Why Final Fantasy VII Deserves a Remaster Like VIII: Fans Speak Out

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Discussions surrounding the legendary video game franchise Final Fantasy continue to be lively, with fans showing unwavering enthusiasm. A user by the name of RangoTheMerc ignited a debate about the remastered treatment that Final Fantasy VII has experienced compared to other games in the series. The user contends that although the highly-anticipated remake of VII is remarkable, the remasters for the PS3 and PS4 editions of the original game were not as satisfying as what Final Fantasy VIII received. This opinion sparked a diverse response from the community, revealing a mix of nostalgia, dissatisfaction, and hope for an improved remastered experience in the future.

Summary

  • There’s a strong sentiment that Final Fantasy VII deserves proper remaster treatment similar to what Final Fantasy VIII received.
  • Many users express dissatisfaction with the graphical updates applied to Final Fantasy VIII, citing a lack of comprehensive enhancement to the backgrounds.
  • Emotionally invested threads show nostalgic tones, critiquing character design inconsistencies, particularly with Squall.
  • The conversation reflects a broader longing for more care and respect given to timeless classics in remastering efforts.

Desire for a Better Remaster

Enthusiasts are excited for Final Fantasy VII to receive the recognition it truly merits. As RangoTheMerc notes, while the remake generated a lot of buzz, the remastered versions have been mostly overlooked. They question why their favorite VII hasn’t received a similar treatment as VIII did. The comments reflect a mix of nostalgia and discontent. Black-Mettle’s comment underscores the disappointment over how Final Fantasy VIII’s remaster was managed, criticizing the “cardboard box” appearance of the backgrounds. This is far from the immersive experience fans anticipate from a remaster, isn’t it? Although some fans acknowledge the improved character models, they can’t help but feel underwhelmed by the overall artistic direction of the remaster.

Nostalgic Recollections and Critiques

In this discussion, it’s not only about improving graphics; it delves into personal perspectives. MasterSnowSlut remarks that the updated versions of VII on Steam, PS4, and Switch have significantly smoother character models, indicating a focus on enhanced visuals. However, these new models seem out of place against the older backdrops, creating an odd contrast – think of placing a sleek modern car in a dilapidated garage. It’s like giving Squall a haircut but keeping his 2000s grunge outfit unchanged. User Connect_Anything_143 expressed their bewilderment over Squall’s appearance in the remaster, stating that he bears no resemblance to his original video footage, highlighting how character identity can get lost during the remastering process – a problem many have faced when observing Sonic’s continuous design changes.

The Mixed Bag of Remasters

Delving further into the subject, it’s apparent that the community’s debate exposes a variety of opinions about remasters in general. On one hand, some enthusiasts are thrilled at the prospect of revisiting beloved classics with updated features. However, others express disappointment due to what they perceive as subpar results. For instance, Black-Mettle notes that the remaster of ‘8’ fell short on crucial environmental upgrades. This criticism sparks a larger discussion about what fans truly desire from remasters. Is it merely improved graphics, or is there an expectation for a comprehensive overhaul that preserves the essence of the original game? Given the strong emotional bonds players have with this franchise, it’s reasonable to expect high standards.

Community Sentiments about Character Design

Redesigning characters in remastered games remains a topic of intense discussion among fans, with even minor changes often causing heated debates. For instance, one commenter humorously commented on a meme comparing the original and redesigned Squall, emphasizing how drastic changes can sometimes miss the mark. While these discussions can be amusing, they also underscore a concern that developers might not fully grasp the impact character appearances have on portraying emotions and advancing the story. Characters in Final Fantasy series are more than mere avatars; they symbolize players’ emotional ties to their gaming experiences. Altering established designs can make players feel like their experiences are being tampered with, leading to intense emotional reactions that cannot be easily dismissed.

As discussions about remastering Final Fantasy VII progress, it’s apparent that fans won’t accept anything less than what they feel their beloved series deserves. The comparisons between VII and VIII demonstrate a passionate community yearning for developers to grasp the intricacies of nostalgia, character authenticity, and graphical upgrades. If Square Enix is tuning in, players are eagerly awaiting the moment they can revisit cherished moments with a fresh, modern touch—ideally without the limitations of cardboard packaging or pixelated textures. A dash of nostalgia combined with stunning visuals: that’s the dream fantasy for many gamers.

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2025-04-21 10:17