Final Fantasy 7 Remake Platforms: A Deep Dive into Currently Supported and Future Possibilities
Introduction
Final Fantasy 7 Remake (FF7) is a major release in the long-standing Final Fantasy series, developed and published by Square Enix. Originally set to be released in April 2020 for PlayStation 4, this sequel marked a significant departure in terms of gameplay experience and narrative depth.
Combining real-time action with elements of role-playing and strategic gameplay, FF7 took players into the sprawling game world of Midgar. The protagonist, Cloud Strife, is integral to the narrative, as he joins the eco-terrorist group Avalanche to prevent the organisation Shinra from exploiting the planet's energy resources.
The game received rave reviews, thanks largely to its stunning visual effects, compelling storyline, and iconic music composed by the legendary Nobuo Uematsu. Within just three days of its initial release, it sold more than 3.5 million copies, and by August 2020, it had crossed the significant milestone of 5 million global sales, firmly establishing its status as one of the most beloved PlayStation 4 titles.
Despite its success, one significant shortcoming of the original release on PlayStation 4, around the time of its launch, was its graphic palettes and world textures. These issues often translated into slow loading times and poorly rendered environments, detracting from the intended immersive experience that Square Enix had aimed for.
Current Platform Availability
As of this writing, Final Fantasy 7 Remake is officially supported solely on the PlayStation 4/PS4 Pro, but it holds a unique position. For a limited period, the game was exclusively available on PlayStation 4 until April 2021, after which it gradually spread across other Sony platforms. Ironically, the same game that started its journey of ubiquity on one particular platform is destined to reach players on even more devices over time.
Future Platforms: Speculations and Expectations
The question of whether and when FF7 Remake will make its way to other gaming platforms, especially the Xbox One, has gained considerable buzz among both core gamers and casual fans. While Square Enix has not explicitly announced any plans to release the game outside of PlayStation, the popularity and demand are pushing the studio to consider new avenues for dissemination.
PlayStation 5: The upcoming PlayStation 5 release of Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade resolves some of the graphical issues faced in the original release, ensuring a smoother and more detailed experience on the next generation of Sony’s flagship console. This release not only enhances the visual fidelity but also addresses some technical issues faced by players, making it an exciting update for those who have already experienced the base game.
PC (Microsoft Windows): Given the trend of converting many popular PlayStation titles to PC, it’s highly probable that the Final Fantasy 7 Remake will follow suit. PC gamers have long enjoyed the multi-platform experience that Square Enix’s games provide, and given the successful PC versions of previous Final Fantasy titles, such as Final Fantasy X and XII, there is no reason to believe that the remake would be any different.
Xbox One: This remains the most intriguing platform for FF7 Remake. The original release’s graphics and performance issues may raise concerns, but considering the rapid enhancement of console technology, it’s not outside the realm of possibility that the Xbox One would see an updated or re-released version of the game. However, the base model of Xbox One is considered relatively weaker compared to the PlayStation 4, which could potentially hinder performance. The smart move, according to many gaming analysts, would be to release FF7 Remake exclusively on the Xbox Series X, ensuring a seamless and enhanced experience for the next-generation console. This approach mitigates the risk of performance issues and allows for the full potential of the game to be realized on cutting-edge hardware.
Conclusion
The journey of Final Fantasy 7 Remake has been one of anticipation and excitement, marked by its initial release on PlayStation 4 and subsequent improvements. As the gaming landscape evolves, it’s fascinating to ponder the various platforms that this iconic title might grace. From its current home on PlayStation 4 to potential targets like the Xbox Series X and PC, the future of FF7 Remake looks full of possibilities.