Final Fantasy 7's Steam update sits at mostly negative reviews
Polygon
by Deven McClureFebruary 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Final Fantasy 7, a classic role-playing game, has seen its original version replaced on Steam with a new "definitive edition," but fans are not impressed. The updated release, which took the place of the 2013 version on Steam, has faced widespread criticism due to technical issues and visual anomalies. Players have reported performance problems and strange visuals, leading to largely negative reviews. This outcome is particularly disappointing given the high expectations surrounding the Final Fantasy 7 Remake trilogy, with fans eagerly awaiting its third installment.
The new edition of Final Fantasy 7 was expected to offer improvements over the 2013 release, but it seems to have fallen short. Fans who purchased the previous version are now frustrated, as they feel their investment has been invalidated by a subpar update. Many have expressed concerns about Square Enix's ability to maintain quality in its classic remakes and updates, especially with the highly anticipated third part of the Final Fantasy 7 Remake trilogy on the horizon.
This situation matters to gamers and fans of the series because it highlights the challenges of updating older games for modern platforms. While remastering beloved titles can introduce new players to franchises and offer improved experiences for existing fans, technical issues like those seen in this update can harm trust in the developers. The backlash against the definitive edition of Final Fantasy 7 underscores the importance of balancing updates with maintaining the integrity of the original work, a lesson that could resonate with other game studios looking to revisit their classics.
For readers interested in gaming, this story is a reminder of the high stakes involved in remastering and updating older titles. It also serves as a cautionary tale for companies like Square Enix, emphasizing the need for careful attention to detail when revisiting fan-favorite games. The negative response to the definitive edition of Final Fantasy 7 could set a precedent for how players and critics approach future updates, potentially influencing the way developers handle classic titles in an ever-evolving gaming landscape.
In summary, while Square En
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Originally published on Polygon on 2/25/2026