Reasons why there shall never be a FFVII Remake...
I was browsing LJ comms when I found this beauty. new_shinra87
It is a Final Fantasy discussion comm. An actual thoughtful discussion board. I'd have fallen over had I not been seated alread.
shatteredvanity posted this.
Since the release of the PlayStation 2, I have been obsessively longing for a remake of Final Fantasy VII. Ideally, I wanted just a graphical and musical update. Recreate the world with stunning visuals and replace the ingenious score with the orchestral patronage it deserves. Leave the dialog, story and characters unscathed.
I spent an obsessive amount of time fantasizing about a remake that would never be. However, with the release of the PS3 technical demo featuring the opening sequence and an incorrect announcement by a popular gaming magazine I have been plagued by everyone and their mother seemingly informing me that a remake has been “confirmed.” This has made a hopeful fantasy a plausible reality to be considered, leaving me with an unsettling revelation.
If Final Fantasy VII was remade, what would it become?
The Tech Demo treated us to a beautiful display of technology. The lighting, the textures, and character models were alive, crossing into a realm of realism that was breath taking. Cloud no longer composed of distorted polygons, but freckles and fabric and hair that obeyed physics became opaque, something almost warm to the touch. Astounding as it was, it presented a dangerous prospect.
Final Fantasy VII is an incredibly, unsettlingly dark game. This is lost on the majority of the game’s audience, however apparent it may be. The plot, humor, and characters are all exceedingly twisted, the game itself an ominous commentary on decaying sociology as well as human psychology. Manipulation, deceit, betrayal, corruption of authorities, suicide, murder, perversion, dissolution and applicable, realistic applicable violence run rampant ruling this game. I could site so many examples of deeply haunting scenarios within-most of which were completely overlooked by the general audience. These are not subtle scenes, either. However, with the exception of Aries’ death sequence, they were lost to technical limitations, numbed by cartoonish graphics.
There is also a lot of humor and light within Final Fantasy VII as well, but it is out of necessity. Barrett’s explanation of the current state of North Corel, the slaughter of his home and family and death of his closest friend is followed by a trip to the Gold Saucer. This is a obviously a plot point, and necessary to meet Cait Sith-however without the Gold Saucer offered as an itinerary going straight into a confrontation with Dyne would be emotionally overwhelming.
Consider Aeris’ death in PS3 graphics. Dyne’s suicide. Or Shin-Ra dropping the plate on sector seven while it’s inhabitants scramble helplessly to escape their plummeting death. Cloud beating Aeris. Jenova’s trail of entrails in the Shin-Ra headquarters. These are few examples of many, hopefully enough to illuminate my point. Without the distorted, unrealistic visuals, these moments are no longer easily overlooked. With the increase in graphical quality, so increases the realism.
The macabre personality of the game forcefully revealed would be welcome addition by many fans, myself included. However, I don’t assume the ESRB would agree. A Final Fantasy VII remake would most certainly merit an “M” rating without the contents of the game drastically diluted. Not only would the realistic graphics be problematic, but the dialog as well. A PS3 remake would demand voice acting, which could easily be the downfall of a potential rehash of it’s own right. Filled to the brim with sexual-innuendos and foul language, this is not an obstacle that can be worked around. As menial as it may seem at first thought, speech patterns are imperative to character composition. What would Barrett be if in an inflamed rage he bellowed “Gosh Darn Shin-Ra!” Or Cid, the Highwind spiraling to the ground-“Shoo-------ooooot!” It doesn’t work. It won’t work.
Square is not going to release an “M” rated Final Fantasy, especially since the release of Advent Children spawned a younger audience (the idiots buying a greatest hit’s copy of FF7 on Ebay for $5,000.) A remake is logistically not possible without significantly watering down it’s contents.
Without the components that make Final Fantasy VII such a moving, unforgettable videogame revolution, what is it?
When you put it that way it makes extreme sense as to why a remake can and should never exist. In the world of today such a thing cannot be. I've played the game, but never really connected with the oh so very dark themes, which is such a dreadful shame. Reading the comments, remembering the more dreadful moments of the game.... it is extremely moving. How can SquareEnix really leave the game in tact when the game deals with mass murder. America has become so paranoid and defensive now since 9/11. FFVII would be scrutinised and ripped apart. Americans sued game companies after the Columbine High Schol massacre, and on the forfront of this suing frenzy was the company that published FFVII.
FFVII cannot be remade and kept in tact. It would need some severe changes, which is sacrilege.
My appreciation for this game has grown over the past year and it keeps growing. There is something warming and a fondness you have over todays standards bad graphics. Polygon Cloud, midi music and the bad translation of the dialogue. Perhaps when I get back into playing this game I shall look at it with a new eye. I was replaying it before I started Xenosaga Ep 3 and even then I felt happier playing it. Imagine what my new found understanding will do to the gaming experience. Hehe! FFVII is one of those little treasures. It may visually not please but the story shines in spots. And when you contexturalise and analyse the plot points it really is a very dark and sombre game. And I say Boo. Boo to all those who cannot play the game because of it's graphics.
And the rest of you that want a remake... get stuffed. It doesn't need one.
Um... I'd like to thank Aimee for showing me this thing. hahahah!
My Peculiar Aristocratic Title is:
Her Noble Excellency Ilona the Charitable of Lower Beanthrop in the Hedge
Get your Peculiar Aristocratic Title
Feel free to call me that, my loyal subjects :p
Ja Ne!
Wooo! P.S!!
I deleted some icons and added some new ones. *giggles*
I really like this song by Angela Aki "Santa Fe".mp3. It's from the FF12 endging single. Very odd to have it on that. But I really like it. It's slow and sensual piano with a great beat. Love the chorus, how Angela says each word to the beat. It's sexy, is what it is!
He spoke my language in this foreign land
Familiar secrets shared in a sinful bed
Imagination flowing through his ancient hands
He painted just my fantasy in red, bright red
I call him Santa Fé
Someone to dance with on a rainy day
He will bring me all the empty reasons to be
Sure of what I'm only not so sure about
So can he just be my illusion
That I created with confusion?
He wears a tall top-hat filled with secrets of our souls
He'll pull them out as he pulls you in through the secret hole
I call him Santa Fé
Someone to bleed with on this lovely day
He will bring me all the empty reasons to be
Sure of what I'm only not so sure about
Will he take this grand delusion
Add his love to make his own conclusion?
True or false can you feel his pulse?
The warmth he carries really varies
With the name of the game
He will bring me all the empty reasons to be
Sure of what I'm only not so sure about
In the end it leads to sudden madness when he
Takes these reasons breathes some sanity into them
So can he just be my illusion
I created with confusion
Will he take this grand delusion
Add his love to make his own conclusion
He will paint his own conclusion
In red
With Me
In bed
Does he really love me?
I'll see what I wanna see
And I'll never be free
It is a Final Fantasy discussion comm. An actual thoughtful discussion board. I'd have fallen over had I not been seated alread.
shatteredvanity posted this.
Since the release of the PlayStation 2, I have been obsessively longing for a remake of Final Fantasy VII. Ideally, I wanted just a graphical and musical update. Recreate the world with stunning visuals and replace the ingenious score with the orchestral patronage it deserves. Leave the dialog, story and characters unscathed.
I spent an obsessive amount of time fantasizing about a remake that would never be. However, with the release of the PS3 technical demo featuring the opening sequence and an incorrect announcement by a popular gaming magazine I have been plagued by everyone and their mother seemingly informing me that a remake has been “confirmed.” This has made a hopeful fantasy a plausible reality to be considered, leaving me with an unsettling revelation.
If Final Fantasy VII was remade, what would it become?
The Tech Demo treated us to a beautiful display of technology. The lighting, the textures, and character models were alive, crossing into a realm of realism that was breath taking. Cloud no longer composed of distorted polygons, but freckles and fabric and hair that obeyed physics became opaque, something almost warm to the touch. Astounding as it was, it presented a dangerous prospect.
Final Fantasy VII is an incredibly, unsettlingly dark game. This is lost on the majority of the game’s audience, however apparent it may be. The plot, humor, and characters are all exceedingly twisted, the game itself an ominous commentary on decaying sociology as well as human psychology. Manipulation, deceit, betrayal, corruption of authorities, suicide, murder, perversion, dissolution and applicable, realistic applicable violence run rampant ruling this game. I could site so many examples of deeply haunting scenarios within-most of which were completely overlooked by the general audience. These are not subtle scenes, either. However, with the exception of Aries’ death sequence, they were lost to technical limitations, numbed by cartoonish graphics.
There is also a lot of humor and light within Final Fantasy VII as well, but it is out of necessity. Barrett’s explanation of the current state of North Corel, the slaughter of his home and family and death of his closest friend is followed by a trip to the Gold Saucer. This is a obviously a plot point, and necessary to meet Cait Sith-however without the Gold Saucer offered as an itinerary going straight into a confrontation with Dyne would be emotionally overwhelming.
Consider Aeris’ death in PS3 graphics. Dyne’s suicide. Or Shin-Ra dropping the plate on sector seven while it’s inhabitants scramble helplessly to escape their plummeting death. Cloud beating Aeris. Jenova’s trail of entrails in the Shin-Ra headquarters. These are few examples of many, hopefully enough to illuminate my point. Without the distorted, unrealistic visuals, these moments are no longer easily overlooked. With the increase in graphical quality, so increases the realism.
The macabre personality of the game forcefully revealed would be welcome addition by many fans, myself included. However, I don’t assume the ESRB would agree. A Final Fantasy VII remake would most certainly merit an “M” rating without the contents of the game drastically diluted. Not only would the realistic graphics be problematic, but the dialog as well. A PS3 remake would demand voice acting, which could easily be the downfall of a potential rehash of it’s own right. Filled to the brim with sexual-innuendos and foul language, this is not an obstacle that can be worked around. As menial as it may seem at first thought, speech patterns are imperative to character composition. What would Barrett be if in an inflamed rage he bellowed “Gosh Darn Shin-Ra!” Or Cid, the Highwind spiraling to the ground-“Shoo-------ooooot!” It doesn’t work. It won’t work.
Square is not going to release an “M” rated Final Fantasy, especially since the release of Advent Children spawned a younger audience (the idiots buying a greatest hit’s copy of FF7 on Ebay for $5,000.) A remake is logistically not possible without significantly watering down it’s contents.
Without the components that make Final Fantasy VII such a moving, unforgettable videogame revolution, what is it?
When you put it that way it makes extreme sense as to why a remake can and should never exist. In the world of today such a thing cannot be. I've played the game, but never really connected with the oh so very dark themes, which is such a dreadful shame. Reading the comments, remembering the more dreadful moments of the game.... it is extremely moving. How can SquareEnix really leave the game in tact when the game deals with mass murder. America has become so paranoid and defensive now since 9/11. FFVII would be scrutinised and ripped apart. Americans sued game companies after the Columbine High Schol massacre, and on the forfront of this suing frenzy was the company that published FFVII.
FFVII cannot be remade and kept in tact. It would need some severe changes, which is sacrilege.
My appreciation for this game has grown over the past year and it keeps growing. There is something warming and a fondness you have over todays standards bad graphics. Polygon Cloud, midi music and the bad translation of the dialogue. Perhaps when I get back into playing this game I shall look at it with a new eye. I was replaying it before I started Xenosaga Ep 3 and even then I felt happier playing it. Imagine what my new found understanding will do to the gaming experience. Hehe! FFVII is one of those little treasures. It may visually not please but the story shines in spots. And when you contexturalise and analyse the plot points it really is a very dark and sombre game. And I say Boo. Boo to all those who cannot play the game because of it's graphics.
And the rest of you that want a remake... get stuffed. It doesn't need one.
Um... I'd like to thank Aimee for showing me this thing. hahahah!
My Peculiar Aristocratic Title is:
Her Noble Excellency Ilona the Charitable of Lower Beanthrop in the Hedge
Get your Peculiar Aristocratic Title
Feel free to call me that, my loyal subjects :p
Ja Ne!
Wooo! P.S!!
I deleted some icons and added some new ones. *giggles*
I really like this song by Angela Aki "Santa Fe".mp3. It's from the FF12 endging single. Very odd to have it on that. But I really like it. It's slow and sensual piano with a great beat. Love the chorus, how Angela says each word to the beat. It's sexy, is what it is!
He spoke my language in this foreign land
Familiar secrets shared in a sinful bed
Imagination flowing through his ancient hands
He painted just my fantasy in red, bright red
I call him Santa Fé
Someone to dance with on a rainy day
He will bring me all the empty reasons to be
Sure of what I'm only not so sure about
So can he just be my illusion
That I created with confusion?
He wears a tall top-hat filled with secrets of our souls
He'll pull them out as he pulls you in through the secret hole
I call him Santa Fé
Someone to bleed with on this lovely day
He will bring me all the empty reasons to be
Sure of what I'm only not so sure about
Will he take this grand delusion
Add his love to make his own conclusion?
True or false can you feel his pulse?
The warmth he carries really varies
With the name of the game
He will bring me all the empty reasons to be
Sure of what I'm only not so sure about
In the end it leads to sudden madness when he
Takes these reasons breathes some sanity into them
So can he just be my illusion
I created with confusion
Will he take this grand delusion
Add his love to make his own conclusion
He will paint his own conclusion
In red
With Me
In bed
Does he really love me?
I'll see what I wanna see
And I'll never be free