Final Fantasy VII returning to PC with microtransactions?

Wait, seriously?

Words: Andrew Groen on June 21, 2012

A website listing owned by Square Enix was spotted on the web today that seems to indicate that they will be re-releasing Final Fantasy VII on the PC, but with a catch. Believe it or not, it sounds like they're planning to build in microtransactions.

According to a Google Cache link sent to Joystiq and confirmed through Who-Is, Square Enix registered a website called FinalFantasyVIIPC.com with lots of information about the classic title's reincarnation. Among the juiciest bits is a little note that suggests that players will be able to use a "character booster" to increase their HP, MP, XP, or to attain items "all with the simple click of a button, leaving you to enjoy your adventure." Which, of course, sounds quite a bit like microtransactions.

We're still skeptical that this is a 100% true story, and not an elaborate troll. The website is registered to Square Enix as well as a Japanese domain trademark firm though. We're just baffled as to why Square Enix would fundamentally alter the gameplay of its most cherished classic in order to turn it into a FF7 sight-seeing tour.

We don't yet have a confirmation from Square Enix, but we'll update this story if we get word about the validity of this horrifying, horrifying story.

Platforms:

Topics:

Final Fantasy VII, Square-Enix

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Redeater - June 21, 2012 9:12 a.m.

Sadly I can see this happening. Luckily for me I think FF7 was one of the most preposterously overrated games in the history of mankind.
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Omrikon - June 21, 2012 9:21 a.m.

Horrifying is right. For once, I'm hoping it's an elaborate troll... even though it probably isn't. Then again, it's not like I'm going to play it again... unless the update the graphics
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gazzc - June 21, 2012 10:13 a.m.

I would actually like this in my steam collection, providing the microtransactions are not mandatory to play the game properly. I have no problem with lazy people paying money to level up quicker, but I would have a problem if I can not level up at a reasonable pace without paying money. I think I still have it on cd somewhere for the PC anyhow so its not like I would have to play the steam version. It would just be nice to have the features of steam integrated into the game.
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Cenobite85 - June 21, 2012 10:15 a.m.

I actually remember playing this waaaay back on the PC when I was younger...the idea of re-releasing it with microtransactions sounds horrible.
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Desann - June 21, 2012 11:30 a.m.

If this turns out to be true, well... with the stuff Capcom, EA, and even Blizzard are doing already these days, I feel as though I'm witnessing the end of video games.
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SentientSquidMachine - June 21, 2012 11:31 a.m.

Grinding is part of this game. Want master lvl materia, then you have to wear a stupid double or triple slot bangle that doubles exp and grind. Hey, want to beat emerald weapon? Well your going to need to master mimic and phoneix and final...(stand? attack? w/e its called) and that takes forever. But it was fun. Oh and dont forget all the stuff you have to do to get a golden chocobo for knights of the round. Unless these microtranscations are being used to raise money to finish Versus or to start turning that tech demo with the chick in FF middle east into a real game, then this is stupid. Todays kids need to experience the game as I did back in '97.
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Scoob - June 21, 2012 11:44 a.m.

I was going to ask why people would bother when it is easily available in other places online. Then I remembered, it was a Glide game. I suppose a Glide emulator would work just fine. I never bothered trying one as I don't desire to play such old 3D games. I also remember that in the PC version of this game, it was a pain to get the music to sound right as it was MIDI. I had a Sound Blaster Live, in which this game made use of sound fonts, but the game sounded like ass on my friend's computer. Final Fantasy VIII on PC was fine though.
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larkan - June 21, 2012 11:51 a.m.

Seriously, who the fuck wants to play this on PC?
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MetroidPrimeRib - June 21, 2012 12:26 p.m.

You can already play this on PC, it's called an emulator
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Travia220 - June 21, 2012 2:44 p.m.

I find it strange you believe a "Character Booster" would be related to Micro Transactions.
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tuomotaivainen - June 21, 2012 5:25 p.m.

You can already play this on PC, it's called the retail PC and/or Ultima version.
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angelusdlion - June 21, 2012 7:17 p.m.

I find it strange you believe that it's not. That's a good way to make money.
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JachAnen - June 21, 2012 11:21 p.m.

I have tried the retail on XP + Vista, and it wouldn't work, and no help available in forums or other. And emulators is also problematic with FF games but I have never had trouble with any other games. P.S. Hope it will be a HD remake like I wanted after Crisis Core's ending (if it's true).
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Memph - June 27, 2012 4:27 p.m.

Me. With sharper graphics and my joypad of choice, why not? Playing 4, 5, 6, 9, 10 on it already. Skipped 7 and 8 as I played them on PSX back in the day, but I'd buy it again on Steam in a heartbeat.
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