Final Fantasy VII Remake is divided into eighteen chapters, neatly separating the different story beats and areas. These are not all created equally, and any game this big is bound to have soaring highs paired with some less than stellar moments. The following list details the five best chapters in the game, and five that showcase some of the lower points of the adventure.
Tastes differ among individuals, and what someone deeply enjoys might be loathed by another player. At the end of the day, Final Fantasy VII Remake is an unprecedented release overflowing with jaw-dropping detail.
10 Best - Chapter Eight: Budding Bodyguard
This chapter formally introduces Aerith, after a brief encounter in chapter 2, and Reno, one of the members of the Turks. It starts with a thrilling one on one boss fight and escape from the church after Cloud falls into Aerith’s presence.
Until then, many fans were curious as to how the character would be handled, but this chapter assuages all concerns as she showcases her bubbly personality.
9 Annoying - Chapter Eleven: Haunted
Because the remake stretches out a five-hour portion of the original game into a more than thirty-hour epic, portions that were originally twenty minutes or so are now over an hour. While this is mostly a benefit, this chapter goes on too long for its own good.
It is made worse when the characters point out the battle for the Sector Seven plate out in the distance and constantly comment on how they have to hurry, making the slow progress through the area more unbearable.
8 Best - Chapter Eighteen: Destiny’s Crossroads
The motorcycle and bosses in Chapter Eighteen are not the reason it makes it on the list. The unbelievable ending is what keeps the chapter in someone’s mind long after its conclusion.
The final cinematics raise countless questions, none of which are likely to be answered until the next entry in the remake comes out. One also better appreciates the confusing conclusion the more they think about it.
7 Annoying - Chapter Seven: A Trap Is Sprung
“A Trap Is Sprung” involves the players blowing up another mako reactor. The two chapters beforehand makeup the whole sequence, but Chapter Seven is annoying for how long it builds up the Air Buster boss.
The segment could have been cut down a little bit and gone a little faster towards the conclusion of the sequence. The only saving grace is how entertaining the Air Buster boss turns out.
6 Best - Chapter One: Bombing Mako Reactor One
If the opening cinematic is included with the chapter, then Chapter One, in particular, stands out as an absolutely jaw-dropping introduction to this massive title.
The genre often takes justifiable flack for having slow beginnings, often taking hours for a story to pick up momentum. Final Fantasy VII Remake starts off with an intense attack on a Shinra mako reactor, which tops off with a thrilling boss fight.
5 Annoying - Chapter Sixteen: Belly Of The Beast
In the original game, the Midgar section has such incredible momentum after the Sector Seven plate falls. The assault on the Shinra Building feels like roller-coaster ride from the moment they bust through the doors until the party escapes.
In the remake, it is divided into three chapters. Right from the start, Chapter Sixteen draws out certain segments of the attack too long. Especially for fans of the original game, many wish it would get to the point quicker.
4 Best: Mad Dash
This chapter was completely absent from the original game in any form. Visiting Jessie’s parents’ house not only expands the character, but it also shows a new side of Shinra by seeing the effect Mako has had on its employees.
Additionally, players see the rest of Avalanche, something the original game lacks entirely.
3 Annoying - Chapter Three: Home Sweet Slum
The first chapter opening up the game to exploration also contains some of the game’s weaker side quests. Save for a few, most of them boil down to traversing through a small area and defeating an enemy before returning to the quest giver.
They do not add to the world and only serve to beef up the characters a bit before the next chapters.
2 Best - Chapter Nine: The Town That Never Sleeps
One of the longest chapters in the game also contains a faithful recreation of one of the original’s most iconic moments.
After receiving a risqué hand massage from Madam M and fighting in an arena, players engage in a dance mini-game before Cloud dons one of three exquisitely beautiful dresses. After reuniting with Tifa in Don Corneo’s Mansion, Cloud has a priceless reaction to her comment about his new attire.
1 Annoying - Chapter Seventeen: Deliverance From Chaos
Like the problem plaguing the prior chapter, Chapter Seventeen once again drags out its action to unnecessary lengths. Before confronting President Shinra, players go through a long dungeon trying to escape Hojo’s grasp.
The best part is of the chapter is clarifying the extent of Hojo’s evil scientific schemes and introducing Rufus Shinra. It could have been one of the best chapters had it trimmed the fat off the first half.
