The Content Overseas Distribution Association (CODA), which represents several major Japanese entertainment companies such as TV studio Toei and game developer Square Enix, recently sent a written request calling on OpenAI to end its unauthorized use of their IP to train its recently launched Sora 2 generative AI.
Nearly 20 co-signers have accused the tech company of copyright infringement, alleging a “large portion” of Sora 2 content “closely resembles Japanese content or images [as] a result of using Japanese content as machine learning data.” The letter mentioned OpenAI’s policy of using copyrighted works unless the owner explicitly asks to opt out, but argues under Japanese law, it should instead be an opt-in system, since permission for copyrighted works is generally required beforehand.
As such, CODA’s made two requests of OpenAI: that its members’ content aren’t used to train Sora 2 unless permission is given, and that OpenAI “responds sincerely to claims and inquiries from CODA member companies regarding copyright infringement related to Sora 2’s outputs.”
In mid-October, the Japanese government requested OpenAI stop infringing on the country’s local anime and video games like One Piece and Demon Slayer. At the time, Minoru Kiuchi, its minister of state for IP and AI strategy, called such works some of the country’s “irreplaceable treasures,” and other politicians have similarly criticized the generation model. Earlier this year, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman talked up being able to create Ghibli-like images via ChatGPT’s then-new update, which was then used by the White House to dehumanize immigrants and highlight President Donald Trump’s ongoing deportation efforts.
At time of writing, OpenAI hasn’t responded to CODA’s request—but in a longer statement, the companies warned they would “take appropriate legal and ethical action against copyright infringement, regardless of whether we use generative AI.”
Final Fantasy Tactics has long been beloved as one of the highest highs of the series, not just for its grand strategical depth but for its sharp and frank political themes, telling a sweeping tale of fantastical kingdoms, conspiracy, the nature of power, the truth in history, and class and political violence in equal measure.
But revisiting the 1997 classic this week for its new remaster, The Ivalice Chronicles, its opening hours reminded me that it’s also really about the simple joy of beaning someone you really, really hate in the face with a stone, even when they’re ostensibly on your own side, as a viable political action.
In the early hours of Final Fantasy Tactics, the Throw Stone ability is a fundamental tool in the game’s strategic combat kit. An early ability earned by one of the two default jobs, the Squire, Throw Stone is exactly what you think it is: a ranged attack where your selected character picks up a rock from the ground and promptly hurls it at whatever is in range. It doesn’t do a lot of damage, but it lets you do something on a unit’s turn, and that’s very important in Tactics.
Character progression in Tactics is built around earning both experience points and “job points,” the former increasing your character’s general level in any given job they use and boosting their stats, and the latter being a currency used to unlock abilities within jobs (the term Tactics uses for different traditional Final Fantasy classes, like Knights, Archers, White and Black Mages, and so on). You earn them every time a character performs an action in Tactics‘ turn-based combat—not when they move around the field of battle, but when they perform a major action, like attacking, casting spells, or using items.
Characters can pick and choose abilities from across jobs to essentially multiclass as they progress through the games’ systems; making sure they’re earning XP and job points efficiently is a key layer to the games’ strategy. You want all your characters in the field participating, not just letting your heavy hitters run in and get all the hits in. So push comes to shove, if they’re a melee unit who can’t get in range, or they’re a primarily buffing or healing-based character, getting the Squire’s Throw Stone is useful early on just so a character can pick up a pebble and lob it at someone. It’s a last resort to keep that efficiency ticking over.
But most importantly, in regard to Final Fantasy Tactics‘ themes of class struggle, Throw Stone can target anyone who’s in range, friend or foe. It’s not a lot of damage, barely double-digits at most. If you want the XP and job points at the most efficient rate, why not have your lowly chemist ding your nearby knight with a stone if no one else is in range. They take a teeny bit of damage, you get your points, and it’s all fine.
There are targets among your allies for this minmaxing temptation that are much better than others early on, however. Well, actually, there’s one in particular: Argath Thadalfus, a guy who sucks so much.
Players meet Argath very early on in Tactics. Main characters Ramza and Delita run into him being accosted by members of the Corpse Brigade, a revolutionary band that serves as an early antagonistic force. In Tactics‘ setting, the kingdom of Ivalice has only recently emerged from a half-century-long war with its eastern neighbor, Ordallia—a war that Ivalice broadly lost in suing for peace, having been financially ruined by decades of conflict. The Corpse Brigade is largely made up of disillusioned members of Ivalice’s peasant classes, brought in to fight the war on behalf of its noble families and then cast aside and left unpaid for their service, with no ways to support their families, already ravaged by the cost of the war.
Tactics makes it clear very early on that Ramza and Delita—the former the young scion of House Belouve, the latter his commoner friend—begin to realize that their life as training warriors-to-be is not necessarily on the right side of history as they’re drawn in to help put a final end to the Corpse Brigade. But Argath, who joins your retinue after being rescued, unabashedly and gleefully thinks otherwise: although his own noble family was disgraced in the war, Argath prides himself on his place above other people at every opportunity. He is arrogant and simpering in equal measure and deeply cruel—relishing in fighting alongside Ramza and Delita as they hunt down people he sees as little more than chattel.
Tactics knows this dude is a real piece of work every step of the way, and that’s part of what makes its opening so compelling, as you, the player, slowly come to realize alongside Ramza and Delita that you’re pawns in a much larger game, and the rot in Ivalice’s class structure runs deep. But it also means an interesting intersection of Tactics‘ mechanical and narrative design becomes clear. You have Throw Stone to maximize your leveling up. You have a guy in your party who is a snobby piece of shit that no one really likes. Throw Stone needs a target, and you’re not always going to have enemies in range to use it.
Throw rocks at Argath. Repeatedly. Every turn, if you can. You can always occasionally chuck a potion at him if you get so zealous in your class consciousness that you almost stone him to death, but that just means you can repeat the cycle. Do it because it feels good.
And really, it does feel like an act of class solidarity. Ramza may be a noble, but eventually even he realizes that Argath’s complete disdain for those less well-off than he is abominable. Delita, a commoner himself, is already at odds with Argath, and part of the reason why Argath ultimately splits from your group is when the jerk callously mocks Delita’s sister after she’s believed to be a noble and taken hostage by the Brigade. The rest of your retinue is made up of randomized characters this early on in the game, so you can tell whatever story in your head about them—and with Throw Stone being a low-level Squire ability, it’s easily acquirable by every character you recruit by default, so it really can be a point of commonality for everyone regardless of background or whatever you go on to train them as.
Everyone in Tactics‘ opening can be unified in hating Argath so much that they all want to pelt him with rocks as much as they want to get through a combat encounter alive, to put the high and mighty snob in his place stone by stone. After all, when we all throw rocks at a guy who sucks together, we all rise together.
For many RPG fans, Final Fantasy Tactics is not just a game – it’s the game.
The game’s an undisputed crown jewel. A legendary game that stands tall as one of the most revered in the RPG genre. It’s regularly featured in top 100 lists in publications like Famitsu, EGM, and IGN, GameSpot, and it’s one of the most frequently requested games by Square Enix fans on social media. It is, in other words, a Very Good Game.
Now it’s coming back as Final Fantasy Tactics – The Ivalice Chronicles, launching September 30, 2025, for Xbox Series X|S. This version enhances the already superb original with a host of improvements, including full voice acting, a new user interface, and loads of quality-of-life additions.
For some of you, this will be the first time you’ve been introduced to this tactical masterpiece. For others who played the original, you’re probably desperate to know: what’s new? Don’t worry, we can answer both of you. Simply skip to the relevant section to find the answers you seek!
I’m a new player! What’s Final Fantasy Tactics?
Let’s start with the basics. This is a tactical RPG set in the kingdom of Ivalice. It is a time of great political turmoil — the death the king triggers a succession crisis that seems destined to drag the land into war.
It’s a standalone story that focuses on two childhood friends who find themselves pulled into the conflict: Ramza, third son of House Beoulve, and Delita, a commoner raised among nobles. As they try to chart their course through this turbulent age, they’re dragged closer to the abyss.
As you follow their story, you’ll command them and their forces in exciting turn-based tactical battles. These are satisfyingly strategic clashes where you’ll issue orders to multiple units, taking advantage of the terrain and their abilities to outwit the enemy and claim victory.
Each new battle tests your tactical skills in new and exciting ways, especially when combined with the phenomenally flexible character customization. Your units can be assigned jobs – roles that determine their roles and abilities in combat.
For example, they can cast devastating elemental spells as a black mage, get up close and personal as a knight, bring help onto the field as a summoner, jump into action as an agile dragoon and many more.
There are more than 20 jobs to discover in the game, you can even equip abilities from one job while using another! It makes for all kinds of tactical possibilities and there’s a lot of fun to be had exploring the different setups and strategies available.
What’s so good about Final Fantasy Tactics?
So that’s a basic overview, but you may be wondering: why is this game so acclaimed and beloved? Let us break it down for you as simply as possible:
It has one of the best stories in gaming – The game tells a mature tale where characters are painted in shades of grey rather than black and white. It’s a rich tapestry of political machinations, sinister plots and treacherous backstabbery, with a powerful emotional center. This game will make you feel things. Plus, there are plenty of exciting battles too, of course!
Tip: Some of your most powerful combatants will be recruits that join your party as you progress through the story.
The battles are super strategic and satisfying – Taking to the field of battle is always a thrill, thanks to challenging combat that forces you to think carefully about every move. With so many different scenarios in the game, it’s always giving you something new to think about. It adds up to an endlessly compelling gameplay loop where you always feel that urge for just one more battle.
Tip: Changing formations can impact battles. Don’t be afraid to experiment and change up your starting formation to get early leverage in battle.
The job system is one of the best in the series – The Final Fantasy series is famed for its job system, and Final Fantasy Tacticsis one of its most impressive examples. The sheer number of options you have in how you customize your troops is remarkable – yet it never feels confusing or overwhelming. Basically, it’s easy to understand, and yet incredibly deep – a killer combo.
Tip: Leveling up a variety of jobs is essential for unlocking the more advanced jobs, and you’ll need to pull abilities from multiple jobs when forming a strategy for taking on certain bosses.
That’s barely scraping the surface, of course. We could talk about the memorable characters or brilliant soundtrack, for example, but we think you get the point.
As we said earlier, it is a Very Good Game.
I’ve played Final Fantasy Tactics before. What’s new in The Ivalice Chronicles?
So, what if you played Final Fantasy Tactics before? You’ll be excited to discover that Final Fantasy Tactics – The Ivalice Chronicles adds a host of enhancements to make this Very Good Game even better.
Here’s what you can expect:
* A brand-new user interface – The game’s UI has been completely overhauled to make the game more approachable. The tactical depth hasn’t changed – but it’s quicker and more intuitive to command and customize your units.
* Updated visuals – The 3D battlegrounds and detailed pixel art of Final Fantasy Tacticshave been reworked for The Ivalice Chronicles. The team has taken great care to capture the same charming visuals of the original game – but now they look great on modern displays.
* Full voice acting – The full story is now fully voiced in English and Japanese by a talented cast of actors. The original Final Fantasy Tacticswas a text-only affair, so these new performances make its powerful story hit even harder than before.
* Tactical View – This new feature gives you a birds-eye view of the battlefield, making it easier to get the lay of the land and develop strategies.
* Battle speed – You can now speed up battles to make them go faster. It’s great for when you have an easy encounter, or you want to play around with different strategies and party setups.
* New difficulty levels – Do you want to full tactical challenge, or are you just in it for the story? New difficulty levels let you adjust the game to your playstyle!
* Classic version – What if you want to experience the game with the same feel as the original release? A classic version of the game is included – this reflects the original 1997 experience, but with some modern conveniences, such as the acclaimed script from Final Fantasy Tactics: War of the Lions and autosave.
As you can see, there’s a lot to be excited about with Final Fantasy Tactics – The Ivalice Chronicles – whether you’re about to step into the tactical trenches for the first time, or a returning Final Fantasy fan.
You’ll get to experience it for yourselves from September 30, 2025, when the game releases for Xbox Series X|S. It’s available to preorder now.
FINAL FANTASY TACTICS – The Ivalice Chronicles Deluxe Edition
SQUARE ENIX
☆☆☆☆☆
★★★★★
$59.99
Ivalice—a kingdom blessed by the light of the gods and ruled by the Two-headed Lion. A year after her defeat to Ordallia in the Fifty Years’ War, the king succumbed to malady, leaving a mere boy of two to ascend the throne.
Whoever was named regent would rule in truth, and thus emerged two rival candidates: dukes Goltanna and Larg, whose deeds during the war had earned them great renown. Goltanna the Black Lion and Larg the White Lion were destined to clash, and the resulting conflict would come to be known as the War of the Lions.
– Product Description
The Deluxe Edition includes the following bonuses:
・ Weapon: Akademy Blade (Raises a unit’s speed attribute slightly while equipped)
・ Headwear: Akademy Beret (Prevents the Charmed status while equipped)
・ Combat Garb: Akademy Tunic (Grants Shell while equipped)
・ Accessory: Ring of Aptitude (Boosts JP earned while equipped)
・ Consumable Items: Phoenix Down x10
・ Black Equipment for Ramza
・ Red Equipment for Ramza
*An internet connection is required to receive the bonuses.
*Bonuses can be obtained from the Options section of the main menu once it becomes available after starting a new game.
*Ramza’s alternate equipment colors can be applied from his status screen under the Units section of the main menu.
*Certain bonuses can also be obtained by playing through the game.
*Bonuses may be distributed to players or made available for purchase at a later date.
—
Pre-order Bonuses
By pre-ordering FINAL FANTASY TACTICS – The Ivalice Chronicles, you will receive the following bonuses:
・ White Equipment for Ramza
・ Weapon: Mythril Knife
・ Accessory: Spiked Boots (Increase a unit’s Jump attribute while equipped)
・ Consumable Items: High Potion x10
・ Consumable items: Ether x10
*These bonuses can be obtained by pre-ordering the game, and will not be included with purchases made on or after the game’s release date.
*An internet connection is required to receive the bonuses.
*Bonuses can be obtained from the Options section of the main menu once it becomes available after starting a new game.
*Ramza’s alternate equipment colors can be applied from his status screen under the Units section of the main menu.
*Certain bonuses can also be obtained by playing through the game.
*Bonuses may be distributed to players or made available for purchase at a later date.
FINAL FANTASY TACTICS – The Ivalice Chronicles
SQUARE ENIX
☆☆☆☆☆
★★★★★
$49.99
– Story
Ivalice—a kingdom blessed by the light of the gods and ruled by the Two-headed Lion. A year after her defeat to Ordallia in the Fifty Years’ War, the king succumbed to malady, leaving a mere boy of two to ascend the throne.
Whoever was named regent would rule in truth, and thus emerged two rival candidates: dukes Goltanna and Larg, whose deeds during the war had earned them great renown. Goltanna the Black Lion and Larg the White Lion were destined to clash, and the resulting conflict would come to be known as the War of the Lions.
Against this backdrop appear Ramza, third son of House Beoulve, one of Ivalice’s leading military families, and his childhood companion Delita, a commoner raised amongst nobles. As they endeavor to chart a course through this tumultuous age, a mighty current draws them ever closer to the abyss.
– Combat
Lead your party in exhilarating encounters where strategic positioning and forward planning determine the outcome. Use the varied terrain of 3D battlefields to your advantage, skillfully manipulate the turn order, and victory will be yours for the taking.
– Character Growth and Customization
Combine a wide variety of jobs and abilities to craft your very own strategies.
As your party members grow, they will gain access to more jobs, each with its own unique abilities. Once learned, abilities can be used even after changing to another job. With over 20 jobs to master—including white mage, black mage, dragoon, and many others from the FINAL FANTASY series—and hundreds of abilities to learn, you have the freedom to experiment and discover the combinations that best suit your party. Chocobos and other creatures can also be tamed and led into battle.
– Two Versions: Enhanced and Classic
With improved graphics, fully voiced dialogue, and refined gameplay, the enhanced version provides the perfect way to immerse yourself in the world of Ivalice. Along with the fine-tuning of several features and battle mechanics, the inclusion of the more accessible “Squire” difficulty setting makes the enhanced version an excellent starting point for first-time players.
The classic version unites the graphics and gameplay of the original 1997 version with the renowned War of the Lions translation for a unique way to experience this beloved title.
—
Pre-order Bonuses
By pre-ordering FINAL FANTASY TACTICS – The Ivalice Chronicles, you will receive the following bonuses:
・ White Equipment for Ramza
・ Weapon: Mythril Knife
・ Accessory: Spiked Boots (Increase a unit’s Jump attribute while equipped)
・ Consumable Items: High Potion x10
・ Consumable items: Ether x10
*These bonuses can be obtained by pre-ordering the game, and will not be included with purchases made on or after the game’s release date.
*An internet connection is required to receive the bonuses.
*Bonuses can be obtained from the Options section of the main menu once it becomes available after starting a new game.
*Ramza’s alternate equipment colors can be applied from his status screen under the Units section of the main menu.
*Certain bonuses can also be obtained by playing through the game.
*Bonuses may be distributed to players or made available for purchase at a later date.
The critically acclaimed RPG is coming January 22, 2026 to Xbox Series X|S and Xbox PC via the Microsoft Store.
Experience the story that changed gaming forever in a bold new way.
Step into Midgar – one of the most immersive and iconic videogame settings of all time.
Final Fantasy Remake Intergrade is coming to Xbox on January 22, 2026!
For many fans this is amazing news, but we realise there will be many players who have never experienced the world of Final Fantasy VII before. You’ve probably heard of the game, but you may be wondering: why is this such a big deal?
We will explain, but before we can talk about Final Fantasy Remake, we must discuss the legendary game that came before.
What is Final Fantasy VII?
1997 saw the release of a very special game: Final Fantasy VII. This RPG wasn’t just a critical and commercial hit – it was a literal gamechanger. Many credit it with popularizing the Japanese RPG across the West, especially since it was the first mainline Final Fantasy game to release outside of Japan or North America. For many players it was the first JRPG they ever played.
And what a place to start! Final Fantasy VII still stands as one of the greatest games in the genre. It had it all – an amazing story, brilliant command-based combat, incredible production values, unforgettable soundtrack and some of the most iconic characters in gaming. Even people who have never played the game will recognize the likes of Cloud and Sephiroth.
Final Fantasy VII Remake is the first game in a trilogy of full-length RPGs that reimagine this beloved game at a scale rarely seen in gaming. It offers an even deeper story, more insight into the characters and setting, new scenarios not featured in the original game, a fast-paced, modern combat system, an incredible soundtrack, and far more beyond.
If you’ve never experienced Final Fantasy VII before, it’s an amazing way to experience the story and characters that changed gaming forever. If you did play Final Fantasy VII the first time round, you’ll get to experience the world and its characters in a brand-new way.
Director Naoki Hamaguchi explains it best: “Our goal with Final Fantasy VII Remake was to capture everything that made the original game so special, but bring it up to date with the latest technology so that new players could be just as excited as players of the original game were when that released.
“For new players, this is where the story of Final Fantasy VII begins. If you’ve seen characters such as Cloud or Sephiroth in other games, and wondered where their story started, this is the game.”
The Story That Changed Gaming Forever
But what’s so memorable about that story? Well, here’s the basic setup.
The game takes place in Midgar – an industrial city controlled by the Shinra Electric Power Company. This immoral organisation uses massive reactors to suck mako from the planet – a substance used as a power source to give people comfortable lives, power the company’s weapons of war and more.
But mako is also the lifeblood of the planet, and the more Shinra uses, the more it harms the world.
The story begins when mercenary Cloud Strife joins the Shinra resistance group Avalanche on a mission to sabotage one of these planet-harming reactors. This dangerous mission sets off a chain of events that will change him and the city forever – and put him face to face with an enemy long thought dead: the sinister Sephiroth.
It’s a thrilling adventure, full of surprises that we don’t want to ruin here. But what really makes it stand out are the characters. The main cast of Cloud, Barret, Tifa and Aerith are some of the most beloved in gaming, and Final Fantasy VII Remake goes deeper into their personalities than ever before.
Even side characters get richer, more layered personalities – by the end of the game you’ll think of them as friends.
An Iconic Setting
Then there’s Midgar – the game’s iconic setting. It’s a cliché to say the city is like a character in its own right but… well, Midgar is like a character in its own right.
…what? Sometimes clichés can be right.
Known as the ‘City of Mako’, it’s a vast circular metropolis comprised of a top plate where the more well-to-do residents and Shinra employees live, and slums beneath which are… less pleasant.
Because of the top plate covering the sky, the people in the slums are forced to rely on artificial suns for light. Combined with the lifeless earth caused by the mako-sucking reactors, and mutated fiends that roam the wastelands between sectors, it’s a hard life for many who live there, but there’s life and community too.
It was an instantly memorable setting for the original game’s opening act, but Final Fantasy VII Remake brings Midgar to life like never before. With a full-length adventure set in this city, you get to really explore each area, get to know its people, and discover whole new parts of the city that weren’t in the original adventure.
Hamaguchi says that it was important that this city didn’t just look good – it also felt like a believable place: “At the start of development, the game designers and scenario writers created documents that detailed the setting and the world, including the economic status of the different regions.
This information was invaluable in helping us define which elements of the environment could be shared across areas, and which should be region-specific – right down to the ratio of text on the posters and the look and feel of the inhabitants in those areas!”
21st Century Combat
As you explore the city, you’ll encounter numerous threats – from snarling fiends to Shinra’s ample army of troopers and war machines.
Ironically, this is a good thing because it means there’s plenty of opportunities to battle – and Final Fantasy VII Remake has one of the best combat systems out there. It’s a hybrid system that combines elements of the original game with fast-paced action gameplay.
Here’s how it works: you attack, block and dodge in real time and as you do so, you’ll fill your ‘ATB’ gauge. Once it’s full, you can press a button to slow down the action and select a command for your fighter or their allies to carry out. Alternatively, you can set moves to shortcuts to unleash them without slowing down the action. It makes for fast-paced, exciting battles where skill and strategic thinking are both rewarded.
“We intentionally designed the game to be welcoming to all types of players – if you’re a fan of action games, or prefer something more tactical, there are different control modes that allow the game to be played to your preference,” Hamaguchi adds.
There are four playable characters (five including the extra episode’, and you can switch between party members instantly. Each one has their own very distinct playstyle, from Cloud’s quick and stylish swordplay, Tifa’s powerful single-target martial arts, Aerith’s magical might and Barret’s powerful ranged attacks.
Then there’s FF7R EPISODE INTERmission – a two-chapter tale that takes place concurrently with the main story. It focuses on ninja Yuffie Kisaragi – an excitingly agile fighter who offers another playstyle to dig into!
As you can hopefully see, Final Fantasy VII Remake is more than just a simple revisitation of a landmark game. It’s a boldly ambitious, incredibly high-quality and – most importantly – wildly entertaining adventure that’s a perfect introduction to this incredible world. We can’t wait for new players to discover it for themselves on Xbox – and take their first steps on an unforgettable journey.
Final Fantasy VII RemakeIntergrade launches January 22, 2026 for Xbox Series X|S and PC via the Microsoft Store. Thanks to Xbox Play Anywhere, you can play the game across console, PC, even the new ROG Xbox Ally, picking up where you left off each time.
FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE
SQUARE ENIX
☆☆☆☆☆ 8
★★★★★
*Please note that FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE Digital Deluxe Edition contains certain items not available in this bundle.
The award-winning FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE* retells the original story up to the escape from Midgar, with breathtaking visuals, fast-paced gameplay, and additional story elements.
This RPG delivers unforgettable characters, a powerful narrative, and a hybrid battle system that blends real-time action with strategic, command-based combat.
It also includes FF7R EPISODE INTERmission, a side story starring Yuffie Kisaragi that offers a fresh perspective running in parallel to Cloud’s journey.
■ STORY
Mako, the lifeblood of the planet, is also a highly valuable energy source.
The Shinra Electric Power Company exploits this essence, draining and refining it to fuel their reactors, and in doing so, has all but seized control of the world.
But resistance rises. A ragtag group of idealists, known as Avalanche, is determined to protect the planet.
In the city of Midgar, Cloud Strife, ex-SOLDIER turned mercenary, joins Avalanche on their mission to blow up Reactor 1.
As the echo of the blast ripples through Sector 8, the city is set ablaze. In the flames, a fallen nemesis from Cloud’s past appears, challenging his memories and his identity.
Once more begins a story that will shape the destiny of the entire world.
*This game is a partial remake of FINAL FANTASY VII, first released in 1997. It is the first title in a multi-part series based on the original game. It reimagines the Midgar portion of the story with expanded scenes, new characters, and additional narrative layers.
■ FF7R EPISODE INTERmission
Play as Yuffie Kisaragi, a young ninja from Wutai, as she infiltrates Midgar on a mission to steal the ultimate materia from the Shinra Electric Power Company.
STUNNING VISUALS
Explore Midgar like never before with stunning visuals and richly detailed environments that bring the city’s layered, industrial districts to life, all while staying true to the spirit of the original game.
DYNAMIC COMBAT WITH STRATEGIC DEPTH
The innovative battle system combines strategic command-based gameplay with fast-paced action. Seamlessly switch between characters, harness the power of materia, summon iconic creatures, and unleash devastating limit breaks.
ICONIC CHARACTERS, UNFORGETTABLE STORY
Follow Cloud Strife, an ex-SOLDIER turned mercenary, as he joins Avalanche to take on the Shinra Electric Power Company. Cloud and his allies Barret, Tifa, and Aerith are pulled into a battle that will decide the fate of the planet.
EXPANDED CONTENT
FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE offers quests, mini-games, and missions set in expanded areas of Midgar. Encounter new characters and experience exciting content that adds even more depth to the story.
ICONIC SOUNDTRACK
The epic soundtrack has been fully remastered, with re-arranged and orchestrated tracks that dynamically respond to the action, offering an immersive, emotionally charged musical experience.
■ Content included in this product
FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE contains the following content:
– FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE full game
– FF7R EPISODE INTERmission (Episode featuring Yuffie Kisaragi)
– Weapon: Cacstar
– Armor: Midgar Bangle
– Armor: Shinra Bangle
– Armor: Corneo Armlet
– Accessory: Superstar Belt
– Accessory: Mako Crystal
– Accessory: Seraphic Earrings
– Summoning materia: Carbuncle
– Summoning materia: Chocobo Chick
– Summoning materia: Cactuar
*The additional weapons, armor, accessories and summoning materia can be obtained from the Gift Box accessible via the main menu.
*The weapon “Cacstar” can only be used in FF7R EPISODE INTERmission (Yuffie episode)
Prime Video is picking up one video game after another to bring to television, and Life Is Strange is the latest game joining those ranks.
Technically, Legendary Digital Studios and publisher Square Enix announced their plans to adapt a show in 2016, with Shawn Mendes later attached as a producer and potentially coming to Hulu. Rights for the adventure game series have pivoted to Prime Video, who’ve enlisted Charlie Covell, who wrote Netflix’s The End of the F***ing World and Kaos, as showrunner and executive producer.
Developed by DontNod and Deck Nine, Life Is Strange is a series of adventure games about young adults who discover they have different superpowers. The original game released in 2015 and focused on Max, who used her power of rewinding time to investigate the death of her friend Rachel.
While 2024’s Double Exposure returned to Max, other entries have focuse on telekinetic Daniel Diaz and empath Alex Chen. Most games in the series have been episodic; all have branching narratives that let players make different choices involving the central and supporting cast that lead to different scenarios and endings.
Here’s the awkward part, though: according to Christian Devine, who co-wrote the first two Life Is Strange games and the Captain Spirit spinoff, the show wouldn’t involve the game’s creators. DontNod left the series after Spirit and Strange 2 in 2018, leaving Deck Nine in charge going forward, which has had its own separate controversies. It’s a rare moment in this recent video game adaptation boom where a developer’s explicitly called out their lack of involvement here—Fallout famously has Bethesda figurehead Todd Howard as EP, and the same’s true of BioWare producer Mike Gamble for the upcoming Mass Effect series.
We’ll learn more about this Life Is Strange show, including if it’ll adapt a specific entry, as it develops.
With Hollywood video game adaptations surging, it was only a matter of time before Life is Strange got the treatment. After all, even platformer and sandbox game adaptations have (shockingly) found success in this new era. A well-written adventure game seems like a much shorter leap. Amazon announced on Friday that Prime Video has ordered a series based on the 2015 game.
Like Don’t Nod’s classic, the series will blend angsty teenage realism with supernatural elements and moral choices. And Amazon’s teaser synopsis points to a familiar storyline. “The story follows Max, a photography student, who discovers she can rewind time while saving the life of her childhood best friend, Chloe,” the announcement reads. “As she struggles to understand this new skill, the pair investigate the mysterious disappearance of a fellow student, uncovering a dark side to their town that will ultimately force them to make an impossible life-or-death choice that will impact them forever.”
British writer and actor Charlie Covell (End of the F***ing World, KAOS) will chart the series’ creative course. They’ll serve as creator, executive producer and showrunner. Story Kitchen’s Dmitri M. Johnson, Mike Goldberg and Timothy I. Stevenson will executive produce the show. Square Enix and LuckyChap are all part of the project, too. Amazon MGM Studios will produce it.
Series showrunner Charlie Covell
(Charlie Covell / Amazon)
Covell wants the series to appeal to both newcomers and fans of the games. “It’s a huge honor to be adapting Life Is Strange for Amazon MGM Studios,” they said in Amazon’s press release. “I am a massive fan of the game, and I’m thrilled to be working with the incredible teams at Square Enix, Story Kitchen and LuckyChap. I can’t wait to share Max and Chloe’s story with fellow players and new audiences alike.”
Meanwhile, back in the gaming world, Square Enix is still churning out Life is Strange titles. In 2024, Max returned in Double Exposure, the first direct sequel to the original game’s story. Don’t Nod spun out its own spiritual sequel to the series, Lost Records: Bloom & Rage, earlier this year.
Final Fantasy 14 came out over a decade ago and has been running on PlayStation 4 since soon after it launched. Sony’s last-gen hardware won’t be able to support Square Enix’s MMORPG forever, though, and director Naoki “Yoshi-P” Yoshida recently explained why.
“My basic stance is that I do want to continue supporting hardware which has grown old,” he said in an interview with Feed4Gamers (via TweakTown). “But I do have one concern, and that’s regarding the OS of the PlayStation 4, and this is regarding the hardware regulations which were made by Sony. These regulations are related to the limit of the data, and because there’s that limit of the data, well, we are continually incorporating updates for Final Fantasy 14 and we are now approaching that limit.”
He continued:
And so for this limit that’s in place, we have been asking Sony Interactive Entertainment from our side to increase that just for Final Fantasy 14, and they have kindly been doing that so far. But they’ve told us now that they are also reaching their limits. So I will repeat myself: I do want to provide support for platforms as long as possible. However, there will eventually come a time when the hardware is at its limits in terms of its technology, and at that point in time we would have to provide an end to the service on that hardware. But I will be sure to provide clear reasoning for that decision when I communicate it to the players.
According to Yoshida, Sony’s already been making exceptions to its standard developer rules in order to accommodate new content for FF14. The game has received several major updates since last year’s Dawntrail expansion, including this month’s patch 7.3, The Promise of Tomorrow. It’s unclear just how much wiggle room is still left for further upgrades and content drops.
When is Final Fantasy 14‘s next expansion coming?
Square Enix has been cagey on the timing of its next expansion, with speculation from some fans that it could arrive as late as spring 2027. Yoshida teased that there will at least be an update on the date for FF14 Fan Fest 2026 on the 10-year anniversary of A Realm Reborn this week.
Other big multiplayer games like PUBGand Genshin Impact are both dropping support for last-gen consoles in the coming months. While Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 is still coming to PS4 and Xbox One this fall, other big annual franchises like MLB: The Show and Madden NFL have all ditched the aging hardware. Considering we’re nearly five years into the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S lifecycles, the only surprising thing is that these moves didn’t come sooner.
Originally released on the PS3 in 2013, FF14 left that console behind at the time of the Stormblood expansion in 2017, a departure for which Square Enix provided eight months of notice. My guess is that update 8.0, whenever it arrives, might similarly mark the end of the MMORPG’s journey on PS4. And by that point, PS6 will probably be just around the corner.
Square Enix’s multiplayer shooter Foamstars is moving to a free-to-play model. The four-player team multiplayer melee officially turned into a free game today on Sony’s PlayStation 4 and 5 meaning you also won’t need a PlayStation Plus subscription to play it, according to a posting on .
If you purchased the game before Square Enix’s price change, the studio will send you a free “Legacy Gift” that includes 12 exclusive color-variant Bubble Beastie skins, an exclusive Slide Board design and a “Legacy” title. You’ll need to keep an eye on and to find out how to obtain your free “Legacy Gift.”
released earlier this year on Sony’s past and current gen consoles as a third-person multiplayer battle game. It’s basically a mix of the homebase building mechanic of Fortnite and Nintendo’s family friendly multiplayer shooter melee Splatoon. Teams use mounds of foam to build terrain for their shooters to traverse at high speeds or build higher vantage points to attack their enemies. You shouldn’t learn anymore about the game’s backstory and or at least not while you’re eating. Trust us on this one.
There were several points during my playthrough of Visions of Mana where it was frustratingly close to being an amazing game.
For brief moments, every part of it would click into place in a way that allowed me to see exactly what Square Enix and Ouka Studios wanted to convey. Its gameplay and narrative finally clicked into place, and its visuals and aesthetic helped it to feel like a grand return for the Mana series.
Unfortunately, these moments would only last so long. The rest of the time, the game only managed to capture a fraction of this magic, with its flaws holding it back from being anything more than a moderately enjoyable action JRPG romp.
Image Credit: Square Enix and Ouka Studios
Key among these flaws is the story. Visions of Mana follows Val, a Soul Guard tasked with guiding the Alms chosen by the Fairy to the Mana Tree. Once there, these Alms must use their affinity with the elements to refuel the Elementals who keep the different settlements spread across the world safe from ruin, sacrificing their souls in the process.
Though Val initially aims to carry out his duty to the letter, it isn’t long before he and the Alms begin to question whether or not this system is really their only option for protecting the world. What starts as a journey of self-sacrifice slowly turns into one of fighting against fate, and it becomes their mission to work towards a better future for themselves and everyone who will follow in their footsteps.
It’s a novel premise even among JRPGs, and I’d be lying if I said the game doesn’t manage to make good use of it at key points in its runtime. Outside of these moments though, it can be frustratingly shallow in its storytelling at best and downright contradictory at worst.
Characters’ motivations and views frequently flip-flop, leaving their beliefs and end goals unclear and messy. One moment, they’re made to feel as human as possible and terrified to confront the fate forced upon them; the next, they’re chastising another character for having these feelings, dead-set on and euphoric about the honor of their impending doom like a Cat determined to be a Jellicle.
This is remedied somewhat by some side quests late in the game which paint a clearer picture of how the characters feel, but it doesn’t change the fact that most of the story feels confusing and cumbersome. And given the fact that it’s a story-driven JRPG, it’s next to impossible to ignore this shortcoming over the course of its 30-hour runtime.
Image Credit: Square Enix and Ouka Studios
Thankfully, the gameplay of Visions of Mana is far more consistent in its quality and props up the experience admirably.
Between story segments, players can explore the world as any of the game’s five party members via segmented areas filled to the brim with collectibles. These range from simple items in treasure chests to combat puzzles which provide you with rare abilities, so it never feels like a waste of time to poke around every corner of each new map you gain access to.
You can also take part in the game’s combat. Similar to the Trials of Mana remake, it opts for a seamless action approach complete with a limited pool of basic combos and attack types to choose from. These can be augmented with special abilities, spells, and the use of Elemental Vessels, which each provide fun twists on how you can do away with enemies in spectacular fashion.
Said abilities can be further enhanced via the Elemental Plot, which provides a straight forward means of unlocking new skills for the eight different classes available to each character. Said skills can be mixed and matched together once they’re unlocked too, so there’s an impressive amount of depth in how you can build their characters to your specific playstyles.
It’s some of the most fun I’ve had with a JRPG combat system in a while. I spent hours experimenting with the characters’ different classes, mixing and matching abilities and skills until I found builds that could absolutely melt everything and anything I came across.
About the only flaw is that the game can be finicky about registering when you use spells and items from a quick select menu. This never ruined my entire experience, but it could be frustrating when I was on the verge of winning a tough battle only for the game not to register that I was using an item to heal myself.
Image Credit: Square Enix and Ouka Studios
Rounding out the experience are the visual and audio presentation aspects of Visions of Mana. Visually, the game is distinct thanks to its more cartoon-y and whimsical aesthetic. Characters look like action figures brought to life, and they sprint through a world bursting with color and filled with creatures out of a child’s storybook. Though this can make more dramatic moments harder to take seriously, it helps the rest of the game come off as one-of-a-kind and enjoyable in a way distinct in the Mana series.
The audio, meanwhile, is more of a mixed bag. While the voice acting and sound effects are done well enough to feel adequate, the soundtrack can be inconsistent. Some tracks are memorable and add to the ambience perfectly, while others feel generic and grate on you after only a few minutes of wandering through an area.
The end result is a presentation that does its job well enough, and manages to help keep you immersed in the wider experience with minimal headaches; albeit at the cost of never reaching for something more memorable.
There’s a great game hidden somewhere in Visions of Mana. It’s a blast to play so long as you focus on the gameplay, and its more cartoonish aesthetic helps it stand out from the pack of more realistically rendered JRPG fare. It’s just a shame the story is handled as poorly as it is, and that so much of the game is dedicated to its narrative by virtue of it being a story-driven JRPG. Consider checking it out if you care more about gameplay, but give it some thought if the narrative is paramount to you.
Visions of Mana
There’s a great game hidden somewhere in Visions of Mana. It’s a blast to play so long as you focus on the gameplay, and its more cartoonish aesthetic helps it stand out from the pack of more realistically rendered JRPG fare. It’s just a shame the story is handled as poorly as it is, and that so much of the game is dedicated to its narrative by virtue of it being a story-driven JRPG.
Pros
Great combat
World feels worth exploring
Visuals that stand out from the crowd
Cons
Story and narrative are inconsistent and poorly written
Occasional input glitches during combat
Soundtrack can get repetitive fast
A copy of this game was provided by the publisher for review. Reviewed on PS5.
Twinfinite is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy
Cat Quest III departs from the first two games of this light-hearted action-adventure series in a variety of ways, especially with its pirate-themed naval combat. Still, it also retains a lot of familiar gameplay mechanics and concepts that ensure if you played the previous games, you’ll feel right at home. Whether you’re a returning player well-versed in Cat Quest’s history, or you’re brand new to the franchise, we’ve compiled a solid list of tips to help you get started in this feline-focused adventure. – Billy Givens Read More
Elden Ring’s first and only expansion, Shadow of the Erdtree, features an exciting new storyline with dozens of hours of gameplay to experience—but accessing it isn’t a walk in the park, and data suggests that there are crucial steps many players haven’t yet taken. If you want to see what the challenging new DLC has to offer, you’ll have to find your way to a well-hidden section of the main game and defeat multiple optional bosses, including one of the toughest in the game: Mohg, Lord of Blood. – Billy Givens Read More
has largely kept its lips sealed about the Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D remake since announcing it three years ago, but the publisher has now revealed which platforms it’s coming to. When it eventually arrives, you’ll be able to play it on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC (via Steam).
Since Square Enix started using its distinctive HD-2D tech with , the company has put it to use in a string of titles, including , , the and ‘s opera scene. Based on the , the HD-2D engine is set to give Dragon Quest 3 a serious visual upgrade, nearly three decades after the original game arrived in 1988.
The new version may not be too far away either. The teaser suggested that the Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D remake “draws near,” several months after series creator Yuji Horii said he was . With Summer Game Fest and all its associated events , we could find out more details about the remake very soon.
Square Enix released the teaser on Dragon Quest Day, which marks the anniversary of the very first game in the series debuting in Japan in 1986. Horii took the opportunity to provide an minor update on the next mainline entry as well. Square Enix announced Dragon Quest XII: The Flames of Fate back in 2021, but there’s been no sign of a release date as yet. That said, Horii wants it to live up to the legacies of key Dragon Quest creatives Akira Toriyama and Koichi Sugiyama.
“Thank you so much to everyone for the many [Dragon Quest Day] congratulations!” Horii , according to . “There has been some worry about Dragon Quest XII, but I was actually in a meeting [about it] until just a bit ago. While I can’t share any details yet, I want it to be something worthy of the posthumous work of the two [Toriyama and Sugiyama] who passed away. I’ll do my best!”
The Stellar Blade demo has been out since March 29, and if you manage to beat it, your save data will carry over to the full game when it launches as a PlayStation 5 exclusive on April 26. One thing I was curious about was the “Skin Suit,” an outfit for protagonist Eve that basically has her traversing the world in the nude and makes the game way more challenging. Surprisingly, at least in the demo, it’s an incredibly easy thing to unlock, so since I just learned how to get it, I figured I’d teach you how to get it, too. Sharing is caring, after all. – Levi Winslow Read More
Screenshot: Blizzard Entertainment / Kotaku, Kotaku / Square Enix, Square Enix / Claire Jackson / Kotaku, Square Enix / Kotaku, Square Enix / Claire Jackson / Kotaku, Image: Epic Games / Kotaku, ConcernedApe, Pocketpair, Square Enix / Claire Jackson / Kotaku, Capcom / Kotaku
Whether you’re trying to deal with the obnoxious son of the late Shinra president and his pesky pet or just learn a cool new trick to help you tackle Final Fantasy VII Rebirth’s battles, we’ve got you covered this week. We’ve also got the lowdown on how to rank up your Fortnite Festival pass without playing the game, and lots more tips and guides for you in the pages ahead.
And if you’re new to the world of Cloud and co. and are curious about 2020’s Final Fantasy VII Remake and this year’s Rebirth, but haven’t played the original, you may be wondering if you have to play the 1997 classic before jumping in.
While Remake probably won’t leave FF7 newcomers out in the cold, both Remake and Rebirth are very much in dialogue with the original game—sometimes so directly that this current remake project really does feel like a giant meta exercise.
Here I’ll lay out some essential considerations to make when diving back into this essential epic of gaming history, whether it’s your first time or not.
Captured on Switch. Screenshot: Square Enix / Claire Jackson / Kotaku
Which version?
The original Final Fantasy VII isn’t terribly hard to source. If you have a modern console such as a Nintendo Switch, PS5, Xbox Series X/S or even last generation machines like the PS4 and Xbox One, you can easily grab a copy from each platform’s respective stores. This version has smoother-looking polygons than the original PlayStation release, but the pre-rendered backgrounds are largely untouched. It also features great quality-of-life features, such as a 3x speed toggle, the ability to avoid random encounters, and a setting that instantly heals characters to max health and raises their Limit Break status. And while the English translation was improved, it still features some of FF7’s awkward phrasing as a result of its famously rushed origins. It even defaults to naming Aerith “Aeris” like the original English version did in 1997.
Is it Aerith or Aeris?
In the Japanese version of FF7, the character we know as Aerith was named “Earisu,” which should translate to “Aerith.” FF7 had a notoriously rushed English translation, resulting in some bad grammar, odd turns of phrase, and the strange use of words like “wastrel” and “mosey.” One of these translation casualties was Aerith’s name, which appeared as “Aeris” in the 1997 version.
Modern versions of the original FF7, however, have kept this mistranslation. Since you can change every main character’s name in FF7, you are free to kill the S and add a TH if you’re so inclined. For me, as someone who played the game when it came out, seeing “Aeris” on the screen takes me back to those happy memories.
FF7 is also available on Steam. However, the Steam version, unlike the console iterations, does not include the aforementioned quality-of-life features such as the ability to avoid random encounters. The Steam version, however, can be modded. So if you want to change out the in-game character models, swap out the old music with the updated tracks from Remake, add FFVIII’s Triple Triad, and so much more, the PC version is very fun to tinker with—especially if you’ve played this game to death.
What about Ever Crisis?
In 2023, Square Enix released Final Fantasy VII: Ever Crisis for mobile platforms and Windows. It contains a colossal amount of lore from FF7’s expanded universe, including recreations of scenes from the original game with slightly more modern versions of the polygonal models from FF7. While you can experience the original narrative through this app, I highly recommend playing the original instead as Ever Crisis is loaded with microtransactions and very much wants you to spend lots of money. Check it out after finishing the original game, if you’re curious.
If you have an original copy of FF7, all PS3 models will play original PlayStation discs, so if you have one of those lying around, too, you’re good to go. That said, if you do have an original copy of Final Fantasy VII, do yourself a favor and hunt down an old PSX (and a CRT TV!) to enjoy this game like it’s 1997. Note that the original contains a bug that makes it impossible to raise your party’s magic defense. Modern re-releases of the game have fixed this.
Important ‘config’ settings
As a game from 1997, Final Fantasy VII has far fewer settings than most modern AAA games. That said, while in game, you can select “Config” from the menu to alter a few choice elements of the game.
Screenshot: Square Enix / Claire Jackson / Kotaku
One of the most fun is the ability to alter the color of the text boxes and menus. The default blue is a classic, but it can be fun to change up the color over the course of the game. I like to change it after each major story beat, but you can also change it across different game saves if you want.
There’s also a handy Cursor setting. This affects the behavior of your cursor during battles. When set to “Initial,” the cursor will reset to the top choice on each character’s turn. “Memory,” however, will return the cursor to the last combat option you selected per character. This is handy if you plan on using the same spell or item multiple turns in a row. And it’ll make combat a little faster for characters you’ll almost always use spells with, such as Aeris/th.
What’s going on with the ATB settings?
FF7 uses an active turn-based combat system called Active Time Battle. On “Active” setting, you’ll choose your attacks and actions on your turn once the time gauge fills up, but time never pauses. If you’re new to FF7, this can make boss fights in particular feel more stressful as combat won’t stop as you’re digging through menus for items or spells.
The “Recommended” setting is a little confusing. While characters are casting spells, using Limit Breaks, or using a summon, time will pause if you are looking through the spell or item list.
When set to “Wait,” time will pause anytime you’re looking through your spells or items.
Captured on Switch. Screenshot: Square Enix / Claire Jackson / Kotaku
Brand new players should try out Wait and Recommended. Active, however, can make the combat feel much speedier, especially if you increase the battle speed in the config menu.
General gameplay tips
FF7 is an old-school RPG from the ‘90s. Its story, characters, and soundtrack may be timeless, but many of its gameplay elements might seem cryptic or archaic by today’s standards. Here are a few things to keep in mind while saving the planet with your buddies.
Combat positioning and defending
While you can’t move your characters freely around the battlefield during combat, there are two non-obvious “rows” for combat positioning. If a character’s portrait in the menu screen is on the left-most side, they’re at the “Front,” where they’ll enjoy a boost in attack power at the cost of lower defense.
When a character portrait is on the right-most side, they’re in the “Rear,” where they’ll see lower melee attack damage but will enjoy a higher defense. Notably, however, some weapons, like Barret’s gun-arms, are “Long range weapons,” meaning they’ll do the same damage whether the character is in the Front or Rear. You can check a weapon’s range by hovering over it in the “Item” menu.
Don’t miss out on Yuffie and Vincent!
Unlike the other party members, our materia thief and mystery coffin-sleeper won’t just naturally join your party as you progress through the main story. To recruit Yuffie, you’ll need to venture into the forests outside of Junon and encounter her in a battle. Once you defeat her, you’ll have a cute dialogue exchange. Pick the following options to get Yuffie to join you: “Not Interested,” “…petrified,” “Wait a second!” “…that’s right,” and “…let’s hurry on.” Don’t use the save point in this area, as it will take you out of the field screen and Yuffie will vanish.
You’ll be able to recruit Vincent when you return to Nibelheim. You’ll find a safe on the second floor of the Shinra Manor. The code is Right 36, Left 10, Right 59, Right 97. Prepare for a tough fight after opening the safe. Then go down to the basement and enter the room on your left when heading toward the lab/study area where Sephiroth had his little revelatory meltdown.
You can either change order in the menu by selecting “Order,” or during combat by hitting left on the d-pad during a character’s turn and selecting “Change.”
Captured on Switch. Gif: Square Enix / Claire Jackson / Kotaku
You can also command a character to defend, thus mitigating damage by half, by hitting right on the d-pad during a character’s turn and selecting “Defend.”
Save as often as you possibly can
FF7 was released in the era before autosave became standard. Be sure to save, preferably in a new slot, every single time you see a save point or step out into the field. If you die, you’ll go back to your last save point so it’s very easy to lose hours of progress.
Field screen, battle screen, menu screen, over world: Learn the lingo
In FF7 you’ll cycle through four main screens. The “field screen” is any environment with a pre-rendered background where you’ll explore and chat with NPCs. The “battle screen” is where combat happens, a 3D environment signaled by a loud splash sound. The over world is a 3D-rendering of the planet where you’ll travel from town to town; you can save the game at any time while in the over world. Finally, there’s the menu screen, which you activate by pressing the top face button on a controller. You’ll manage all of your character’s equipment there.
Your health and MP won’t regenerate at these save points unless you use a Tent, which is only usable at save points or out in the world map.
Be strategic with Limit Breaks (but don’t be too shy with them)
You can actually hold on to Limit Breaks—powerful signature attacks and abilities each character possesses—across battles. Once the gauge fills up, it will remain available for that character until you use it. A filled Limit Break gauge, however, will lock you out of using your basic attack.
Captured on Switch. Gif: Square Enix / Claire Jackson / Kotaku
It’s not a bad idea to hold on to Limit Breaks if you know a boss fight is around the corner. Once you’re in combat, feel free to use those more powerful moves. The original FF7 doesn’t have a stagger system like Remake and Rebirth do, so there’s no point holding onto those Limit Breaks unless you’re saving them for a boss battle.
You can unlock new Limit Breaks early on
Each character has four levels of Limit Breaks, with each level offering two unique abilities. You’ll unlock each level’s second Limit Break ability by using the first one a certain number of times. For example, you’ll unlock Cloud’s Cross-Slash after using Braver eight times. Gaining a new Limit Break level requires you to defeat a certain number of enemies. Cloud’s level-two limit break, for example, requires you to defeat 120 enemies with him.
There’s a great opportunity early on in the game to get Cloud, Barret, and Tifa’s second level-one Limit Break abilities. While you’re heading to the Sector 5 reactor, after jumping off the train, run toward the screen. You’ll have to travel through a few screens but eventually you’ll arrive at a scene with two guards who’ll attack you when you approach.
Captured on Switch. Screenshot: Square Enix / Claire Jackson / Kotaku
From here you can engage in several battles by choosing “Stay here” after each battle. If you’re playing a modern version of the game with “God Mode” (activated by pushing both thumbsticks in on the controller), and 3x speed (activated by pushing the left thumbstick in), you can treat this series of battles as an XP farm and a Limit Break farm by spamming Limit Breaks in each battle.
Always check your inventory for new weapons, armor, accessories, and materia
FF7 was made in 1997, so it doesn’t have a menu that’ll badger you with flashing indicators whenever you pick up something new. While you’ll usually be notified of receiving a new item after picking it up in the field or as a reward after a battle, it’s very easy to forget you’ve done so. It’s a good idea to check your inventory frequently to make sure your characters are using the best possible equipment.
Always check shops for new materia and equipment
FF7 wants you to be on the lookout for new materia and items. You can get plenty of Gil from random encounters, so farming for cash isn’t too hard. But be sure to check in with anyone who’s selling things to see if they have something special that could give you an edge in the battles to come.
Don’t forget about the ‘Select Button’
Captured on Switch. Screenshot: Square Enix / Claire Jackson / Kotaku
While most modern controllers have long since done away with Start and Select buttons, modern versions of FF7 retain the “Select button” feature, bound to the “-” button on Switch, the “View” button on Xbox (the one with two squares), or the left side of the touchpad on a PS4/5 controller.
This will activate a pointer that hovers over your character while exploring the world, accompanied by red arrows to indicate doors and green arrows to indicate ladders. It’s a quick way to figure out what’s available to you if you’re lost. During combat, this will add a second menu that tells you the names of enemies when targeting them as well as relevant combat info if you’ve used the Sense materia on a target.
Modern versions of FF7 don’t totally make combat irrelevant
You might’ve heard that the modern versions of FF7 found on PS5, Xbox Series consoles, and Switch let you just focus on the story. Sadly, that’s only partially true.
If you just want to experience the story and not engage in any combat, you might be better off just watching a no-commentary Let’s Play or something. Current versions of FF7 still require you to engage in combat and do some character leveling and speccing. I don’t find this to be a bad thing as this is a game, after all.
However, the added features, such as speeding up the game, giving your characters max health instantly, and skipping random encounters, do make the experience of Final Fantasy VII a bit easier to manage. Here’s how these features work and how you can best make use of them:
God Mode doesn’t make you completely invincible
Captured on Switch. Screenshot: Square Enix / Claire Jackson / Kotaku
This tip concerns all versions of FF7 which allow you to speed up the game, turn off random encounters, and activate “God Mode” by pushing both thumbsticks in. While it usually works just fine for random encounters, it’s not going to save you from bosses you’re not appropriately leveled and equipped for.
Although this mode will instantly regenerate your HP back to its highest value after every hit you take, if you get hit with damage that’s higher than your maximum HP, you will still die. When you consider that many bosses have attacks that hit all party members for large amounts of damage, that means you very much can reach a game over screen even with “God Mode” turned on.
So what should you use this mode for? It’s great for grinding random encounters as low-level monsters are unlikely to kill you with this mode on. It’s also an easy way to reset your health and MP like the blue benches do in FF7 Rebirth. Also, if you just unlocked a new Limit Break and want to try it out right away, it’s very handy for that as well.
Captured on Switch. Screenshot: Square Enix / Claire Jackson / Kotaku
Skipping too many random encounters will leave you dramatically underleveled
Pressing in the right thumbstick on modern versions of FF7 will cancel out all random encounters. Sometimes this is a nice change of pace, but you should use it intentionally. Don’t leave it on all the time. FF7’s bosses were designed with the understanding that players would go through multiple random encounters, hence upping their level over the course of the game, not just from pivotal fights. Random encounters are also a solid way to slowly build up enough Gil to buy items, weapons, armor, and materia.
Sometimes it’s nice to give yourself a break and avoid random encounters, but be sure to dedicate time to engaging in them to make sure you’re properly leveled.
Speeding up the game can make it harder
Sequences like this one are much harder when the game is running at 3x speed. Screenshot: Square Enix / Claire Jackson / Kotaku
I like to treat the 3x speed option as a kind of sprint button. It’s even bound to the left thumbstick like most sprint commands in modern games. 3x speed is a great way to speed up complex fight animations, climbing ladders, or traversing the open world. That said, certain mini-games and sequences like capturing a chocobo during a battle are made much harder when you have to keep up with the game running at three times its intended pace.
Captured on Switch. Screenshot: Square Enix / Claire Jackson / Kotaku
FF7 is a classic video game. It’s an excellent RPG featuring a wonderful and dynamic tale, set in a vivid world that fuses science fiction and fantasy, brought to life by genuinely interesting combinations of 2D and 3D graphics, and set to one of the greatest soundtracks of all time—and not just in video games, I genuinely mean of all time. It’s a game that should be on your list to play whether it’s your first time, seventh time, or 777th time.
I’m filling in some gaps in my RPG history. I’ve been playing series like Final Fantasy since I was a kid, but there are countless other landmark RPGs I’ve rarely touched, including the fantasy RPG Mana series, which splintered off of Final Fantasy Adventure in 1991. The only installment in the long-running franchise I’ve played, in fact, is Children of Mana on the Nintendo DS, which I loved! Nonetheless, I’m on a journey to right my wrongs, so when I was presented with the chance to see the first mainline Mana game since 2006 at PAX East last week, I had to check it out for myself. – Moises Taveras Read More
Image: Atlus, Atlus, Screenshot: Square Enix / Claire Jackson / Kotaku, Square Enix / Claire Jackson / Kotaku, Square Enix / Claire Jackson / Kotaku, Square Enix / Claire Jackson / Kotaku
We get it, you’re probably very into Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth and Unicorn Overlord this week. So are we. And if you’re stuck on a tricky boss fight, unsure of who to take out on a date, or want to finish that capture quest, we’ve got you covered.
We’ve got guides on the games to play after finishing Unicorn Overlord and how to level fast in that very same game. We’ve also got tips for getting all those Cactuar Caper locations, and how not to suck at one of FF7 Rebirth’s mini games. Scroll through for all the best tips that came out of this week.
Once you’ve assembled all your troops, it’s time to configure the marching order for the parade. Hit L2 to start arranging them. Different assemblies will influence the difficulty of the upcoming parade sequence across three performances. The higher the difficulty, the better the reward—and and the boost toyour relationship levels with Tifa and Aerith.
If you choose security officers across the whole lineup, you’ll get the easiest parade sequences for all three performances. The difficulty levels will change in real time as you adjust the soldiers. So you can pick something that’s more balanced. But the most challenging and rewarding lineup consists of two grenadiers, two riot troopers, and one flame trooper.
The parade sequence isn’t easy, especially considering all the running around you have to do to gather up your troops. While you may miss out on a chance to improve your relationship with Tifa and Aerith if you don’t perform well the first time, you can always go back to the parade sequence by selecting Chapter 4 from the chapter select after finishing the game.
It was a rather big week in gaming, this last one in February—mostly because we got Final Fantasy 7: Rebirth, and everyone came out of the woodwork to spout their hottest take and spiciest opinion about the Square Enix RPG. Is Cid redeemed? Is Aerith a goat lady? Is jank good?
It wasn’t all FF7 all the time: We also had some things to say about third-person shooter Helldivers 2, this week, because we’re a well-rounded bunch. Click through to see our most opinionated stories of the week.
2024’s most anticipated game is finally here, and the further adventures of Cloud Strife and his besties has launched on PS5. Final Fantasy VII Rebirthexpands and enhances the middle section of the 1997 classic, and there’s a big, beautiful world to see. If you’re looking to spend a few dozen hours in Square Enix’s…
