What's Happening?
Square Enix's recent re-release of the original Final Fantasy VII on Steam has been met with significant criticism from players. The updated version, which was launched on February 24, includes new features such as a 3x speed mode, the ability to turn
off random encounters, and a battle enhancement mode. However, these updates have not been well-received, with many players reporting issues such as mismatched combat speeds, blurry textures, and a forced 4:3 resolution. These problems have led to a 'Mostly Negative' rating on Steam, with only 36% of reviews being positive. Square Enix has released a small update to address some of the speed issues, but the resolution problem remains unresolved.
Why It's Important?
The backlash against the re-release of Final Fantasy VII highlights the challenges game developers face when updating classic titles for modern platforms. The negative reception could impact Square Enix's reputation and sales, as the company replaces the well-received 2013 edition with this new version. This situation underscores the importance of maintaining the quality and functionality of beloved games when introducing new features. The dissatisfaction among players may also influence future decisions by Square Enix regarding game updates and re-releases, potentially affecting their approach to other classic titles.
What's Next?
Square Enix may need to address the ongoing technical issues to improve player satisfaction and restore the game's reputation. The company could consider releasing further updates to fix the resolution and other reported problems. Additionally, player feedback might prompt Square Enix to reevaluate their strategy for future re-releases, ensuring that new features enhance rather than detract from the original gaming experience.
