Evaluating Partner AI in Final Fantasy VII Remake: Strengths, Weaknesses & Strategic Approaches
The Final Fantasy VII Remake reimagines the classic, bringing its iconic characters and battles to life with modern gameplay mechanics. One aspect that has sparked discussion among players is the partner AI. How effective are your allies when you're not directly controlling them? Do they contribute meaningfully to combat, or do they fall short? This article dives into the nuances of the FFVII Remake's AI system, exploring its mechanics and how to maximize your party's effectiveness.
The Core Mechanics of FFVII Remake's AI
The FFVII Remake utilizes a dynamic combat system where players directly control one character while the others are governed by AI. Understanding the AI behavior is key to mastering the game.
- Limited Autonomy: AI partners aren't designed to be fully self-sufficient. Instead, the game encourages frequent character switching to manage the battlefield effectively.
- Defensive Posture: When not controlled, AI characters tend to prioritize defense by blocking and dodging. This helps them survive longer but often results in slower ATB (Active Time Battle) gauge accumulation.
- Contextual Actions: While the AI has limitations, they strategically react to your actions, and the enemy's. Timing a character switch just as the AI dodges or tanks is critical.
Common Player Concerns About FFVII Remake Partner AI
Many players have voiced concerns regarding the AI's performance, particularly its ATB generation and tactical decision-making.
- Slow ATB Generation: This is a frequently cited issue. Players observe that AI-controlled characters seem less efficient at building ATB gauges compared to when they are directly controlled especially when considering that certain characters such as Aerith can build ATB very fast.. This can impact the frequency with which they use abilities, spells, and items.
- Prioritization Issues: Sometimes, AI partners seem to act counterintuitively, such as turning their backs to attacking enemies or targeting less threatening foes.
- Lack of Adaptability: Without player input, AI characters may struggle to adapt to changing combat scenarios, leading to suboptimal choices.
Maximizing Your Party's Potential with Partner AI
Although the partner AI has limitations, you can employ several strategies to enhance your party's overall performance in FFVII Remake:
- Frequent Character Switching: This is the most crucial aspect. Embrace the game's design and constantly switch between characters to actively build ATB, use abilities, and position your team strategically. The game is designed to encourage tactical switching.
- **Materia Optimization :**Equipping specific materia can significantly improve AI behavior.
- Steadfast Block: This materia allows AI characters to charge their ATB gauge while blocking, offsetting the slow ATB charge issue.
- ATB Assist: As a support materia, linking ATB assist to certain characters allows one character to help build ATB for other characters on the team through ability usage.
- Strategic Command Abilities: While direct character control is vital, use the command menu to queue up abilities and spells for AI partners. This ensures they perform actions based on tactics.
- Punisher Mode Management: Be aware that switching away from Cloud while he's in Punisher Mode will disengage his stance. Remember to re-enable it when switching back to Cloud for optimal damage output.
- Understand Enemy Targeting: Exploit the tendency for enemies to focus on the player-controlled unit. Switch characters strategically to bait enemy attacks, allowing the AI to avoid damage or create openings.
Materia: A Key to Improving AI Performance
Several Materia can help optimize AI behavior. Experiment with different combinations to find what works best for each party member and play style. Materia adds layers of strategic depth to party management in FFVII Remake. Materia like magnify can be useful to improve overall party HP.
Community Perspectives and Comparisons
Player opinions on the AI's effectiveness are mixed. Some find the AI perfectly acceptable, especially in terms of survivability, while others feel it could be more proactive.
- Defensive AI Preference: Some players appreciate the AI's defensive nature, as it keeps party members alive, allowing them strategic opportunities.
- Comparisons to Other Games: Some players rated the AI higher than the AI in other games like Star Ocean.
- Desire for More Control: Some players have requested in-depth or more advanced AI functionality, by using for example the D-pad to control the commands of the party.
Conclusion: Mastering the Partner AI in FFVII Remake
Though some players feel the partner AI in Final Fantasy VII Remake has shortcomings, it is strategically manageable. By understanding its mechanics and utilizing character switching, materia customization, and strategic commands, you can transform your AI partners into valuable assets on the battlefield. By mastering these elements, you'll take full control of the battles of FFVII Remake.
