OG Final Fantasy 7 Re-Release Sends Steam User Review Rating Plummeting to 'Mostly Negative'

IGN

by Vikki Blake

February 25, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Final Fantasy VII, the iconic classic RPG, has seen its Steam user reviews turn mostly negative after Square Enix released an updated version aimed at improving quality of life. Despite introducing new features like a 3x speed mode, the ability to disable random encounters, and enhanced battle mechanics, players quickly noticed significant issues with the re-release. These include mismatched animation speeds in combat, blurry textures in cinematic sequences, and a forced 4:3 resolution that leaves no option for fullscreen stretching—a feature present in the previous 2013 version. While Square Enix responded swiftly with a patch addressing some bugs, players remain frustrated over the lack of resolution flexibility and other unresolved issues. The re-release has drawn sharp criticism from fans, with many pointing out that the game now "feels wrong" due to its technical flaws. One player commented that the battle animations are too fast, even without enabling the 3x speed mode, making the gameplay feel jarring. Another highlighted the inconvenience of being locked into a 4:3 display, which limits the viewing experience for those who prefer fullscreen or modern aspect ratios. Many have expressed disappointment that the updated version replaces the older 2013 Steam edition entirely, leaving new players with no alternative but to endure these issues. The overall negative reception has driven Final Fantasy VII's Steam rating down to "Mostly Negative," with only 36% of players giving it positive feedback. Critics argue that Square Enix should have ensured the re-release functioned properly before removing the previous version. While the game remains a beloved classic, its current state on Steam has left many questioning whether the updates were worth the trouble. Interestingly, the director of Final Fantasy VII Remake Part 3, Naoki Hamaguchi, recently addressed concerns about expanding the game's platform availability. He assured fans that going multiplatform would not compromise the quality of the upcoming third installment in the remake series. The game has been well-received on consoles like the Nintendo Switch and Xbox, generating significant buzz and attention online. Despite the challenges faced by this re-release, it underscores the importance of careful updates and bug testing for classic titles that hold a special place in gaming history. For fans of Final Fantasy VII, the hope remains that Square Enix will address these issues promptly to restore the game's reputation and ensure players can enjoy an optimal experience.

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Originally published on IGN on 2/25/2026