When Square Enix unveiled that they were going back to remake Final Fantasy 7 about four and a half years ago, Pie and I let the nostalgia wash over us. Ever critical of SE however, we had trepidations on how the execution of such a beloved game would be brought to life given their propensity to seemingly shove remakes off to their "B-team". However, none could deny the level of polish in the original trailer, complete with an enticing revamped battle system, so we held out hope.

At some point there was a video of the developers showcasing how the ATB system was interpreted along with the summoning system. Witnessing the seamless integration of time-slowing menus and fast-paced action was the point where I really let the excitement take root. The meticulous, tactful design of how best to revitalize an old system and modernize it for current tastes while retaining the flavor of the original was evident.

Now that the game has come out and Pie and I have been experiencing it, I can't help but feel blown away by just how much this game stokes my nostalgia and just makes me *happy*. Having old remixed soundtracks cue in coupled with familiar scenes, I just stop in the middle of playing and take it all in. I look around, transported instantly to my younger self as I stare in awe at the grandeur of it all. The sheer audacity and silliness present- the way the game doesn't take itself too seriously- the character and life was instilled into every piece of the game...it's almost more than one could hope for. This was a game that was made with an incredible amount of love and reverence for the source material- an experience I believed SE wholly incapable of creating.

I can't help but feel that the massive failure of the original launch of FFXIV was something that deeply humbled them. It allowed them to shake off the rust, arrogance and complacency and focus on honing their craft to the best of their ability. What a joy to fans the world over that FF7 Remake could benefit from such a positive shift. Our nostalgia thanks you, SE~