Feeling like a filthy poser...

I have been wanting to get into FF7 for years, even before the Remake was announced. From everything I've heard and seen in the internet, in Smash, and in Kingdom Hearts (my favorite video game franchise of all time), it's something that's been on my list for quite some time now. The story, characters, music, gameplay — I wanted to experience all of it, especially since it seemed so universally beloved.

With Revelation's recent announcement, I thought it was the perfect time to finally go through with playing the series everyone around me has been hyping up. So, after years of putting it off, I steel myself and boot up the OG FF7 on Switch and after a few hours, I realize: I can't get into it.

I've always been a non-retro gamer since I lean into liking either 2d or 2000s style 3d graphics more but I had no problem with FF7's style. In fact, I actually quite like it! The polygons are pretty charming even without mods. But honestly, the game itself just doesn't click for me. For me, it feels slow (even at 3x speed), overwhelming, and sometimes, I have no idea where to go. I suspect that old turn-based JRPGs just aren't my thing, since I had the same feeling with Chrono Trigger, another game widely known for being a masterpiece.

Eventually, I decided to just enjoy the story through YT and play Crisis Core: Reunion before watching Advent Children and diving into the Remakes. But it does NOT feel good and I feel as though I'm, as the kids say these days, larping.