Best Final Fantasy 7 Universe Games

Key Takeaways

The Final Fantasy 7 franchise includes spin-offs like G-Bike, Snowboarding, & Dirge of Cerberus Lost Episode on mobile.
Rebirth expands the story further and dials up the action and graphics on the PS5.
Despite newer entries, the original FF7 remains influential, with iconic characters & satisfying turn-based combat.

As someone who spent countless hours exploring the sprawling landscapes of Gaia and battling the forces of evil alongside Cloud Strife, I can confidently say that the Final Fantasy 7 universe has held a special place in my heart for many years. From the moment I first set foot in the city of Midgar, I was captivated by its blend of high-tech futurism and classic fantasy elements.

The “Final Fantasy” series is one of the largest in video gaming, captivating fans since its debut in 1987 as a Japanese Role-Playing Game (JRPG). Over the years, numerous main games, spin-offs, and other titles under the franchise have been released. Among them all, it’s safe to say that “Final Fantasy 7” stands out as one of the most cherished by fans.

Among the evergreen PS1 RPGs, “Final Fantasy 7” stands out as a pioneer, introducing Western gamers to the magic of Japanese role-playing games (JRPGs). The game’s success was so significant that it gave birth to a series of its own. While many players might be acquainted with the original and remakes, they may not know that several “Final Fantasy 7” spin-offs have been launched over the years. Some of these spin-offs are top-notch, challenging the original for supremacy, while others have been disappointing attempts at cashing in.

1 Final Fantasy 7 G-Bike

Attempted To Turn A Minigame Into A Mobile Experience

Released: 2014
Developer: CyberConnect 2
Platforms: iOS, Android
Genre: Racing

Square Enix has understood for a while that producing spin-offs from Final Fantasy 7 is essentially printing money, particularly in Japan. Over the past few decades, they’ve made numerous attempts to capitalize on the Final Fantasy 7 brand with mobile games. However, most of these efforts have ended up as costly failures.

The mobile game, Final Fantasy 7 G-Bike, aimed to expand on the beloved minigame from Final Fantasy 7. Although it didn’t quite reach the pinnacle of motorcycle games, it wasn’t a total disappointment. Players raced through levels with Cloud using his famous Buster sword and materia, all while being supported by popular characters from FF7. Regrettably for Square Enix, fans didn’t seem interested. The main complaint was that it wasn’t the remake they had been eagerly anticipating. Unfortunately, Final Fantasy 7 G-Bike never left Asia and plans for additional minigame spin-offs based on FF7 were abandoned shortly after.

2 Final Fantasy 7 Snowboarding

A Port Of Another Popular Minigame

Released: 2005
Developer: Square Enix
Platform: Mobile
Genre: Racing

In the initial stages of mobile gaming, Square Enix chose to capitalize on the enthusiasm for Final Fantasy 7 by making available a version of its beloved snowboarding minigame, which was considered highly sophisticated in 1997, for mobile devices.

The Snowboarding Game from Final Fantasy 7 has been revamped, incorporating new slopes alongside the original mini-game. While the initial snowboarding game was enjoyable, it wasn’t particularly outstanding. So, one could argue that this mobile version fell short of expectations. To be frank, there isn’t much more to discuss, and locating a modern device compatible with this game may prove challenging.

3 Dirge Of Cerberus Lost Episode: Final Fantasy 7

A Mobile Midquel To The PS2 Sequel

Released: 2006
Developer: Ideaworks 3D
Platform: Mobile
Genre: Shooter

As a dedicated fan myself, I’ve come across many tales about Final Fantasy, one being Dirge of Cerberus – a sequel following the enigmatic character, Vincent Valentine. However, not everyone might be familiar with its mobile spin-off, which was primarily popular in Japan. Marketed as a “midquel,” this game provides valuable insights into the original Dirge of Cerberus story, shedding light on how Vincent ultimately arrives at Shinra Mansion.

The game was initially designed by Square Enix as their first venture into creating a First-Person Shooter (FPS) within the Final Fantasy series, and surprisingly, it was primarily targeted towards the American audience. Although a multiplayer mode was initially proposed, it never saw the light of day. Since 2018, it has been impossible to fully experience this game due to limited availability. Given the scarcity of information about the game online, it’s likely that its absence isn’t significantly felt.

4 Before Crisis: Final Fantasy 7

Square Enix’s First Successful Final Fantasy 7 Spin-Off

Released: 2004
Developer: Square Enix
Platform: Mobile
Genre: RPG

At last, supporters can begin expressing more optimism. The initial endeavor by Square to create a mobile version of Final Fantasy 7 was Before Crisis: Final Fantasy 7. This prequel takes place six years prior to the original game and concentrates on the Turks, Shinra’s secret agents, who were persistently pursuing Cloud and his companions in the original Final Fantasy 7.

The game was an action role-playing game with side-scrolling features, and it gained significant popularity upon its release despite appearing relatively simple by modern standards. The narrative of the game effectively expanded the universe of Final Fantasy 7, offering additional details about the Turks and AVALANCHE for enthusiasts. Unfortunately, since 2018, it has been challenging to play this game (a common issue with early entries), but Square Enix has incorporated story elements into later Final Fantasy 7 spin-offs, particularly Final Fantasy VII: Ever Crisis.

5 Final Fantasy 7: Ever Crisis

A Free-To-Play FF7 History Lesson

2023 saw the introduction of Ever Crisis, marking the first modern spin-off on this list. This free-to-play mobile game is an anthology that plans to delve into the extensive storyline of Final Fantasy 7 through periodic episode releases. The narrative spans from the original Final Fantasy 7 to Crisis Core and even Advent Children, with a prequel episode set fifteen years prior to the original story. It serves as a helpful tool for those finding it difficult to keep up with the constantly changing timeline of Final Fantasy 7.

The fighting style in this game draws from the turn-based ATB combat of Final Fantasy 7, yet it has been streamlined. The game’s advancement system incorporates significant gacha components, which may deter some players. However, since its launch, the game has done well. For those eager to delve into the series’ narrative, playing the original games is still recommended. But Ever Crisis serves as a concise summary or brief overview of the franchise’s storyline.

6 Final Fantasy 7: The First Soldier

A Failed Mobile Battle Royale

Released: 2021
Developer: Square Enix Creative
Platforms: iOS, Android
Genre: Battle Royale

Currently, the excitement surrounding the trend seems to have subsided, but just a few years ago, it appeared that nearly every new game being launched was a battle royale title. Amidst this wave of popularity, with Final Fantasy 7 Remake dominating bestseller lists and garnering both critical acclaim and player appreciation, Square Enix chose to capitalize on the trend by releasing a spin-off mobile game that also incorporated battle royale mechanics. Unfortunately, the venture did not prove successful, and Final Fantasy 7: The First Soldier was ultimately discontinued.

In essence, the game wasn’t terrible, but it didn’t receive exceptional praise either. Released thirty years prior to the original, it presented an intriguing concept: soldiers-in-training battling for survival in a simulation, which was quite unique among battle royales. However, it fell short due to troublesome controls on mobile devices and overly aggressive monetization strategies. The game’s downfall, however, appears to be its unpopularity—players never expressed interest or demand for a battle royale spin-off of Final Fantasy 7.

7 Dirge Of Cerberus: Final Fantasy 7

A PS2 Prequel That Gave More Vincent Valentine

Amongst the initial spin-offs of Final Fantasy 7, it’s undoubtedly Dirge of Cerberus that has garnered the most recognition. This game is set three years after the original storyline, focusing on the character Vincent Valentine as he evades the malevolent organization known as Deepground. Their objective is to exploit Vincent’s cells to awaken a being called Omega, with the intent of destroying the planet.

Vincent was one of the top companions in the party of “Final Fantasy 7”, causing much anticipation among fans for “Dirge of Cerberus”. However, it turned out to be quite different from what they expected, as instead of being a traditional role-playing game, it was a third-person shooter with some RPG elements. This was the first shooter title in the series, and it appears that the developers faced challenges during development, leading to significant changes before its Western launch. Critics gave it a mediocre review, generally finding it acceptable but not particularly outstanding. The story received the most acclaim, although some felt it was somewhat disconnected from the original. Nowadays, “Dirge of Cerberus” has a dedicated fanbase and has seen renewed interest among “FF7” enthusiasts.

8 Crisis Core: Final Fantasy 7 / Reunion

The Awesome PSP Prequel That Made Zack A Star

Back in 2007, I got my hands on the original Crisis Core exclusively for the PSP. It truly pushed that little handheld console to its utmost potential, leaving me utterly amazed. Fast forward to today, the remaster/remake known as Reunion has graced modern platforms, making an already fantastic game even more accessible. The original version was a testament to what the PSP could do, while Reunion refined and updated it for current gaming audiences.

“Crisis Core” is a game that takes place just before the main events of the series and focuses on the character Zack Fair, who rises through the ranks in SOLDIER while exposing a plot that could alter the world’s course. Although Zack had brief appearances in the original game, “Crisis Core” solidified him as one of “Final Fantasy”‘s favorite protagonists. The game features one of the best endings in “Final Fantasy”, which is quite impressive given that fans already knew how it would conclude from the start. In terms of gameplay, “Crisis Core” offers unique mechanics. Players can control Zack directly during real-time combat in a hack-and-slash style. The story is linear without a world map, with most additional content being optional missions using repetitive maps. Despite the engaging gameplay, the main attraction has always been Zack and his compelling yet tragic tale.

9 Final Fantasy 7 Remake / Intergrade

Not Quite What Fans Asked For But Great Nonetheless

For around two and a half decades, devotees of Final Fantasy 7 persistently asked Square Enix to redesign the game for contemporary equipment. In response, the corporation frequently tantalized fans with hints, such as a mocking tech demo at E3 2003 that employed the PlayStation 3 to re-create the game’s famous opening sequence. However, on the verge of losing hope, Square Enix eventually declared in 2015 that a complete remake of the game was underway.

Initially, it might not have been clear to anyone just how expansive the remake of Final Fantasy 7 would turn out to be. Instead of one single remaster, Square Enix has opted to break down FF7 into three separate remakes. The first, titled Final Fantasy 7 Remake, is a substantial 30+ hours in length and focuses on the initial stages of the original game. Key changes include replacing the traditional turn-based combat with an engaging real-time system and delving deeper into FF7’s lore. Although the early sections of the game stick closely to the original, there are some significant deviations, such as the introduction of multiversal elements and a completely unique ending. While not everyone was thrilled with these alterations, it must be acknowledged that Square Enix is demonstrating an impressive level of ambition with Final Fantasy 7 Remake when so many remakes/remasters seem to lack commitment.

10 Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth

The Second Remake Installment Dials Everything Up To 11

In a remarkable fashion, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth surpasses its predecessor, Remake, in terms of scope and ambition. Unlike Remake, which concludes as Cloud and his companions depart from Midgar, Rebirth tackles roughly half to two-thirds of the original’s narrative, encompassing the remainder of Disc 1. However, it’s worth noting that, similar to its predecessor, Rebirth introduces some substantial alterations to the initial storyline.

In other places, the game named Rebirth elevates everything that made its predecessor, Remake, exceptional and takes it a step further. The real-time combat, already impressive, is polished and expanded upon for greater depth. Unlike some who felt that Final Fantasy 7 Remake‘s zones were too linear, Rebirth features expansive areas, some as vast as the open worlds of entire games. The graphics are breathtakingly beautiful, truly showcasing the capabilities of the PS5. Fans may have to endure a lengthy wait for the third installment of the remake trilogy, but if Rebirth is any indication, it will be well worth the wait.

11 Final Fantasy 7

For Many Fans, There’s No Beating The Original

Without a doubt, the Final Fantasy 7 universe wouldn’t exist without its initial installment. The original Final Fantasy 7, to this day, continues to be one of the most impactful Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPGs) ever produced. For numerous enthusiasts, it remains the pinnacle of the series. It introduced players to memorable characters such as Cloud and Sephiroth, and significantly boosted the popularity of JRPGs in the Western market.

Among all games in the Final Fantasy 7 universe, none have truly matched its impact. While Crisis Core comes close, it’s safe to say that many loyal fans would still prefer the original gameplay experience. The turn-based combat of Final Fantasy 7 was exceptional within the franchise, and its unique techno-punk/fantasy setting was a groundbreaking blend. Compared to other Final Fantasy titles, Final Fantasy 7 has produced an unusually high number of spin-offs, with Square Enix continuing to generate new content related to it.

2024-11-19 14:34