Final Fantasy VII Remake

Play it on: PS5, PS4, Windows (Steam Deck OK)
Current goal: Steamroll the game with my overleveled characters

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is almost here, and thankfully, the game includes a pretty good summary of the story so far to help us all refresh our memories before diving in. (No, I don’t have an early copy of the game. This recap is also included in the free demo that’s available on PS5 right now.) However, I still want to experience a more complete reminder of Remake’s events before Rebirth arrives at the tail end of this month. So this weekend, I plan to start a replay of that first game.

I’m not really interested in re-leveling my characters and contending with the game’s combat all over again, though. I know I’ll get plenty of that when Rebirth arrives. Instead, I think I’m just going to take my powerful characters from my first playthrough and use them to steamroll the game, letting me re-experience all the story beats, explore the game’s gorgeous areas, and absolutely trounce most of the enemies who get in my way. Hey, I’ve earned it after playing through the game the “normal” way, and all I’m really looking for here is a chance to re-experience the story, anyway. I look forward to some challenging, meaty combat when I get my hands on Rebirth. Just let me enjoy this experience as a breezy little appetizer first. — Carolyn Petit

And those are our picks for the weekend. What games are you playing?