Final Fantasy 7 Remake HANDS ON: 8 Ups & 3 Downs

7. The New Dynamic Score

It's difficult to explain this, but the concept behind Final Fantasy VII's new music is genius. I was personally hoping for little more than a scaled-up version of the original tracks, but the studio has actually reconceptualized how the entire way the game uses music.

Rather than the classic 'Area Music -> Battle Music -> Victory Fanfare -> Repeat' formula, they've gone for something new.

Now, every area of the game has something resembling its original score. Mako reactors, Midgar, it all sounds familiar, but when faced with an enemy encounter, the music doesn't change to the classic battle music. Instead it transitions to a remixed version of the area music which better fits the battle theme. The change is seamless at the start, and even segues out via a third version that feels more relaxed, before transitioning back into the area music, all without interruption.

As I say, it's hard to describe, but it's a brilliant concept masterfully executed. There are no more jarring jumps between the open world and the battle screen, and the whole thing works because you barely notice it.

The classic battle themes are in there, don't worry, but they're reserved for special occasions.