### The OG Final Fantasy VII Re-Release Is Here—and It’s Dragging Its Reputation Down Faster Than Sephiroth’s Sword
Oh, Final Fantasy VII, the game that defined a generation, made us cry over polygonal characters, and gave us a villain so iconic that even his theme song sends shivers down our spines. Naturally, when Square Enix decided to re-release the **original** version of this masterpiece on Steam, fans were expecting nostalgia served on a silver platter. What they got instead, however, was more like a microwaved meal that’s still frozen in the middle.
Yes, folks, the re-release of the OG Final Fantasy VII has arrived, and it’s already managed to achieve what Sephiroth couldn’t: alienating its die-hard fans. According to a recent report from IGN, the game’s Steam user review rating has nosedived to the dreaded “Mostly Negative” territory. Cue the collective groan of disappointment.
### What Went Wrong? Let’s Count the Ways
This isn’t just your average “meh” re-release; it’s a masterclass in how to butcher fan expectations. Here’s a breakdown of the most glaring issues:
– **No new features:** Despite being labeled as a re-release, this version of Final Fantasy VII offers absolutely nothing new. No updated graphics, no quality-of-life improvements, no additional content. Just the same 1997 game slapped onto Steam like an old sticker on a shiny new laptop.
– **Technical issues galore:** Players have reported everything from resolution problems to crashes, reminding us all why “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” is sage advice. Apparently, Square Enix decided to ignore this wisdom.
– **Pricing drama:** Ah, the cherry on top. Fans are complaining that the game is overpriced for what it offers—basically zero upgrades. Nostalgia is cool and all, but paying extra for it feels like being charged for air at a concert.
### Pros & Cons of the FFVII Re-Release
Let’s make this easy for you by summarizing the pros and cons of this *gem* of a re-release:
**Pros:**
– It’s still Final Fantasy VII (technically).
– You can relive Cloud’s existential crisis, polygonal arms and all.
– The music remains as iconic as ever.
**Cons:**
– No graphical or gameplay improvements.
– Numerous technical issues that make playing it more frustrating than fun.
– Overpriced for what it offers.
– The disappointment of fans who expected better.
### The Fallout: Steam Reviews and Fan Reactions
Steam’s user review section has turned into a battlefield, with fans unleashing their fury through scathing comments and negative ratings. One reviewer summed it up perfectly: “I love FFVII, but this re-release feels like a cash grab. They couldn’t even bother to fix the bugs!” Another wrote, “If you’re going to charge premium prices, at least give us premium content.”
Meanwhile, over on social media, memes and rants abound. Square Enix’s decision to re-release the game in this state has become the latest punchline in the gaming community. Let’s just say, if there were an award for “Most Tone-Deaf Re-Release,” this would be a strong contender.
### Square Enix’s Response: Crickets
As of now, Square Enix has yet to release an official statement addressing the backlash. Perhaps they’re too busy counting their money or figuring out how to spin this disaster into a PR win. Whatever the case, their silence speaks volumes.
### What Could Have Been Done Differently?
– **Actual enhancements:** Imagine if Square Enix had added updated graphics, streamlined gameplay, or even a few new side quests. Fans would have gladly paid for those upgrades.
– **Bug fixes:** At the very least, they could have ensured the game runs smoothly on modern systems. Is that really too much to ask?
– **Fair pricing:** Pricing the game more reasonably could have softened the blow. Charging a premium for a bare-bones re-release is just asking for trouble.
### The Bigger Picture: Are Re-Releases Worth It?
This fiasco raises a larger question: Are re-releases even worth it? When done correctly, they can breathe new life into beloved classics (looking at you, *Resident Evil 2 Remake*). But when done poorly, they can tarnish the legacy of the original game and alienate the very fans they’re meant to attract.
If you’re interested in other gaming-related stories, check out our article on How Nostalgia is Changing the Gaming Industry.
### Final Thoughts: A Cautionary Tale for Developers
The re-release of Final Fantasy VII serves as a cautionary tale for game developers everywhere. Nostalgia alone isn’t enough to carry a re-release. Fans expect—and deserve—more effort, especially when it comes to beloved classics. Here’s hoping Square Enix learns from this debacle and approaches future projects with a little more care.
### What Do You Think?
Have you tried the re-release? Are you as disappointed as the rest of us, or do you think the backlash is overblown? Let us know in the comments below. And while you’re at it, why not subscribe to our newsletter for more gaming news and reviews? You won’t regret it—probably.
#### Related Reading:
– GamesRadar’s Take on Nostalgia in Gaming
– Polygon’s Review of Final Fantasy VII Re-Release
