Final Fantasy 7 Revelation Boss Fight Hands-On: IGN Calls It Too Easy

IGN went hands-on with Final Fantasy 7 Revelation at New York Comic Con, trying a linear story level and a three-phase Jenova boss fight — and found the combat a bit too easy.

We're about half a year out from Final Fantasy 7 Revelation, and IGN just got some early hands-on time with it at New York Comic Con. Unlike previous previews that focused on the open world and airship exploration, this session was all about a linear story level — capped off with a multi-phase boss fight.

First things first: the game looks gorgeous. IGN says Revelation carries on the visual excellence of the previous two entries, with crystal and ice environments standing out as especially stunning. So if you're here for eye candy, you're covered.

The catch? Normal enemies in this demo went down way too easily, and the overall challenge felt limited. That said, IGN notes this is Chapter 1 content, so the final version could still get a balance pass before launch. Fingers crossed.

The default party in the demo was Cloud, Cid, and Vincent. IGN spent extra time with Cid and found his attacks have a certain rhythm to them: land one or two normal hits, wait for him to get wrapped in blue mist, then strike again for a stronger move — one that can quickly push regular enemies into a staggered state.

Even so, both normal foes and some larger enemies fell without much trouble. A few ATB skills were enough to wrap up fights, which made it hard for IGN to really gauge how tough the later game gets. The demo also introduced the FITS job system. Cloud was slotted as a Summoner, and spending one ATB gauge let him call on Ifrit, Shiva, or Titan to power up his attacks, with some moves packing fire or ice effects. The highlight here is the summon synergy attacks — just like the last two games, you build up progress by using skills to unlock powerful team-up moves.

As the demo rolled on, Cloud's crew ran into a bunch of Sephiroth clones and increasingly nasty fused monsters. Things culminated in a boss fight against Jenova Death Mourner. The battle had three phases, keeping the style of previous Jenova fights in the series but adding a new tentacle mechanic that spews flames. After three phases, the boss went down and the demo wrapped up. IGN felt the difficulty could use a bump, but again — Chapter 1 only, so plenty could change before release.

Previous previews hyped up Revelation's massive open world and its wealth of activities. This session, though, proved the game still keeps the linear, story-driven levels with dramatic tension that the last two games were known for. As the final chapter of the Final Fantasy 7 remake trilogy, this one has to both continue the open-world exploration and tie up the whole story. IGN thinks some parts of the original game that felt rushed or underdeveloped could finally get the room they deserve here.

What do you think — does an easier early game bother you, or are you just here for the story? Let us know in the comments.