Modder “remasters” Final Fantasy 7 using AI & we’re not sure how to feel

Using a combination of AI and manual editing, a modder has given the original 1997 release of Final Fantasy VII the remaster treatment.

With the Final Fantasy VII Rebirth release date closer than ever, die-hard Final Fantasy fans are preparing themselves for the twists and turns that await them in the second installment of the ‘reimagined’ take on the classic RPG. With the upcoming PlayStation 5 game set to feature that one iconic scene, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth looks to be the most exciting addition to the series yet.

While some fans may be giving all their attention to the upcoming remake, the original 1997 game is not shy of receiving the same recognition, even all these decades later. With the original PlayStation game now receiving the remaster treatment, thanks to an AI-powered mod.

Final Fantasy AI

Modder Cosmos, showcases the FFVII mod through their ‘Cosmos Newscast’ video, available on their YouTube channel. The video utilizes the use of a fictional news presenter character, projected on a TV within the world of FFVII, Shinra advertisement included.

Two mods are advertised, the first being ‘Cosmos FMV’, which updates cutscene character models. The classic opening to the game, which features Aerith walking through the streets of Midgar, now features an updated model, looking more like its official artwork counterpart.

The second mod, ‘Cosmos Limit Break’, features a combination of AI and “extensive manual editing”, to expand the pre-rendered backgrounds of the game, upgrading the original 4:3 aspect ratio to widescreen. In what Cosmos has dubbed a “fantasy remastered for true widescreen”, iconic areas of the RPG, such as Cosmo Canyon, and the Gold Saucer, have their landscapes extended to fill the screen.

AI enhancements aren’t perfect

These extensions were made using the assistance of AI. This isn’t an entirely uncommon practice, as shown with FF9’s Moguri Mod, which also uses some deep learning techniques to finesse the original backgrounds. However, some shots in the FF7 Cosmos Mod don’t quite look perfect yet.

According to Cosmos, the original pre-rendered backgrounds were painted out using AI, and then “extensive manually editing is done to improve the quality and consistency of the background. The background is completed by upscaling to a high resolution image.”

But, those looking for the nostalgia factor could leave disappointed with all of the radical new changes.

Part of the allure of picking up the original FF7, over its many spin-offs and FF7 Remake, is because of how it looks. The bulky polygon models, in particular, are a signature trademark of the game, and to see the models differently might not be to everyone’s taste. Regardless, the work by Cosmos is still extensive. The showcase video is a great depiction of what an official FF7 remaster could look like. But, with Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth on the horizon, it might feel like a pipe dream.