If on January 22nd Final Fantasy VII Intergrade Remake for Switch 2 and XboxSquare Enix isn't just bringing one of the best JRPG remakes of recent years to new platforms. They're also introducing a new setting called "Optimized Progression" that fundamentally changes the game: unlimited HP, permanently full MP, maximum Limit Break gauges, and every attack deals 9999 damage. In other words: a true god mode.
At first glance, this sounds like a paradise for story purists. But at the same time, it also raises an old question: Does an RPG lose its essence when the difficulty level is completely eliminated?
Hamaguchi defends the decision
Naoki Hamaguchi, Director of Final Fantasy VII Remake, sees this not as a capitulation to the spirit of the times, but as a logical adaptation to changing gaming habits. In a statement He explained that he himself had already cancelled games, “because it takes so long to level up characters or complete the game“Today it is normal for players to expect flexibility, similar to streaming, where content is consumed according to one's own time and desires.”
This option should remove a huge hurdle, especially for newcomers. A mammoth project like Final Fantasy VII Remake It can be intimidating, especially for players who have little time or simply want to experience the story.
A gain for the community or a loss for the veterans?
Even though players love JRPGs, grinding often remains a love-hate relationship. Especially towards the end, many titles drag on, be it... Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth or classic Final Fantasy games. Square Enix offering a shortcut here doesn't mean the "classic way" disappears; it remains available.
The crucial question, therefore, is: Does every game have to be equally difficult for everyone, or is it better if each player can choose their own pace? God Mode makes this possible. Final Fantasy VII Intergrade Remake It's not smaller, but it opens it up to a larger community.
What do you think? Is the "optimized progression" a gain for accessibility or a break with the soul of the genre?
Just balance the game better. Why do I have to complete every single challenge to max out my character? We're not playing DMC here; it's still an RPG. And in an RPG, if you can't manage a certain area, you level up or get a different weapon. They could have raised the level cap to, say, 99, since you can't carry over your progress to the next installment anyway. I think Square is making a fool of themselves, and this won't help them sell any more games. The problem is that FF7 Remake isn't an RPG anymore; it's a DMC clone.
By the way, I think the gameplay in FF7 Remake is great, but if I find DMC5 in Dante Must Dei easier or more balanced than FF7 Remake and especially Rebirth, then the square should give us pause. I also don't understand why the passive mode (gameplay like in the old games) is only available on Easy and Normal, but not on Hard. Wasn't it said that the remake was for old and new fans? That means if I prefer the turn-based system, I can't use it at all on Hard, but you have to play on Hard to be able to paint the characters because the level cap is locked at 50, and at 70 in Rebirth. And if they're going to make such a mode, why not include it in the PS5 version as well?
Ah square ah square
I'm just waiting for the day part 3 comes out; after that, I won't have to buy another single game from that lousy company.