Is Final Fantasy VII Remake a Long Game? A Deep Dive
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
The answer to whether Final Fantasy VII Remake is a long game is nuanced and depends entirely on your play style. Focusing solely on the main story, you’re looking at roughly 33-35 hours. However, if you’re the kind of gamer who needs to experience everything a game has to offer, prepare to invest around 80-90 hours to achieve 100% completion. So, in short, it can be a moderately long game, or a significantly long one, depending on your approach.
Understanding the Length: Main Story vs. Completionist Run
The core narrative of Final Fantasy VII Remake, covering the Midgar section of the original game, is designed to be a streamlined experience. It’s comparable in length to completing the original Final Fantasy VII’s Midgar section, but with significantly more depth and detail. However, the Remake shines in its optional content, side quests, and challenges. These additions dramatically expand the playtime, offering a richer understanding of the world and its characters.
Factors Influencing Playtime
Several elements contribute to the overall length of Final Fantasy VII Remake:
- Difficulty Level: Playing on higher difficulty settings, like Hard Mode, will naturally increase playtime due to tougher enemies and strategic combat requirements.
- Side Quests: The game is brimming with side quests that add hours of gameplay and reward you with valuable items, materia, and story insights.
- Mini-Games: From darts to squats, Final Fantasy VII Remake features engaging mini-games that can eat up significant chunks of time.
- Collectible Hunting: Completing the game often involves tracking down all collectibles, which requires thorough exploration and backtracking.
- Post-Game Content: After beating the game, new content unlocks, including Hard Mode, new challenges, and character upgrades.
- Character Leveling and Materia Growth: Mastering all the materia and leveling up characters take time and requires extra battles to gain experience points.
Comparing to Other Final Fantasy Games
To put Final Fantasy VII Remake’s length into perspective, let’s compare it to other entries in the Final Fantasy series. While a 33-35 hour main story playthrough places it on the shorter end of the spectrum, a completionist run brings it closer to the median playtime for Final Fantasy games. The longest titles, like Final Fantasy XIV and Final Fantasy XI, offer hundreds of hours of content, while shorter entries like Final Fantasy XIII can be completed in under 50 hours.
It’s essential to remember that Final Fantasy VII Remake is only the first part of a planned trilogy. Each installment is designed to be a substantial experience on its own. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, the second game, is projected to offer around 100 hours of gameplay for those who want to fully explore its world, so if you are looking for a long lasting experience you can prepare to spend 130+ hours on the two games.
FAQs: Your Burning Questions Answered
1. Is Final Fantasy VII Remake the full game?
No, Final Fantasy VII Remake only covers the Midgar portion of the original game, approximately one-third of the original story. It’s part one of a trilogy, with subsequent installments continuing the narrative.
2. How long will Final Fantasy VII Rebirth be?
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, the second installment in the trilogy, is expected to offer approximately 100 hours of gameplay for players who want to explore the world in detail.
3. How far does Final Fantasy VII Remake go in the story?
Final Fantasy VII Remake ends in chapter 18, concluding the party’s escape from Midgar. This represents the first major act of the original game.
4. Can you still play FF7 Remake after you beat it?
Yes, you can still play Final Fantasy VII Remake after completing the main story. Beating the game unlocks Hard Mode, chapter select, and additional content that enhances replayability.
5. Should I play the FF7 Remake if I haven’t played the original?
Yes, you can enjoy Final Fantasy VII Remake without playing the original, especially if you find old graphics and game play outdated. The game is designed to be accessible to newcomers, with its characters and combat being its biggest draws. However, playing the original first will provide valuable context and appreciation for the Remake’s changes and additions.
6. Which Final Fantasy game is the longest?
Final Fantasy XI is the longest, averaging around 707 hours for completion.
7. Which is the shortest Final Fantasy game?
Final Fantasy XIII is usually the shortest, clocking in at about 48 hours for the main story.
8. Is Final Fantasy VII Remake grindy?
Final Fantasy VII Remake does not require heavy grinding. The game is designed to provide ample opportunities for leveling up naturally through normal encounters and side quests.
9. Is Final Fantasy VII Remake a good remake?
Yes, Final Fantasy VII Remake is widely considered a successful and innovative remake. It expands on the original story, reimagines the combat system, and enhances the world with stunning graphics.
10. Which is better, Final Fantasy VII or the Remake?
This is subjective, and depends on the player. The original has a compelling story, but the remake offers modern graphics, enhanced combat, and expanded character development.
11. Will Zack appear in FF7 Rebirth?
Yes, Zack Fair will appear in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth and might have an entire episode all for himself.
12. Will FF7 Rebirth end with Aerith’s death?
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is confirmed to end at the Forgotten Capital, referencing where Aerith dies in the original game.
13. Will Sephiroth be in FF7 Rebirth?
Yes, Sephiroth will be in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth and will be a significant presence in the story.
14. Why is Final Fantasy 7 Remake so big?
Final Fantasy VII Remake’s large file size (approximately 100GB) is due to the development team’s decision to create unique assets for different areas, rather than reusing assets as in typical game development. This enhances the visual fidelity and detail of the world.
15. Can you keep playing FF7 remake after you beat?
Yes, you can return to all side quests after beating the game. Even though Chapter 15 feels like a point of no return, the post game allows you to return to any chapter.
The Verdict: Length is Relative
Ultimately, whether Final Fantasy VII Remake is a “long” game depends on your gaming preferences and play style. A focused run through the main story provides a satisfying experience, while a completionist approach offers a much more extensive adventure. With its rich world, engaging characters, and compelling narrative, Final Fantasy VII Remake offers something for every type of gamer.
As educators and researchers explore the immersive qualities of games, resources like the Games Learning Society offer valuable insights into how games can enrich learning experiences. Check out GamesLearningSociety.org to explore the intersection of gaming and education.
Finally, remember that Final Fantasy VII Remake is not just a game; it’s a journey. Whether you choose to take a brisk walk or a leisurely stroll, the experience is well worth the investment.