Square Enix’s latest attempt to re-release Final Fantasy VII on Steam has not gone as planned. Despite adding minor quality-of-life tweaks like a 3x speed mode, autosaves, and a battle enhancement toggle, the update has left players dissatisfied—particularly with its downgraded visuals and persistent technical issues. The backlash is so severe that a group of modders behind popular fan projects has taken an unconventional step: they’ve submitted their work as a job application to Square Enix.
The Tsunamods team, known for reviving older Final Fantasy titles with improved visuals, controller support, and performance fixes, has openly criticized the new version’s downgraded textures and filtering. Their frustration is shared by the broader community, with Steam reviews overwhelmingly negative and comparisons drawn to the modded versions of the 2013 release, which offered superior visuals and customization.
Instead of sitting idle, the Tsunamods team has pivoted their energy into a bold move: a direct outreach to Square Enix, highlighting their expertise in game preservation, art, and programming. Their message is clear—they believe they could deliver a better experience than the current release and are ready to bring their skills in-house.
Why the Outrage?
The new version of Final Fantasy VII includes several superficial improvements, such as
- 3x Speed Mode: A toggle to accelerate gameplay.
- Autosave: Automatic progress backups.
- Battle Enhancement Mode: Recovers HP/MP and maxes out the Limit gauge.
- Disabled Random Encounters: Optional removal of forced battles.
However, these additions are overshadowed by significant downgrades. Players report framerate instability, worse texture filtering, and a general decline in visual fidelity compared to the original 2013 Steam release—or even modded versions. The most glaring issue is the deliberate removal of the older version, leaving no fallback option for those who prefer the original build.
The modding community has long filled gaps in Square Enix’s releases, from controller support to high-resolution patches. Now, with the official version falling short, some argue that the studio should officially recognize and integrate these efforts rather than dismissing them as unofficial fixes.
A Modder’s Gambit
The Tsunamods team’s decision to apply for jobs at Square Enix is more than just frustration—it’s a testament to the modding community’s deep investment in preserving and enhancing classic games. Their portfolio includes projects like Cosmo Memory and Echo S-7, which have kept older Final Fantasy titles alive with modern improvements. By offering their services directly, they’re making a case for why Square Enix should trust them with official development roles.
While the chance of this working is slim, it underscores a growing trend: modders are no longer just fans tinkering in their spare time. They’re skilled professionals with the ability to deliver results that sometimes surpass official releases. For Square Enix, this could be a wake-up call about the value of community-driven enhancements—and whether the studio is underutilizing its most passionate supporters.
The new Final Fantasy VII remains available on Steam and GOG, though players with the original 2013 version retain access to it. Whether Square Enix takes the modders’ offer seriously remains to be seen—but for now, the gaming world is watching.
