FF7 Remake: Is It Open World, And What Does It Offer?

Hey everyone, are you ready to dive deep into the world of Final Fantasy VII Remake? It's a game that has taken the gaming world by storm, and for good reason! One of the biggest questions on everyone's mind is: is Final Fantasy VII Remake an open world game? Well, let's get straight to it, shall we? The short answer is no, it's not a fully open-world experience. However, that doesn't mean it's any less amazing. The game takes a slightly different approach, and we're going to break down exactly what that means, what makes it special, and why you should absolutely give it a try if you haven't already. So, buckle up, because we're about to journey through the stunning streets of Midgar and explore everything that Final Fantasy VII Remake has to offer. Trust me, it's a ride you won't want to miss! We will also explore if the Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is an open world game and compare both. Let's get started!

Understanding the Game's Structure

Alright, let's talk about the structure of Final Fantasy VII Remake. Unlike some of the other recent Final Fantasy titles, or games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild or Grand Theft Auto V, FFVII Remake doesn't give you a vast, explorable world to roam freely from the start. Instead, it embraces a more segmented, chapter-based structure. Think of it like a series of interconnected, detailed levels, each meticulously crafted to provide a specific gameplay experience. The game is predominantly set in the iconic city of Midgar. Each chapter within Midgar typically focuses on a particular area, mission, or set of story events, guiding you through carefully designed environments. While you can't just wander off in any direction, each area is brimming with details, secrets, and activities to discover. You'll find yourself revisiting certain zones as the story unfolds, sometimes with new paths opening up, and other times to complete side quests or take on new challenges. So, while you aren't dealing with a massive, free-roaming world, the game offers a strong sense of progression and exploration within its defined limits. The developers have really focused on creating a deep, immersive experience within each of the game's locations, ensuring that every area feels rich, detailed, and meaningful to the story. This focused approach allows for a greater level of narrative control, ensuring that the pacing of the story remains tight and that every moment is packed with excitement. This is a game of corridors, of beautifully designed, detailed corridors that tell a story. It's a thrilling experience that keeps you glued to your seat from beginning to end. It may not be an open world game, but it's certainly an amazing one.

The Chapter-Based Experience

As we've mentioned, Final Fantasy VII Remake is divided into chapters. Each chapter acts as a self-contained mission or segment of the overall story. Within these chapters, you'll move through various locations within Midgar, from the slums to the towering Shinra Electric Power Company headquarters. This structure is very deliberate, and it helps the game maintain a strong sense of focus. The chapter-based format ensures that you're constantly engaged, moving from one exciting moment to the next. You won't get lost or sidetracked by endless exploration, and the story will always remain at the forefront. Each chapter introduces new challenges, enemies, and environments, keeping the gameplay fresh and exciting. This also allows the developers to meticulously craft each area, ensuring that every detail contributes to the overall narrative. They've paid careful attention to the world-building, making sure that every location has a distinct feel and purpose. You'll find that these environments aren't just pretty to look at, they're filled with interactive elements that enhance your understanding of the characters and the world around you. This chapter-based approach provides a balanced experience, delivering a sense of guided exploration. This approach creates a sense of dynamism. This carefully considered structure is really important.

Comparing to Open-World Games

Now, let's compare Final Fantasy VII Remake to some open-world games to highlight the differences and appreciate the unique approach. In games like The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt or Red Dead Redemption 2, the world is your oyster. You can wander for hours, discovering hidden locations, completing side quests at your own pace, and shaping your own story. These games often offer a huge degree of freedom, but with that freedom comes a potential for the story to be less focused, and the player can sometimes feel overwhelmed. In contrast, Final Fantasy VII Remake offers a more curated experience. While it has its own side quests and exploration, the primary focus is always on the main story and the characters. The game guides you through the narrative, ensuring that you don't miss any of the key moments or important character developments. The level design of FFVII Remake is also very different from an open world. Instead of vast, expansive landscapes, you have intricate, detailed environments that are designed to immerse you in the story. Every corridor, every alleyway, is carefully crafted to enhance the experience. The difference, therefore, isn't about which approach is