I fuck with this game heavy.

I like the combat a lot, i feel like it's a nice departure from the original one? It works for different reasons. I like Aerith. I really like that they gave a lot of personality to characters that in the original just had flavour text. I like Aerith. I like the idea of narrative ghosts that only appear to put you in the path of the original plot? I appreciate that they're addressing the narrative changes in-game, i guess. I don't like the ending and i think some deviations work in its detriment, though. I'm not convinced with the way they're writing Sephiroth either, because he feels less like a character and more like a narrative plot bit that you can see.

I really like the game overall, i think it's charming. I like the characters and their banter so just spending time in that world hanging out in it of itself was entertaining for me. It's nice.

And also i really really like Aerith.

These games are so good they frustrate me. The amount of incredibly well written worldbuilding, characters and lore on display here is astounding. Ignoring the obvious praise that tends to go to the decision making mechanics carrying over for each game, and the general relationships with characters and all that-- This universe is so dense it's impressive. There's so much going on in the background i never stopped thinking about it while playing them. There's just so much, the games feel small by comparison.

I really love this universe, regardless of what i think of the games themselves i just can't not recommend them. These remasters are the best way to play them, too. Some have aged better than others, but oh my lord; the writing.