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I'll admit right away that I didn't play the original on PS1, so I didn't have any nostalgic feelings for this game. I must admit, I was pretty stoked on completing the achievements. The hardest part of getting all the achievements is, of course, the hard mode and some of the simulator fights. They test not only your reflexes but also your understanding of the mechanics. Some bosses literally forced you to relearn how to play, but that's precisely why victories feel so well-earned. The Sephiroth fight on hard difficulty was a particular challenge for me; I was truly sweating like a bastard.

The combat system is a whole other joy. At first, it seems a bit chaotic, but over time, you begin to understand how to properly combine ATB, magic, and abilities. On hard difficulty, the game really forces you to think: simply clicking on enemies won't work anymore. I had to experiment with materia, builds, and character roles—and that added a lot of depth. Ultimately, for me, Final Fantasy VII Remake is an excellent example of how to reimagine a classic and make it modern without losing its soul. And yes, after 100% completion, all that's left is a desire for more. I'd also like to point out the excellent optimization on the Series S; the game runs perfectly at 60 fps. Now I'm eagerly awaiting the release of the second part of the remake on Xbox One; I've already pre-ordered it. Game rating: 8.5/10

Final Fantasy 7 100%