As someone who finished the original I'm not sure what to feel about this game. Like I think the ideas are pretty solid with the story but have some stuff shoved in that I think don't really mesh well with me compared to the original. At the same time, however, I think those said flaws with the story and execution make me question: is this execution something worth it? Well, obviously we don't the answer to that yet but I trust the plan slightly. The positives I love about this game are the characters. They did so well writing them up and making them very expressful. Barret's love for his only-child as a parent, the Avalanche resistance team having those wonderful moments in the spotlight with their interaction for Cloud, Aerith having that vibe about that reminds me of her from the original, and more! All of this is great and I would love to see much of that in the sequel. In addition, the environments do well to emanate this atmosphere of Midgar where the top is neat and pretty and the slums are so cramped and dreary (for better or for worse). Problem is, that mentioned 'for worse' are those environments which kinda bothered me with those forced closed gaps shimmy sections in the game as they just got too frequent especially roaming in the slums; regardless, it's pretty stuff to look at with the amazing soundtrack playing. A major issue I have is the combat. It's an action rpg where you got that turn-based ATB bar and you use that to sling spells or weapon abilities. I don't really vibe with it for the most part since some bosses in the game are notoriously annoying or just frustrating to deal with and it becomes a problem. The fun materia system is still there of course which is a nice sight to see. My final complaint among this is that it makes me worried how very wild this remake is taking its direction in all of this, considering it is a game with multiple parts to emulate the OG. But by god I will this say: they better nail that landing in the end because it is very ballsy with what they're doing with the story of this game as a whole. Only time and the team's dedication for this will tell if this will be the biggest success or biggest flop ever.