Square Enix recently released a new Steam version of the original Final Fantasy 7, and it hasn’t exactly been the triumphant return fans were hoping for. Instead, this re-release has garnered a “mostly negative” reaction on the platform, sparking discussions among gamers about what went wrong.
While excitement built around the forthcoming entry in the Final Fantasy 7 Remake series, and fans enjoyed fresh ports of the original game on Xbox and the Switch, this latest attempt to revisit the classic has left many scratching their heads. The 1997 original holds a special place in the hearts of gamers, so the stakes were undeniably high for Square Enix. Unfortunately, this new version feels like a missed opportunity rather than a celebration of the beloved classic.
It’s clear from player reviews that expectations were not met. Users expressed frustrations over a lack of meaningful updates and enhancements that could have justified its re-launch. The hope was for something that resonated with both new players and nostalgic veterans; instead, it appears that the nostalgia factor alone wasn’t enough to win over the audience.
Fans have pointed out the absence of quality-of-life improvements, which could have modernized the experience without altering the essence of the original gameplay. In a landscape where remasters and remakes are evolving to meet player needs, the decision to not include such upgrades seems baffling. The result? A significant disconnect between the developers’ vision and the desires of the community.
As anticipation builds for the third entry in the remake series, it’s a reminder of the power and pitfalls of revisiting gaming classics. While Square Enix has successfully rekindled the flame for some, this latest release serves as a cautionary tale of how critical it is to balance the old with the new—especially when it comes to a title as revered as Final Fantasy 7.
Source: eurogamer.net
