Article for those who dont want a video: https://www.gamesradar.com/games/final-fantasy/after-13-years-a-new-version-of-final-fantasy-7-is-replacing-the-current-version-on-steam-and-square-enix-hasnt-explained-whats-different/
Steam: https://steamcommunity.com/games/39140/announcements/detail/514107648813039663
Square Enix has announced a brand-new version of Final Fantasy VII for Steam. This is not a patch. It’s a replacement.
The existing release will be renamed FINAL FANTASY VII 2013 Edition, while a new version becomes the default Steam listing. Existing owners get both versions for free but save files will NOT be compatible between them.
Honestly, the original still holds up today, you just need to emulate it so you can get the best version of the game. The mods required to get it playable on PC nowadays are honestly not worth the effort. Also the graphics look stranger and more dated than they did originally due to different display technologies and vastly higher resolution displays these days. And, last time I checked, there’s no way to get the original font back, which genuinely makes a massive difference.
You’re going to deal with some clumsy mistranslations but it’s not such a big deal in my opinion.
There’s also a real remake on mobile called Ever Crisis, but I haven’t tried it so no opinion on that.
Hmm, the Steam version works out of the box without mods. Its a good version to play, besides the online server requirements bullshit. I assume the new version will be based on the later released updated version on PS4 in 2015 and Switch on 2019.
I read about the upcoming new version and pulled the trigger because Steam had the game for 5 €. The idea was that I might get a Steam Deck some time this year so I can play games on my commute. Will I not be able to play the game unless I open a hot spot on my phone?
I don’t actually know. Maybe you have to run it once with internet connection (right after downloading the game) to verify it? Steam allows for offline play, but not sure if the game allows that. I’ll test it quickly with disabling my internet connection for a second… don’t go away, wait a moment…
So yes, you have to run the game once and connect first, then you can play without internet connection.
Note, this is the old version on Steam that will be renamed to 2013 Edition on Steam.
Thanks for checking, I appreciate that. Of course opening a hot spot with my phone won’t be a problem, but a bit annoying if it’s just for playing an old game.
Well, you have to do it only once. You don’t need constant internet connection. I mean you need internet to download the game, so just run it once and then you can play it offline without internet or wifi.
BTW if the new version comes out, you can keep this old one and get the new one for free (for owners of the old one). So maybe wait for the new version first, if its worth the changes. Just a suggestion.
Yeah, that’s why I decided to purchase it now. Get the old one while it’s still available and see what the new one is like.