But I think the sound samples in FF7 were inferior to SNES MIDI at the time, the polygon graphics were still in a baby state that didn't hold up as well as late 16bit spritework, and the 4-member parties opened up a bit of flexibility in playstyle.
Also, the minigames in FF6 were integrated so well into the main gameplay loop (aside from a few POV sequences that never really worked).
The story was a bit more cohesive too. With FF7, the story kinda falls apart after the loss of Aeris. FF6 took this portion (in the World of Ruin) to allow you to pursue character arcs to their endpoints but FF7 doesn't handle itself well one the rails are off.
To me, ff7 was a remarkable achievement in the advancement of next-gen RPG development, and probably the peak of the golden age in terms of cultural impact, but it was a bridge between eras rather than peak final fantasy
i don't have strong opinions on the sound samples, and i do mostly prefer the sprites. but those prerendered backgrounds are gorgeous, i really love them
and i like the ff7 minigames about as much as the ff6 ones, though i totally get where you're coming from
Here are a pair of FF7 songs in an SNES soundfont compared to PS original:
Dear to the heart:
SNES:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=jNSrHgimnOc
Original PSX: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ixw3nFcQkzI
The high-pitched vibes that kick in are the most glaring issue with the FF7 version. They're piercing and out of balance.
Tifa's Theme:
SNES:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=dMaYB3vDKB0
Original PSX:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=dMaYB3vDKB0&t=153s
This one actually might sound better on PSX at first, but then the melody kicks in and the flute sounds cheap and robotic in the original.
The original compositions were classic Uematsu approaching his absolute peak, but the PSX soundfont overall feels clipped and has cloying overtones.
I wish I could say I like the Remake versions better, but IMO Hamauzu does too much. Here's that version if you care to hear it:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=seewVC9uwr4&pp=ygULdGlmYXMgdGhlbWU%3D
Granted, that game has a different vibe, so maybe it fits there, but the mood in this cover feels hopeful and revelatory, whereas the Uematsu arrangement is lonely and bittersweet. Hamauzu uas always been better with atmospheric soundtracks as opposed to thematic ones.
Okay, fair. That FF7 opening was solid.
But I think the sound samples in FF7 were inferior to SNES MIDI at the time, the polygon graphics were still in a baby state that didn't hold up as well as late 16bit spritework, and the 4-member parties opened up a bit of flexibility in playstyle.
Also, the minigames in FF6 were integrated so well into the main gameplay loop (aside from a few POV sequences that never really worked).
The story was a bit more cohesive too. With FF7, the story kinda falls apart after the loss of Aeris. FF6 took this portion (in the World of Ruin) to allow you to pursue character arcs to their endpoints but FF7 doesn't handle itself well one the rails are off.
To me, ff7 was a remarkable achievement in the advancement of next-gen RPG development, and probably the peak of the golden age in terms of cultural impact, but it was a bridge between eras rather than peak final fantasy
i don't have strong opinions on the sound samples, and i do mostly prefer the sprites. but those prerendered backgrounds are gorgeous, i really love them
and i like the ff7 minigames about as much as the ff6 ones, though i totally get where you're coming from
Stumbled on this just a minute ago.
Here are a pair of FF7 songs in an SNES soundfont compared to PS original:
Dear to the heart:
SNES:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=jNSrHgimnOc
Original PSX: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ixw3nFcQkzI
The high-pitched vibes that kick in are the most glaring issue with the FF7 version. They're piercing and out of balance.
Tifa's Theme:
SNES:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=dMaYB3vDKB0
Original PSX:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=dMaYB3vDKB0&t=153s
This one actually might sound better on PSX at first, but then the melody kicks in and the flute sounds cheap and robotic in the original.
The original compositions were classic Uematsu approaching his absolute peak, but the PSX soundfont overall feels clipped and has cloying overtones.
I wish I could say I like the Remake versions better, but IMO Hamauzu does too much. Here's that version if you care to hear it: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=seewVC9uwr4&pp=ygULdGlmYXMgdGhlbWU%3D
Granted, that game has a different vibe, so maybe it fits there, but the mood in this cover feels hopeful and revelatory, whereas the Uematsu arrangement is lonely and bittersweet. Hamauzu uas always been better with atmospheric soundtracks as opposed to thematic ones.
I found YouTube links in your comment. Here are links to the same videos on alternative frontends that protect your privacy:
Link 1:
Link 2:
Link 3:
Link 4:
Link 5: