Diving into Midgar: Your Guide to Final Fantasy VII Remake and Prior Games
The burning question on every potential player’s mind before venturing into the world of Final Fantasy VII Remake: Do you need to play any previous Final Fantasy games, especially the original FFVII, to understand and enjoy this modern reimagining?
The short answer is no, you don’t need to play any other Final Fantasy games. Each mainline Final Fantasy installment exists as a self-contained story within its own unique world. However, the question of whether you should play the original FFVII before the Remake is a far more nuanced discussion, and the answer depends heavily on your personal preferences and gaming goals.
Understanding the Final Fantasy Anthology
A Universe of Standalone Stories
The Final Fantasy series, at its core, is an anthology. This means that while shared elements like chocobos, summons (Ifrit, Shiva, etc.), and character archetypes (Cid, for example) appear throughout the games, each numbered entry tells its own independent story with distinct characters, settings, and lore. Think of it like reading different books in the same genre; you might recognize familiar tropes, but you don’t need to read one to understand the others. You can dive into Final Fantasy XVI without ever having touched Final Fantasy IV, and your experience won’t be diminished.
FFVII Remake: A Special Case
While you don’t need to play other Final Fantasy games, the relationship between the original Final Fantasy VII (FFVII) and Final Fantasy VII Remake is more complex. While initially presented as a straightforward remake, the narrative introduces elements that suggest it’s more of a reimagining, a “sequel-adjacent” experience, or even an alternate timeline. The “Whispers” (arbiters of fate) hint at a struggle to maintain the original timeline, and Sephiroth’s early appearances disrupt the expected narrative flow.
Going in Blind vs. Informed
The advantage of going into Final Fantasy VII Remake blind is that you’ll experience the story with fresh eyes, genuinely surprised by the twists and turns. The characters will feel new and compelling, and the world of Midgar will be explored with a sense of discovery.
However, playing the original FFVII first gives you a deeper appreciation for the changes made in the Remake. You’ll understand the context of certain events, recognize foreshadowing, and pick up on subtle nods to the original game. You’ll be able to analyze and interpret the narrative changes, making the experience richer and more engaging. The FFVII Remake’s developers understand that the Final Fantasy VII Remake project is not an exact 1:1 remake. They have made preparations so that players who did not get a chance to play the first game can fully enjoy Final Fantasy VII Rebirth.
Ultimately, the choice is yours. Both approaches offer unique advantages. If you prioritize experiencing a story without prior knowledge and want to jump into the modern graphics and gameplay, go ahead and play Remake first. If you want a deeper understanding and appreciation for the narrative changes and a richer overall experience, play the original first.
15 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Playing Final Fantasy VII Remake
1. Do I need to play Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII before Final Fantasy VII Remake?
No, you don’t need to, but it provides valuable backstory for Zack Fair, a crucial character in the FFVII universe. Crisis Core explores his relationship with Cloud and Sephiroth and provides context for certain events in the Remake. However, the Remake does introduce Zack to new players.
2. Is Final Fantasy VII Remake a standalone game?
Yes and no. The Final Fantasy VII Remake focuses on the Midgar portion of the original game, so it is not a complete story. The Remake project is planned as a trilogy, so it acts as the first part of a larger narrative.
3. Does Final Fantasy VII Remake follow the original game’s story exactly?
No. While it covers the same initial events, there are significant deviations and additions to the plot, hinting at an altered timeline and future narrative changes. This is where the debate of it being a “sequel” starts.
4. Should I play the original Final Fantasy VII or Final Fantasy VII Remake first?
It depends. If you want a completely fresh experience, play the Remake first. If you want to appreciate the changes and understand the context, play the original first.
5. What order should I play the Final Fantasy VII games in?
Release order is generally recommended: Final Fantasy VII (1997), Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII (2007), Final Fantasy VII Remake (2020), Final Fantasy VII Rebirth (2024), and so on. There are also other entries in the compilation like Dirge of Cerberus: Final Fantasy VII or Before Crisis: Final Fantasy VII.
6. Is Final Fantasy VII Remake good for newcomers to the series?
Yes. The characters and combat are engaging, and the story, while complex, is accessible. However, some plot points might be confusing without prior knowledge of the original game.
7. Is Final Fantasy VII Remake unfinished?
Yes, in the sense that it only covers the Midgar section of the original game. The full story will be told across the trilogy.
8. Is Final Fantasy VII Remake a different timeline or sequel?
That’s a matter of debate! The narrative changes suggest a possible alternate timeline, but it’s also a continuation of the original story.
9. Do I need to play all Final Fantasy games to understand Final Fantasy VII Remake?
No, each mainline Final Fantasy game is a standalone story.
10. Is Final Fantasy VII Remake longer than the original?
The Final Fantasy VII Remake and the original game are roughly the same length. However, with the side quests in Remake, players could spend even more time in that game.
11. What is the difference between Final Fantasy VII and Final Fantasy VII Remake?
The Final Fantasy VII Remake has more cutscenes than the original.
12. Do I have to play previous Final Fantasy games?
In short, no, you don’t need to play previous Final Fantasy games in order to enjoy Final Fantasy. Every mainline Final Fantasy game tells its own standalone story, with unique settings and characters.
13. Should I play Final Fantasy 7 or 10 first?
The ‘correct’ answer, is… any of them. After all, almost every game in the series acts as a standalone adventure with its own distinct world, characters and even gameplay mechanics.
14. Are all Final Fantasy games connected?
No, Final Fantasy is mostly an anthology series with primary installments being stand-alone role-playing games, each with different settings, plots and main characters.
15. Should I play normal or normal classic Final Fantasy 7 Remake?
Normal Mode is great for players who are excited about the challenge and satisfaction of mastering several systems at once and Classic Mode is great for players who find that pacing a bit overwhelming or distracting from everything happening on screen. Classic Mode is not turn-based combat.
The Verdict: Your Journey, Your Choice
Ultimately, the decision of whether to play the original Final Fantasy VII before diving into the Remake rests with you. Consider your personal preferences, gaming goals, and desired level of understanding.
If you’re a newcomer seeking a visually stunning and engaging action RPG, jump straight into Final Fantasy VII Remake. If you crave a deeper, more nuanced experience, explore the original FFVII first. And remember, no matter which path you choose, the world of Final Fantasy offers endless opportunities for adventure and discovery.
For more insights into the intersection of gaming and education, be sure to visit the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. There, you can explore research and resources related to how games can be leveraged for learning and development.