Editorial: The World Doesn't Need A FFVII Remake

Many years ago, well before even I was born, color was on the verge of changing television and movies forever. According to what you will find in the history books, many artists of the time didn't take too kindly to the idea, although it sounds like a perfectly logical and appreciated step forward from our viewpoint. Obviously, there was something in the black-and-white portrayal that may have forced the creators to rely on substance rather than flash. When Orson Welles heard that a certain someone wanted to colorize Welles' classic film, "Citizen Kane," his response was, "Just keep Ted Turner and his damn Crayolas away from my movie."

For the longest time, I was all gung-ho for a Final Fantasy VII remake. You will probably be able to find an editorial where I say it's a great idea, and that I would really love to see a revamped and enhanced version of what I still consider to be the greatest RPG of all time. This new viewpoint came about thanks to "Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children;" after seeing Cloud in that brilliant CGI, I just got the immediate craving for a remake. However, now that I've thought about it more - and now that it seems as if the possibility is non-existent - I think I'm taking the position of Welles in this matter. FFVII is a masterpiece as is, and I really don't think they can make it better with superior technicals. Sure, it'd be more appealing to a new generation of gamers, which is indeed important and exciting, but how would the original fans feel...?

A lot of people I speak to these days are starting to feel the same way. I've even heard some people say, "if I had the choice of playing a FFVII remake, or just popping in the original FFVII again, I'd go with the latter." It seems like an absurd sentiment on the surface but surprisingly, I found myself agreeing. Yes, I'm well aware that nostalgia rules such an idea, but so what? A fair portion of what makes classics "classic" is nostalgia; the mere fact that people who fell in love with it still love it, and will always love it. I'm not saying I don't want to see a remake - that wouldn't be true - but I am saying that it really isn't necessary, and that in my experience, the true fans don't need it. Perhaps Square-Enix wouldn't care about this, and all they want to do is bring the legendary RPG to a whole new audience. But either way, I think it just comes down to this:

If they kept everything exactly the same and merely issued a technical overhaul, which made the game shine as bright as humanly possible, one would have to conclude they made a better game. All things being equal + enhanced graphics and CGI = "better." However, what the fans value is the experience, and a huge part of that experience relies on the game being the same way it was when we first played it and adored it. Wouldn't you agree?

3/20/2009 Ben Dutka

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Comments (61 posts)

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Scarecrow
Friday, March 20, 2009 @ 10:37:28 PM
Reply

Amen!

Personally, I don't even consider FFVII that great.

VIII and X were better

4 up, 6 down

Geobaldi
Saturday, March 21, 2009 @ 12:19:32 AM

FFX yes I agree. FFVIII I couldn't stand and stands as the only one in the series I didn't complete. Though I have started playing them all again from the very beginning so when I make it back to part eight I "might" try to finish it this time.

2 up, 2 down

eLLeJuss
Saturday, March 21, 2009 @ 7:52:31 AM

FFX is the pwnage

0 up, 0 down

Douchebaguette
Saturday, March 21, 2009 @ 10:12:06 PM

Wtf.

Out of all FFs to pick what was better, you picked my worst 2.

0 up, 0 down

King James
Sunday, March 22, 2009 @ 12:42:09 PM

FF8 is my favorite one.

0 up, 0 down

Karosso
Friday, March 20, 2009 @ 10:47:41 PM
Reply

Just finished FFI, will start FF2 now on my PSP...
Will some time get to FFVII as well, I remember playing it on my beloved of all beloveds PS1 and having a blast with it but did not finish it :(
If they make a Graphics overall with no change to music and please no voice overs, I will surely get it for the PS3. If not, EBay here I come :)

0 up, 0 down

Los87
Friday, March 20, 2009 @ 10:58:55 PM
Reply

WHAT!!!!!! NOT GREAT??? R U OK?SERIOUSLY THO..i agree with ben i had ff7 but i lost 1 2 disc i hope it comes to the psn as a ps1 classic! that would b awesome !!!

1 up, 0 down

Geobaldi
Saturday, March 21, 2009 @ 12:29:24 AM

You can buy the individual discs on ebay for around $14 each.

0 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Friday, March 20, 2009 @ 11:10:16 PM
Reply

I have mixed feelings about this because in theory they could make the story even better just by exploring the original holes in the plot further. Or expanding on certain parts that were clearly lacking. It's my favorite too and I wouldn't want it fudged up by the likes of the Enix half of the Frankenstein that Square now is, but I think the original team could take it to a new level.

I'll always play the original PS1 version but a remake could be more than a retool. So if you don't want a remake Ben, how about a direct sequel? A new game that takes place after AC that is just as grand as FFVII was back in the day? Would you say no to that?

Last edited by WorldEndsWithMe on 3/20/2009 11:11:22 PM

1 up, 0 down

xnonsuchx
Friday, March 20, 2009 @ 11:13:26 PM
Reply

You should check out X-Play's "Your Childhood Sucks" flashback about FFVII:

http://g4tv.com/xplay/videos/37041/Your-Childhood-Sucks-Final-Fantasy-VII.html

0 up, 2 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Saturday, March 21, 2009 @ 1:08:08 AM

Wow, this is a huge failure.

1 up, 0 down

xnonsuchx
Sunday, March 22, 2009 @ 12:13:06 AM

<sniff> Someone gave me a down vote just for posting a link...I didn't say I agreed with it or not.

0 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Sunday, March 22, 2009 @ 1:52:10 AM

Wasnt me on the thumbs down, I just looked at it and thought "Wow, what kind of retard evaluates an old game based on todays standards"

0 up, 0 down

Wage SLAVES
Tuesday, March 24, 2009 @ 6:18:51 PM

I was on the fence about Sessler but now I can say for sure he is a Super Douche

0 up, 0 down

piratedrunk
Friday, March 20, 2009 @ 11:14:41 PM
Reply

There is definitely part of me that hopes this is some kind of attempt to throw people off the scent (or hint at?) the new secret PS3 exclusive...?... please?

1 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Saturday, March 21, 2009 @ 12:00:43 AM

or shoot down the hope of people that wanted it to be that.

0 up, 0 down

Riku994
Friday, March 20, 2009 @ 11:19:22 PM
Reply

I think Ben is telling us something about the secret PS3 exclusive Mr. drunk lol. Seems kinda fishy...

1 up, 0 down

LegendaryWolfeh
Friday, March 20, 2009 @ 11:45:38 PM
Reply

But it would help the poor souls who don't have FF7 get FF7 due to the lack of product now-a-days....(i'm one of the pour souls :( )

1 up, 0 down

Geobaldi
Saturday, March 21, 2009 @ 12:28:38 AM

Amazon has it for $53 right now, used of course, and various copies on ebay going around the same. Or higher or lower depending on the condition you want. And there's 244 listings right now so no real shortage at the moment lol.

0 up, 0 down

Akuma07
Saturday, March 21, 2009 @ 3:52:16 AM

would suck for all those retailers who have been selling the original for 3x the cost of a PS3 game.

0 up, 0 down

Fane1024
Saturday, March 21, 2009 @ 2:52:27 PM

I got mine 3-4 years back for $25-30 Canadian, from EB Games, if I remember correctly, so it is possible to find it for less than $53.

Last edited by Fane1024 on 3/21/2009 2:52:48 PM

0 up, 0 down

gumbi
Friday, March 20, 2009 @ 11:57:46 PM
Reply

I don't need a FFVII remake. The original was and is great, lets leave it be. However, a Legend of Dragoon sequel/remake... now THAT would grab my attention, and checkbook :D

I played FFVII once... I'm playing LOD right now, for the 5th time, and enjoying it just as much as the first time. Why oh why did Sony forget about Dart and friends?

2 up, 2 down

Riku994
Saturday, March 21, 2009 @ 8:06:10 AM

I agree with you my friend, LoD is my favorite game of all time and I would also enjoy a remake or actually a prequel.

Last edited by Riku994 on 3/21/2009 8:06:33 AM

0 up, 0 down

Mystearica
Saturday, March 21, 2009 @ 12:24:29 AM
Reply

You know... maybe not a remake but I wish they would re-release the game...

My stupid brother took the game to school and guess what? Someone stole it (that was around 5 years ago)... I really really really hate him for it... especially yesterday when I was listening to an Orchestra version of One Winged Angel... I felt like I really wanted to play the game again to fully understand it ('cause I was REALLY young when I initially played it)... on ebay.............. 40+++ for used copy and that's if you're lucky to actually win 'cause people can't stop bidding

Dunno just blabbering on... but I definitely would like to give that game another chance

2 up, 0 down

sunspider13
Saturday, March 21, 2009 @ 12:24:48 AM
Reply

@Scarecrow
I'm with you...I played VII when I was still a little green with RPGs. I'd had only gotten through about ten of them before I tackled VII (FF VI and Chrono Trigger still have good memories for me as well)...

If a VII remake was in the cards I would be on the fence...I still have nightmares about black chocobos and trying to get Knights of the Round...

@gumbi
Hell yes a Legend of Dragoon remake/sequel would be ncie...

Last edited by sunspider13 on 3/21/2009 12:28:17 AM

0 up, 0 down

fundando
Saturday, March 21, 2009 @ 12:26:45 AM
Reply

Boo for this article. Ignore this man

4 up, 3 down

ceedot
Sunday, March 22, 2009 @ 6:36:50 AM

It's weird how the same people who complained there may not be a remake, are all giving kudos and sucking up bens ass saying that he's right.
I can't stand the PS1 graphics. SE, show the world how good FFVII cause I can't play it without better graphics!

1 up, 0 down

cazzy07
Sunday, March 22, 2009 @ 9:21:10 PM

ff7 is my fav game ever then and now at least as rpgs go.and i agree this article is not doin it 4 me and im sure others feel the same.this is a ploy to see some haters in action boooo.

0 up, 0 down

Geobaldi
Saturday, March 21, 2009 @ 12:31:19 AM
Reply

I'd like to see a remake but I agree one isn't needed. If one is ever made I just hope everything is kept exactly the same as the original, just give it a graphical overhaul.

0 up, 0 down

ps92117
Saturday, March 21, 2009 @ 1:03:08 AM
Reply

I don't know if the world needs it but I want to see the old hovercraft in HD.

0 up, 0 down

slackernz
Saturday, March 21, 2009 @ 2:30:16 AM
Reply

I think a remake of VII would be great for the new gen of gamers that have yet to experience this masterpiece. I would give it a go if this comes to reality but NOTHING will take away the special feeling of playing through the original. (personally)

0 up, 0 down

Ultimadream
Saturday, March 21, 2009 @ 2:54:35 AM
Reply

I've been saying this for probaly over 2 years now. The original FF7 is prefect the way it is. A psp re-release would be fantastic, playing FF7 portable is amazing (Trust me i know ;) ) but if FF7 were remake, it would be so different, would there even be a world map, would it have XIIs dreadful combat system, voice acting...., will they even change things, see these are questions of reality, i would like some of you to join me from your fictional fantasies of a perfect FF7 because it would just be to hard to get it right.

1 up, 1 down

Dridion
Saturday, March 21, 2009 @ 3:13:00 AM
Reply

I'm going to take this as a definite confirmation that the "secret exclusive" for Sony wont be FFVII remake. I mean it's in your opinion that this "secret exclusive" is going to be a system seller and since your not convinced that FFVII would be that great I'm going to assume that the "secret exclusive" is the much awaited KH3. How great would that be. Maybe Enix can redeem itself with this awesome exclusive. So what do you think ben? Am I right.

0 up, 0 down

robinhood2010
Saturday, March 21, 2009 @ 9:56:51 AM
Reply

Of course, no game is necessary. A Final Fantasy VII wouldn't need to be good. Fans of the original would buy it, regardless, and new customers would buy it. It could be the shoddiest game ever, and still sell stellar.

If the game was exactly the same, with just a graphics overhaul, I would be content. But at the same time, I love the old chunky character models...

1 up, 1 down

Jeffrey
Saturday, March 21, 2009 @ 11:20:30 AM
Reply

Can they just do another movie? Advent Children was amazing. That's all I'd need to be happy :D

0 up, 0 down

JackieBoy
Saturday, March 21, 2009 @ 11:23:47 AM
Reply

You must be on drugs Ben.
Please don't say "world doesn't need..." because I'm 'the world' too and I would love to see FFVII remake, although I loved FFVII clasic.
And despite all yer blabbering, I bet you all sceptics would play FFVII remake when it's released...

0 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Saturday, March 21, 2009 @ 1:52:31 PM

I'm the world too!

0 up, 0 down

robinhood2010
Saturday, March 21, 2009 @ 5:32:09 PM

except it ends with you...

2 up, 0 down

LightShow
Saturday, March 21, 2009 @ 1:35:14 PM
Reply

half of me really wants a remake of FFVII so that i can actually play a game that looks like FFVII:AC, but then the other half of me says that FFXIII and Versus actually will. While a remake would be /i nice /i, most of the things that make a remake cool are present in the next installment.

plus, with all the crazy focus on graphics and innovations, its nice to know that I can still pop in a good, old fashioned JRPG like FFVII, even if the game i would actually pop in would most likely be FFIX =P

0 up, 0 down

Alienange
Saturday, March 21, 2009 @ 1:46:52 PM
Reply

A FFVII remake would only be interesting to a niche crowd. SE has proven that they are not interested in niche crowds, they want multiplatform blockbusters. Whether you think a FFVII remake is worth it or not, it ain't coming.

0 up, 0 down

Fane1024
Saturday, March 21, 2009 @ 2:55:18 PM

...because all those other remakes (FFI-FFV, plus Tactics and I'm sure others) haven't sold to anyone.

Niche? Really?

1 up, 0 down

Deadman
Saturday, March 21, 2009 @ 3:31:02 PM
Reply

Never got into any of the FF games tried but they never got my attention, I always loved Parasite Eve and My favorite was Xenogears thats one Id like to see re-released or updated.

Last edited by Deadman on 3/21/2009 3:33:26 PM

0 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Saturday, March 21, 2009 @ 5:39:08 PM

Xenogears on PSN ftw.

1 up, 0 down

Deadman
Saturday, March 21, 2009 @ 6:02:21 PM

Xenogears rocked Im not a RPG fan in the least but I loved that game and I cant afford $60 on ebay for it need it re-released my origional was loaned to someone I felt would love it also but his house got broken into and it was stolen.

0 up, 1 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Sunday, March 22, 2009 @ 1:50:26 AM

That's one devoted fan!

0 up, 0 down

Fatcat3788
Monday, March 23, 2009 @ 4:11:44 AM

Xenogears is a ps1 classic on the Japanese PSN. So there is still hope!

0 up, 0 down

Kain81
Saturday, March 21, 2009 @ 3:59:44 PM
Reply

Iam a Huge FF7 fan and i want a REMAKE so Bad

1 up, 0 down

Ultimadream
Saturday, March 21, 2009 @ 5:05:32 PM
Reply

Parasite Eve III is being made for the PSP :D

I find remakes silly, They always reamke projects that worked, surely if they worked theres no need to reamke them, they should focus on the ones that didnt work out and make them into something worth while.

0 up, 0 down

robinhood2010
Saturday, March 21, 2009 @ 5:33:56 PM

What about Final Fantasy III for the DS? We would never have got to see it otherwise.

And Final Fantasy IV for the DS was pretty solid.

1 up, 0 down

Deadman
Saturday, March 21, 2009 @ 5:58:30 PM

been saying that for years dude with some of these horror remakes they keep doing leave them alone already. Much rather watch origional TCM or Hills rather than those new ones

Last edited by Deadman on 3/21/2009 6:07:15 PM

0 up, 0 down

JackieBoy
Sunday, March 22, 2009 @ 12:35:43 AM

I played Resident Evil Remake and it was perfect experience. Thats why I want FFVII remake...

0 up, 0 down

CH1N00K
Saturday, March 21, 2009 @ 5:42:25 PM
Reply

I've been thinking the same thing, even if they remake the game, It's not going to be the same experience as when I first played FFVII on the PS1, That will be a hard experience to duplicate even with new graphics. I'm still leaning more on doing more FFVII spin-off's, (And not like they did with Vincent...that one sucked) They need to make more huge RPG's but with Sephiroth's story...what made him such a bad ass...who wouldn't want to play that one?

0 up, 0 down

AceTatsujin
Saturday, March 21, 2009 @ 10:17:55 PM
Reply

remake ff vii please. and stop these pointless articles.

1 up, 0 down

Ultimadream
Sunday, March 22, 2009 @ 3:48:54 AM
Reply

.....We already know why Sephiroth was brought to madness.... that was fully explained in FF7.

As for the FFIII remake thats a good use of a remake, it gave us a chance to finally play it. but there was no need for the FFIV remake.

0 up, 0 down

CH1N00K
Sunday, March 22, 2009 @ 9:36:30 AM

I think you missed the point, even though we already knows how he ended up that way, You wouldn't want play a game on Sephiroth? kind of the prequel to FFVII?

0 up, 0 down

Ultimadream
Sunday, March 22, 2009 @ 11:42:38 AM
Reply

not really, because theres no need. And anyway hes the villian, it would ruin his reputation if he were so accessible.

0 up, 0 down

Mystearica
Sunday, March 22, 2009 @ 11:51:46 AM
Reply

@ceedot

I know what you mean... but I definitely could handle PS1 graphics... I did buy Chrono Cross like 4 months ago and played it - I LOVED it! A good game will always be a good game even with crap graphics... but then again if possible good graphics >>>>> bad graphics for the same game anything and I am willing to wait for that too!

0 up, 0 down

Arkhon
Sunday, March 22, 2009 @ 6:37:14 PM
Reply

I personally hate the entire Final Fantasy franchise. To me, they're the most over-rated franchise out there. Just another crappy JRPG to me. I realize everybody else on this site prefers JRPGs to the original Western RPGs, but that's my opinion.

0 up, 2 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Sunday, March 22, 2009 @ 11:14:10 PM

Most people who say what you say haven't played more than 10 minutes of any FF title...

0 up, 0 down

Dealnightfire
Tuesday, March 24, 2009 @ 1:59:50 AM
Reply

knowing Square as of late they would make a FFVII remake and then make it exclusive to the 360 :(

Yeah scorned over Star Ocean :(

I swear if Kingdom Hearts is exclusive or a timed exclusive to the 360 well I will probably just whine about it on message boards :(

0 up, 0 down

piratedrunk
Saturday, March 28, 2009 @ 5:14:02 PM
Reply

It is getting dangerously close to April 1st.. anyone else worried?

0 up, 0 down

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