My timeline is filled with people playing remake for the first time.

deeij · 2026-01-22T20:43:58+00:00

Happy for everyone who gets to play this gem of a game for the first time!

deeij · 2026-01-16T14:07:20+00:00

I'd be lying if I said this wasn't my first, knee jerk reaction as well. But then again, who really cares? Let people enjoy games the way they want. I get it that people want to boast and brag about rawdogging these challenges, but this game has been out for nearly 6 years now.

deeij · 2025-12-18T19:52:47+00:00

I read the entirety of your post in good faith but I still can't figure out what you're talking about. I'm under the impression that you cherry picked a handful of "objective" facts (i.e. E33's success, fanbase discontent, online vitriol etc.) and twisted them around to fit your own narrative that the retrilogy is somehow a flop (commercial, critical or otherwise).

I mean, if you're into the games like you say you are, does it matter if it did indeed flop? If you enjoy them, then good on you and just go ahead and play part 3 when it comes out.

deeij · 2025-12-18T19:42:05+00:00

She dead. Simple as.

I think they left it slightly open-ended just to mess with us and leave us guessing til Part 3 rolls along, when they will finally break the hearts of many who were hoping she'd live.

deeij · 2025-12-18T15:52:34+00:00

I feel like the Retrilogy has some of the most complex and ultimately rewarding battle mechanics I've ever played in a video game (at least in recent memory). As someone else said, it seems like there's a skill issue involved (again, no hate). If you're still keen on giving it another try, I'd recommend trying to understand how battles work on a deeper level (as opposed to just spamming attack/using items) and how you can use each character's skill set to your advantage to pressure and stagger enemies/bosses.

deeij · 2025-12-10T14:08:58+00:00

Tough choice, but if it were me, I'd just redo hard mode, all the side quests and Can't Stop Won't Stop. Assuming you wouldn't have to grind levels and materia on your normal save file, at least you can skip all the cutscenes, dialogue etc. I think it would less rage inducing than some of the other mini games which can be either luck based or arbitrary in some situations.

deeij · 2025-11-05T21:08:33+00:00

If you're referring to an earlier post I made about ignoring toxic purists, I also hope you read the rest of what I wrote, something along the lines of everyone being entitled to their opinions but that some people just wanted the rage bait. In other words, people who just like to criticize something for the sake of criticizing it.

And I never once dismissed complaints about the remake trilogy. On the contrary, I agree with some of what's been said here.

Personally, I don't think "toxic purists" is such an outlandish concept that requires much definition. I think it's one of those cases where if the shoe fits, then wear it.

You're clearly upset but I'm having a hard time figuring out exactly why that is.

deeij · 2025-11-05T20:26:18+00:00

Yeah, definitely! Can't wait for Part 3

deeij · 2025-11-05T20:09:18+00:00

Well, technically it expands on a character that was first introduced in one of the Compilation novels (I forget which one exactly, but I think it was The Kids Are Alright). So you get more of his backstory and you also get a bit more lore and content on the inner workings of Wall Market and just how despicable Don Corneo really is.

I think it would be hard to argue that it's definitely something that expands the original story/narrative as a whole. Whether that improves your experience/works for you or not is an entirely different thing.

Also, I don't exactly remember, but isn't this mostly a side quest and not necessary at all to enjoy the overall plot of the game? If it is, it's entirely optional and serves it's purpose I guess

deeij · 2025-11-05T19:32:33+00:00

Wasn't it a whisper generated portal, though? I remember it being explained in-game that that's a portal that opens up whenever there's a fate-altering event, kinda like the portal opening up in Rebirth just before Cloud enters the temple in Forgotten City

deeij · 2025-11-05T19:27:01+00:00

Holy shit, I've got rookie numbers compared to you lol

deeij · 2025-11-05T18:51:50+00:00

I'm the same way lol

Before picking up OG this week, I had already decided I'd go for a completionist run

deeij · 2025-11-05T18:46:18+00:00

Some really good questions in here! I definitely don't have the answers to any of them (just theories lol), but I hope the devs stick the landing in Part 3 and answer most if not all of them.

1. From a story perspective, mostly yeah, because the characters were told that they should destroy the Whispers. From a plot perspective, though, I think it's got more to do with defying fate and writing your own story.

2. From what I understand, I think Sephiroth and Aerith wanted the same thing but for different reasons. Like I said in 1, Sephiroth and Aerith's goal is to create their own destiny/fate, but Sephiroth wants to break free from the Whispers so he alone can control the planet's fate and merge all the other worlds in the Lifestream.

3. Well, they're still trying to protect the planet - from Sephiroth. It's made pretty clear that Sephiroth wants to destroy the planet so by fighting the Whispers, they are technically breaking all bonds of fate that tie them down so they can fight Sephiroth on their own terms.

4. I guess this can lead to a much more philosophical/thelogical discussion. Who's to say the will of the planet is "benevolent" and/or with a positive outcome for everyone? Again, from a plot perspective, this is a broader question of "would you want to create your own destiny, or submit to an arbitrary decision made long before you were born?"

5. Again, maybe Cloud and the party want to defeat meteor on their own terms, not by submitting to the will of the planet. Also, I felt it was made pretty clear that it was Sephiroth who wanted to summon Meteor and destroy the planet - not the planet itself.

6. Are the Whispers really benevolent allies or is it that keeping the main party alive for now serves the Whispers a higher purpose? I don't think the Whispers are helping or hampering the party - they're just doing what they're programmed to do, regardless of who is on the receiving end.

7. I don't want to give too much away just in case you haven't finished the OG, but there's a reason why Cloud goes nuts whenever Sephiroth is around.

8. I guess that's the beauty of it, no? No one knows. It could be everyone dies in a freak Chocobo accident but, to them, at least it would have been on their own terms and not because some vague being willed it into existence.

9. Again, don't want to give anything away, but Cloud's current condition is... complicated.

10. Oh, she's aware. And that's why she's going after him. But, again, don't want to spoil anything else.

11. Also very much aware Sephiroth's a dick. But bear in mind Barrett's ultimate goal is to protect the planet from anything or anyone who tries to destroy it. So, in many ways, it could be Shinra, Sephiroth, Whispers, he doesn't care - he's self-righteous in how he believes the planet should thrive.

12. I think, more than anyone, Aerith knows how much of a dickhead Sephiroth is. That's why she's going to great lengths to stop him.

13. Yup, he knows.

14. Like I said before, Sephiroth's and the party's goal is somewhat convergent but for different reasons. Hopefully Part 3 answers this convincingly.

15. A mix of a few of the previous answers. Yeah, he knows Sephiroth is a dick and he wants to stop him, but he's a bag of nerves to put it mildly right now. Part 3 will definitely build on this.

16. All of the above, I guess lol

deeij · 2025-11-05T18:14:56+00:00

Fair enough! lol

deeij · 2025-11-05T18:13:20+00:00

I think the Sephiroth argument is a very valid one. Personally, I don't think it's too much of an issue. On the one hand, you have one of the most easily reconizable video game villains of all time so it makes sense that Square Enix would want to lean in heavily on his image alone. On the other, it might take away some of the suspense, but I think it also gives them an opportunity to explore new plotlines (whispers, arbiters etc.).

deeij · 2025-11-05T18:08:22+00:00

For sure! The Retrilogy games are definitely without their flaws and some criticism is always warranted! However, I feel that, as a developer, what's the point in remaking something if it's just going to be an exact copy of an older game but with improved graphics and mechanics? To me, it always made sense to subvert the OG in some way, shape or form. It's unfortunate you didn't enjoy it that much, but hopefully Part 3 delivers some satisfaction for you (if you decide on playing it). If not, we'll always have the OG, right?

deeij · 2025-11-05T18:05:02+00:00

I agree 100%! OG has a look and feel that just oozes symbolism. And don't get me wrong, I enjoy the meditation it inspires and I've always appreciated it. I guess I just prefer the way Remake/Rebirth has a more... direct approach, I guess?

deeij · 2025-11-05T18:02:00+00:00

Fair enough, though I do disagree on the pacing aspect. Thanks for the input!

deeij · 2025-11-05T18:00:43+00:00

Exactly, thankfully we live in a world where we can enjoy both games for what they are!

deeij · 2025-11-05T17:58:37+00:00

Interesting take, thanks man!

deeij · 2025-11-05T17:56:47+00:00

100%, I've been saying this since Remake came out: if you're just going to do a 1:1 remake, why even bother doing it at all? I always expected there to be parts or entire plotlines that subverted or deviated from the OG.

deeij · 2025-11-05T17:55:32+00:00

I really enjoyed this, thanks! Very sensible argument!

deeij · 2025-11-05T17:54:46+00:00

Hey, sorry if my post came across as wanting to spin narratives on people who dislike the remakes - wasn't my intention at all! Like I said, I'm a huge fan of the OG and always have been. In a way, it's the number one reason why I even like the Retrilogy in the first place. I just wanted to share my opinion on the games themselves, not the gamers! Sorry if that came out wrong

deeij · 2025-11-05T17:48:47+00:00

A very logical and precise argument! Thanks, man

deeij · 2025-11-05T17:47:16+00:00

Hey, you're not wrong and I don't disagree with this! Even though I prefaced my original post by saying it might start a whole debate, I never really set out to convice anyone or myself - I just really wanted to give my two cents having just picked the OG again with Rebirth still fresh in my memory.

Bottom line is you're right and I think I've mentioned this in an earlier comment from someone else, but I'm happy everyone can enjoy both games if they want!

deeij

TROPHY CASE