Final Fantasy VII Revelation Review: A Grand, Lengthy Conclusion

The much-anticipated conclusion to the ambitious Final Fantasy VII remake saga, Final Fantasy VII Revelation, is set to arrive on April 8, 2027. After years of waiting and two prior installments, fans will finally see the culmination of this epic retelling. Boasting breathtaking visuals and a dynamic real-time combat system, Revelation promises to deliver a powerful finale. However, the decision to stretch the original PS1 classic into a multi-part, multi-generational release, coupled with the announcement of impending story DLC, does raise some eyebrows about the scope and longevity of this project. For those deeply invested in this updated narrative, it's a must-play, but newcomers should be prepared for a significant time commitment.

The Journey Continues: What is Final Fantasy VII Revelation?

Final Fantasy VII Revelation marks the third and final installment in a trilogy of remakes that re-envision the beloved PS1 classic, Final Fantasy VII. The journey began in 2020 with Final Fantasy VII Remake and continued in 2024 with the second part. Now, three years later, Revelation will complete the saga. This highly anticipated title will be available across multiple platforms including PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch 2, and PC, ensuring a broad audience can experience the conclusion simultaneously. Its release was recently confirmed during a Sony State of Play livestream event, building considerable excitement among the gaming community.

While the original game's faithful following had long yearned for a modern update, few anticipated a seven-year, three-part release spanning two console generations. This unique approach has redefined what a 'remake' can be, turning a single sprawling RPG into an even more expansive series of titles. Revelation is poised to deliver the final confrontation with Sephiroth and explore the dramatic aftermath, bringing closure to the reimagined narrative.

Gameplay and Graphics: A Modern Reimagining

One of the most striking aspects of this remake series, and Revelation is no exception, is the complete overhaul of both graphics and gameplay. Gone are the pixel-based visuals of the 1990s original, replaced by stunning, 'gorgeous' high-fidelity graphics that push the boundaries of current generation consoles and PC. The visual splendor showcased in the trailers for Revelation suggests it will continue this trend, offering an immersive and visually rich experience.

Beyond aesthetics, the gameplay has evolved significantly. Instead of adhering to the turn-based combat system of the PS1 era, the remake trilogy employs a real-time action system. This modern approach is more aligned with contemporary RPGs, providing a fast-paced and engaging combat experience. The first two parts of the trilogy successfully integrated this system, earning praise from players and critics alike for making the gameplay feel fresh and exciting while still retaining the strategic elements characteristic of the Final Fantasy franchise. Based on previous installments, Revelation is expected to refine and expand upon this successful action-oriented combat, ensuring that battles remain a 'blast to play'.

Story Expansion or Bloat?

This remake trilogy isn't merely a graphical update; it's a fundamental 'retelling of the story, but wrapped around completely new games.' This distinction is crucial, as it explains the extended scope of each installment. The first game, Final Fantasy VII Remake, dedicated approximately 50 hours to cover just the opening Midgar section of the original PS1 game – a segment that was comparatively brief in the 1990s release. While this extensive treatment allowed for deeper character development and world-building, it also established a precedent for incredibly lengthy individual titles.

On one hand, this expanded narrative has been a 'blast to play' for many, offering new insights and broadening the lore in unexpected ways. The creative freedom taken by the developers has resulted in games that feel fresh and innovative, rather than just nostalgic reproductions. The decision to delve so deeply into specific story arcs, particularly those initially serving as a 'preamble', has been largely successful in the prior two entries, maintaining engagement despite the stretched timelines.

However, this extensive approach comes with its own set of criticisms. The phrase "split into three parts and released over seven years and two console generations" captures the sentiment of some fans who perhaps didn't envision such a drawn-out process when they wished for a remake. The sheer time commitment required to play through the entire trilogy, estimated to be hundreds of hours, is substantial. Moreover, the announced future story DLC for Revelation indicates that the developers plan to extend the narrative even further, leading to concerns that "this remake of a 30-year-old game will seemingly never end." While this offers more content for dedicated fans, it could also be perceived as a monetization strategy that prolongs the experience beyond what many originally desired, potentially leading to player fatigue.

Pricing, Editions, and the DLC Question

As with many major releases, Final Fantasy VII Revelation offers various purchasing options and incentives. Pre-orders are currently open, specifically for PlayStation 5 owners, and include bonus in-game content: two summon spells, a common tactic to encourage early purchases. For those eager to jump in immediately, a Premium Edition is available, granting access to the game a full day before its official launch. This edition also bundles additional in-game accessories, consumable items, and, perhaps most notably, access to 'forthcoming DLC'.

While extra content can be a welcome addition, the mention of 'story DLC' for a game that is already the third part of an extensively expanded remake trilogy is a point of contention. It signals that the complete narrative experience may not conclude with the base game of Revelation, potentially requiring further financial investment from players to see the story truly finished. This strategy, while common in modern gaming, reinforces the perception that the developers are extending the Final Fantasy VII experience indefinitely, which may frustrate players looking for a definitive end.

Beyond Midgar: Other Final Fantasy Titles

For those who appreciate the broader Final Fantasy universe, Revelation isn't the only game on the horizon. Another title, Final Fantasy Resonance, is slated for release on October 22. This game offers a distinctly different experience, serving as a 'throwback to the old-school turn-based RPGs.' Described as 'extremely easy on the eyes,' Resonance initially began its life as a mobile title but has since impressed reviewers in hands-on sessions. While Revelation delivers a modern action-RPG experience with updated lore, Resonance caters to fans nostalgic for the classic 2D, turn-based combat that defined earlier entries in the series. These two titles showcase the diverse directions the Final Fantasy franchise is taking, appealing to different segments of its expansive fanbase.

Our Buying Recommendation

Final Fantasy VII Revelation is undoubtedly a significant release, representing the culmination of an ambitious, years-long project. Its stunning graphics, engaging real-time combat, and the promise of a grand finale make it a compelling purchase for anyone who has invested in the previous two installments. If you've enjoyed Remake and Rebirth, Revelation is an essential conclusion to Cloud's epic journey and will likely deliver the emotional payoff you've been waiting for. The expanded story, while lengthy, has proven to be a rich and rewarding experience for many.

However, new players should be aware of the immense time commitment required to fully appreciate the entire trilogy. Furthermore, the announced story DLC raises concerns about the ultimate completeness of the package at launch. If you're looking for a one-and-done game, this trilogy, with its ongoing narrative extensions, may test your patience and wallet. Despite these caveats, for fans of the series and modern action RPGs, Final Fantasy VII Revelation is poised to be a visually spectacular and narratively rich experience that, despite its prolonged development and episodic nature, remains a powerful force in modern gaming.

FAQ

Q: When does Final Fantasy VII Revelation launch?

A: Final Fantasy VII Revelation is scheduled to launch on April 8, 2027.

Q: What platforms will Final Fantasy VII Revelation be available on?

A: The game will be released on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch 2, and PC.

Q: Is Final Fantasy VII Revelation a direct remake of the original PS1 game?

A: It is the third part of a trilogy that retells the original story with updated graphics and real-time action gameplay, essentially functioning as a 'retelling of the story, but wrapped around completely new games' rather than a direct, scene-for-scene remake.