Does The Final Fantasy VII Remake Need A New Battle System?

Or should Square Enix play it safe and stick with turn-based combat? Oh, and there was another Final Fantasy title announced today...

[DarkOcelet]

I am gonna be honest with you Foxtrot, i think FFVII should have new battle system. Turn based is awesome yes, but i want FFVII to have more movement/freedom.

[-Foxtrot]

Turn Based can still work today. It's just up to them to make it a little more interesting. Speed it up a bit, don't bother showing us the location when going into battle....just quickly fade to black and put us in there.

Lost Odyssey did it perfectly and added the ring system to keep us engaged.

I wouldn't want something like Final Fantasy 15 where the only person I can control is the main guy, this game being cloud.

[Jedislayer]

old final fantasy vii ISN'T even turn based. it was ATB. Active Time battle. Why does everyone think it was turn based.

[mikeslemonade]

If it's not turn base then there should be a riot. That would piss off the fans that you are trying to cater too.

Come on.. if they listen to fans and make a FF7 then atleast listen more and make it turn based.

[Nitrowolf2]

I wonder if people really wanted this game remade or if they just wanted more cloud and FF 7 theme. I mean I'm not asking for an on the point remake. I'd love to see some tweaks to the gameplay, but nothing hugely drastic.

[Name Last Name]

I think FFX's turn based style can work.

[-Foxtrot]

The thing is it seems they want to change so much to bring in new fans....instead of making this for old school fans who love FF7 for what it is.

Them going after new fans is a horrible thing because it means it's going to loose it's Final Fantasy charm.

[Roccetarius]

Lost Odyssey could've taken it a step further than the ring system as well, such as maybe allowing you to chain abilities in a way but at additional cost.

[Debaitable]

I'd nominate FFX-2 active time battle.

[DevilOgreFish]

Hate to put it up in the sentence, but what about FFXIII's? It was ATB turn base with chaining attacks, characters were also able to move around in the battle square. just remove the auto battle mode and i'd be fine with that. It's either that, something better or just keep it traditional.

[Pennywise138]

I agree foxtrot.
Final fantasy hasn't been turned based or active time battle for a long time so what better time to revisit that style of gameplay than with a remake of a game that nailed it in the first place. I love turn based/active time battle and how you have to strategize when to heal and when to attack and when to pull out the big summon spells. What's the point of doing a remake of a game that people love and was almost perfect to begin with if your going to just go and change everything. Graphics are really the only thing that needs to be updated. Everything else needs nothing more than minor tweaking. I'll be really mad if they take out being able to control the airships. There's plenty of opportunities to change whatever they want in future final fantasy games. Don't spit in the face of all the people who grew up loving this game and have been asking for this remake by changing everything except the character names and likeness.

[ShugaCane]

I don't want the game to be full Action/RPG, though. If they could do a mix of old school turn based with FF XII battle system (yes, I loved that battle system), that would be super cool.

FF VII combats were really tactical. I know that turn based system doesn't work as well today as it did back then, but I wish they could find a compromise.

FF X and X-2 battle system was fantastic. A bit more freedom of movement added, then you'd have something incredible, imo.

[DarkOcelet]

FFXII was my personal favorite FF game and the battle system was sick!

If they did the Remake similar in terms of gameplay then it will be awesome.

[Fishermenofwar]

Maybe Like Chronotrigger?? but obvious graphic leap..

[raWfodog]

Even though I absolutely loved FFVII and I consider it my favorite FF, I have enjoyed all the FFs that I played and even their respective battle systems. I took all of the games on their own merit instead of wishing they were all a copy of FFVII.

That being said, I know a lot of people are saying that since its a remake of FFVII it should have the exact same battle system that FFVII had back then. But I honestly think that would not fit with the new look and feel of the game.

IMO, the reveal trailer showcased so much life and emotion in Midgar that I think it would look out of place to have enemies standing in a straight line across from your party and everyone taking turns attacking each other.

[ShugaCane]

@raWfdog

You are describing a very oldschool kind of turn based system. You can have turn based system with enemies moving and running.

[raWfodog]

@ Shugacane

Thats exactly what im talking about. I'm sure the developers are more than capable of giving us a revamped battle system thats not a complete departure from the original while still maintaining the essence and charm of the classic game. But some are saying it should stay the exact same but just have updated graphics.

Edit: just for clarification, i was agreeing with your original comment.

[Death]

If FFVII is changed, it's not FFVII. Why do people want a remake if what they are asking for is a completely different game? We already had that, it was called FFVIII.

[Flewid638]

Yes.... correct. It won't be FFVII. It will be a remake. That word you see in there? That word "remake"? That's the thing that lets us know it isnt exactly the original. It's a...you know...remake.

#themoreyouknow.

[raWfodog]

@ CD

There it is. I was looking for a way to diplomatically say it without people jumping on it as me being a smart-ass. There is a difference between a remake and a remaster even though some will probably just call it semantics.

In general, a remake is "typically an overhauled improvement of an original game that was released several years ago, while a remastered game is just a visually enhanced version of an original game that was recently released, specifically catered towards the current-gen consoles."
http://dispatches.cheatcc.c...

If people are wanting to play the 'exact' same game but just with 'enhanced' graphics then you will have the PS4 port of the PC version soon. They are already telling us that the 'remake' will be different from the original but the same basic story will be there.

It's obviously not what a lot of people want to hear though but before Tuesday we didn't even have that...

[Death]

Usually when you remake something you base it off the original. I get that people want updated graphics. I get that people may want updates sounds. If you deviate from the core game also, it is no longer a remake. I'm pretty sure the fancy word for that is called "new game". From what you and many others are saying is you don't want the game updated or "remade", you actually want a sequel since the only thing you want to keep is the same characters.

[raWfodog]

@ Death

So you honestly don't think that they can tell the same story without changing some gameplay aspects? That if they change many aspects of the game, it won't be the same story but rather a sequel? Then I'm sorry that it's not going to be the game that you and many others were waiting for. It seems that Nomura and the others already have plans that differ from what many of you want.

http://gematsu.com/2015/06/...

[gangsta_red]

I'm with DarkOcelet on this one. FF7 had a great fighting system at that time but I think it would feel dated if implemented today.

More than likely Square will re-vamp the fighting system more along the lines of Vs. and KH III. Maybe something even more drastic. But I seriously doubt we will see turned based action ever again in any FF game.

As long as they have materia slots and combinations I'm okay with it.

[raWfodog]

I absolutely agree with that DO. It should have a new battle system. It was great when it was released back then and the upcoming PS4 port will still have that I assume, but the new remake should have a battle system that fits better with the remake vision. Of course let us still control all of our characters but I'm sure they can design a fluid ATB system that adds more action to the combat.

[Hoffmann]

8 agrees and 8 disagrees. I guess this kinda displays the feelings of many of us. A new fighting system or a partially different one would be liked by many of us but a back to the roots in the remake with the old traditional turn based system many of us loved in FFVII would be liked as much.

Makes me wish the developers would react to these early emotions you can see in many FFVII remake articlers and comment sections leave the players the option between Action and Turn Based Battles.

[Ashmedae]

I have an idea for the combat system. Make it an action/turn based system.

The default combat would be action based where the characters can act on their own and whatever else is typical with ARPGs.

But, with the toggle of switch, give us the option/ability to turn it into more of a turn base system where the action is still real time, but paused (like with the ATB Wait) when our characters have a chance to do something. While some or all of the characters are waiting to have their turn, real time combat ensues and the mobs/enemies do their thing. Then finally when one of our characters is able to do something and issue whatever attack/magic/summon/command ability, the combat is automatically paused, we can then switch to said character(s) and we then choose whatever ability we want the character to use.

This way we get the best of both worlds. Those who want an ARPG will have their ARPG, and those that want turn based will have that option to control their characters on a turn by turn basis.

As long as I have some sense of turn based control with the characters during combat I'll be extremely happy.

[Ashmedae]

@kalkano,

Yes, but I'm trying to be realistic here. I do not like ARPGs in the least; I prefer the old school turn-based approach. As much as I would want it to be turn based, I can't imagine that it'll turn out that way. So what better way to compromise than to give the player the opportunity to pause the combat, and have the player select what happens next, rather than have the AI do it all for you. I would rather have and feel some sense of control over every single action my characters are making than just watch the AI do everything for me on the other characters I'm not controlling. Hence why I mentioned including some form of 'ATB Wait'

[MegaRay]

It should have Persona 4 battle system, Or Ni No Kuni's, best RPG systems IMO.

Then again, im okay with Action-RPG but im sure old fans wont.

[CaspuR]

personas battle system is nothing amazing, the orginal ff7 battle system is probably better than persona 4s, Persona games are just so good that u couldnt care less what u where fighting just along as u can get to a next dialogue point in the story. With that said i enjoyed persona 3 battle system better, as much as I appreciated being able to use all my party members in persona 4 persona 3 battles where faster and alot more fun seeing as shadows didnt reflect or null every attack except there weakness.

[goldwyncq]

No way. Ni No Kuni's AI is atrocious.

[ninsigma]

I'd like it to stay the same. Especially the materia system.

[CaspuR]

Id rather the change to action, I think action fits Final fantasy 7 style better IMO, leave turn base to persona and other games, sorry to say turn base combat has no place in a triple A title anymore. Its just the truth, there will never be another turn base game that sells over 10 million copies ever I can promise you that, And thats the bare minimum square expects to sell.

P.S what do you guys expect, the chibi characters on the world map? random battles? that era is done. This is coming from a guy thats top 3 favorite games of all time are turn based and 2 of those are final fantasy games (7 and 9).

[Kurisu]

VII and IX are my two favourites.

Let's be friends! xD

To be honest I'm expecting this remake to be action orientated. If they could somehow make it like Crisis Core but let us switch between characters like Type-0 then it has the potential to be great!

[DiscoKid]

Keep it turn-based. This remake is mostly fan-service. It'll attract new-gen players just by looking awesome. Lol

[Simco876]

Revamped turned based style. Perfection, don't lose the tactics or the materia system. Don't try to throw FFXV or FFXII for that matter. Just improve on the turned based system of old...it's a remake, not a reboot.

[DiscoKid]

Couldn't have said it better.

[Roccetarius]

Allowing your team members to move around like in FF12 would actually not be much different than what FF7 is, considering it's a timer based system and not based around taking turns.

[Simco876]

I get what you're saying, FF12 was the beginning of the end of the turn based style. Menu driven battles is what made the game what it is.

Lets all be real though...We really want to see wtf Cait Sith is going to be. Golden Megaphone for the win baby.

[phoenixwing]

I'll be fine with whatever they choose to do. Wanting a remake is asking for updated things and updated things include the fighting system.

[VileAndVicious]

This times 1000%. All these years people have been asking for a newer version. Certain gameplay changes to the original were bound to follow.

[curtis92]

And here's where this is going to get ugly.

Now that the announcement has come and gone, the debates will only get more divided.

On one hand you'll have the purist group that what's it to play identical and on the other you'll have people that want the story but all new gameplay.

And after 3 or 4 years of being in the minds of gamers, whatever they release will be a disappointment to 40-50% of the people who wanted the remake in the first place.

Wouldn't you rather just have a new, proper FF game and move forward? I guess not. You all asked for this.

[Death]

I agree Curtis. Until this morning I had no idea "fans" wanted an entirely new game and not the same game with updated graphics and sound. What they are asking for today is a sequel that retains nothing except for the names.

[VerdicLinwe]

Someone book mark me here today - Final Fantasy XV style FFVII "Reboot" (not Remake). If I am wrong I will give the first person to call it out a free copy of FFVIIR on Steam. PM's will be taken with a screenshot for proof of order.

[NoctisPendragon]

That bet is quite easy , everyone knows deep inside FF VII remake will be something like FF XV++ , it almost the same team making them .

[VerdicLinwe]

I love Episode Duscae. And it would be easy to translate the Materia System to give you multiple options in battle like in FFXV. (Easy as in design theory, not easy programming wise.)

[Goldenarmz]

Noooooo.... leave it turn based!

[Roccetarius]

Keeping the Materia system and turning it into something like FF12 would not change much for FF7, because both games are based around timers.

If they're taking a more action-like approach as seen in FF15, then the attacks would be changed to something that's more instant.

[leahcim]

NOOO please no

[mochachino]

Needs a classic and new mode.

I don't have the patience or time for grinding turnbased games anymore.

[VJGenova]

Who needs to grind in FFVII? The early final fantasys required some grinding but not 7 unless you want to fight emerald weapon or something. But, just skip that if ypu don't have the time.

[hkgamer]

I want ffvii to keep the ATB system, but it needs to be upgraded.

AP combo system would be cool, team combo/special skills/limit break would be amazing.

[BlakHavoc]

Yes. Cause other than hardcore fans the game will not appeal to casual gamers. And while you may be thinking who gives a flying fiddle, if they're going to remake this game I'm sure they want it to appeal to the masses. Gaming has changed a whole lot since the original, while I loved the game I can't imagine playing this game in 2016 (or whenever) with a turn based system.

[VileAndVicious]

It honestly doesn't matter what they do. People will buy it in droves regardless. This game will sell off of its name alone and I wouldn't be surprised if it's the best selling final fantasy in history.

[BlakHavoc]

Possibly, and yea I'd have no doubts that it could be the best selling FF ever but it will need to appeal to a greater crowd than just those that have been clamoring for this game. The only ones that would appreciate this game being remade are those that were old enough to experience the original, a lot of time has passed and imo the popularity and quality of ff has dropped off lately, they'd have to find a way to convince those that never played the original (younger players) to play the game. I don't think they could do that if they stick with TB and don't at least change the fighting system or make it better.

[rainslacker]

I agree with you, but I think a lot of people that are clamoring for it to be an ARPG have not really played the original. The original did not have a slow battle system. It seemed sluggish in the beginning, but after a few hours battles went by pretty quickly.

I wouldn't mind seeing more action going on during the battles, and that could stimulate those who have a lower attention span than a goldfish, but the battle system was perfectly fine in the original game, and it was certainly better than most AJRPG's that have come out since it's release.

Just improvements to the system is great, because it did have it's flaws, but menu based games have much deeper combat than the press square to dodge, press x to attack style of JRPG(or even western RPG) style of combat that has become so prevalent.

THe best part of FFVII's combat was the customization available to the characters, and the ability to control all your characters to form complex strategies for handling some extremely complicated bosses. All moving to ARPG would do is allow them to set up immaculate set pieces in the style of AC, which is not what was so appealing about the original FFVII in the first place.

[VileAndVicious]

I honestly don't see what the big deal with a different combat system is. This is a remake, not just a port with pretty graphics. Personally if I wanted to play classic FF7 it's there.

This is supposed to be something new and old. Give and take. Did anyone ever stop to wonder if the ATB battle system was simply used because it was the closest to their vision at the time? It's been almost 20 years.

[BlakHavoc]

Exactly, well said

[Big_Game_Hunters]

It will have a new battle system, Its a tetsuya nomura game. It WILL definitely be an action RPG now.

[SouljAx360]

The combat should be left alone. If anything I would like it to have FF10 battle system. I certainly wouldn't want it to have FF15 battle system. That game's combat is awful.

[rainslacker]

I think taking the best parts of other FF battle systems and adapting them to what made FFVII battle system so good would be the best way to go. FFX had a great battle system. XII was pretty good, and if I had to choose something other than VII's, I'd say go with that one. VIII and IX were very similar to VII's but each one improved on the last...supposedly. XIII was mostly just button mashing with no control over the party, which made it more an action RPG for most fights. FFXV didn't start out as a core title FF game, but was an ARPG so I would hate to see it go that route as it is just the same as most other RPG's that exist today.

FFVII was pushing forward the turn based system for it's time, and I'd like to see a return to the turn based system but improved for the modern age. SE is in a unique position to make turn based relevant again, so I really hope they don't squander the opportunity in favor of trying to appeal to the masses. It's up to them to show that turn based can be a great way to control an RPG, because it really is for most stat based systems if you want to get the most out of your characters.

[TeamLeaptrade]

I have a feeling they'll change the combat system somewhat, but I honestly don't think they really have to. But I suspect the majority of people would prefer it to be different in some ways.

[Tdmd]

I would like it to be action-rpg, or something like FFXII's very fluid ATB. But I really don't care very much about it. If old time fans want it to be turn-base, I'm ok with that. And I will hype the heck out of it anyways! =p

[WeAreLegion]

I'd prefer real-time or the Level-5 hybrid system, but most fans would be angry if it's not turn-based.

[Miraak82]

as long as there's a material system i'm happy , I like the 5 categories and combinations you were able to do .

[stunkilla]

as long as the story is the same im happy

[Clogmaster]

I'd rather them have 2 battle systems. The original ATB where it's basically porting the old combat system. No work needed except animations and effects.

Which leads to my next point. I'd rather have Platinum do the combat system. The animations can just be ported to the ATB mode if people prefer the old combat system.

[eclectified]

This is a remake. No new battle system.
If it was a reboot, I would say sure, why not.

[Relientk77]

NO dont you dare!

it needs to be turn-based!

and turn based JRPGs need to make a comeback anyway

[dilbig5]

They should keep the enemy encounters but use White Knight Chronicles type of battle system. Its just like FF7's except you can move around