Players can soon expect to have the Final Fantasy VII Remake in their hands — well, a demo version at least. PSN tracking website gamstat revealed a FF7 Remake Demo listing last week.
Now, the reimagined version of that iconic cinematic opening has leaked, detailing our first glimpse of Aerith, the zooming out to show the harsh metropolis of Midgar, and an impressively seamless transition from cutscene to gameplay as Cloud leaps from the train onto the Sector 1 station platform.
There are some differences from the original, obviously.
We see more of Aerith than just walking into the square — seemingly spooked by something in an alley, she hurries on her way, bumping into a passer-by and having one of her precious flowers (which look like daffodils) trampled on. We also see Cloud crouched on the roof of the train on approach to the Sector 1 station.
Then, the intro expands further, as we're introduced to Avalanche ahead of the original. Two Shinra guards patrol the platform, before being taken out by Biggs and Jessie. They run off, along with Wedge, before Barret issues a curt command.
Cue Cloud's acrobatic leap, before the camera angle swings round smoothly and theatrically, and the game begins.
Square Enix are yet to comment officially on the existence of the demo, but one imagines it won't be too long before PS4 users will be able to download and play.
If previous events are anything to go by, the demo will encompass the descent into the Sector 1 Reactor, ending with the battle with the Guard Scorpion.
I have to admit, watching this new version caused me to break out in goosebumps. The soaring cameras and orchestral soundtrack give the opening a much grander impact, leaving me desperate for more.
Episode one of the Final Fantasy VII Remake releases as a one-year PS4 exclusive on March 3, 2020.
In the meantime, check out everything we know so far:
As with Resident Evil 3 Remake, the PSN icons update gives us some great information: FF7 Remake is apparently going to have its own demo very soon.
