More and more companies are adopting a multi-platform strategy as console exclusivity is crumbling. We’re seeing it more across the industry, but specifically for FF7, multi-platform means bringing it to as many new players as possible. Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade is the modern interpretation of an all-timer, and it feels destined to find an audience with Microsoft and Nintendo players. From gameplay performance, to available editions and pre-order bonuses, we’ll cover fifteen things you need to know before you buy.
Release Date
Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade lands on Xbox Series X|S and Nintendo Switch 2 on January 22nd. Intergrade is the remake’s PS5 enhanced version, featuring graphical upgrades, new performance modes, and sharper textures. Bundled with the base game – the first part of the remake trilogy – is the bonus story chapter FF7R Intergrade Episode INTERmission, centring on Yuffie as she infiltrates Shinra HQ to obtain special materia.
FF7 – What Is It?
Unless you’ve been in a coma for thirty years, you’ll have heard of Final Fantasy VII. The game is a landmark RPG, dating back to the original PlayStation in 1997. With groundbreaking cinematography, revolutionary turn-based combat, and a vast, emotional story experienced through a cast of iconic characters, FF7 has aged like a fine wine. That said, graphically it doesn’t hold up, and there’s always been the aching feeling that its complex world was limited by mid-90s hardware. Announced in 2015, and released in April 2020, Final Fantasy VII Remake is the first entry in a multi-part saga, developed to modernise its beloved story with deeper world building and expanded lore. Remake Intergrade is, as already mentioned, the PS5’s enhanced version which came in June 2021. Now, Remake is not without its controversy; notably, there is a switch to hybrid real-time-slash-menu-based combat systems, bringing new strategic layers by stripping away the strictly turn-based mechanics of its forbearer – for better or worse.
There’s a Demo Currently Available
Whether you’re playing on Xbox or Nintendo Switch, you can access a free FF7R Intergrade demo right now, showcasing the game’s explosive first mission; the Mako Reactor assault. Progress made in the demo will transfer to the full game, plus a handful of in-game bonus items will become available – Revival Earrings and a Survival Set are unlockable if you play the demo.
The Game Runs Well on Switch 2
Understandable concern surrounded FF7R Intergrade’s Switch port. While compromises have been made, they’re not especially drastic. The result is a game which plays smoothly and looks great on Nintendo’s comparatively less-powerful hardware, despite losing detail in light and fog. More so, it has been reported that the Switch 2’s image stabilisation outperforms the PS5 due to how it handles DLSS. But, on the flipside, it’s locked at 30fps. This might be a non-issue for you if you’re used to the Switch 2’s lower framerates but with Cyberpunk 2077’s recent port reaching 40fps there are shades of disappointment that FF7R Intergrade couldn’t get there too.
Xbox Series X Targets PS5-like Quality
FF7R Intergrade’s Xbox Series X port looks set to visually match the PlayStation 5 version. There are two graphic options available: “Graph” mode which runs at native 4K and is locked at 30fps, and “Performance” mode which targets 1512p resolution but runs at 60fps. Both modes look great; it’s down to personal preference if the frame rate dip is a worthy trade-off for the sharpest visuals possible.
Xbox Series S Graphics are Softer, but Still Look Good
On the Xbox’s less-powerful offering, both “Graph” and “Performance” modes have been reported to run at 1080p resolution. The graphics on the Series S are less sharp than on the Series X, with “Performance” mode noticeably softer than “Graph”. The usual caveat applies though: higher fidelity comes with lower framerate, with “Graph” locked at 30fps and “Performance” hitting 60fps.
Works Great on Handhelds
As Remake Intergrade is launching to Xbox, that means it becomes a greater part of Microsoft’s gaming ecosystem and so is now accessible for the ROG Ally and Xbox Ally X. To get the best experience, users are reporting some tweaks to the handheld’s settings are necessary, namely resolution, shadow, and texture adjustments. Whether targeting an achievable 60fps, or locking in a consistent 30fps, Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade is more than playable on ROG Ally.
Streamlined Progression Available at Launch
A feature not yet present on PS5 or PC – although it’s coming soon via a patch – is streamlined progression, and it will be available in both Xbox and Switch versions from day one. Look, if you’re a purist you likely won’t use the feature, but if you’re pushed for time, after an easy ride, or just want to experience the story without the grind, then streamlined progression is worth a look. By setting HP and MP to their fullest, ATB and Limit Gauges to max, boosting damage to 9999, and removing the chance of instant death, streamlined progression is the ultimate cheat mode that’ll provide the most frictionless progression.
Two Digital Editions
Two digital editions are available on both platforms: Standard and Deluxe. Both versions include a suite of bonuses – Summoning Materia Carbuncle, Chocobo Chick, and Cactuar; Midgar, Shinra Bangles, Corneo Armlet Armour DLC; and Superstar Belt, Mako Crystal, Seraphic Earrings accessories. On top of that, the Deluxe Edition includes a digital artbook and a digital mini soundtrack.
You Can Get the Original FF7
There is an early purchase bonus available to you whether you’re Xbox or Nintendo too. Pre-purchase either the Standard or Deluxe Edition before January 31st and you’ll receive the original Final Fantasy VII at no extra cost. Despite the archaic character models, which undeniably hold their charm, Cloud and co’s eco-terrorism odyssey is a must play. And, what’s more, the chance to hear Nobuo Uematsu’s iconic soundtrack in situ should not be passed up.
There’s a Physical Edition on Switch 2
The Nintendo Switch 2 version will have a physical edition available to buy. However, worth mentioning is it comes in the form of a game key card. The game will still need to be installed, and at a hefty 90GB filesize, it’ll take up nearly half of the Switch 2’s 249GB total usable capacity. If you haven’t plumped for a microSD card yet, FF7R Intergrade might just convince you.
Physical Edition Bonuses
To sway you toward purchasing the Switch 2’s physical edition, there are a handful of bonuses that are exclusive to that format. One is a reversible cover, but the main incentive is a Magic: The Gathering Final Fantasy play booster containing fifteen cards. All those other bonuses included with either digital edition are present on physical, too.
No Plans for an Xbox Physical Edition
With a physical edition available to Nintendo players – and to PlayStation players too – you’d think Xbox players would be able to purchase a disc edition should they choose. However, currently, there are no plans to release a physical edition for Xbox players, although this could change in the future depending on demand.
Prices
Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade Digital Standard Edition is retailing at $39.99 / £39.99, while the Digital Deluxe Edition costs $59.99 / £54.99. The Switch 2’s physical edition retails at the same price as the Digital Deluxe Edition – $59.99 / £54.99.
No Rebirth Announced Yet
The second entry in FF7’s remake trilogy is Rebirth, released in January last year. At present, there is no confirmation it’ll come to Xbox and Nintendo Switch 2 although it can’t be ruled out either. In fact, it’s much more likely that Rebirth will be playable on platforms beyond PlayStation and PC. Much like Microsoft’s first-party titles, the developer is following a new, multi-platform strategy for Final Fantasy, with plans to make the games available on multiple platforms in the future.