Unlike most of the other reviews on this app, I'm gonna be talking about Intergrade as a whole package, because I promised myself I would replay the main story if they ever re-released it for this new generation. (Also I don't think I ever wrote a review for the first release last year, so this counts.)
For the main story, I think this game is simply incredible. I'd even say it's one of Testuya Nomura's best titles since probably Birth By Sleep, and I say that with no exaggeration. Without spoiling things for veterans and newcomers to the story, the brilliance of Final Fantasy VII Remake comes from the direction Nomura decided to take with this project in an artistic (and sometimes metaphorical) sense. Like I said, I replayed this main story, allowing me to fully grasp what they were going for with combat and narrative. I still think the combat could use a bit more balancing and polish in terms of fluidity (especially for higher difficulties), but that doesn't take away from the massive impact Remake has on the compilation before it. It's a grand retelling with surprises, laughs, and emotion evoked through its memorable music and gorgeous visuals. You ever seen better animation work during battle sequences with combat UI intact? What started in Kingdom Hearts is even more perfected here in presentation.
I think the only thing that held this story back a bit for me was pacing towards the later half, as well as how sidequests are placed within non-linear chapters. Thankfully, all of these flaws can be improved when we eventually get the sequel. It's just a real surprise to see Tetsuya Nomura and the rest of the team produce such an incredible experience from just the first 5 hours or so of the original game's story.
As for EPISODE INTERmission, the new DLC chapter featuring Yuffie, I think it's a great appetizer for those waiting for what's to come. I personally wasn't feeling the direction of putting all the sidequests and collectibles in the first half, but it's sure to bring something new for fans of the main game to play with, such as the fun re-imagining of the original FF7's Fort Condor mini-game. I also really adored the new "style" for Yuffie's story, from the cute nod to the original's Happy Turtle to the new music that goes through several unexpected genres, all of which fit so damn well with Yuffie and her teenage character. (Death metal, anyone?)
Combat here is also an interesting change of pace, which I actually quite enjoyed. It focuses more on controlling a single character who is able to swap between magic elements and such, while being able to synergize moves with your partner character. And in terms of story, I think it's well-written and paced great, telling a nice introduction to Yuffie's character and her lead into the next part of the main story.
Intergrade is an excellent package for the price. And if you've been holding out on playing Final Fantasy VII Remake, you're in for a damn good treat. Needless to say, the next chapter of this story is gonna be absolutely wild, and it can't come soon enough.
For the main story, I think this game is simply incredible. I'd even say it's one of Testuya Nomura's best titles since probably Birth By Sleep, and I say that with no exaggeration. Without spoiling things for veterans and newcomers to the story, the brilliance of Final Fantasy VII Remake comes from the direction Nomura decided to take with this project in an artistic (and sometimes metaphorical) sense. Like I said, I replayed this main story, allowing me to fully grasp what they were going for with combat and narrative. I still think the combat could use a bit more balancing and polish in terms of fluidity (especially for higher difficulties), but that doesn't take away from the massive impact Remake has on the compilation before it. It's a grand retelling with surprises, laughs, and emotion evoked through its memorable music and gorgeous visuals. You ever seen better animation work during battle sequences with combat UI intact? What started in Kingdom Hearts is even more perfected here in presentation.
I think the only thing that held this story back a bit for me was pacing towards the later half, as well as how sidequests are placed within non-linear chapters. Thankfully, all of these flaws can be improved when we eventually get the sequel. It's just a real surprise to see Tetsuya Nomura and the rest of the team produce such an incredible experience from just the first 5 hours or so of the original game's story.
As for EPISODE INTERmission, the new DLC chapter featuring Yuffie, I think it's a great appetizer for those waiting for what's to come. I personally wasn't feeling the direction of putting all the sidequests and collectibles in the first half, but it's sure to bring something new for fans of the main game to play with, such as the fun re-imagining of the original FF7's Fort Condor mini-game. I also really adored the new "style" for Yuffie's story, from the cute nod to the original's Happy Turtle to the new music that goes through several unexpected genres, all of which fit so damn well with Yuffie and her teenage character. (Death metal, anyone?)
Combat here is also an interesting change of pace, which I actually quite enjoyed. It focuses more on controlling a single character who is able to swap between magic elements and such, while being able to synergize moves with your partner character. And in terms of story, I think it's well-written and paced great, telling a nice introduction to Yuffie's character and her lead into the next part of the main story.
Intergrade is an excellent package for the price. And if you've been holding out on playing Final Fantasy VII Remake, you're in for a damn good treat. Needless to say, the next chapter of this story is gonna be absolutely wild, and it can't come soon enough.