Steam Users Slam Final Fantasy 7 Re-Release With ‘Mostly Negative’ Reviews
▼ Summary
– Square Enix’s updated Steam re-release of the original *Final Fantasy 7* has received negative reviews due to technical issues like mismatched battle speeds and blurry textures.
– The new version includes quality-of-life features such as a 3x speed mode, an option to disable random encounters, and a battle enhancement mode.
– A critical complaint is the forced 4:3 resolution, which removes the resolution options available in the 2013 Steam edition it replaced.
– The problematic update has completely replaced the older 2013 version on the Steam store, so new buyers only have access to the flawed release.
– The director of the *Final Fantasy 7 Remake* series has assured fans that expanding the platforms for the upcoming third installment will not compromise its quality.
The recent re-release of the classic Final Fantasy 7 on Steam has been met with a wave of player criticism, resulting in a ‘Mostly Negative’ user review score. This updated version, intended to offer quality-of-life improvements, has instead introduced technical problems that have frustrated the community. The launch has sparked significant debate about the standards for re-releasing beloved games.
This new edition replaces the 2013 Steam version entirely on the storefront, meaning new buyers only have access to this problematic release. It includes several advertised features like a 3x speed mode, an option to disable random encounters, a battle enhancement mode, and an autosave function. However, players quickly reported that the battle speed is misaligned with animations and menus, creating a jarring experience. Additionally, the game suffers from blurry textures that affect even its cinematic sequences.
Square Enix responded quickly with a patch, stating it fixed the speed of certain scenes and addressed minor bugs. Yet, the update did not resolve a major point of contention: the game is now locked to a forced 4:3 resolution. The previous 2013 edition allowed players to choose other resolutions, making this regression a baffling choice for many. The combination of these issues has led to a stark divide; only those who owned the older version can still access it, while newcomers are stuck with the flawed new release.
Player reviews on Steam reflect widespread disappointment. One user noted, “The battle animation speeds are WAY too high, even without the 3x speed, so the game just plays wrong and feels wrong right now.” Another criticized the removal of options, writing, “This should be an option. It’s very hard to recommend. May I suggest that companies make sure their re-releases at least function on a basic level before delisting their old versions?” The sentiment is echoed in the overall rating, with a mere 36% of players providing positive feedback.
In contrast to the troubles of this re-release, news about the ongoing remake project offers a different perspective. Naoki Hamaguchi, director for the upcoming third part of the Final Fantasy 7 Remake series, recently addressed concerns about multiplatform development. He assured fans that expanding the game’s availability to systems like the Nintendo Switch 2 and Xbox “will not in any way lower the quality of the third installment.” He acknowledged the online buzz and player worries but emphasized the team’s commitment to quality, stating that the core experience is nearly complete and the focus has shifted to refinement and polishing.
The situation highlights a growing expectation from players regarding the preservation and improvement of classic titles. When a re-release introduces more problems than it solves and removes player choice, it risks alienating the very audience it aims to serve. The stark difference between the reception of this classic re-release and the promising updates for the modern remake underscores the importance of technical execution and respecting the original player experience.
(Source: IGN)
