FF7 on Steam Is Being Replaced (And Your Saves Won’t Carry Over)
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I don't actually know. Maybe you have to run it once with internet connection (right after downloading the game) to verify it? Steam allows for offline play, but not sure if the game allows that. I'll test it quickly with disabling my internet connection for a second... don't go away, wait a moment...
- OK so downloaded the game fresh and disabled my internet connection.
- Game does not run, internet required.
- Enabled connection, now the game launcher starts.
- Immediately closed the launcher and disabled internet connection again.
- Game runs without internet connection (not just the launcher).
So yes, you have to run the game once and connect first, then you can play without internet connection.
Note, this is the old version on Steam that will be renamed to 2013 Edition on Steam.
Thanks for checking, I appreciate that. Of course opening a hot spot with my phone won't be a problem, but a bit annoying if it's just for playing an old game.
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BTW if the new version comes out, you can keep this old one and get the new one for free (for owners of the old one). So maybe wait for the new version first, if its worth the changes. Just a suggestion.
Yeah, that's why I decided to purchase it now. Get the old one while it's still available and see what the new one is like.
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I have never played FFVII, would you recommend me to play the remake or the original first?
I just re-played the original (with mods to make it look nicer) last year. Hadn't played it since like 1997 on PS. It was great nostalgia and still a great game, but obviously a bit dated in some QOL departments.
It is, however, a complete game and the story line is still good. Especially if you go into it blind. The entire materia system to give your characters powers and perks is legendary.
The OG game came out as an entire (and long) game. It's complete. Major bonus. No bullshit having to buy a game like 3 times over a 15 year span just to get it all. Not to mention having to keep waiting for that 3rd game to release.
If you like (or think you may like) old school turn based rpg's, then give it a shot. You should like it. If you don't like those, avoid it, and if you haven't ever played one, it's not a lot of money to risk.
I do recommend getting some mods on it though. It can be made to look much better than it originally did during that awkward phase where they were making 3d games, but graphics weren't good enough to warrant making them 3d.
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Thanks for checking, I appreciate that. Of course opening a hot spot with my phone won't be a problem, but a bit annoying if it's just for playing an old game.
Well, you have to do it only once. You don't need constant internet connection. I mean you need internet to download the game, so just run it once and then you can play it offline without internet or wifi.
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I have never played FFVII, would you recommend me to play the remake or the original first?
I m 100% biased, as am a massive fan. So I'll share my SO's perspective.
She played it a few years back for the first time, wondering what all the fuss was about, and she absolutely loved it. The graphics rapidly disappeared for her and let place to the adventure.
The Remake and Rebirth are good, too. Though they slightly modified the story. (Remake ≠ Remaster).
The mod graphic boosts are a big plus. I'm unsure of what is available nowadays. Haven't played it in 5years, or so.
If you ever get to play it, or decide too, please don't read anything about it, story wise. Spoilers everywhere, especially for an old masterpiece like this one. -
Although I wonder what the new version introduces…
My hope is, to get rid of the online service connection requirement. Right after the announcement, the game could not be started anymore. Hours later it worked again, but shows it depends on the servers of Square:

Is this not only for cloud saves?
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Ding ding ding. If they had made changes to improve the game, they would be advertising those changes. No rational company invests time and money into improving a product without capitalizing on those changes. Best case scenario, nothing noticable changes, worst case scenario, they have added anti-consumer features, like drm, game store/3rd party launchers, sign-in, telemetry, ads, and other crap.
Or the much more likely scenario, it is the 2019 version that released on consoles with in game cheats like no encounter mode, sped up mode, etc.
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I don't know exactly for what. Other games do not rely on additional servers, even if they support Steam Cloud Saves. You can play them without online connection, then your data wouldn't load off course. But the games usually start. In this case however, the game does not even start. I think it is kind of a DRM to check you own the game.
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No, it probably affects tifa and aerith saves as well.
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Cloud saving people is a pretty core mechanic of FF7
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Cloud saving people is a pretty core mechanic of FF7
Got a solid chuckle out of me with that one.
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Article for those who dont want a video: https://www.gamesradar.com/games/final-fantasy/after-13-years-a-new-version-of-final-fantasy-7-is-replacing-the-current-version-on-steam-and-square-enix-hasnt-explained-whats-different/
Steam: https://steamcommunity.com/games/39140/announcements/detail/514107648813039663
Square Enix has announced a brand-new version of Final Fantasy VII for Steam. This is not a patch. It’s a replacement.
The existing release will be renamed FINAL FANTASY VII 2013 Edition, while a new version becomes the default Steam listing. Existing owners get both versions for free but save files will NOT be compatible between them.
Id still rather an emlulator and rom. I know 30 years later its going to still work.
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I don't know exactly for what. Other games do not rely on additional servers, even if they support Steam Cloud Saves. You can play them without online connection, then your data wouldn't load off course. But the games usually start. In this case however, the game does not even start. I think it is kind of a DRM to check you own the game.
I mean this came up when I posted the story myself, and I immediately tried to launch the game to test it and it worked fine. Another user reported it was fine too.
To be clear, I'm not defending them using their own account service for the cloud saves either, because it is dumb to do so when Steam offers that functionality.
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Id still rather an emlulator and rom. I know 30 years later its going to still work.
I agree. Its the best way of preservation that we have.
Its still nice to have an official way to play the games...although I personally love what the people at PortMaster do with decompiled games and projects. Some games look absolutely fantastic on newer hardware.
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I’m hoping the game will be released on GOG as I wouldn’t buy a game I’ve already owned on console on Steam since it wouldn’t be DRM free.
GOG just had an AMA and they had a cheeky answer for FF7 in particular that makes it sound like it'll be in the next batch or that the ink is dry on the deal that will bring it to GOG.
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I have never played FFVII, would you recommend me to play the remake or the original first?
The original has an infinitely better story and pacing.
Remake is a sequel. Lots of things won’t make sense unless there’s prior knowledge of the original.