How Long Does the Midgar Section of Final Fantasy VII Remake Last?

Alright, Adventurers! So, you’re diving into the sprawling world of Final Fantasy VII Remake and, let’s be real, you’re probably buzzing to relive the bombing mission and explore the gritty, neon-drenched underbelly of Midgar. But a burning question is likely plaguing you: Just how much time are we talking before we leave this iconic city? Don’t worry, we’ve got the lowdown on the Midgar section’s playtime. Prepare your Mako-fueled anticipation!

Final Fantasy VII Remake: Delving Into the Midgar Experience

Final Fantasy VII Remake isn’t just a nostalgia trip; it’s a full-blown reimagining of the beloved classic. And the Midgar section, originally a small chunk of the original game, has been expanded into a substantial, standalone adventure. Square Enix took the time to truly flesh out the world, its characters, and the stakes involved, giving us a much deeper connection to Cloud, Tifa, Barret, and the rest of AVALANCHE. Forget a quick in-and-out – Midgar is now an immersive experience that warrants its own dedicated playthrough.

Estimating Your Playtime in Midgar

So, what kind of commitment are we talking about? Generally, a standard playthrough of the Midgar section of Final Fantasy VII Remake will take around 30-40 hours. However, this estimate can vary greatly depending on your play style, difficulty setting, and completionist tendencies. Those who prefer to rush through the main story on the easiest difficulty might be able to beat it in around 25 hours, while completionists who meticulously explore every nook and cranny, conquer every side quest, and max out their characters on Hard mode could easily spend upwards of 50 hours.

Factors Influencing Your Midgar Playthrough Length

Several factors contribute to the varying playtime experiences of different players. The difficulty setting is a big one, as higher difficulties increase the challenge of battles and force you to strategize more carefully, potentially leading to more retries and longer encounters. Your willingness to engage with side content is another major factor. Final Fantasy VII Remake is packed with optional quests, mini-games, and exploration opportunities that can significantly extend your time in Midgar. Finally, your personal skill level and familiarity with the game’s combat system will also play a role. Are you a seasoned RPG veteran, or are you new to the genre? This will impact how quickly you progress through the main story.

Breaking Down the Midgar Chapters: A Time Investment Guide

To provide a more granular view of the playtime, let’s consider the game’s chapter structure. Each chapter within the Midgar section contributes a certain amount of time to the overall experience. While specific chapter lengths vary, here’s a rough breakdown of how long you can expect to spend on each: early chapters involving the bombing mission might take 2-3 hours, while later chapters focusing on exploration and side quests could easily consume 4-6 hours. The final few chapters, culminating in the climactic escape from Midgar, are typically the longest, requiring 5-7 hours each, particularly on higher difficulties.

Completionist Runs: Maximizing Your Midgar Investment

For those who crave a truly immersive and comprehensive experience, a completionist run of Final Fantasy VII Remake’s Midgar section is the way to go. This involves not only completing the main story but also tackling every side quest, collecting all weapons and materia, mastering all skills, and conquering all optional challenges. A completionist run can easily double your playtime, pushing it beyond the 60-hour mark. It’s a significant time commitment, but it’s also the most rewarding way to experience everything that the Midgar section has to offer. Think of it as training to become the ultimate SOLDIER, ready to take on Sephiroth himself.

Replayability: Is Midgar Worth a Second Visit?

Absolutely! Final Fantasy VII Remake boasts significant replay value, thanks to its multiple difficulty settings, branching side quests, and unlockable content. Even after completing the game once, there are plenty of reasons to revisit Midgar. You might want to challenge yourself on Hard mode, experiment with different character builds, or simply relive your favorite moments. The game also features a chapter select option, allowing you to jump to specific chapters without having to replay the entire game. This is particularly useful for tackling missed side quests or completing specific challenges. Plus, who wouldn’t want to hear “Those Who Fight Further” one more time?

Comparing Playtime to the Original Final Fantasy VII

It’s important to remember that the Midgar section in the original Final Fantasy VII was relatively short, typically taking around 5-8 hours to complete. The Remake, however, expands this section into a full-fledged game, offering a much richer and more detailed experience. While some purists might argue that the Remake’s Midgar section is too long, most players have praised the expanded content and the opportunity to spend more time with the characters and world. Essentially, they’ve turned a sprint into a marathon, but a marathon that’s filled with chocobo rides and Mako-infused goodness.

Tips to Optimize Your Midgar Playthrough

Want to make the most of your time in Midgar? Here are a few tips to help you optimize your playthrough. First, don’t be afraid to experiment with different character builds and materia combinations. Second, take the time to explore the environment and discover hidden secrets. Third, don’t neglect side quests, as they often provide valuable rewards and insights into the world and its inhabitants. Fourth, learn the intricacies of the combat system and master the art of blocking, dodging, and using tactical mode. Finally, be patient and don’t rush through the experience. Savor the story, the characters, and the atmosphere. It’s a journey worth taking your time with.

Is The Playtime Worth The Cost?

Given that the Midgar section is essentially one part of a larger story, you may be wondering if the playtime justifies the investment. The answer is a resounding YES! Square Enix has clearly poured a lot of love and effort into this game. It’s not just a simple remake; it’s a complete re-imagining of a beloved classic. You’re paying for beautiful graphics, an engaging story, improved combat, and dozens of hours of gameplay. It is absolutely worth the cost of entry. Just prepare to be emotionally invested; you might need tissues for *certain* scenes.

FAQ

Q

A: Yes, you absolutely can! While side quests offer valuable rewards and flesh out the world, they are not required to complete the main story. If you’re looking to minimize your playtime, feel free to skip the optional content and focus solely on the critical path. Just be aware that you might miss out on some cool gear and interesting story moments.

Q

A: Yes, it does. Higher difficulty settings increase the challenge of battles, forcing you to strategize more carefully and potentially leading to more retries. This can add several hours to your overall playtime. However, it also offers a more rewarding and challenging experience for those who enjoy a good test of skill.

Q

A: While the Midgar section is self-contained, there’s plenty to do after beating the main story. Completing all side-quests and challenges, unlocking all trophies, and mastering all skills are all viable ways to extend your time with the game. Furthermore, the Hard Mode setting presents a significant challenge for even the most seasoned players, providing a substantial replayability factor.