Full Breakdown
Square Enix's Re-release of Final Fantasy 7 Faces Backlash from Players
2/26/2026, 12:22:04 AM
Overview of the Re-release
Square Enix has launched a new version of the original *Final Fantasy 7* on February 24, 2023, available on Steam and GOG for $11.99. This updated edition, which replaces the 2013 version entirely on the storefront, introduces several quality of life improvements, including a 3x speed mode, the ability to disable random encounters, a "battle enhancement mode," and an autosave feature. However, the re-release has been met with significant criticism from players, leading to a "Mostly Negative" rating on Steam, with only 36% of users providing positive feedback.
Key Issues Identified by Players
Players have reported multiple issues with the new version, including mismatched combat speeds that disrupt gameplay, blurry textures, and a forced 4:3 resolution that limits display options. Many users expressed disappointment that the new version feels inferior to the previous 2013 edition, which allowed for more customization in resolution settings. One player remarked, "The battle animation speeds are WAY too high... the game just plays wrong and feels wrong right now." Another user noted the lack of options for full-screen display, which was available in the earlier version.
Developer Response and Updates
In response to the backlash, Square Enix quickly released a patch aimed at fixing some of the reported issues, including the speed of certain scenes and unspecified minor bugs. However, the resolution limitation remains a point of contention among players. The developer's decision to delist the 2013 version has also drawn ire, as new players are left with only the problematic updated version.
Community Reaction and Criticism
The gaming community's reaction has been overwhelmingly negative, with some modding groups expressing their dissatisfaction publicly. The Tsunamods team, known for their work on various *Final Fantasy* projects, even submitted a job application to Square Enix, suggesting they could produce a better version than the current release. They criticized the new version for degrading the visual quality of backgrounds and questioned the testing process that led to its release. One member stated, "It's one thing to release a new version that's worse. But to fully delist the better version is just... ehh."
What's Next for Final Fantasy 7 Remake Series
Despite the backlash surrounding the original game's re-release, Naoki Hamaguchi, director of *Final Fantasy Remake Part 3*, has assured fans that expanding the platforms for the remake series will not compromise quality. He emphasized that the core game experience is nearly complete and that the team is focused on refining and polishing the final product.
Conclusion
The re-release of *Final Fantasy 7* by Square Enix has sparked significant controversy among fans, primarily due to performance issues and the removal of the previous version from sale. As the developer works to address these concerns, the community remains vocal about their dissatisfaction, highlighting the challenges of modernizing classic games while maintaining their original charm.
