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kyndaris · 4 years

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Date with Destiny (with a Capital D)

When I watched the announcement at E3 about Final Fantasy VII Remake, I was terribly excited. Though the Final Fantasy series has been one of my favourites since I first played Final Fantasy X, I have never actually played the original Final Fantasy VII.Instead, I read everything I could find and watched walkthroughs (including Dirge of Cerberus) as well as the film: Advent Children and Advent Children Complete. When Crisis Core released on PlayStation Portable (PSP), I also bought that to immerse myself in the entirety of the Final Fantasy VII universe. And when I told one of my close friends, Bleachpanda, about it, they were surprised that I had never played the original. But while I could have purchased the re-release on the PlayStation 4, I wanted to see the game that had captured the imagination of so many people in high definition quality.

As most people in Australia know, the game released a whole nine days earlier than it was supposed to: on 1st of April. After I had mistakenly taken the express train, I was perusing my messages and saw my friend post her excitement that Final Fantasy VII Remake was out. Immediately, I used my situation to my advantage and went to buy the game - despite the fact that I had no facial mask and was entering a shopping centre with a possible high risk of infection. After sweating up a storm by rushing to all the stores, I finally had the copy in hand.

However, it would not be until I had finished Yakuza 4 that I could begin my journey with Cloud and the Avalanche team. Suffice it to say, I was incredibly excited. From the score to Cloud’s lovely cheekbones. In fact, I could not believe my good fortune that I was actually playing the game. It didn’t seem real that I would have in my hands despite the ongoing pandemic. From there, my hype built as I defeated the Scorpion sentinel and moved on to the Seventh Heaven. When Tifa’s theme sounded, I had to resist the urge to shed a tear.

I might not have played the original, but gosh darn it, I loved the characters as much as any fan.

Even the little details were so exciting to see. Though there were several changes to the game, it was clear that the developers loved the game as much as its fans did. I liked how Cloud and the gang kept their victory poses for when they were in the Coliseum. The up-scaled Church, the bar, Wall Market and Aerith’s house. Learning more about many of the side characters also helped build a solid connection to them. From Jessie’s tragic backstory of her dad collapsing in Mako storage in her debut as the role of Princess at the Golden Saucer (goodness me, if she knew about the shenanigans of Cloud and the rest of the party, she’d probably throw a fit), to Bigg’s contribution to the Sector 5 orphanage. This even extended to the differences in Tifa’s and Aerith’s cleavage sizes. Not that I was paying particular attention...

Okay, maybe a little. But I’m glad that they also gave appropriate footwear and gear for the characters.

But my goodness, that pull-up challenge took me fifty minutes! It wasn’t even in the original! And the trophy did not feel worth it after how difficult Jules was. Never again!

Then the characters also called me out for going in the wrong direction. I’m not! I’m trying to explore every nook and cranny of this world Square-Enix has bequeathed us and to find as many items as I can find!

The combat, though, was the one that had the most changes. Gone is the turn-based battle system. While players can play on classic, according to my friend Bleachpanda, it was less than exciting. Particularly when the AI just stood around guarding most of the time. As for me, I played on Normal Mode. The battle mechanics felt like they used bits and pieces from other games: such as Final Fantasy XV and Final Fantasy XIII. It also incorporated elements of the original Active Time Battle system, but I found it frustrating that all of my more powerful abilities, and even items, were gated behind a slowly rising bar - particularly for the AI-controlled party members. Of course, Final Fantasy VII Remake also allowed players to switch between members and I found I had to do this on a fairly regular basis depending on the battle.

Also, your ATB abilities, spells and item usages could also be interrupted. This proved particularly frustrating in difficult battles where I was hoping to take advantage of an enemy’s weakness, only to be batted to the side because of an air attack.

It also felt, on numerous fights, that I had to think of these battles less like a turn-based battle and more like an action adventure, hack and slash. Instead of just absorbing spells and attacks, I needed to evade and guard. This was clearly evident in several solo battles with Roche and even Rufus Shinra. I had to read attack patterns, avoid some of their deadly moves and strike when they had an opening. All the while, trying to keep my ATB gauge up and ready for some quick healing or spell casting.

Let’s move on now to the characters and the story. But where to begin? How about the ending that proved incredibly divisive among many fans. My friend, Bleachpanda, was sorely disappointed by the presence of the Whispers and how the last two chapters transpired. She, unlike me, had been banking on nostalgia to pull her and was more excited to seeing the original recreated in perfect high definition. If you read her posts on Final Fantasy VII Remake you will learn that she was mightily disappointed that how Cloud manages to obtain his dress was very different (although she probably still liked our ex-Soldier shaking his tush on stage. Heck, I think everyone was channelling Aerith and shouting at our screens for Cloud to work it).

The whole talk of destiny and changing fate, though, probably left many fearing that the rest of the Final Fantasy VII Remake would be a very different beast from their childhoods. What with talk about alternate timelines and the possibility of time travel. As well as that last parting shot of Zack Fair. In fact, there are plenty of videos on YouTube that try to explain the ending.

Now, I profess, time travel has always sat ill with me. And Square-Enix has not always used it well. The first Bravely Default comes to mind as does Kingdom Hearts 3 and the time loops of Type-0. Or even what they tried to do with the Final Fantasy XIII franchise. All those retcons in FFXIII-2 made me wonder if it was all worth it. Lightning’s character development in the first game was all but forgotten and rehashed over Lightning Returns. Still, as this was mostly penned by the original writer (though people will still blame Nomura), I feel like much of the motivations and several story beats will remain the same. The settings will also not change and I am eager to see Cosmo Canyon, Nibelheim, Junon and so many other places.

In saying that, though, I’m not sure if Aerith will die. Or if she does, whether it will have the same shocking effect that it did in the original. Of course, by now, everyone and their mothers know what to expect and perhaps this was a way for Square Enix to keep players on their toes. What about Cloud falling into the Lifestream and Tifa trying to sort out his memories from the false persona he created? The slap fight between Tifa and Scarlet? My friend, Bleachpanda, just wants to see Professor Hojo surrounded by girls that are trying to flirt with him. Who knows. It might happen. Or it might not. Hence why so many are terrified at the direction of the new games.

The rest of the narrative, however, proved just as exciting with a few little additions along the way. Sephiroth appearing, though, in the second chapter threw me for a loop, even though I appreciated the foreshadowing. Chapter 4 was all devoted to learning and bonding more with the other members of Avalanche. I very much liked their expanded roles, although casting Gideon Emery as Biggs was a bit of a distraction as I could clearly hear his Balthier trying to break through, particularly in the earlier scenes. Don’t get me wrong, I love my Balthier. And Biggs is quite good looking himself.

This whole Midgar portion of the game also remained mostly faithful to the original Final Fantasy VII and its timeline. It also made things a little more realistic and showed fans of the original, more sides of the characters they had come to love. Also, I like that despite the love triangle being set up between Cloud, Tifa and Aerith, there was a strong sense of camaraderie among the girls. They lifted each other up rather than tear each other down. Even Jessie was trying to get in on the action with all the flirting she did. In fact, I just wanted to ship Aerith and Tifa for the long haul.

What I also thought cute was the little swear the left Aerith’s lips when the ladder fell and Cloud had to help lift her up. It was also comical to see Cloud try to pull his Buster Sword out when confronted by one of the other Sephiroth clones and having it catch on the door jam.

Barret, on the other hand, was a little preachy in the first few chapters. There can be no denying his love for Marlene, but it grated on me how much exposition he provided on the train ride back to Sector 7. Still, once we finally get into the meat of the games, I would love to see all their backstories, cry when appropriate and cheer for them when they finally emerge victorious.

I also liked many of the environmental story telling. Particularly in Chapter 2 and seeing the aftermath of what Avalanche’s actions had done. Granted, Heidegger and President Shinra had a hand in it, but it was clear that Jessie and many others were devastated by the damage they had wrought. It was also gut-wrenching to see the remains of Sector 7 after the plate fell. Reeve, in the form of Cait Sith, tried and failed to save the people and even though he was controlling an animatronic cat, you could still see his devastation.

Overall, I have to say that I enjoyed my time with Final Fantasy VII Remake. By the time the game ended, I felt a little bereft, wanting to see more of each character and really dive down deep into their psych. Just like before, Tifa is much more reticent and closed off. It warmed my heart that in Hojo’s lab, Aerith asked Tifa if she was okay. As someone who is also similarly guarded, it’s good to know that someone else cares. Red XIII was also a great addition in the last two chapters, though it was a shame we could not play as him.

The ending might have left a sour taste in the mouths of many, but I know that I, for one, am eager to see where the unknown journey takes us next and seeing old familiar faces. We still have Cid, Yuffie and Vincent to find! Also, Marlene is so cute and precious and must be protected at all costs.

#video games #final fantasy vii: remake #FFVII #Final Fantasy

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araniaexumae · 6 years

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Do You Want to Fall in Love With Me (and Go to France) ? - chapter eight

Read the first chapters in this tag or on AO3

James and Lily had spent the rest of the afternoon playing a card game in their hotel room. It was now time to get ready to meet the other guests at the dinner reception. Noelle had told them that they might be filmed, but only from a distance. They wouldn't have to speak this time. After the short meeting, Lily and James had gone back to their room without mentioning what he had said. Now that it was over, James realized it might have been a bit much. The most beautiful person ever, really? Lily had been graceful enough not to talk about it. Now, she had gone in the bathroom to change into her dress while James stayed in the room. He was thankful Remus had helped him pack and reminded him to bring fancier clothes. He would have looked slightly out of place in shorts and a t-shirt. He took the aforementioned fancier clothes, which consisted of a classic black tux over a white shirt and put it on, struggling only slightly with the cuff-links. He guessed all the receptions his parents had brought him to when he was growing up turned out to be useful.

He was just finishing with tying his tie when he heard the door of the en-suite opening. He turned around and was faced with Lily, looking breathtaking. She was wearing a dark blue, strapless dress which stopped at her calves and the colour looked beautiful with her hair. Speaking of hair, it was flowing down her shoulders in shiny, shiny curls and he really wanted to touch it. James only noticed his hand had flown up to his hair when he felt his hand on his scalp. He ran his hand through his hair, like he always did, and smiled at Lily.

“Evans! All of this for me?”, he joked. “You look positively ravishing.”

Lily smiled and looked at her feet, which were still bare. Her toenails were painted turquoise, although most of it was chipped.

“Thank you, James, you look handsome too.”

She put on her shoes, which were simple and elegant black flats. “I only wear heels if I really have too.” She explained. “Which is basically whenever Marlene manages to talk me into it. Seriously, why would anyone willingly wear these. I personally don't see the appeal in suffering so much. For what, to be tall?”

“Well not everyone can be naturally tall.” James teased her while patting her head. “And everything that's small is cute.”

“Piss off, Potter.”

READ ON AO3

James and Lily entered the reception side by side. It was taking place in the interior garden of the hotel. Fairy lights had been strung from tree to tree and made the place look joyful and welcoming. Lily immediately led James to the buffet tables, where they both grabbed a flute of champagne.

“To crazy shenanigans.” James lifted his glass towards Lily.

She clinked her glass with his. “I'll drink to that.”

James was about to suggest that they go meet the other guests when Noelle came towards them.

“James! Lily! Thank you for coming. You both look dashing. Let me introduce you to the other couples.” He tried to remember the last time someone had payed him so many compliments. He couldn't help but think there were too many of them for them to be genuine. Nevertheless, he smiled politely.

“Yes, that'd be lovely.”

The brunette woman led them towards a group of four people. There were three women and one man, who were called Jean, Florence, Alice and Frank. The two first looked mostly annoyed to be there, while the last two gave them bright toothy smiles.

Later in the evening, Lily found herself alone with Alice. She liked the girl. It really seemed like they could become friends. They each grabbed a macaron of the buffet table, raspberry for Lily and lavender for Alice – the catering company really had gone all out, the macarons tasted heavenly - then walked towards a small fountain in a more quiet corner of the garden. Alice nodded in the direction of James, who was laughing with Frank and a woman Lily hadn't met yet.

“You haven't been together long, have you?”, she asked.

At least the answer wouldn't be an outrageous lie. Technically, they had not been together long. Never is a pretty short time. “No, it's fairly new.”

Alice smiled. “I can tell. You look like you're not completely used to each other yet. Don't worry, though, it's obvious James is crazy about you.”

Lily felt her cheeks heat up once again. Damn those redhead genes. “Yeah I like him a lot too. I'll admit we rushed into this a bit, participating to the contest and all, but I just really wanted to go to France, you know?” Lily felt comfortable with Alice. She didn't think revealing their charade was a good idea, especially not before speaking to James first, but something about the other woman made her feel at ease.

“Don't worry, I get you. If I hadn't already been engaged to Frank, I think I would have just picked somebody at random to go with me!” Alice joked. If only you knew…

“You guys are engaged! I didn't know! Congratulations!”

Towards the end of the evening, James and Lily had found each other again and were wondering if it was acceptable to leave. They had both been up pretty early in the morning for the plane and couldn't wait to go to sleep. Of course, it was that moment that Noelle chose to come and speak to them, yet again. Contrary to the connection she had immediately felt with Alice, someone Lily did not like was Noelle. All her fake smiles and constant pushing were starting to annoy her. If she had to be honest, though, what truly infuriated her was how she interacted with James, always telling him how handsome he was or how funny his jokes were and how he was just made for tv.

Does she flirt like that with all the men on the show? Doesn't she get that they're, you know, in a relationship? (Or supposed to be at least.) Lily noticed the other woman walking towards them out of the corner of her eye, and couldn't help what happened next. It was just to keep Noelle at bay, really. That was the sole reason why Lily grabbed James, one hand fisted in his jacket and the other on his tie, and yanked him down towards her to kiss him.

#jily #james potter #lily evans #jily fanfiction #dywtfilwm #my writing #my stuff

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