achieve a frame rate of up to 120 frames per second if your system can keep up. This makes the game feel much smoother compared to the 60 frames per second on the PlayStation 5, which is still pretty smooth for a good gaming experience. On PC, you can increase the level of detail even further with high-resolution textures, improved anti-aliasing, and other graphical features. This means that even the smallest details of the environment and character design stand out. For example, you can see the reflections in the characters' eyes and the tiniest wrinkles on their faces, which makes the experience even more immersive.
Even with a mid-range card, the game runs smoothly and there is the option to adapt the graphics to older systems. My own system runs a newer graphics card and I was able to adjust all the settings. The results were stunning, from the detailed faces of the characters to the sunsets beautifully reflected in the surroundings. The game doesn't support ray tracing or frame generation, but the current graphics options still make a big difference. For example, if you are in a scene where the sun is setting and the lights around you are turning on, it creates a great and melancholic atmosphere at the same time. The light dances across the surfaces of the buildings and you can almost feel the faint warmth of the street lamps, which is very cool and gives a great feeling of being in the world.
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Of course, the PC version allows you to play with a mouse and keyboard, but here it becomes clear that the game was originally designed for a controller. The keyboard controls work but require some skill, especially in battles where complex key combinations can be challenging. Several times I found that my pinky was straining too much during certain attacks. Luckily you can reconfigure the buttons, which helps a little. However, there are still situations in which using the keyboard is uncomfortable, such as when you have to react quickly in boss fights.
Another challenge with keyboard controls is that the camera controls sometimes feel imprecise, especially in tight spaces or in fast-paced combat scenarios. This can cause you to get lost and make mistakes because the camera can't keep up. It's frustrating, but thankfully it's nothing that completely ruins the experience.
Personally, I still prefer playing with a controller, which is more natural for this type of game. Luckily, it's possible to connect a controller to the PC version and for me that was the best experience. Fights become more intuitive and complex combos become easier to pull off. A controller makes a significant difference, especially in longer boss fights where precision and timing are important.
Although no new content has been added to the PC version, it still feels like a more immersive experience thanks to technical improvements. The graphics and high frame rates make battles more intense and immersive. The particle effects and lighting details in battles can seem almost overwhelming, but look particularly great in scenes where multiple characters are making their attacks at the same time and the screen is filled with explosive effects. They are truly impressed with what modern hardware can offer.
The music is another great strength of the game. It's just as impressive on PC as it is on console, but with a good sound system or a quality headset the experience is even better. The game's compositions are epic and emotional, switching beautifully between dramatic and more intimate tunes depending on what's happening in the story. Combined with the visual details, you really immerse yourself in the game world.
Is Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth for PC worth buying? That depends on whether you have already played it on console. If you have never tried the console version, the PC version is the best version due to the graphical improvements and flexibility of settings. However, if you've already played it on PlayStation 5, there isn't enough new content to justify the purchase.
However, there is a small bonus for those who have Final Fantasy VII: Remake Intergrade saves. The PC version recognizes your previous saves and offers some small advantages – nothing revolutionary, but a nice touch. For example, you can get additional equipment or items that can give you a small advantage at the start of the game. This can be a good motivation for players who want their previous progress to have a small impact on their current gaming experience.
Overall, the PC version of Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth is an impressive experience that really shows what modern gaming hardware can do. If you like the story of the game and have been waiting for the PC version, you won't be disappointed. Square Enix has delivered a solid port that allows even more players to experience this epic adventure. The game's solid technical foundation, combined with an already fantastic story and gameplay, make it a release worth considering, even if you already know the story from previous versions.
