Final Fantasy VII: Intergrade: PS5 Review

Released by Square Enix

Platform: PS5

Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade is less a new game, more a bolt-on to the already impressive Final Fantasy 7 Remake which was released previously.

The new original content is called Intermission, and lets you take on the character of Yuffie, who was only a once-optional character as she takes on the evil Shinra corporation back in Midgar.

While the original game still plays well, and looks impressive on the PS5's improved console and capabilities, the game doesn't really lean into the properties of the new controller, and its possibilities. 

But it's less about that, and more about the attitude of Yuffie that sort of shakes up the somewhat stuffy exposition-led dialogue of the Remake itself.

As a ninja with sass, Yuffie's a blast to be with, complete with elemental attacks able to attack the weaker points of enemies as they crowd in. An extra character Sonon who supports Yuffie in this two chapter DLC also adds a lot  to the game, but doesn't really detract from this being Yuffie's story at heart.

An improved resolution on the actual Remake game helps the Final Fantasy original stand out even more, and battles feel a little smoother and are gorgeously executed. Photo mode pops with the next gen graphics, and there's a bit more fun to be had looking around during Intermission as well.

Given there are more plans for further content within the Final Fantasy 7 Remake coming, the fact Square Enix has given this game a spit and polish while improving on elements and grasping the capabilities of the next gen's possibilities, there's hope for the next chapter being something stunning. Hopefully, developers will lean more into the haptic feedback side of things, and make the game more immersive as well.

Intergrade makes a compelling argument for the next gen iteration of Final Fantasy - how that plays out remains to be seen, but there's definitely promise there.