Final Fantasy VII available on PSN ... in Japan

[c0ldb33r]

Final Fantasy VII available on PSN ... in Japan

Source: http://www.destructoid.com/final-fantasy-vii-available-on-psn-in-japan-128222.phtml


The Japanese PSN's ridiculous superiority has been demonstrated once again, as it's become known that Final Fantasy VII is now available for download. The classic RPG has been desired by many in downloadable form, myself included, but you'll need to cough up some Yen if you want it on your PS3 or PSP.

The PSOne Classics area is my favorite part of the PlayStation Store, but the variety of downloads are woefully pitiful considering the PlayStation's vast library of classic games. This is made even worse when you see how stocked the Japanese Store is. Come on Sony, get your act together. No good reason has been provided for the huge gap between our Store and the Japanese one.

I want my Final Fantasy VII now!

So, opinions time. Is this coming to North America? If so, when?

What effect, if any, do you think this will have on the value of the original playstation title?

Do you think this could be an incentive for someone to pick up a PS3 or PSP?

[Kid Ice]

It should have been made available two years ago. It's just more Sony foolishness. Instead of waiting around for PS1 releases such as these I have been making a greater investment in Wii stuff.

[Snapple]

I already own FF7, so I don't really care about a rerelease. I assume all the other FF7 fans do too.

What we need is a PS3 remake of FF7.

[iloveguns]

^ PS3 remake indeed.. \\^_^/

[Kid Ice]

I already own FF7, so I don't really care about a rerelease. I assume all the other FF7 fans do too.

Yeah but it's nice to have it on the HD, plus you can take it with you on the PSP.

[c0ldb33r]

I'd prefer if they remade FF9. I love that game. Why FF7 gets more attention than 9 I'll never know. :(

BTW, can you trade save files between the PSP and PS3 versions?

[The 1 2 P]

According to Gamepro.com this release is of Final Fantasy 7 International (http://www.gamepro.com/article/news/209699/final-fantasy-vii-comes-to-ps3-and-psp-with-new-improvements/). It already has a few improvements over the US version(and was previously released in Japan as a stand alone game following the normal FF7 release over there). However, copies of this PS1 import game can still be attained for $20-40 on ebay.

[Diosoth]

Castlevania SOTN still seems to hold its value despite XBL and PSN releases... not counting a retranslation on PSP. Though I'm sure the people that charge $75 or more will become a BIT angry, even with the more hardcore fans still clutching their copies like they were newborn children. Still, anything to release $10 copies to the public is a good thing since the game simply isn't worth more than $40, let alone $75-$100.

However, I am surprised Square would release ANY title like this. I would've expected a $40 PSP port with an extra dungeon tacked in.

[Nebagram]

I already own FF7, so I don't really care about a rerelease. I assume all the other FF7 fans do too.

What we need is a PS3 remake of FF7.

Why would Square-Enix produce a licence to print money when they've been so resistant to the idea, especially in these recessionistic times? ;)

Seriously though, FF7 + PSP = win (for me at least).

[kupomogli]

Seriously though, FF7 + PSP = win (for me at least).

I agree. Why don't they just use the same graphics engine they used for Crisis Core and just enhance the world? Why don't they just make a two UMD RPG and sell it for 49.99. I'm pretty sure everyone would jump at that regardless of price. I would, truthfully.

Anyways. I like FF7, but I've played a couple hundred better RPG titles. The fact that it was the first RPG most gamers have played is the reason why it's "THE BEST RPG EVAR." It's got so much hype to it that it's praised by people nowdays who have probably never even played the game.

The PSN release is better for the PSP than ripping each disc. The reason is because each disc carries the same data aside from movies. With a PSN release I'm sure it'll be much smaller.

[heybtbm]

Even though I already own 99% of PS1 RPG's, I always pick them up again when they hit PSN. The ability to play them on the PSP (legit) before I go to bed (or wherever) is so worth it.

[kupomogli]

Even though I already own 99% of PS1 RPG's, I always pick them up again when they hit PSN. The ability to play them on the PSP (legit) before I go to bed (or wherever) is so worth it.

Technically. If you rip a copy of your own PSX title to play on your downgraded PSP it's still playing the game legit. Even though it's an eboot of a ripped copy, it's an eboot of "your" ripped copy that you have sitting on the shelf somewhere.

[c0ldb33r]

Technically. If you rip a copy of your own PSX title to play on your downgraded PSP it's still playing the game legit. Even though it's an eboot of a ripped copy, it's an eboot of "your" ripped copy that you have sitting on the shelf somewhere.
Depends where you live. In the USA, yes that likely qualifies as reasonable use and therefore isn't copyright infringement. Actually, it might not be since Sony is releasing the same subject matter on the same system. I'm not sure either way.

In Canada, that's copyright infringement and therefore illegal.

[The 1 2 P]

In Canada, that's copyright infringement and therefore illegal.

But you still get free health care so it pretty much balances out. Actually, I think you got the better deal:wink 2:

Back on topic, if Square-Enix enjoys making money hand over fist they really need to rerelease FF7. And I'm not just talking about the PSN. They need a Psp, PS2, PS3, XBLA and Virtual console version. It all may not seem very feasible but money is money. Hell, a cell phone version would even sell pretty well.

[Nebagram]

But you still get free health care so it pretty much balances out. Actually, I think you got the better deal:wink 2:

Back on topic, if Square-Enix enjoys making money hand over fist they really need to rerelease FF7. And I'm not just talking about the PSN. They need a Psp, PS2, PS3, XBLA and Virtual console version. It all may not seem very feasible but money is money. Hell, a cell phone version would even sell pretty well.

Better yet, port the mythical PS3 remake to the 360 like they're doing with FF13. Can you imagine FF7 with achievements?

...Or better yet, dlc?

[mezrabad]

Forgive me if I'm asking something that has been asked and answered before:

Call me crazy, but I'd swear that within the last five years I've seen GH versions of Final Fanatasy VIII, IX, Anthology, Chronicles and Origins for sale at Fry's. Why the hells were they never reselling FFVII like that? (Okay, that's bit rhetorical, who knows the minds of Squares?)

Actually, the more legitimate questions: When did Square officially stop making new copies of Final Fantasy VII? When did stores stop selling it new?

I'm in the camp that says my memories of it are very fond and I would place it up in my top five videogaming experiences of all time, but am well aware of its shortcomings.

Only on PSN Japan? What could they be thinking?

[NayusDante]

What we need is a PS3 remake of FF7.

Everyone keeps saying that, I think there's a good reason why they haven't done it yet.

You can tell a very different kind of story with representative graphics and text. A game can get away with a higher degree of whimsy and nonsense when what you see and hear is closer to a "video game" than a film. When you go full 3D with motion-captured animations and full voice acting, things have to be a little more serious to keep the flow of the game.

That said, can you still imagine a modern remake of FF7? Can you see FF7:AC styled Cloud cross dressing, approaching Don Corneo? Can you imagine Barret donning his cute little sailor suit? How about Red XIII dancing on the ship, attempting to walk with two legs? Better yet, just try to imagine the Honeybee Inn scene in HD.

FF7 had super-deformed low-poly characters for a reason...

[Jimid2]

Depends where you live. In the USA, yes that likely qualifies as reasonable use and therefore isn't copyright infringement. Actually, it might not be since Sony is releasing the same subject matter on the same system. I'm not sure either way.

In Canada, that's copyright infringement and therefore illegal.
Um... not exactly...

Should the Conservatives again attempt to pass Bill C-61, it could be illegal, not because you aren't permitted to make a copy of your own game (you are), but because circumnavigating the encryption on the disc would become illegal. This is currently the case in the US (courtesy DMCA), so it is, in fact, illegal to rip UMDs (or DVDs) in the States, because you have to break the DCM to do it, and that's against the law.

Currently, afaik, there is no law in Canada preventing you from making and playing a copy of your own game on any emulator or other hardware. In fact, as I read the Act, it is explicitly legal:


Computer Programs

30.6 It is not an infringement of copyright in a computer program for a person who owns a copy of the computer program that is authorized by the owner of the copyright to

(a) make a single reproduction of the copy by adapting, modifying or converting the computer program or translating it into another computer language if the person proves that the reproduced copy is

(i) essential for the compatibility of the computer program with a particular computer,

(ii) solely for the person's own use, and

(iii) destroyed immediately after the person ceases to be the owner of the copy; or

(b) make a single reproduction for backup purposes of the copy or of a reproduced copy referred to in paragraph (a) if the person proves that the reproduction for backup purposes is destroyed immediately when the person ceases to be the owner of the copy of the computer program.
The way I understand this section of the Canada Copyright Act, I can make a copy of any computer program (including Video Game) that I legally own a copy of and adapt it as I wish to make it run on other hardware. Period. This would no longer be permitted if Bill C-61 (aka DMCA North) or its successor were to pass. Write your MP. Tell them to kill the Bill...

[Cinder6]

Better yet, port the mythical PS3 remake to the 360 like they're doing with FF13. Can you imagine FF7 with achievements?

...Or better yet, dlc?

Maybe I'm reading this wrong, but why would only the 360 version have these?


Better yet, just try to imagine the Honeybee Inn scene in HD.

It's been a while. What, exactly, happened in that scene?

[NayusDante]

It's been a while. What, exactly, happened in that scene?

There's several rooms which you can peek in, one of which has President Shinra doing some strange "the beast has awakened" monologue, involving his assistants wearing heavy armor (I don't think this one got translated right, to be honest). Then there's two empty rooms that you can go in. One of them involves Cloud's inner self speaking to him, criticizing him for going to a place like that, and he wakes up when the "attendant" finds him unconscious and alerts the manager (this one's actually kinda plot-relevant...). The other room, the "Union Room," involves a dozen or so of the gay bodybuilders joining Cloud in a hot tub, and referring to him as "Bubby."

[kupomogli]

They could always have them closing in on Cloud and then the screen turning black. Everyone who has played the game would know what happened, the others would probably think Cloud got raped though.

[c0ldb33r]

Um... not exactly...

Well, I guess that depends on three things:

(1) whether a PSP qualifies as a computer - I don't know whether it does.

(2) whether that activity is essential for the compatibility of the computer program with a particular computer - I don't know if it does, even if the PSP does qualify as a computer, you'd actually be changing it to be compatible with an entire range of computers and not a particular computer, and

(3) Does "adapting, modifying or converting the computer program or translating it into another computer language" include taking a copy and sticking it onto a memory stick? I don't think so. You're not adapting, modifying, converting or translating the computer program itself, you're just making a copy but changing the medium. I think this section requires that you actually make a change to the program itself. You're not. You're just copying.

Also, subsection (b) wouldn't apply because you're not copying it for backup purposes, you'd actually be playing it.

In any event, you may be right, but I couldn't say for certain that you are and therefore I wouldn't want to test the waters on the hope that you are.

[Jimid2]

Well, I guess that depends on three things:

(1) whether a PSP qualifies as a computer - I don't know whether it does.

(2) whether that activity is essential for the compatibility of the computer program with a particular computer - I don't know if it does, even if the PSP does qualify as a computer, you'd actually be changing it to be compatible with an entire range of computers and not a particular computer, and

(3) Does "adapting, modifying or converting the computer program or translating it into another computer language" include taking a copy and sticking it onto a memory stick? I don't think so. You're not adapting, modifying, converting or translating the computer program itself, you're just making a copy but changing the medium. I think this section requires that you actually make a change to the program itself. You're not. You're just copying.

Also, subsection (b) wouldn't apply because you're not copying it for backup purposes, you'd actually be playing it.

In any event, you may be right, but I couldn't say for certain that you are and therefore I wouldn't want to test the waters on the hope that you are.
Well, Canadian courts have traditionally been very firmly on the side of the consumer in Copyright cases to date. Copying a song for personal use - even if you ARE NOT the owner of the CD - has been explicitly permitted by Canadian courts (and that decision upheld). So, for instance, I can legally copy my friend's CD onto my iPod for personal use in Canada. Downloading music via P2P for personal use has also been expressly identified as legal in Canada, which has the RIAA screaming blue murder, of course...

There's no reason to worry about how you use your media in Canada currently... Our existing Copyright Act strikes a very fair and reasonable balance between content creators and the public that Copyright laws are ostensibly supposed to serve. If the big media corps like Sony, RCA et al get their talons into the Canadian legal system in the way they've managed to utterly pervert the spirit of Copyright in the US and throughout much of Europe, however, we too will be subject to the same kind of corporate terrorism that the RIAA has been bringing to bear against Americans for the past few years... Which is why it's important to communicate with your MP and make sure they understand where you want their vote to go and what will happen to their chances for re-election if they decide to vote with Big Media... The Conservatives are a minority, and they cannot pass this bill without the aid of sitting Liberal and NDP members, so our voice really, really counts on this one...

[c0ldb33r]

Well, there's a huge difference between your generalized opinion about the Canadian courts and stating that you can or cannot do something with any certainty. At it currently sits, if someone asked me whether they can rip their PS One game to their PSP, my answer would be, "I don't know, so I'd recommend erring on the side of caution".


Copying a song for personal use - even if you ARE NOT the owner of the CD - has been explicitly permitted by Canadian courts (and that decision upheld).
Well, that's only because the Copyright Act makes a specific exception for copying music onto an audio recording mechanism. That's why you get charged a levy on every blank CD you buy. That levy comes with the benefit of being allowed to copy an original CD onto it (see section 80(1) of the Act).

Also, the issue of mp3 players in Canada are not settled. Our copyright act allows you to make a copy of an original song/disc onto an audio recording mechanism (again, see 80(1)). If something is an audio recording mechanism, you can make a copy from an original onto it. If not, you cannot. The Copyright Board tried to impose a levy onto mp3 players thus indicating that they are audio recording mechanisms and therefore allowing you to copy to them. However, this was brought to the Federal Court of Appeal who decided that this was improper and an mp3 player didn't qualify as an audio recording mechanism. The whole issue is actually up in the air right now - the Federal Court of Appeal made that determination but the Copyright Board had indicated that the issue is still alive (which I don't understand, but whatever).


Downloading music via P2P for personal use has also been expressly identified as legal in Canada, which has the RIAA screaming blue murder, of course...
What case are you talking about? The only one I can think of is the BMG case. A quick history of this case is that the Federal Court Trial Division found that it was legal but the Federal Court of Appeal overturned this decision on procedural grounds (something about it being innappropriate for the trial judge to make that determination at that point in the proceedings). So, the issue has not actually been determined either way.

At the end of the day, do I think the RCMP are going to break down your door because your ripped a PSX game to your PSP? Of course not... they don't care. Are Sony or Square Enix going to care? Probably not... they're not really out anything. But at the same time, just because the cops and copyright owners aren't going to enforce the law doesn't mean that the activity is legal.

[kainemaxwell]

I'd prefer if they remade FF9. I love that game. Why FF7 gets more attention than 9 I'll never know. :(
Agreed.

[NayusDante]

Actually, my number one desired remake right now is VI, but it's good enough already; however, I'd love to see it modernized as a "tribute" of sorts. Second, I'd like to see (and hear) VIII modernized, with its unique setting and distinct characters. After that, I suppose V could use an update.

If IX were updated, it would have to stay true to its SD style and tone, and I think that it does that well enough already.


Back on topic... Is the Japanese PSN FFVII 100% accurate to FF7 International, or are there any fixes/updates/changes? Would a US release get a once-over from the grammar department, or are this guy still sick?

[Vlcice]

While I'm sure Square could update it, these are emulated PS1 games. The PSN version of Castlevania: SotN, for instance, still has the original translation rather than the PSP retranslation. It's a question of whether Square would want to put the effort in of updating it at all, and I'm guessing they might not since basically all the people who would buy it would probably buy it whatever they do.

[Jorpho]

All this legal talk strikes me as kind of pointless considering that I think it is highly unlikely anyone is going to be fined thousands of dollars or be bound in chains for playing a ten year old game on a PSP! I say, go ahead and do it if you want to that badly. If the legality makes you feel uneasy, I'm sure you have other games on hand you haven't played lately.

Anyway, I think the PC version had all of the "enhancements" from the International version, and most of the glaringly terrible translation errors fixed too. (And I maintain that it was hardly any more technologically backwards than any other contemporary PC release.)

[c0ldb33r]

Anyway, I think the PC version had all of the "enhancements" from the International version, and most of the glaringly terrible translation errors fixed too. (And I maintain that it was hardly any more technologically backwards than any other contemporary PC release.)
I had the PC version and can't remember whether this is true. I don't doubt it, I just couldn't get past the ugly-ass graphics to actually play the thing. Actually, that's half-true. The character graphics looked fantastic, nice and clear. The background graphics looked horrendous in comparison. The diffrence wasn't as striking on the Playstation version because the characters looked just as crummy as the backgrounds.

[heybtbm]

The diffrence wasn't as striking on the Playstation version because the characters looked just as crummy as the backgrounds.


That's not what you would've said back then. FFVII may not hold up to today's graphics standards, but it looked damn good back in 1997. You have to consider the other RPG's out at the time. FFVII ran circles around its peers.

[c0ldb33r]

That's not what you would've said back then. FFVII may not hold up to today's graphics standards, but it looked damn good back in 1997. You have to consider the other RPG's out at the time. FFVII ran circles around its peers.
Yeah I know, I know... I remember I got a demo somewhere for it and was simply amazed at the battle graphics. It was a battle and you summoned Leviathan and it was jaw dropping.

I can't remember if it was a playable demo or just videos.

[NayusDante]

I grew up playing the PC version, while my gamer friends had the PSX version. The script in the PC version has fewer errors, but most profanity is #&%$ed out.

Graphically, the 3D looks much better. The 2D backgrounds look more pixellated, since they're being scaled from 320x240 to 640x480. The 2D menu graphics and text actually look kinda nice the way they're scaled. Videos are scaled up as well, so they look even granier. Sound is only good if you have a card that supports Sound Font, and even then, it's better to use the FF7MP3 plugin to reference the PSX audio rip, which is then emulated. Not perfect, but it's as close to FF7 HD as you can get. You also get 10 or so memory cards...

If you have the PC version, it's worth it to try the character overhaul pack, hosted over on Qhimm (FF7-8PC forum). It updates all field models to nice, higher detail meshes. It's cool, but some of the animations look a little odd, and the new models are now MORE detailed than the battle models.

[c0ldb33r]

This thread got me nostalgic (like most good threads around here do). Look what I found in one of my CD binders :)

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s182/c0ldb33r/th_012-2.jpg (http://s152.photobucket.com/albums/s182/c0ldb33r/?action=view&current=012-2.jpg)

[NayusDante]

That's how I kept mine, on that side of the binder too. My original case is seriously worn.

[kupomogli]

Yeah I know, I know... I remember I got a demo somewhere for it and was simply amazed at the battle graphics. It was a battle and you summoned Leviathan and it was jaw dropping.

I can't remember if it was a playable demo or just videos.

Did you own Tobal no.1 or the Playstation pack in demo?

I know for sure that the Tobal no.1 FF7 demo actually had better translation than the regular version. Also, the beginning of a new game right before it shows FF7 it has a bunch of text paragraphs telling about Mako(though spelled Makoro and Shinra.)

About the international version. I don't see why so many people get a boner about it. I mean it's just the US release of FF7 and an extra added bonus disc with character profiles, maps, etc. The bonus disc is nice, but it's the same game. What I think is messed up is that alot of content is cut out of US titles, but when a US title gets more content put in, they always rerelease it for Japan and add even more content.

[mezrabad]

About the international version. I don't see why so many people get a boner about it. I mean it's just the US release of FF7 and an extra added bonus disc with character profiles, maps, etc. The bonus disc is nice, but it's the same game. What I think is messed up is that alot of content is cut out of US titles, but when a US title gets more content put in, they always rerelease it for Japan and add even more content.

Yes, content and swag often get missed over here and I don't understand why. It may have something to do with exporting the special stuff is more of a headache than it's worth. Maybe hey can't just call it "software" then, maybe they have to call it a toy and that's a tariff of another color? (I know nothing about this, just making idle speculation)

Also want to re ask my question: Why the hell could I buy FF VIII and FF IX greatest hits version long after FF VII had disappeared? Does anyone know the relative difference in the time of the disappearance of FF VII vs. FF VIII or FF IX (new at retail)?