Square Enix has officially released "Final Fantasy VII" on iOS. The game is a port of the PC version which is also available on Steam, instead of a straight-up port of the PlayStation One version from 1997.
The game's system adds a new virtual controller, given that iOS devices don't have physical buttons. The controller's opacity can be altered and players can choose to use either a virtual D-pad or a virtual analog stick.
Additional options have been added as well. Gamers can now max their stats immediately and can also turn off random encounters. This is similar to the Steam version of the game which allows gamers to maximize their health to 9,999, although doing so would make it difficult to unlock the Limit Breaks.
Turning off random encounters is not entirely new to Square Enix titles as their 3DS hit "Bravely Default: Flying Fairy" did this as well. However, in that game, there was also an option that leans the other way – increasing encounters to twice the normal rate instead.
As of the time of writing, Square Enix has not yet announced an official release date for the Android version although the developers did mention during the Electronic Entertainment Expo 2015 that an Android release will be coming right after the iOS version. However, the company's E3 panel only revealed a release date for the iOS and PS4.
To date, Android users already have access to other "Final Fantasy" titles such as the anniversary port of the very first entry in the franchise and the updated mobile versions of "Final Fantasy V" and "Final Fantasy VI."
Square Enix isn't done with "Final Fantasy VII" however, as another port of the Steam version will hit the PS4 by December. The company has also announced that they are working on an HD remake for the PS4 which will feature an entirely new script, game engine, and combat mechanics.
