With Death Stranding completed, and whilst we wait to get our hands on Death Stranding 2. It’s time we turn out attention elsewhere. We’re heading to Midgar to start Final Fantasy VII Remake from scratch again. This time, to actually finish it.
When getting it on Steam, though. I wasn’t sure why there’s an “Intergrade” version and the base version. So I wanted to share some of the findings.
Why are there 2 versions of Final Fantasy VII Remake and what’s the difference?
A Tale of Two Tiers
Both iterations of the game have been met with widespread critical acclaim. The original Final Fantasy VII Remake, launched on PlayStation 4 in 2020, was lauded for its breath taking visuals. With engaging and modernised combat system, and a deeply emotional and expanded narrative of the initial Midgar section of the original game.
Critics praised the faithful yet fresh take on iconic characters and moments, though some noted the linearity of certain sections.
Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade, released in 2021 for the PlayStation 5 and later for PC, is largely considered the superior version by critics and players alike.
It builds upon the solid foundation of the original release with a host of technical enhancements and, most significantly, the brand-new DLC episode, “INTERmission”.
This additional content, that focuses on the ninja Yuffie Kisaragi, was highly praised for its fun and fast-paced gameplay. Giving a different perspective on the events in Midgar.
The overall consensus is that Intergrade is not just a simple port, but a substantial upgrade that refines and completes the Remake experience.
Performance
The most significant distinctions between the two versions lie in their technical performance, a direct result of the hardware they were designed for.
| Feature | Final Fantasy VII Remake (PS4/PS4 Pro) | Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade (PS5) | Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade (PC) |
| Resolution | 1080p (PS4), Dynamic 1620p (PS4 Pro) | Graphics Mode: 2160p (4K), Performance Mode: Dynamic 1512p | Variable, dependent on hardware |
| Framerate | 30fps | Graphics Mode: 30fps, Performance Mode: 60fps | Variable, can exceed 60fps with capable hardware |
| Loading Times | Significantly longer | Drastically reduced, near-instantaneous in many areas | Dependent on storage (SSD recommended) |
| Textures & Lighting | Good, but with some noticeable low-resolution textures | Significantly improved, higher-resolution textures and enhanced lighting | High-fidelity options, can surpass PS5 quality |
The PlayStation 4 version, while impressive for its time, is held back by its hardware. With longer loading screens and a capped 30 frames per second.
The PlayStation 5 version of Intergrade offers players a choice: a “Graphics Mode” that prioritises a native 4K resolution at a stable 30fps, or a “Performance Mode” that delivers a smooth 60fps experience at a slightly lower, but still sharp, dynamic resolution.
The near-non-existent loading times on the PS5 are also a game-changer, creating a much more seamless and immersive experience. The PC version of Intergrade offers the most flexibility, allowing players with powerful rigs to push graphical settings and framerates even further.
Content Variations
Beyond the technical upgrades, Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade introduces a wealth of new content and quality-of-life improvements:
Episode INTERmission: This is the centrepiece of the Intergrade package. This two-chapter DLC follows the energetic ninja Yuffie Kisaragi as she infiltrates Midgar on a mission to steal a powerful materia from Shinra.
This episode introduces a new playable character with a unique combat style, a new story arc that runs parallel to the main narrative, and new mini-games.
Photo Mode: A much-requested feature, the photo mode in Intergrade allows players to pause the action and capture stunning screenshots of their journey through Midgar, complete with various customisation options.
Graphical Enhancements: Intergrade boasts improved textures, lighting, and fog effects, creating a more vibrant and detailed world. These enhancements are particularly noticeable in the environmental details and character models.
Quality-of-Life Improvements: Intergrade includes several subtle but welcome tweaks. Such as improved clarity on certain in-game menus and a more streamlined user experience.
Which Version Should You Play?
For newcomers and returning fans alike, Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade is unequivocally the best way to experience this modern masterpiece. The combination of superior performance, enhanced visuals, and the excellent “INTERmission” DLC makes it the definitive edition.
If you already own the PlayStation 4 version of Final Fantasy VII Remake, a free upgrade to the PlayStation 5 version of the base game is available (though the “INTERmission” DLC must be purchased separately). The upgrade is highly recommended, to take advantage of the significant performance and visual improvements offered by the PS5.
While the original Final Fantasy VII Remake remains a fantastic game, its Intergrade counterpart elevates the experience to new heights. Enhanced performance smooths out the gameplay. The graphical upgrades make the world of Midgar more breathtaking than ever. With the additional story content in “INTERmission” provides a compelling reason to dive back into this unforgettable adventure.
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