For over two decades, Final Fantasy VII has stood as a cornerstone of video game storytelling and design. Originally released in 1997 for the PlayStation, it redefined what RPGs could achieve in terms of narrative depth, character development, and emotional impact. Now, with the release of *Final Fantasy VII Remake* (2020) and its sequel *Rebirth* (2024), a new generation is encountering Cloud Strife, Sephiroth, and Midgar for the first time. But which version—original or remake—resonates more deeply with players who have no prior connection to the franchise?
The answer isn’t simply about graphics or mechanics. It’s about how each version communicates its world, characters, and themes to someone stepping into Midgar for the very first time. For new players, immersion, pacing, emotional clarity, and modern expectations all play crucial roles in shaping their experience.
A Tale of Two Eras: Design Philosophy Across Generations
The original *Final Fantasy VII* was revolutionary for its time. With pre-rendered backgrounds, polygonal character models, and cinematic cutscenes that pushed the limits of CD-ROM technology, it created an atmosphere of urban decay, corporate oppression, and existential dread. However, by today’s standards, its presentation can feel dated. Dialogue is delivered through text boxes with minimal voice acting (outside of later ports), movement is grid-based on field maps, and camera angles are fixed. These limitations, while nostalgic for veterans, can be barriers to engagement for younger audiences accustomed to fluid third-person action and responsive controls.
In contrast, the *Remake* embraces contemporary game design. Real-time combat replaces turn-based mechanics. Characters are fully voiced, with nuanced facial animations and dynamic performances. The city of Midgar is expansive, interactive, and visually rich. Every alleyway, train station, and slum district feels lived-in. This shift doesn’t just modernize the look—it changes how players form emotional connections with the story.
As game designer Naoki Hamaguchi noted during a 2023 interview:
“With the Remake, our goal wasn’t just to update the visuals, but to deepen the humanity of the characters. We wanted new players to *feel* Tifa’s concern, Aerith’s warmth, and Cloud’s internal struggle—not just read about them.” — Naoki Hamaguchi, Co-Director, Final Fantasy VII Remake
This philosophy underpins why the *Remake* often lands more effectively with newcomers. Emotional cues aren't left to interpretation—they're performed.
Storytelling Evolution: Depth vs. Imagination
The original game relied heavily on player imagination. Descriptions were sparse, motivations implied, and relationships developed slowly across hundreds of hours. For example, Cloud’s identity crisis unfolds subtly through fragmented memories and cryptic dialogue. While powerful, this subtlety can be lost on players unfamiliar with narrative conventions of the era.
The *Remake*, however, expands on nearly every moment. Side quests flesh out supporting characters like Biggs, Wedge, and Jessie. Entire chapters are dedicated to exploring Aerith’s life in the Sector 5 slums or Barret’s moral conflict over endangering innocents. These additions don’t dilute the core plot—they humanize it.
Consider the iconic scene where Aerith tosses a flower to Cloud outside the church. In the original, it’s a quiet, almost dreamlike moment lasting seconds. In the *Remake*, it’s preceded by minutes of interaction—Aerith tending her garden, commenting on the lack of sunlight, sharing stories about her mother. When she hands him the flower, it carries emotional weight built through presence, not implication.
Gameplay Accessibility: Learning Curve and Player Agency
New players today expect responsiveness, feedback, and control. The original *Final Fantasy VII* uses an Active Time Battle (ATB) system, which, while innovative in 1997, requires patience. Battles pause frequently, menus must be navigated manually, and strategy revolves around managing timers and MP pools. For players raised on fast-paced action titles, this can feel sluggish or unintuitive.
The *Remake* blends real-time combat with ATB elements, creating a hybrid system that rewards both reflexes and tactical thinking. Players dodge, parry, cast spells, and switch characters mid-battle—all with cinematic flair. Materia customization remains, but now it's integrated into a skill tree that visually maps progression. This makes learning feel rewarding rather than overwhelming.
Moreover, tutorials are seamlessly woven into early gameplay. Instead of dumping mechanics at the start, the *Remake* teaches abilities organically—first basic attacks, then magic, then synergized party combos. This scaffolding helps new players build confidence without feeling bombarded.
Comparison Table: Key Differences for New Players
| Aspect | Original (1997) | Remake (2020) |
|---|---|---|
| Graphics & Presentation | Polygonal models, static backgrounds, limited animation | Fully 3D environments, high-fidelity character models, dynamic lighting |
| Combat System | Menu-driven ATB; slower pace | Real-time + ATB hybrid; responsive and cinematic |
| Character Development | Implied through dialogue and events | Expanded backstories, voice acting, emotional scenes |
| Pacing | Slow build-up; longer exploration segments | Tighter focus; expanded narrative moments within Midgar |
| Accessibility Features | Limited UI customization; no difficulty scaling | Adjustable difficulty, hint systems, controller remapping |
| Emotional Engagement | Relies on player imagination and investment | Driven by performance, music, and visual storytelling |
Mini Case Study: Introducing a Newcomer to FFVII
Sophia, a 22-year-old college student and casual gamer, had never played any *Final Fantasy* title before. Curious after seeing clips online, she borrowed her brother’s PS5 to try the *Remake*. Within two hours, she was emotionally invested in Aerith and frustrated by Shinra’s exploitation of the planet. She appreciated being able to explore Wall Market freely and choose how to interact with NPCs.
When her brother suggested she try the original next, she booted up the 1997 version via a retro emulator. Despite admiration for its ambition, she found herself skipping dialogue, getting lost in menu systems, and struggling to connect with characters due to stiff animations and lack of voice acting. “It felt like I was watching someone else’s memory,” she said. “The Remake made me feel like I was *in* the story.”
Her experience reflects a broader trend: modern players respond more strongly to immersive, performative storytelling than abstract, imagination-dependent narratives—even when the latter are considered classics.
When the Original Still Shines
That said, the original *Final Fantasy VII* retains unique strengths. Its open-ended structure allows for greater player freedom. Once past Midgar, the world opens up dramatically—players can fly the Highwind, visit hidden islands, and discover secrets at their own pace. The *Remake*, by comparison, confines players to Midgar in its first installment, with future entries gradually expanding the scope.
Additionally, the original’s soundtrack, composed by Nobuo Uematsu, remains iconic. While the *Remake* features stunning orchestral rearrangements, purists argue there’s something raw and intimate about the 1997 MIDI score that evokes nostalgia and melancholy in ways modern instrumentation sometimes overshadows.
Some new players also appreciate the challenge. Without quality-of-life improvements like auto-saving or quest markers, the original demands attention and note-taking. For a subset of gamers who enjoy deliberate, methodical play, this fosters deeper engagement.
Checklist: Choosing the Right Entry Point for New Players
- ✅ Is the player used to modern action-RPGs? → Recommend the Remake.
- ✅ Do they value emotional storytelling and character chemistry? → Remake excels here.
- ✅ Are they drawn to retro aesthetics and classic game design? → Try the original or the 2012 PC port.
- ✅ Do they prefer open-world exploration over linear progression? → The original offers more freedom post-Midgar.
- ✅ Are they sensitive to pacing and visual fidelity? → Avoid the original unless they’re prepared for dated interfaces.
- ✅ Want a complete standalone experience? → Note: The Remake is only Part 1 of a trilogy; the original tells the full story in one package.
Expert Insight: Bridging Generational Gaps in Gaming
Dr. Lena Torres, a media anthropologist specializing in video game culture, observes:
“The way we experience stories is shaped by the tools available at the time. Older games asked players to co-create meaning. Modern remakes provide that meaning upfront. Neither is superior—but for new players, the latter lowers the barrier to entry significantly.” — Dr. Lena Torres, Media Anthropologist, University of Southern California
This insight underscores a key truth: resonance isn’t just about quality—it’s about alignment with contemporary expectations. The *Remake* doesn’t replace the original; it reinterprets it for a generation that values immediacy, emotional transparency, and interactivity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I skip the original if I play the Remake?
Yes. The *Remake* is designed as a standalone reimagining. While knowledge of the original enhances appreciation of certain twists and callbacks, all necessary context is provided within the new narrative. Future entries in the trilogy will continue to expand the story beyond the original’s scope.
Is the Remake faithful to the original?
It’s *spiritually* faithful but not strictly identical. Core events, characters, and themes remain intact, but pacing, dialogue, and plot details have been expanded or altered. Some scenes are recontextualized, and new lore is introduced. Think of it as an alternate retelling rather than a direct copy.
Will new players miss something by not playing the original first?
Not in terms of understanding the story. However, they may miss the historical context of why the original was groundbreaking—the surprise of seeing 3D characters on a 2D plane, the innovation of full-motion videos, or the cultural impact of Aerith’s death in 1997. These are best appreciated through commentary or retrospectives.
Conclusion: Meeting New Players Where They Are
The question of which version resonates more with new players ultimately comes down to accessibility and emotional immediacy. While the original *Final Fantasy VII* is a masterpiece of its era, its technical and narrative conventions can create distance for modern audiences. The *Remake*, by contrast, leverages current technology and storytelling techniques to forge a direct, visceral connection.
It doesn’t diminish the legacy of the original to say that the *Remake* speaks more fluently to today’s players. In fact, it honors that legacy by ensuring the story continues to matter—to be felt, not just remembered.
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