Final Fantasy VII on Switch Isn't Perfect, but It's Still the Best Version of a Timeless Classic

Final Fantasy VII has just launched on the Nintendo Switch after 22 years of staying on PlayStation and PC. While it isn't perfect, there's a lot to love with the port.

[PhoenixUp]

Not this “best version” drivel again

[Gamingsince1981]

The best version is my original copy because I can use my xploder cheat disc and keep aerith alive even after she's dead.

[jaycptza]

zombie?

[Gemmol]

What other version plays the same ps4 version in both handheld and tv mode with same frame rate and resolution, since the ps4 can’t play on the go it make the switch version automatically the better version

Mobile phones, ps vita, psp, ps tv, and ps3 do not play the version on the ps4 they instead play the old version from ps1 days.

So switch is first to play the HD version in handheld mode and because of this and having same resolution and frame rate as others it’s the best version

[Knushwood Butt]

720P is not HD.

[DaDrunkenJester]

@knush

Technically 720p is HD.

[Nitrowolf2]

Ur gonna forget ps4 has remote play eh?

[Knushwood Butt]

I guess I mean full HD.

[Pretentious]

Best is subjective. If you don't play games on the go, then it's definitely not the best. Opinion based.

[Teflon02]

Pc is the best version. No debate. Switch is fine but I'm not a person who enjoys using a stick to navigate as I've always played RPGs going through menus with a d pad. PS control is what I've always used or gameboy. I would rather play the vita or ps4 version. The psone classic looks great the way Vita up scales. I only would play the vita version because the dpad. I'd pick steam on screen or even ps4 because achevs and trophies add to the game for me personally more than playing anywhere. I'll pick Xbox over switch for list RPGs honestly. Nothing wrong with it but no universal objectives for a completionist doesn't ruin a game but it takes a little away from the fun. Extra rewards while enjoying a game lol

[SuperSonic91]

Bu..bu..but graphics don't matter for Nintendo hardware, right? Just gameplay, right?

You guys been harping on that since the Wii, right? For decades.

Now you guys are defending the graphics of a long time PlayStation exclusive port on your "powerful graphics" machine?

The hypocrisy of the Nintendo fanbase!

[Dragonscale]

@teflon, its not on pc.

[rainslacker]

Well, sure, I guess of you have to add so many qualifiers then yeah, it's the best version.

[Question_Mark]

@SuperSonic91

At least they’re still better than Sony fans.

[PhoenixUp]

@ Gaming

You got some Pet Semitary situation going on there. Why keep a character alive when they don’t even have a presence in the further narrative?

@ Gemmol

You’re seriously blowing this portability aspect out of proportion.

You can do things with the PS4 version that you can’t on Switch such as earn Trophies, backup your saves on an external storage device, play custom background music, partake in the social communities aspect of the game on PSN, have a party chat while playing, Share Play, easily livestream from the console itself, & save videos of sections of the game.

It’s pretty egregious to look at all those features and say they should be ignored. Some people like portability while others like the features I listed. It’s pompous to say one is definitively better than the other.

[Neonridr]

exactly.. so when a bunch of people say they prefer the Switch version, why is it that the rabid N4G fanbase accuses them of being wrong?

[PhoenixUp]

Isn’t it simple?

It should go without saying, but it should be pretty obvious that there’s a huge difference between saying what platform you personally enjoy a game on and acting like it’s an objective fact that a game is definitively best on one platform no questions asked.

You can’t continually make such biased statements and expect not to get reprimanded for it.

[Nitrowolf2]

@Neonridr

Ur getting ripped apart because ur stating ur opinion as a fact for other, when it comes down to being an opinion. Ur going out ur way to tell people their version isn’t their definite one cause it lacks seamless mobility.

I’m gonna play FF7 the way I remember and that’s on my TV. Do I care for Mobility? No that’s why My switch is always docked so I can play on the big screen. So for me, the best and definite experience would be either using my PS4 or PC if I wanted better textures/mods. But at the end of the day that’s a preference

[bluefox755]

@Neon Obviously you know the difference between disagreement and "you're factually incorrect", and it seems a bit dishonest to try to conflate the two. If someone disagrees with you, and lays out the reasons why they disagree, that's fine. If you think the Switch version is best, that's fine. I might think your opinion is absurd, but it'd be a pretty boring world if everyone shared the same opinions.

[FallenAngel1984]

“Moreover, you can even dock your system and play on the big screen seamlessly, which is something you can’t do with the mobile and PSP/PS Vita versions.”

Yes you can. Playing PSP games on a television is already a feature.

Also the PSN version of FFVII that plays on PSP & Vita is the same version that can be played on a PS3 or PSTV.

[Neonridr]

maybe it's the seamless part they are referring to. I think people don't appreciate the literal fact that you pick it up and the game transitions to the screen instantly. Or you plop it on the dock and the game is up on the TV.

regardless if the PSP/Vita versions are the same as the PS3/PSTV versions you can't transition between the two with the ease of the Switch.

[FallenAngel1984]

Yeah you can seamlessly play your PSP games on the big screen

https://www.lifewire.com/ps...

Are people really so quick to forgetting that PSP slim can output to a television screen? That’s been a feature on the handheld since 2007.

[Neonridr]

seamlessly means without the press of a button. The Switch you literally pick the thing up and it adjusts. And you drop it on the dock and it immediately switches.

I love how having to hold down display buttons is equated to the same thing. Sure, it's similar. But you have a funny definition of seamless.

[Nitrowolf2]

Oh man a few seconds wasted to switch display the horror. Glad Theres a remote play app or other streaming app out there that let me do it without moving from my chair. imagine how many seconds I’d waste just walking there to switch to a tv, glad I can save some breathing there to

[Gemmol]

Switch use the HD version that was made for the PS4 how hard is it to understand psp, ps vita, ps tv and ps3 cannot play that version and cannot play it on their tv 📺 or handheld mode

Switch version have same features of the ps4 version which are not on the psp version or ps vita version or ps tv version and not on ps3 version

This not your first time that you keep saying it can play it but you keep thinking the switch play the old PS3 version, it do not it plays the ps4 version

[FallenAngel1984]

So what’s your point?

I’m responding to how the author erroneously states you can’t play PSN version of FFVII that is playable on PSP & Vita on a big screen.

FFVII on Switch doesn’t take that away from the handheld-TV functionality of that PSN version of the game. Idk why you even felt the need to bring up Switch when I never even said anything about the platform.

[King_Noctis]

Maybe you misread the word “seamless”. Yes, you can play the PS Vita/PSP version on the on TV. But then you’ll need additional accessories to play it, with TV out cable plus a Dualshock controller if you want to play it from far away. Plus, the game is the old version on those platform.

Now on the Switch, you can *seamlessly* Switch back and forth from portable to TV mode without needing extra accessories. Plus, the game is also the remastered version on the Switch.

[FallenAngel1984]

You really complaining about having to get inexpensive AV cables that you can easily find for under $10? That’s a fraction of the cost of Switch’s $90 dock. Idk how getting cheap cables makes effectively the same functionality not seamless.

So what if it’s the old version of the game? That doesn’t take away from it still being a great game to play on any platform.

[Neonridr]

@Fallen - The Switch comes with the dock genius.. The PSP did not come with the required cables to out to a TV.

[King_Noctis]

Umm...that why we are using the word “seamless”. The Switch come with a dock. The PSP doesn’t. And in the Vita’s case, you can’t even natively output the game to TV, as you need hardware modification for that which add an additional layer of complications.

On the Switch, just pull the system out and you are in portable mode. Put it back in and you are in TV mode. And as for the two versions of the game, yes the old version is still very enjoyable, but you can’t stand there with a straight face saying that you would prefer the old one over the remastered version.

[FallenAngel1984]

@ Neo

No shit Switch comes with the dock. I just brought up the dock’s price to show how little you’re paying to get the same functionality on PSP.

My point with those cables is that they’re inexpensive for anyone who wants to use the feature.

@ King

Yes the cable is optional, but the functionality is still there on PSP..

From what I’ve seen there are issues present in the new version that weren’t in the old one. While I do say I’d always prefer to play the new one, I’m not going to act like the old one no longer holds any merit at all.

[Nitrowolf2]

Lol ur gonna complain about needing to go out and buy an extra cable that’s dirt cheap so it functions as so? Where were u guys when Nintendo stopped supplying power cable for the 3ds and gave the excuse that everyone has one already? Or what about the dockless version they sell in certain markets?

Or how about the warping issue that’s been going on since launch?

[King_Noctis]

“Where were u guys when Nintendo stopped supplying power cable for the 3ds and gave the excuse that everyone has one already? ”

That is not what I agree with Nintendo. It is shitty of them to do that, but how is that related to the discussion at hand?

“Or what about the dockless version they sell in certain markets?”

Forgive me if I’m wrong, but isn’t the docked/normal version of the Switch is sold in those countries as well? Surely you can’t say Nintendo ban them from buying the normal version?

“Or how about the warping issue that’s been going on since launch?”

Mine still has no problem, and I had bought it since launch. But Again, how is that relevant to the discussion at hand?

[rainslacker]

@king

All this discussion is kind of pointless to it being the best version of the game. You all are talking about features of the system, not the game itself. One may have the best, or most convenient options to play it with switch, but that has nothing to do with anything the devs did.

In addition, if people actually cared about all their, they probably already have the set up to do whatever they want to do, and I can't imagine there are large numbers of people scrambling to play in the way all these anecdotal and rather specific examples put forth.

Game has a higher resolution and trophies on ps4. The game itself has more features on ps4. Higher resolution is objectively better isn't it? Even if one doesn't care about the resolution? Trophy support is better, and a feature not even available.

There are objective things better about other versions. Switch itself has features which may be relevant, but there are workarounds elsewhere.

Not to put down the switch, it just seems like a lot of specific examples to try and defend the switch when there is really no need to.

[porkChop]

To be fair, going by the link you posted it isn't "seamless" to switch between the PSP and TV. And the seamlessness is the key of what the author was taking about in that quote.

You have to plug the AC adapter in near your TV, plug in your video cables, then plug those into the PSP. And considering the PSP's AC cable was only 6ft you'll be pulling up a chair to play comfortably. Only the Go had DS3 support. That doesn't sound seamless. The Switch just slides into the dock and you're instantly good to go.

[Juusterey]

Does this version let you disable cheats?
I mean completely remove them?
That would make it better

[Ephemeralespoir]

If you don't want it, just don't use it.

[Juusterey]

Id prefer if they just put in a little effort and let me remove it so I never accidentally tip off the button

[Immagaiden]

You can’t “put in a little effort” at not pushing down on the analog sticks? It’s not that hard.

Even if you somehow do it, you can easily turn it off as you accidentally turned them on

[Juusterey]

A little effort? To have 100% of the game time spent being careful i don't tip off such easy to hit buttons?
Especially while putting a controller down?

Just because the developers were too lazy to make it an option?

[Pretentious]

A "classic mode" option would be nice and very easy for them to implement. Honestly don't know why they don't give us the option. Guess they think all gamers suck now. It takes all the challenge out of the game. Great for noobs.

[Juusterey]

Can't believe I'm getting disagrees for saying that removing cheats should be an option

[rob-GP]

How is this version the 'best? it's pretty much the same as every other version only probably not the same resolution or framerate as the main consoles.

[Neonridr]

it runs exactly the same as the other versions (in docked mode). In handheld mode it is limited by the screen resolution being 720p. But on a screen that small, believe me, the differences are negligible.

[rob-GP]

Cool - don't see how this version is any 'better' than the others then. They are all decent ports

[Neonridr]

@rob-GP - to some, being able to take it with you and play wherever you want gives it the edge

[Knushwood Butt]

Got this off PSN.

Vita and PSP Go. I can take them with me. Both at the same time. That gives them an edge.

[Neonridr]

@Knushwood - those versions are the originals, not the enhanced ones. It's great that you can play the older version on the go with you on two separate devices. You want a medal for that?

[yomfweeee]

The closer the screen to your face, the more noticeable 720p vs 1080p is going to be. So, I doubt it is negligible. You telling me you couldn't tell the difference between a 720p smartphone screen vs 1080p?

[Gemmol]

First off this the HD version that came out on PS4 which had more features than the one that came out on mobile phones, PSP, PS Vita, PS TV, & PS3.

So switch is first version that can play the ps4 version with all the same features and resolution and frame rate and can play in handheld mode which the ps4 cannot do. When switch and ps4 both connected to tv both play in 1080p with matching frame rate

[Knushwood Butt]

Frame rate. I don't recall that being a big deal in this game. Does a higher frame rate make your turn shorter?

[Neonridr]

@Knushwood - way to move the goal posts..

[Knushwood Butt]

Learned it from the master.

[rainslacker]

Lol neon. Every argument you've used to defend your position is making a new goal post that never existed in the first place, and you're attributing a feature of the system as somehow making this the best version of the game

[rob-GP]

There's a guy on YouTube who did a comparison of all the versions. Ff7isnt 1080p on the switch, it's less as it's blurrier and some of the assets aren't as sharp as on Ps4. So, it's technically not 'as good' as the PS4 version. Although, the comment about framerate and portability...

The game has 60fps menus, 30fps over world and 15fps battles. That's the same on all versions, even the mobile. You could technically say a mobile phone is the same as the switch version if you wanted...

Portability, you can remote play the PS4 to mobile or vita devices and have the game on the go. You can even remote play at 1080p if you have a Pro...

Again, not bashing the game, just that this isn't 'the best version of it' as they are all very similar

[SegaGamer]

Can I add all of the mods that I can add on the pc version?.....no? okay, then I will stick with the pc version.

[Gemmol]

Can your pc fit in your pocket ? Mines can’t

[ocelot07]

How big are your pockets? Must be really big to fit a damn switch in them.

I have to wear combats for work that have 6 pockets and the leg ones are really big yet I can't fit a switch in mine.

[SegaGamer]

Yeah, I can now thanks to Steam Link anywhere ;)

[Knushwood Butt]

You need deep pockets to afford Switch games.

[Neonridr]

@ocelot07 - point remains that a Switch is a hell of a lot smaller than a laptop.

[Nitrowolf2]

I like how you guys all forget that when can just stream the game over with things like remote play and other pc related software. And don’t get into an argument about how that relies on being on internet when fortnite/warframe exists in the switch

Also when is a user preference a sudden fact that it makes it the def version? My switch is docked pretty much at all times, so wouldn’t that make it the worst version by that logic? Yes I could take it on the go, but like I said above I could do that with the pc version if I really wanted to plus all the perks it comes with.

Even remote play on the PS4 does the job, and don’t even mention the controls for a game that’s turn base. A phone fits in my pocket a hell of a lot better than a switch

Love how it being mobile all of a sudden makes it the best of all the purchase.

[averagejoe26]

Switch can fit in your pocket? Do you have a new unannounced mini switch? Or are you a giant with massive pockets?

[rainslacker]

I heard cargo pants with lots of pockets are making a come back. Along with fanny packs. I guess if all this is important to people, they all invested in that nvidia thing that the switch is partially based off of.

[Fraggle1987]

PC version is the best. For obvious reasons.

[Neonridr]

if sitting at home in front of your monitor is what you prefer, then absolutely.

[averagejoe26]

You can stream it via steam link or on your nvidia shield.

Can play it on the go with PC mods :)

Best way to play.

[SinkingSage]

Can even just play it on a portable PC like the GPD Win 2.

[2pacalypsenow]

Lol sure it is.

[Imortus_san]

"Final Fantasy VII on Switch Isn't Perfect, but It's Still the Best Version of a Timeless Classic" - not even close, the best version is the original running on the PS2 via Sony component cables connected to OSSC with Scanlines and line doubler at 5x, looks tons better then any other version.

[Italiano1234567]

I would hope so. The game released 22 years ago

[averagejoe26]

Haha Nintendrones are hilarious.

Better than PC? Nope.
Better than the PS1 version? Nope

Game has many reports of crashing and freezing on the switch too. It also only goes up to 720p hahaha

Keep smoking that good stuff.

[MoonConquistador]

The majority of this comments thread reads like a fanboy war in a creche lol

[BlaqMagiq1]

The PS4 version is just as good but okay