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| Peter Triezenberg |
ATB is back, but not quite how you remember.
06.10.19 - 11:42 PM
Square Enix wasted no time in showing off the highly anticipated Final Fantasy VII Remake at their E3 2019 press conference, after dropping the massive bombshell that was its March 3rd, 2020 release date. During the show, we got a look at the game's revamped combat system, how some more beloved characters will look in glorious hi-definition (like Tifa), and some nifty collector's editions that are for sale.
Final Fantasy VII Remake's combat is real-time, but uses a variant on the classic ATB system fans know and love. Pressing Square will cause Cloud to attack, and normal attacks, movement, and dodging are all handled in real-time. However, as the player lands hits, their ATB bar will increase faster, allowing the player to enter a slowed-down Tactical Mode where they can select their next move, in a manner similar to the classic Final Fantasies of yore. Special attacks like Cloud's Braver can be used in Tactical Mode, as can magic spells from equipped Materia. Using an item in Tactical Mode will deplete an ATB gauge. Players can switch between playable party members on the fly, and party members will continue to fight while the player isn't in direct control. If players would rather play with a more action-oriented approach, shortcuts to various abilities can be assigned. Basically, the Final Fantasy VII Remake invites players to choose their playstyle.
The Final Fantasy VII Remake will be available in a number of collector's editions, for those who are so inclined. The Deluxe Edition comes with a steelbook case, hardcover art book, a mini-soundtrack CD, and Summon Material DLC for Cactuar. There's also a Digital Deluxe Edition that includes a digital art book, soundtrack, and Summon Materia DLC for Cactuar and Carbuncle. Finally, the First Class Edition comes with all of the Deluxe Edition content (plus Carbuncle), a Play Arts Kai statue of Cloud and the Hardy Daytona. Pre-ordering any version of the Final Fantasy VII Remake from select retailers will net you a code for the Chocobo Chick Summon Materia DLC, and pre-ordering any digital version will enable you to download a sweet PS4 theme.
Square Enix also put out a list of the game's voice cast. Interestingly, it looks as though the cast of past Final Fantasy VII spin-off titles and media, like Advent Children, aren't coming back for the Remake. Check out the list below.
- Cloud, voiced by Cody Christian (All American, Teen Wolf)
- Barret, voiced by John Eric Bentley (Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, Independence Day: Resurgence)
- Aerith, voiced by Briana White (Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders, Occupants)
- Tifa, voiced by Britt Baron (GLOW)
- Jessie, voiced by Erica Lindbeck (Spider-Man, Persona 5, ThunderCats Roar)
- Biggs, voiced by Gideon Emery (Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Teen Wolf)
- Wedge, voiced by Matt Jones (Breaking Bad)
- Sephiroth, voiced by Tyler Hoechlin
All right, that's enough dilly-dally, shilly-shally. Check out the brand-new trailer for the Final Fantasy VII Remake and bask in it a little. You now you want to. The game (or at least the first part of it, we're still not sure about that) will be hitting PlayStation 4 on March 3rd, 2020. Stay tuned to RPGFan for more information on the Final Fantasy VII Remake, and for more E3 2019 coverage.
