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As the release of Final Fantasy VII Remake on PS4 drew near in 2020, we couldn't help but feel a hint of apprehension about the full game. Many of my concerns, especially those related to the combat system, were alleviated when the demo came out. When the complete game eventually launched, it left us in awe of most aspects, yet some technical issues and one particular chapter toward the end fell short of expectations. Fortunately, Square Enix answered our wishes by announcing and promptly releasing an enhanced edition of Final Fantasy VII Remake, known as Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade. This new iteration brought a plethora of visual enhancements, introduced fresh content, and delivered an entirely new storyline in the form of Episode Intermission, starring Yuffie.
If you've journeyed through Midgar on the PS4, you might wonder if the PC version is worth your time. The good news is that Square Enix has concentrated the new story content into "Episode Intermission." The main game receives a significant facelift, boasting improved visuals, textures, and a silky-smooth 60fps performance option. While the addition of a photo mode is a welcome bonus, it falls short of the rich features found in recent Insomniac Games releases, like "Marvel's Spider-Man Remastered."
Revisiting the game with a transferred save, the visual enhancements shine brightly in every corner. However, if you weren't fond of certain story elements or the new narrative in the original Final Fantasy VII Remake, those concerns persist in this edition. A proper cut-scene viewer for key moments is conspicuously absent, leaving players longing for more.
"Episode Intermission" can be accessed directly from the main menu of Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade, and it pleasantly exceeded my expectations. Not only does it add depth to Yuffie's character, but it also provides a delightful two-chapter escapade that complements the main course perfectly.
While the core gameplay remains similar, "Episode Intermission" introduces new mechanics for interacting with the environment and battling foes. Yuffie's combat style, combining close-range and ranged attacks, synergizes seamlessly with Sonon for devastating damage. As a nimble ninja, Yuffie can steal items, unleash her own limit break, and even summon creatures. The combat in "Episode Intermission" is notably faster-paced, making it a refreshing change for those who found the main game's combat a bit too simplistic.
Beyond the main quest in this DLC episode, players will discover enjoyable side activities, including a revamped version of Fort Condor. This delightful mini-game pays homage to the classic Final Fantasy VII and offers a pleasant visual and gameplay upgrade. It's so engaging that you'll wish Square Enix would release it as a standalone game. Additionally, there's another side activity involving chasing down flyers, adding exploration and diverse enemy encounters to the mix.
Visually, both the main story and "Episode Intermission" offer identical visual options, allowing you to prioritize 60fps or opt for a native 4K experience. The 60fps mode proved to be our preferred choice in both the main game and the DLC, delivering a smooth experience without any noticeable frame drops. Square Enix's performance optimization is praiseworthy.
Perhaps one of the most significant improvements in this PC upgrade is the drastically reduced load times, reducing the wait from minutes to mere seconds. This upgrade, coupled with enhanced visuals, makes for a far superior experience compared to the PS4 version. While the textures have improved, there are still some lower-resolution assets in the distance, and NPCs could benefit from additional attention to prevent them from appearing out of place alongside the main characters.
The exceptional soundtrack of Final Fantasy VII Remake remains top-notch, and the new music in "Episode Intermission" continues this trend with several jazzy tracks that rival the main game's soundtrack. The English voice acting in the DLC is also commendable, with Sonon and Yuffie's interactions standing out as a highlight.
In summary, Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade on the PC undeniably stands as the definitive version of this beloved adventure. The enhancements deliver a remarkable overall experience, offering more than what most paid re-releases do, all as a free upgrade. "Episode Intermission," initially expected to be a mere two-hour diversion, surprises with a captivating four-hour journey, thanks to its engaging mini-games and side activities. Yuffie's character development, impressive voice acting, and the memorable new music enrich the experience, proving Square Enix's prowess in delivering a truly exceptional gaming package.
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