Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade: Upgrades, Yuffie and everything you need to know
An explainer on what Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade is -- and why people are excited about doors and flowers.
Yuffie, the star of Intergrade.
Just over a year after Final Fantasy 7 Remake launched on PlayStation 4, an updated version has now hit the PlayStation 5. Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade brings new visual upgrades to the already gorgeous game, and introduces a new DLC episode featuring fan-favourite Yuffie. We still don't know much about Remake Part 2 (like how The Hobbit book was split into three movies, Final Fantasy 7 is being remade into multiple parts), so this may have to tide materia hunters over for a while.
Here's everything you need to know about the strangely titled game.
What is Intergrade?
Intergrade is made up of two parts. First, it's a visually-improved version of Final Fantasy 7 Remake (more on those improvements below). The second part of the package is EPISODE INTERmission (freaky capitalization courtesy of Square Enix, as usual), DLC content that stars Yuffie Kisaragi, a fan-favorite character from the original game. This DLC is exclusive to the PS5.
Last year's Final Fantasy 7 Remake didn't entirely remake the PlayStation 1 classic, but rather remade the first section of the game. Remake ends as Cloud Strife and the gang leave Midgar, which is before they meet Yuffie. As such, the materia thief was not featured in last year's game -- which is why fans are excited to see her again.
What changes are being made to FF7 Remake?
Intergrade will add a few features to Final Fantasy 7 Remake, most of which revolve around graphics. Square Enix says that textures and lighting will be improved -- although just how noticeable these improvements will be is questionable, since last year's game was mighty fine looking already -- and faster loading times. There's also:
- Options between "Graphics Mode" and "Performance Mode". The former prioritizes 4K resolution, the latter 60-frames-per-second gameplay.
- A photo mode.
- Haptic feedback via the DualSense controller.
Final Fantasy 7 Remake looked incredible on the PlayStation 4 -- one of the best looking games I've ever played -- but it had some tiny blemishes, namely some blurry textures. These textures have been fixed in Intergrade, resulting in crisp, wooden doors and visually improved flowers. This has got fans excited.
Important videogame door comparison
— Nibel (@Nibellion) June 9, 2021
Left: Final Fantasy VII Remake on PS4
Right: Final Fantasy VII Intergrade on PS5
(Let's hope they've fixed those famous flowers as well) pic.twitter.com/7JPYaSq6sA
Our Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade review is currently in progress! We'll have more to share soon, but first... pic.twitter.com/ZzhVJnH7pi
— Nova Crystallis (@Nova_Crystallis) June 9, 2021
How do I get the free upgrade?
You may or may not have heard that those who own Final Fantasy 7 Remake on PS4 will get a free upgrade to Intergrade on the PS4. This is a bit confusing. You don't get the entire Intergrade package, but rather get the improved version of Final Fantasy 7 Remake. EPISODE INTERmission is sold separately as a DLC for $20. That said, if you don't own the PS4 game, you can buy the entire Intergrade package for $70.
Note that the free PS4-to-PS5 upgrade does not apply to those who downloaded Final Fantasy 7 Remake for free when it was a PlayStation Plus benefit.
What do we know about Yuffie's mission?
Yuffie is on a mission in Midgar to steal precious materia from Shinra, the principal bad guys in Final Fantasy 7 Remake. Yuffie is from Wutai, a region in Final Fantasy 7's world that had a war with Shinra prior to the events of the game, so she naturally has been with the megacorp.
Expect the DLC to delve into some of the history between Shinra and Wutai. Some of the war will probably be shown in Fort Condor, a minigame featured in the DLC. (Those who remember minigames from Final Fantasy 8 and 10 know these can take on a life of their own.)
You'll play as Yuffie and new character Sonos.
Yuffie's story takes place during the events of Final Fantasy 7 Remake, and the game's creator has said her story will lead straight into Remake's true sequel.
The DLC will introduce a set of new characters, including Sonon. He's Yuffie's sidekick in the game -- a fellow warrior from Wutai, who trained under Yuffie's father -- who you'll also play as during combat. Since Yuffie is working with Avalanche, the ecoterrorist group Cloud joins in Midgar, there'll be new faces from the group included here too.
As for bad guys, Weiss, who Final Fantasy devotees will remember from Dirge of Cerberus is back, joined by his younger brother Nero.
