Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade Switch 2 Review

Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade Switch 2 Review
Version Reviewed: Nintendo Switch 2

Final Fantasy VII is often considered the quintessential Final Fantasy experience, regularly heralded as one of the PlayStation’s greatest games of all time and the title that pushed the series firmly into the mainstream. Despite that reputation, my own journey with the franchise started later. I came in with Final Fantasy VIII, and when I eventually tried VII, I struggled to connect with it. So when Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade landed in my inbox, I was not entirely sure what to expect. I never fully warmed to Cloud as a protagonist, though I could at least relate to his frustration with a power company, especially when my quarterly bill seems to climb higher every time it arrives. Could this reimagining finally change my perspective and help me appreciate a game so many people hold dear? What’s It Like? Grab your Buster Sword, slot in your Materia, and prepare to revisit Midgar as we review Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade on Nintendo Switch 2.

Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade is not a simple remake or remaster of Final Fantasy VII, but a full reimagining of the original game. This release only covers what was originally disc one, but it would be unfair to say the game confines you to Midgar. Instead, it uses that focus to offer a far deeper dive into the city, its people, and its systems. While the main story broadly follows the original beats, Remake Intergrade expands the experience through additional missions, character moments, and gameplay systems across its roughly 40-hour runtime. This extra space allows the game to properly explore the politics and social tensions of Midgar, creating a stronger sense of place and immersion within its dystopian setting.

You play as Cloud, an ex-SOLDIER from Shinra’s elite combat division, who has turned mercenary and joins the resistance group Avalanche. Avalanche’s goal is to destroy Shinra’s power reactors, which harvest the planet’s life force, and the game wastes little time throwing you into the middle of that conflict. In the original game, Avalanche often felt somewhat childlike in their worldview, and several supporting characters leaned heavily into familiar archetypes. The angry one, the tough guy, the comic relief, and so on. Remake Intergrade reworks these foundations, fleshing out motivations and relationships to give each character genuine emotional weight. This added depth was what truly pulled me into the world, as every member of Avalanche now feels like they have a real reason to be there, and something meaningful at stake. Cloud himself remains a complex protagonist, but his personality here is closer to the version seen in Advent Children. He is more worldly and cynical, losing much of the edgy, sullen tone that defined him in the original release. The result is a character who feels more grounded and, in my opinion, far more likeable, with a stronger sense of depth beneath the surface.

The story is told in a third-person, traditional JRPG style, allowing you to explore sections of Midgar, talk to characters, and take on side quests that further enrich the story and encourage exploration. Players who take the time to search every nook and cranny are rewarded with powerful items, rare Materia, and even summons. The game even flags points of interest, warning you if you’re about to pass a “point of no return” and miss potential Materia forever. The biggest departure from the original, however, is the combat system. Remake Intergrade moves away from the classic timer-based turn system and into a fully 3D, freeform style that’s genuinely thrilling to play. You hack and slash to build ATB points, then spend them to cast spells, use items, or unleash abilities. Combat unfolds in real time but slows slightly when you navigate menus, giving you space to make strategic choices. You can switch between characters mid-battle or trigger their abilities while maintaining control of your preferred character, adding a significant layer of depth. There were moments where I’d use a teammate’s ability to stagger an enemy, then follow up with a devastating Limit Break to maximise damage. Other times, I’d stick to a ranged character, supporting the party with heals and buffs. It all works seamlessly. Summons function in a similar way, with characters sacrificing ATB points to unleash devastating attacks. Seeing classic summons like Ifrit and Shiva return, as well as meeting some new ones, was genuinely exciting. All of these elements combine into a combat system that never grows stale. Each encounter feels dynamic and engaging, whether you’re perfecting a strategy or experimenting with new tactics.

Visually, Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade pushes the Switch 2 to new heights, delivering stunning detail in both world and character design. Character models are gorgeously realised, full of personality and charm, especially in the cinematic-style cutscenes that are rendered entirely in-engine. The world itself effectively conveys Midgar’s perverse industrialisation. Dusty slums sprawl in the shadows of the city, while towering concrete and steel structures dominate the skyline, creating a stark contrast that reinforces the city’s oppressive atmosphere. Spell effects and combat visuals also deserve praise. Sparks fly when bullets hit metal, debris scatters when enemies explode, and the chaos of spells and summons makes battles feel explosive and alive. Special abilities and Limit Breaks often cut to cinematic, stylish sequences, showcasing intricate detail and flair. The only minor issue I noticed is that in some brighter settings, character faces and features can appear a little flat due to lighting. These moments are few and far between, but they are worth noting. Overall, Remake Intergrade is one of the best-looking games on Switch 2, and a striking example of what the hardware can achieve in the hands of a skilled developer.

All of this is backed by a gorgeous orchestral score that elevates the original music to new heights, making familiar themes feel both epic and fresh. Character dialogue is now fully voiced, delivered with real conviction. Barret’s rage is tempered by a tender, fatherly tone when he speaks about his daughter. Tifa conveys warmth and connection in every interaction, while Cloud’s nonchalant attitude toward the cause comes through naturally. The voice acting is phenomenal, adding yet another layer of depth to an already incredible story.

With all this visual flair and bells and whistles, the important question is: how does it actually perform? Remake Intergrade is locked to 30 FPS, and it doesn’t skip a beat. Even in the most chaotic battles, frame pacing remains rock solid, with no noticeable drops or stutters. This smooth performance holds true in both docked and handheld modes, with nearly identical visual fidelity across both. It’s clear this is a polished port, one that has received a lot of care and attention. The team clearly went the extra mile to ensure the game not only looks incredible on Switch 2 but also runs consistently, letting the player focus on the action rather than technical hiccups.

For my Ex-SOLDIERS looking into accessibility, Remake Intergrade offers a small but useful selection of options. You can choose between a fixed or dynamic mini-map, reduce screen shake, enable dialogue subtitles, and even swap combat buttons. That said, players with visual difficulties might find some menus, especially during combat, hard to read as the text can occasionally get lost amidst the action on screen. As always, I recommend doing further research to see if Remake Intergrade is right for you. Thankfully, there’s a free demo on the eShop, and save progress carries over. This lets you try the game firsthand before committing to a purchase.

At just under $70 AUD, Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade is cheaper than many other AAA titles and delivers plenty of bang for your buck. Even rushing through the main story will keep you entertained for around 30 to 40 hours, while completionists exploring every corner of Midgar could easily double that time. Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade is simply phenomenal. It tells a story with incredible visual flair, fully voiced dialogue, and a level of depth that wasn’t possible when the original game was first released. This isn’t a quick cash-in aimed at gamers’ nostalgia. It’s a lovingly crafted legacy, designed to remind fans why they fell in love with this world while respecting the source material and expanding on everything that made it great. While I wish more remakes took this approach, the truth is that Remake Intergrade’s execution is one of a kind, and that’s what makes it so special.

So, What’s It Like? Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade is like Final Fantasy VII brought into the modern era.

Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade is a What’s It Like Certified Exceptional game.

In the interest of full disclosure, a review copy was provided by the publisher, but this doens’t influence my score.

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