What To Expect From Final Fantasy 7 Remake's PS5 Upgrade

On Feb. 25, 2021, Sony streamed its State of Play, showcasing several new games to entice PlayStation fans. Of course, as is customary for major presentations of this nature, Sony saved what could arguably be the most anticipated announcement for last. Described as an "enhanced and expanded . . . Intergrade" on Twitter, the Final Fantasy 7 Remake will be receiving the next-gen treatment on June 10, 2021.

Final Fantasy 7 Remake was a hit with critics and received multiple Game Awards nominations. Considering its tremendous success, expectations are likely to run high for the PS5 upgrade. Because the Final Fantasy 7 Remake is episodic, many were probably wondering if the next installment would finally be revealed during the showcase. The game is getting an episode — sort of. You'll learn more about that in a bit.

If you weren't able to catch the most recent State of Play but are dying to know the latest developments for the PS5 upgrade, get your buster swords ready and prepare for battle — this is everything you can expect from the Final Fantasy 7 Remake's PS5 upgrade.

As one would expect from a next-gen upgrade, Final Fantasy 7 Remake will receive numerous visual enhancements. The PS5 Features Video offers side-by-side comparisons of PS4 and PS5 graphical fidelity. The demonstration also shows viewers the difference in textures, fog effects, and lighting.

In addition, PS5 owners will get to experience a number of "Quality of Life" features, such as 4K resolution through a graphics optimization mode, 60 frames-per-second through a performance optimization mode, and a new difficulty option. The PS5 loading times are quite speedy, so naturally, the upgrade video showed that off as well. And Final Fantasy 7 Remake's PS5 version will also have a robust Photo Mode that allows you to adjust camera position, camera angle, camera tilt, exposure, and filter so you can create and capture memorable moments in the game. 

If all of this looks appealing to you but you already own the game, the good news is you can upgrade your current copy for free.

The announcement trailer teased a new episode that will be launching alongside the upgrade. The new content will follow Yuffie Kisaragi, a young ninja who, according to the PS5 Features Video description, is on a quest to "[infiltrate] the shadowy Shinra corporation to steal a powerful Materia and restore glory to her homeland." She teams up with Sonam Kusakabe to fight some epic battles against enemy forces and a giant robotic caterpillar. Throughout the trailer, Yuffie demonstrates impressive feats of agility and her dazzling Shuriken skills.

In the original Final Fantasy 7, players could welcome Yuffie into their party by pursuing optional side quests, though she has earned quite the fan base since the game first came out. Screen Rant's Alexandria Turney recently made a compelling case that Square Enix had plans to bring her back, and it looks like her prediction came true. 

While the PS5 upgrade will be free for owners of PS4 copies of the game, this new installment will still be sold separately, according to PlayStation Blog.