Unlocking the Full Experience: Final Fantasy VII Remake New Game Plus

So, you’ve conquered Shinra, befriended Avalanche, and maybe even romanced Barret (hey, no judgment!). But the adventure doesn’t have to end when the credits roll on Final Fantasy VII Remake. Enter New Game Plus! It’s your chance to relive the magic, crank up the difficulty, and snag all those little details you might have missed the first time around. Intrigued? Let’s dive deep into what New Game Plus offers and how it elevates your return trip to Midgar.

What Carries Over in Final Fantasy VII Remake New Game Plus?

Think of New Game Plus as hitting the “reset” button on the story, but with all your hard-earned goodies safely tucked away in your inventory. It’s like starting a marathon with a comfy pair of running shoes and a fully stocked energy bar. You’ll get to experience the narrative again, but this time armed with all the power and knowledge you accumulated during your initial playthrough. This allows for strategic planning, improved gameplay, and the opportunity to explore previously challenging areas with ease. What exactly makes the cut, then?

Character Level and Stats

Your characters retain their levels, stats, and proficiency. This means Cloud, Tifa, Aerith, and Barret start the game as the absolute powerhouses you molded them into during your first adventure. No more struggling with basic enemies, at least not right away. This is a huge boon because it enables you to engage in challenging combat scenarios right from the get-go, which is particularly valuable for those eager to test their skills against tougher foes on Hard Mode. You can now focus on strategy and style instead of simply survival.

Weapons and Armor

All the weapons and armor you painstakingly collected throughout your first playthrough come along for the ride. Say goodbye to the basic Buster Sword and hello to a fully upgraded collection of blades, gloves, and protective gear. Think of it as having a legendary arsenal at your disposal from the very beginning. This advantage is crucial for tackling Hard Mode, where enemies hit harder and strategic gear combinations become essential for survival. It allows players to experiment with different builds and optimize their loadouts for maximum effectiveness.

Materia and Summons

Perhaps the most significant carry-over is your Materia collection. All those elemental, support, and command Materia orbs you leveled up are ready to be used again. Combined with your upgraded weapons and stats, you are essentially a magical powerhouse from the starting bell. Your summon Materia, like Ifrit, Shiva, and Leviathan, also accompany you, enabling you to unleash devastating attacks when the situation calls for it. Imagine taking down the Guard Scorpion with a fully powered Ramuh summon early on; the possibilities are virtually endless.

Accessories and Items

Just like your weapons and armor, all those handy accessories like Star Pendants and Protective Boots transfer over. All consumable items, such as Potions, Ethers, and Phoenix Downs, are also maintained, allowing you to breeze through early sections and concentrate on using your skills and abilities in more challenging encounters. These accessories can provide unique buffs and resistances, allowing you to tailor your characters to specific combat scenarios. It’s like having a custom-built toolkit for every job Midgar throws your way.

Music Discs

For those who love customizing their jukebox tunes, fear not! All the music discs you hunted down in your initial playthrough will still be available. This allows you to soundtrack your second adventure with your favorite tunes. Whether you prefer the classic battle themes or the jazzy melodies of Wall Market, you can set the perfect mood for your return to Midgar. Consider it the ultimate personalized gaming experience, perfectly tuned to your musical tastes.

Manuscripts

These are key to fully upgrading your weapons. Thankfully, all of the manuscripts you obtained that allow you to upgrade weapon cores will remain with you. This lets you further power up your weapons, giving you a distinct edge. Combine this with maxed-out Materia and you will be a force to be reckoned with. This provides an unparalleled advantage, allowing you to maximize your damage output and defensive capabilities right from the start, effectively turning you into a one-person army.

What’s New and Different in Final Fantasy VII Remake New Game Plus?

While carrying over your progress is awesome, New Game Plus isn’t just about replaying the same content with an advantage. It’s also about uncovering new challenges and experiencing the game in a fresh way. Think of it as unlocking a secret level of gameplay that rewards your dedication and mastery.

Hard Mode Unlocked

The biggest addition is the availability of Hard Mode. This cranks up the difficulty considerably, requiring you to rethink your strategies and rely on your skills to survive. Enemies become significantly tougher, and your MP regeneration is limited. This forces you to use your abilities and magic judiciously, adding a layer of strategic depth that wasn’t present in the initial playthrough. It’s like turning up the heat on an already intense battle, demanding precision, adaptability, and a deep understanding of the game’s mechanics.

No Item Use in Battle on Hard Mode

Adding to the challenge, you cannot use items in battle on Hard Mode. This makes planning your Materia loadout, mastering weapon skills, and effectively dodging attacks vital. Each encounter becomes a calculated dance of offense and defense, requiring you to make the most of your abilities and exploit enemy weaknesses. It truly pushes you to play at your very best, forcing you to adapt and innovate to overcome the odds. This is where true mastery of the game is forged.

New Manuscripts and Challenges

While you keep your existing manuscripts, New Game Plus offers new opportunities to acquire even more, further enhancing your weapons and unlocking powerful new abilities. This keeps the sense of progression alive, even though you’re already powerful. These manuscripts are often tied to completing specific challenges or defeating formidable foes, adding a layer of replayability and encouraging you to explore every corner of Midgar. The pursuit of these upgrades becomes a compelling reason to return to the game.

Play Chapter Select Mode

Unlocked in New Game Plus, the Chapter Select Mode allows you to replay specific chapters in the story. This is extremely useful for completing side quests you missed, obtaining all the manuscripts, or simply experiencing your favorite moments in the game. It offers unparalleled flexibility and control over your playthrough. Want to revisit the motorcycle chase scene? No problem! Want to practice your boss battle strategies? Go for it! The choice is yours.

Tips and Strategies for Final Fantasy VII Remake New Game Plus

Now that you know what to expect from New Game Plus, let’s talk strategy. The goal here is to maximize your experience and conquer those new challenges with style. Think of these tips as your secret weapons, giving you the edge you need to truly dominate Midgar.

Plan Your Materia Loadout

With Hard Mode throwing a curveball your way, strategically planning your Materia is paramount. You need to consider elemental weaknesses, status ailments, and support abilities. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different combinations and find what works best for your play style. Are you more of a healer, damage dealer, or crowd control specialist? Tailor your Materia accordingly. Mastering the art of Materia customization is the key to surviving and thriving in the tougher challenges of New Game Plus.

Master the Combat System

If you haven’t already, now is the time to truly master the game’s combat system. Learn to effectively dodge, block, and parry attacks. Understand enemy attack patterns and exploit their weaknesses. Knowing when to use your abilities, limit breaks, and summons is crucial for success. Think of it as becoming a true warrior, not just button-mashing but strategically engaging with every encounter. This mastery will make all the difference when facing the unrelenting difficulty of Hard Mode.

Utilize Chapter Select to Farm XP and AP

Chapter Select is your best friend for grinding XP and AP (Ability Points). Focus on replaying chapters with high-level enemies or challenging encounters. This allows you to quickly level up your characters and max out your Materia. It’s like finding a hidden treasure trove of experience, allowing you to efficiently power up your team and prepare for the tougher challenges ahead. This ensures you’re always one step ahead of the game, ready to tackle whatever Midgar throws your way.

Complete All Side Quests

If you missed any side quests in your first playthrough, New Game Plus is the perfect opportunity to complete them. Not only do they provide valuable rewards, but they also offer insights into the game’s world and characters. Consider it an opportunity to deepen your understanding and appreciation of the game’s lore. Plus, you might even unlock some hidden secrets or encounter unique challenges that you missed the first time around. It’s like discovering a whole new layer of content within a familiar world.

FAQ

Can I change the difficulty after starting New Game Plus?

No, once you start a New Game Plus run on Hard Mode, you cannot change the difficulty back to Normal or Easy. So, be sure you’re ready for the challenge before committing!

Do cutscenes and story events repeat exactly as they did in my first playthrough?

Yes, the cutscenes and story events are largely the same, but your knowledge of the events allows you to appreciate them from a different perspective. You might notice subtle nuances or foreshadowing that you missed the first time around. It’s like watching a favorite movie again, but this time with a deeper understanding of the plot and characters.

Are there any exclusive rewards for completing New Game Plus on Hard Mode?

While there aren’t explicit “exclusive” rewards, completing Hard Mode unlocks the satisfaction of conquering the game’s toughest challenge and fully mastering its mechanics. This accomplishment is a badge of honor in itself, proving your dedication and skill. Think of it as earning bragging rights among your fellow Final Fantasy VII Remake fans, showcasing your prowess and expertise.