Metascore
81

Generally favorable reviews - based on 27 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 27
  2. Negative: 0 out of 27
  1. Apr 16, 2019
    100
    For my money, it’s nice to have a smoother looking game after twenty years, because part of the reason I’ve hesitated to return is that I didn’t want to sully the memory of one of my favs. I shouldn’t have worried, though, the instant that music started up I had goosebumps, and despite some language that, in 2019, it’s surprising was left in, this is still one of the greatest games ever made, only now it has even more respect for your time.
  2. 95
    Apart from a preference to the original character design and having to endure the dreaded music bug, I would still call Final Fantasy VII on Switch the definitive option to travel back to Midgar. The portability of the Switch and pick-up-and-play nature provides enough modern convenience to give old fans a reason to replay and new fans an excuse to try it. The battle between Cloud and Sephiroth brought mainstream appeal to JRPGs in the West back in the ‘90s, and it still has that universal appeal to be enjoyed by new generations of gamers to come.
  3. Apr 3, 2019
    92
    One of the most influential video games not only within the JRPG genre, but also the video game industry in general. It shines in all its sections and therefore is in the list of the best titles of all time.
  4. May 28, 2019
    90
    Whether it’s Nobuo Uematsu’s incomparable soundtrack or the game’s characterful cast, Final Fantasy VII will forever be remembered as a genre-defining classic. Now on Nintendo Switch, it’s the perfect chance for newcomers to uncover the truth about Cloud’s lost past for the first time, and, for those that have beaten it before, to relive the adventure both at home and on the move.
  5. 90
    Even with no new upgrades, Final Fantasy VII on Nintendo Switch is without a doubt the definitive way to play the game on consoles with the ability to not only play at home, but also take the game on the go.
  6. Apr 4, 2019
    90
    Final Fantasy VII was such an accomplishment and really, it will always remain an enjoyable classic for us all. And for those who have not yet experienced its glory, now is a great time to try out the game that influenced the world of RPG.
  7. 90
    The rough edges may be more prominent these days, but Final Fantasy VII is still one of the greatest JRPGs ever, with unsurpassed character design, world building, party customization, and music.
  8. Mar 29, 2019
    90
    Final Fantasy VII is undoubtedly an old game. But what a game: it’s still one of the finest video game ever. And thanks to this Switch, you can bring this gem with you wherever you’ll go.
  9. Mar 28, 2019
    90
    One of the best JRPGs ever made. It has aged in some places more than others, but overall it's a beautiful and magic journey that any fan of the genre will enjoy. It's not the best version out there, but the fact that this is the first time launching on Nintendo and Microsoft platforms it's reason enough to celebrate.
  10. Apr 21, 2019
    85
    Final Fantasy VII is a JRPG masterpiece, bringing on Switch one of the most engrossing storylines ever.
  11. Apr 8, 2019
    85
    Final Fantasy VII is a well-achieved adaptation on the hybrid Nintendo console. Despite all the aids for new players, Square Enix is re-launching of one of the best games of all time and, if it reached that category, it's because its a trancendental piece of work.
  12. Apr 5, 2019
    85
    It is an exciting game and worth your time regardless if you are Final Fantasy fan or not. If you like JRPGs this is a great one.
  13. Apr 29, 2019
    83
    With the additional features, and the ability to take it on the go, this is the best way to experience Final Fantasy VII.
  14. Apr 8, 2019
    83
    This is a very worthy version of Final Fantasy VII as it originally appeared and still worth playing today. If the few bugs are patched out it’s an even better deal. Whether you want to play it on the Switch with its unique hardware abilities or pay less on a different platform is up to you but I’m glad we even have these options. So it’s a good recommendation and we even got through the review without making a pun about the AVALANCHE of Final Fantasy releases now moving over to the Switch.
  15. Apr 28, 2019
    80
    Final Fantasy 7 is still worth playing in 2019. Its legacy is undeniable, and as we wait for more news on the Remake, we can look back at the original which is now available on every current console. There's a reason Cloud and Midgar appear in Super Smash Bros - they, and Final Fantasy 7 as a whole, are true icons. Unfortunately, this piece of history hasn't received the port treatment it deserves just yet.
  16. Apr 25, 2019
    80
    One of the best jRPGs ever finally ships to a Nintendo platform. Waiting for remake’s arrival, Nintendo Switch version of Final Fantasy VII is maybe the best way to replay this marvelous gem.
  17. Apr 15, 2019
    80
    One of the defining games of the 90s is ported to the Switch with a few bells and whistles. Essential playing for newcomers and veterans.
  18. Apr 2, 2019
    80
    Final Fantasy VII is a relic of its time, but that doesn’t mean it’s to be respected any less; if you can look past the obviously antiquated elements, this is a well-paced, engaging RPG that’s still fun to play today – it’s more than worthy of your time.
  19. Apr 2, 2019
    80
    With the PC version, you can tweak Final Fantasy 7 until practically every aspect is improved. The other editions of the game,including the Switch version, just can’t compete with that amount of flexibility.
  20. Apr 1, 2019
    80
    Final Fantasy VII is a legendary RPG who really deserves your attention if you never played it before. It feels clunky at times and the Switch porting has some issues which should have been fixed by now.
  21. Apr 11, 2019
    75
    Final Fantasy 7 on the Switch is a blast to play even though the emulation isn't that great. It has everything to do with the great stories and the amazing characters. They look outdated and ugly though. It's a good thing the music is as charming as ever.
  22. May 13, 2019
    70
    Final Fantasy VII is a game that everyone should experience. It’s a pioneering JRPG that remains to this day one of the most influential titles of all time. That said, if you’re entering Midgar for the first time, just keep in mind that time has not been kind this game.
  23. Apr 5, 2019
    70
    Is this 22-year-old game worth your time? Absolutely. There’s a reason why it’s being re-released for cutting-edge systems, and if you’re willing to engage with its idiosyncrasies, old-school mechanics and graphics, and interface oddities, there’s a frankly wonderful story that will grab you while also allowing you to understand how many other games it has influenced.
  24. Mar 29, 2019
    70
    Final Fantasy VII on Switch could easily have been one of the console's must-haves: its undeniable charm still works more than 20 years after its original release, but this stingy port still contains the horrible French localization from 1997, as well as the old PS4 bug which constantly reset the beautiful sounds of Nobuo Uematsu.
  25. Nintendo Force Magazine
    Apr 7, 2020
    65
    As a piece of game history, Final Fantasy VII is indispensable. As a piece of entertainment today, it's hit-and-miss, especially in this half-baked port. [Issue #39 – May/June 2019, p. 26]
  26. May 13, 2019
    60
    Final Fantasy VII is a milestone in console RPGs in general, deserving to be played by all fans of the genre for its historic relevance. However, it has not aged quite as gracefully as others in some areas, which means it's not quite as timeless, like many games of its vintage, unfortunately. This is to do with the original game itself, of course, and not this release in particular, so anyone who already enjoyed it elsewhere won't enjoy it any less on Switch.
  27. Apr 15, 2019
    60
    Playing through Final Fantasy VII, it’s easy to see why it was the game in the series selected to be remade. There are some fundamental issues in its overall story and it certainly hasn’t stood the test of time as well as many other titles have, but it still provides a strong base with its engaging cast and it’s easy to see how its steampunk designs would look much better with today’s technology. Final Fantasy VII is worth checking out and offers plenty of entertaining moments, but it’s going to be appreciated by those looking at it with rose-tinted nostalgia far more than anyone picking it up for the first time.
User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 128 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 97 out of 128
  2. Negative: 24 out of 128
  1. Mar 26, 2019
    8
    I have been on the edge of my seat in anticipation since I heard the news of the Switch getting a release of Final Fantasy Vii. I downloadedI have been on the edge of my seat in anticipation since I heard the news of the Switch getting a release of Final Fantasy Vii. I downloaded it as soon as it was released. The waves of nostalgia have been flooding my brain with every cut scene. Though this game is 22 years old I feel it still holds up as one of the best story arches I have played.
    Why not a 10/10? One reason, they made it to easy to "Cheat" I use that term loosely, but it there is a feature that will replenish your Limit Break and Health with every battle. Though this has come in handy in random encounters to boost ones experience, it is hard NOT to use in larger battles. This might not be a problem for some but like that last piece of of chocolate when on a diet, it is very hard to resist the temptation.
    Full Review »
  2. Apr 3, 2019
    10
    this game is still great, and having it ported to the switch in the upgraded version is awesome. the 3x speed helps get through thingsthis game is still great, and having it ported to the switch in the upgraded version is awesome. the 3x speed helps get through things quicker, and being able to play it anywhere is great. Full Review »
  3. Apr 1, 2019
    0
    One of the best game of all time. One of the worst and laziest port of all time at full price. Square-Enix is giving you the finger as always.One of the best game of all time. One of the worst and laziest port of all time at full price. Square-Enix is giving you the finger as always. Greed level Max. Full Review »