E3: Final Fantasy VII on PSN today

By Robert Purchese Published 4 June, 2009

Yes in Europe. Yes in exaltation.

Square Enix has confirmed that Final Fantasy VII will be released on the European PlayStation Store today. Hooray!

We thought this may be restricted to the US after Sony announced the PSN version during its E3 press conference on Tuesday night.

There's no word on price, but only the most extortionate of tags could dissuade us.

FFVII is held aloft by rat-punchers worldwide as an extraordinary RPG. The game follows Cloud on his quest to battle bad person Sephrioth, introducing a healthy supporting cast along the way.

Bye bye weekend.

Picture of Robert.

About Robert Purchese

Bertie is Eurogamer's Senior Staff Writer. When he's not hunting down news stories he's often found playing with his kids or gabbling about fantasy games and strange online worlds.

Read more articles from Robert by visiting the Robert Purchese archive page.

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Comments (92) Latest comment 3 years ago

Comments threads automatically close after 30 days, but please feel free to continue chatting on the forum!

  • owl #1 3 years ago

    are you ready SOLDIER?

  • Mr_Dodger #2 3 years ago

    Other than the convenience of having this available on the XMB at all times, is there really such a demand still for this? Genuine question.

  • JahB #3 3 years ago

    I must be the only person that never "got" FF7. To me, it felt just tedious and the battle system was horrid. I wonder why everybody's so obsessed with this game

  • Toothball #4 3 years ago

    I've yet to play beyond the first disc. I still plan to finish it, but mainly to see why everyone goes on about it so much.

  • owl #5 3 years ago

    oooh, just thought. can it be copied and stored on the psp? if so, there's your answer mr dodger.

  • Mr_Dodger #6 3 years ago

    Good point owl.

  • andywilkie35 #7 3 years ago

    owl, you've asked the exact question I was going to ask. If you can then SOLD!

  • login_name #8 3 years ago

    I could understand the excitement if this was a remake or update in anyway, but a bog standard conversion of the original is hardly something to get excited about. Surely anyone that cares has already played, and most likely owns, it anyway.

  • breedob #9 3 years ago

    This is still my favourite game of all time. I was about 12 or 13 when I played it. It was my first experience of an RPG and I loved everything about it; story, characters, fight system, side quests. It has everything and I can't wait to download it to play on my psp. Anyone know the size of the download?

  • CapnCloudchaser #10 3 years ago

    Insta-buy!

  • deathdealer619 #11 3 years ago

    holy cow great news!

  • mcbi4kh2 #12 3 years ago

    Is FF going to be a bit like MGS? i.e. If I've not played the first games from start to finish then the story is going to be completely lost on me?

  • Les #13 3 years ago

    Have only ever played this on the PC (which didn't really help but I still loved the game). Own the PS1 version but it's still in the shrink wrap it came in as I just didn't want to invest time in a game I've played already when there are so many games on the shelf/HDD that I haven't even started yet. But being able to play it on the PSP might make me buy this game for the third time...

  • Vistrix #14 3 years ago

    I cant believe it. SCEE must of listened to us...

  • Vistrix #15 3 years ago

    @mcbi4kh2 Not in any way. Each FF has a totally different story.

    If you've never played an FF game before you're in for a massive treat. Be prepared to play it for hours on end.
    Edited by 1 at 04/06/09 @ 10:01

  • The_Inquisitor #16 3 years ago

    I doubt many people with the original game and a 60gb PS3 will have much need to buy this. Still, it's nice to see it up there.

  • Vistrix #17 3 years ago

    @The_Inquisitor Its always good to own a digital copy, especially to put on the PSP legitly.

    I think I've purchased FF7 3 times now (this will be the forth). All due to disc scratches.

  • galerian86 #18 3 years ago

    blleehadsasdbsdasa...

    Awesome!

  • JohnnyWashnGo #19 3 years ago

    Do the 80Gb PS3s have PS1 backward compat insdie still? Or was that removed along with PS2 compat?

    If so, I think I will just play my original disks of FFVII... Not paying again for something I already own.

    Unless there is something different in this one...

  • Bealsy #20 3 years ago

    Sweet. Price?

  • breedob #21 3 years ago

    This will be my 3rd time buying it and the only reason I'm buying it again is so I can play it on my psp.

  • Goodfella #22 3 years ago

    @ JohnnyWashnGo

    All PS3's have PS1 backwards compatibility.

  • Widge #23 3 years ago

    Yeap, PS1 in all of them, they use the emulator in MGS4 at one point!

    I just downloaded this off US PSN today. Not sure if there is the infamous NTSC/PAL conversion issue, so took no chances! Don't know if anyone can confirm if Euro still gets dodgy PAL PS1 stuff?

  • Eraysor #24 3 years ago

    You spelled Sephiroth wrong, EG. He won't be happy.

  • M_of_the_sys #25 3 years ago

    @Widge

    Does it play on a PSP?

  • DrDamn #26 3 years ago

    So tempted by this. I'm thinking playing on a 40" LCD is not going to be a great idea - having it available to play on the PSP is very cool though.

  • Widge #27 3 years ago

    Apparently so, although I didn't get time to transfer... also I need to do a bit of memory card management!

    RE: 37"+ LCDs

    It looks surprisingly good. Slight borders around the edges due to the 4:3 nature but nothing intrusive, the upscaling does a good job of keeping the edges smoother rather than blocky.
    Edited by 1 at 04/06/09 @ 10:23

  • kingcrude #28 3 years ago

    what time does stuff get uploaded onto the psn store? ive never used it. also does anyone know the size of the file and if you 100% can put it onto a memory stick?

  • Steroyd #29 3 years ago

    I already have a solid copy, but I want to be all over this just for the sake of playing this on my PSP!

  • breedob #30 3 years ago

    Yeah anyone know price & size of file?

  • TheStatics #31 3 years ago

    Download size is 1.32gb.

  • Darren #32 3 years ago

    FFVII was the first RPG I ever played so it's special for that reason. I really enjoyed it at the time, it was like nothing else I'd played and it was actually emotional and had a great story and characters. And, yes, I did cry when one of the characters got killed part way through. Great game...but I'm not sure I could play it now. Sorry. The graphics now look really dated and I've grown to really despise random battles in RPGs over the years.

    I wish Square-Enix would remake the game properly for the PS3 with widescreen support and an overhauled battle system, while retaining the same characters and storyline. That PS3 tech demo of FFVII was so awesome after all. They could even fix the dodgy English translation.

  • Vistrix #33 3 years ago

    @TheStatics Not bad for 3 discs. Its usually around 1.7gb

  • locus2k1 #34 3 years ago

    Oh happy days!

  • Widge #35 3 years ago

    $9.99 in the US

  • Widge #36 3 years ago

    No translation fixes please, I love the line "This guy are sick".

  • optimusprym8 #37 3 years ago

    Anything decent released on EU PSN today?

  • andijames #38 3 years ago

    Does anyone know if this will have the borders on the PSP too? I remember gran turismo suffering from the border issure due to the 4:3 ratio. Drove me mad! If the border's aren't too bad i think i'll get this :)

  • Widge #39 3 years ago

    PSP has a stretch option, which is cool if you like things looking a bit fatter. I think I chose a zoomed perspective which actually worked well, losing little of what went on at the edges.

  • TheStatics #40 3 years ago

    What's the script with getting access to a manual for downloaded PSN games?

  • HarryPalmer #41 3 years ago

    yes yes yes yes yes yes yeeeees

  • Widge #42 3 years ago

    I'll investigate the manual tonight. I'm sure you just press Home/PS and there is a 'read manual' option to scroll through.

  • Widge #43 3 years ago

    RogueTradr

    Final Fantasies tend to be linear in so far as the entire thing is story driven, following the main plot around the game. There are plenty of occasions to deviate from the main path, check out the world map, develop your characters as you wish. Its nowhere near a free roaming do what you want experience like Oblivion.

  • RESIDENT_nEVILe #44 3 years ago

    Okay, Eurogamer. What have you done to the real SCEE??
    Edited by 1 at 04/06/09 @ 11:00

  • Widge #45 3 years ago

    kicked them up the bollocks with a firm "COME THE FUCK ON"

  • kissthestick #46 3 years ago

    doesnt the US version have a better framerate?
    Edited by 1 at 04/06/09 @ 11:19

  • Widge #47 3 years ago

    frameRATE. Dunno word from the forum is that Euro releases had borders and 14% speed decrease (hence me buying from the US store).

    I could use someone doing a comparison and feeding back about the store versions though.

  • ron_aldo #48 3 years ago

    Is this the version of FF that has that card game in it. Where you collect better card throughout your journey?

  • Widge #49 3 years ago

    No.

    FF8 had Triple Triad which was ace
    FF9 had SOMETHING ELSE which wasn't. Although ChocoboHotAndCold was addictive.

  • Widge #50 3 years ago

    No.

    FF8 had Triple Triad which was ace
    FF9 had SOMETHING ELSE which wasn't. Although ChocoboHotAndCold was addictive.

  • raion #51 3 years ago

    people, this is a nostalgia gig. if you play this game for the first time now I ASSURE you, you won't like it.
    we didn't like it because it was a masterpiece. it wasn't. we liked it because it was NEW and DIFFERENT.

    really, if you're going to play this just to get what all the fuss is about, you're gonna be disappointed.

  • Widge #52 3 years ago

    I dunno, I played through it on my PSP recently twice and loved every second of it again. Now I can have it big screen!

  • Bigglesworth #53 3 years ago

    Have to kind of echo raion somewhat. I'm playing through FF7 again at the moment (bringing my wife up to date since she's a late starter to Final Fantasy!) and it does show its age a little now: the script is pretty bad, almost incomprehensible in places, the blocky Lego-characters are laughable and rob lots of emotion from the story-scenes, and the repeated, enforced, manual Materia swapping is an absolute pain in the arse.

    *However*, its story is still excellent, its atmosphere is undiminished (mostly due to the background art and soundtrack), the battle engine and particularly the battle graphics hold up extremely well for a 10 year old game, and its still enjoyable to play!

    It was new, and different, and it was very much a masterpiece, and still is. Lets just be thankful Square continued to overhaul the functional mechanics of the UI with each iteration just as much as the graphical presentation and battle systems =)

  • Widge #54 3 years ago

    You can tell the £age made in FF7 had a real effect of FF8. The script was light years ahead, CGI more consistent, battle engine etc more involving and spectacular.... still, FF7 just has that magic.

  • MrGilder #55 3 years ago

    Still got the original PS1 discs!

  • SYS64738 #56 3 years ago

    Really hope this is going to get released on ALL european stores...

  • CitizenGeek #57 3 years ago

    Absolutely cannot wait to have this on my PSP :)

  • GreyBeard #58 3 years ago

    I actually think all Sony fans should be grateful to MS for the royal kicking they've been dishing out over the last few years, as it finally seems to have woken Sony's executive management to realization that "leadership" of the games industry is something that constantly needs to be earned.

    Competition is good, and its finally starting to look like Sony are finally trying to compete - not arrogantly assume that their brand strength is enough to pull them through on its own.

  • RedSparrows #59 3 years ago

    ...by releasing an old, but loved, game on PSN?

  • HiddenAway #60 3 years ago

    @ SYS64738

    The press release did say "ALL" PAL stores. So you should be covered.

  • Daryoon #61 3 years ago

    I wouldn't say FF7 was new and different, it was just that the majority of gamers hadn't noticed RPGs before. Unless they read Super Play. As a stand-alone game, away from nostalgia value, FF7 is far from the best in the series. 8 and 9 both surpassed it, and it wasn't as good as 5 (which still has the best character customisation in the series) and 6 (one of the better casts and best villain).

  • layleeloo #62 3 years ago

    @ widge

    You say it look surprisingly good on 37+ tvs? Are you mad? It looks utter shite on my 40" Sony Bravia. Its more blocky that Dire Strats "Money For Nothing" video!

    I went and bought some USA PSN credit and bought it the other day, being one of the ones who wanted to see what all the blooming fuss is about over this game

    Is looks utterly hurrendous, damn near unwatchable. Of course it was never meant for that so may have to get a PSP now just so it doesnt look so shit! It really is near unbearable which is a shame.

    They could have announced this earlier. Could have saved £36 on £50$ of USA credit. Grrrrrrrrrr!
    Edited by 2 at 04/06/09 @ 13:29

  • layleeloo #63 3 years ago

    @ mrmrc84

    I wasnt saying it looks hurrendous because im thick or to put the game down. I said it obviously going to look shit, my post was about being surprised at Widge saying how good it looked on 37"+ TV's when it doesnt. Its hurrendous.

    Like you say, prob be fine on PSP. As I bought resident eveil aswell to use up my credit, and have rayman i may just have to invest in yet another PSP to play these on, as they are near unplayable on a large LCD (I will re phrase that, FF is near unplayable. I havnt tried RE or rayman on the TV yet. Dont hink I want to. haha)

  • dr_faulk #64 3 years ago

    I went back to finish Crisis Core. It's lovely. Totally putting me in the mood for FF7 all over again.
    Edited by 1 at 04/06/09 @ 14:06

  • Fixxxer #65 3 years ago

    I've been wanting to play this game since I played and loved VIII about ten years ago. Still, I don't have a PS3 so the wait goes on.

  • dominalien #66 3 years ago

    @layleeloo

    The PS3 has options to adjust the way old games are upscaled. Maybe you're using the blocky one and you'd be happier using one of the smoothing options?

  • GreyBeard #67 3 years ago

    @Redsparrows

    I'm just thinking about their showing this E3 in general.

    Also, releasing this title which is arguably as famous as any game on the PS1 its a nice booster for both PS3 and PSP systems that really should have happened a long, long time ago.

  • dominalien #68 3 years ago

    I have the original PS1 game, I know I'm not going to play it right now, but I still want to give them my money.

    What is wrong with me?!?!?!?!!!?

  • TheStatics #69 3 years ago

    @Layleeloo - What is it that makes FF7 'near unplayable' on a big TV? Can't you read the text? Is it impossible to distinguish between the characters?

  • chrisno21 #70 3 years ago

    I've got the PS1 discs too, but I still want to buy it again for my PS3. Maybe it's the ease of just launching it without changing discs. 1 hour on Infmaous 4 hours on FF7 then back to infamous!

  • Scimarad #71 3 years ago

    Rat-punchers:)

  • Widge #72 3 years ago

    The main problem with FF7 is that on a big TV it looks like an old PS1 game. Simple as that, you have to get over the fact that you're seeing a game that you were probably used to seeing on a diddy 17" screen blown up to buggery at high resolution.

    Its like when you boot up FFX on the PS2 on a PS3, I have to put aside the aliasing and the 4:3-ness of it all.

  • Wyrm #73 3 years ago

    This is immense news. IMMENSE.

  • Fuser #74 3 years ago

    WHERE IS IT THEN?!?!?!??!?!!!?
    Just got home and booted up PSN and its not there!! Grrrrrr.......

    :)

  • Climhazzard #75 3 years ago

    if there was a remake then id get a ps3 for it as its my all time fave game, but il stick with my ps1 copy till then.

  • stooeh #76 3 years ago

    with a name like climhazzard who'd have guessed it was your favourite game ? :D

  • kingcrude #77 3 years ago

    yeah did i read the article wrong because its still not on the psn store. and even tho i dont have my psp on me, i want to have it right now just....beacause

  • owl #78 3 years ago

    up now £7.99

  • ShinMegami08 #79 3 years ago

    OMG
    have the disc version, played it about a year ago on my custom psp.... one of the best games of all times!
    going to buy just to support the very good initiative.

    BUT WTF IS IT?????????

  • ShinMegami08 #80 3 years ago

    and no its not all nostalgy. the story is brilliant and surprisingly mature, and the handdrawn backgrounds are wonderful.

  • dominalien #81 3 years ago

    Hmmmm... In the US store it's almost a pound cheaper than in the Polish one at today's exchange rate. The UK price, however, is over a pound higher than the PL one. Since I have the PAL version on disc, the US one looks mighty tempting. :-)

    EDIT: Bought the US version. I am now _officially_ insane. I don't even need a shrink.

    Interesting observation: I have 2.3 GB space on my HDD and the game is 1.3 GB. I still got the message I don't have enough space on the disk and can't download it.

    IAC, probably the best-spent 31,35 PLN ever :-D
    Edited by 1 at 04/06/09 @ 19:29

  • owl #82 3 years ago

    and the handdrawn backgrounds are wonderful.

    definitely this. the only thing anyone ever says nowadays is how shit the game looks. it's so sad. the environments are actually incredible, so atmospheric and detailed (the train-yard :swoon:). i really can't see how anyone can say otherwise.

  • dominalien #83 3 years ago

    and the handdrawn backgrounds are wonderful

    Do you think they are hand-drawn? I'm pretty sure they are at least partially rendered.

    Although they are beautiful, no doubt about it.

  • VMerken #84 3 years ago

    *Looks at original*

    *remembers his PS3 and PS2 is PS1 backwards compatible*

    Hooray!

  • dominalien #85 3 years ago

    Oh, and just to make it very clear:

    FFVII looks splendid on my 100" screen.

  • redcrayon #86 3 years ago

    I'm trying to download this, and have got the message that there isn't enough space on my card- can I download it again later without being charged twice?

  • dominalien #87 3 years ago

    In other news:

    Metal Gear Solid is out on PSN soon

  • dominalien #88 3 years ago

    I'm trying to download this, and have got the message that there isn't enough space on my card- can I download it again later without being charged twice?

    Yes. You go to Downloads in the upper right corner of the store screen and you can redownload it from there.

  • redcrayon #89 3 years ago

    Thanks Dominalien

  • Wildsleven #90 3 years ago

    fuck!! instant buy!!!!!

  • M_of_the_sys #91 3 years ago

    Don't forget, when it asks you to insert the next disc, press the PS Logo button and choose switch disc.

    Just downloaded this and am transferring it to my PSP as I speak/type. Now I own it digitally as well as on disc...

  • Bigglesworth #92 3 years ago

    and the handdrawn backgrounds are wonderful.

    definitely this. the only thing anyone ever says nowadays is how shit the game looks. it's so sad. the environments are actually incredible, so atmospheric and detailed (the train-yard :swoon:). i really can't see how anyone can say otherwise.

    Hey I was saying just this morning that the backgrounds still look great! You must admit though that there a numerous cases where either the lack of resolution and/or the choice of viewing aspect make it extremely hard to see where you can go. Getting snagged on things is a pain in the bum too. Oh and hitting some of the event triggers can be a nightmare.

    I still love it though, honest! Buy it! Play it!