While Final Fantasy VII Remake currently remains exclusive to PlayStation hardware, a fan-made VR project allows PC players to explore locations in the remake via VRChat. Launched a few years ago in early 2017, VRChat is a free-to-play VR social platform that allows players to employ the use of 3D character models to engage with other users. As some users on the platform can attest, VRChat has spawned a variety of interesting ideas over the years, including one involving first-person Among Us experience.
When PC players can expect to explore Final Fantasy VII Remake without the need for outside tools remains to be seen. Wording attached to pre-release marketing materials suggested PlayStation's timed-exclusivity deal with Square Enix would conclude on April 10, 2021 - exactly one year after the remake first landed on PS4. At the time of writing, however, the publisher hasn't so much as mentioned the title's inevitable PC and Xbox releases. PlayStation fans have plenty of Final Fantasy 7-related content to look forward to in the coming months, though. For one, FFVII Remake is presently a PS Plus title; this summer, Square Enix will launch the Intergrade update on PS5 alongside the eagerly-anticipated Yuffie DLC.
As recently reported by DSOGaming, a fan-made project from Takato Matsuki and Colonel McKernel allows PC players to explore certain maps in Final Fantasy VII Remake via VRChat. Those who don't own a PC-compatible VR headset need not worry; exploring the iconic locales from a first-person perspective doesn't require a headset. Interestingly, the areas in question include Aerith's house, Cloud's apartment, the church, Seventh Heaven, and a few Shinra locales. Accessing the content seems simple enough, too. After downloading VRChat on Steam, players can search for "Midgar" and begin a new and exciting journey. ResetEra user Shinobido Heart shared a few screenshots from the VR experience and there's footage of the adventure courtesy of YouTube channel The Night Sky Prince.
Until PlayStation's timed-exclusivity deal finally comes to an end, this VRChat project is the only way fans on other platforms can explore Midgar in a remade fashion. And despite the various imperfections, the fan-made work seems worth checking out for those who are able to join the platform.
Wording on marketing material for the next mainline Final Fantasy entry, Final Fantasy XVI, indicates it, too, will launch as a timed-exclusive on PlayStation consoles. At the very least, Square Enix has confirmed FFXVI is in development for both the PlayStation 5 and PC.
Final Fantasy VII Remake is available now on PlayStation 4.
Source: ResetEra, The Night Sky Prince, DSOGaming