Final Fantasy VII Remake: Intergrade – Cloud’s Next Quest on Switch 2

Final Fantasy VII Remake
is just the first installment in one of Square Enix’s most ambitious projects of the last decade. It involved not only remaking one of the most influential games ever but also expanding it and trying new things with a narrative and characters that defined an era.

One major issue for some was its initial exclusivity to PlayStation. A PC version followed shortly, yet it took nearly six years to make its way to other console brands. Now, Final Fantasy VII Remake is about to launch on Xbox Series X and Nintendo Switch 2.

As you might imagine, the Nintendo Switch 2 version has captured the most attention. How does Final Fantasy VII Remake perform on a console that’s more portable than stationary? In summary, it’s a satisfactory version though, understandably, it’s not the best if we focus solely on technical aspects.

Before diving in, I want to clarify that this review will focus on the port for Nintendo Switch 2 and won’t delve into game details. The title has been on the market for five years, and this is the site’s third review of it. If you’re curious why it’s special, I recommend checking out Victor Rosas’s review from 2020 or my review of Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade from the following year.

Midgar in Your Backpack

Let’s get straight to it: Final Fantasy VII Remake for Nintendo Switch 2 is a good port. In terms of resolution, performance, and texture quality, it is quite similar to the original PlayStation 4 version—playing at 30 fps and 1080p resolution; quite decent though those used to the 60 fps on PlayStation 5 might feel some discomfort.

However, simply stating it’s like the PlayStation 4 version doesn’t give the full picture. Square Enix worked hard to maximize the potential of Nintendo Switch 2. For instance, some textures closely resemble those on PlayStation 5; small details like floor detail or cartels with text that were unreadable on PlayStation 4 now appear more refined. Additionally, certain volumetrics hint at a quality similar to the latest Sony console edition. Significant work has been invested to ensure that the game looks good and doesn’t feel like just a clone of the PlayStation 4 version.

The major advantage of this version is the ability to play anywhere with Nintendo Switch 2’s portable mode. The JRPG looks phenomenal on the console’s screen, making it hard to believe it’s playable on a portable device, given its scale and visual appeal. Surprisingly, the console doesn’t heat up while running Final Fantasy VII Remake, making for a comfortable handheld experience. However, there are a couple of downsides; firstly, the battery lasts only a few hours, making marathon sessions without a charger unlikely. Secondly, while maintaining 30 fps most of the time, there are occasional drops during intense sequences or cinematic scenes.

A new feature in this version is a game mode designed for players interested mainly in the story, with little concern for combat. Activating it grants all characters maximum level, powerful equipment, maxed-out HP and MP, and high-level Materia. The result? A simple, accessible experience for anyone.

While Final Fantasy VII Remake was never overly challenging and already offered various difficulty levels, this new mode is unique. It offers power right from the start, simplifying the game even further. There’s no need to master combat mechanics, and entire encounters boil down to button-mashing through hallways to enjoy the story. As someone who appreciates Final Fantasy VII Remake’s combat, I’d recommend trying it on Easy first, but I understand that some might solely want to indulge in the narrative, making this an excellent option for them.

In terms of content, Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade for Nintendo Switch 2 is a comprehensive version. It includes all updates and the special Yuffie episode, EPISODE INTERmission, initially released as DLC with the PlayStation 5 launch. This allows latecomers to enjoy a full experience. Plus, those who purchase it on the eShop before January ends will receive a digital copy of the original Final Fantasy VII.

A Remarkable Port That Doesn’t Feel Like a Miracle

Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade for Nintendo Switch 2 is a fantastic version that will undoubtedly delight those who’ve missed it on other platforms. It’s a port that not only delivers but occasionally exceeds expectations since it highlights that Square Enix didn’t just opt for the easy route but aimed to provide the best possible version of this contemporary classic. It’s commendable work that deserves applause.

That said, although this version is wonderful, it doesn’t feel like a miracle, and I mean that as praise. Gone are the days when AAA titles from third-party companies on a Nintendo console seemed impossible. Yes, Nintendo Switch 2 has its limitations compared to other platforms, but it’s refreshing to see games from the last decade running effectively in the Nintendo ecosystem without significant drawbacks.

Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade arrives on Nintendo Switch 2 on January 22. Follow this link for more news about this acclaimed JRPG from Square Enix.