How is Hard Mode compared to Remake?

[ｃｏｏｌｄｏｗｎ]

I remember loving hard mode from remake. Really adds a new level of challenge to the game.
Kinda weird you still can't choose it by default in Rebirth. The first boss I lost to was in Chapter 9. It's not without any challenge, but it seems maybe a bit easier overall in normal mode compared to remake?

[Mike]

I'd say that the main scenario is roughly on par, challenge-wise, with Remake on hard mode. You could argue that maybe it's a little easier by virtue of the more advanced gear and materia combos you can unleash in Rebirth. For instance, if you completed the Proto Relic quests the first time around, you can then get the Genji Glove on hard mode and break the 9,999 damage limit. Also, the ability to 'perfect block/parry' can really tilt things in your favor if you're skilled with that, on hard mode as ever. And Yuffie has some tactics, mainly the ATB ward exploit, that are arguably a little cheesy, perhaps.

Also, in Rebirth, you can still use cushions to rest at those overworld benches to replenish your MP, so it's not such a burden to manage your MP on a chapter basis through much of the game. On the other hand, the final boss gauntlet is much more of a challenge in that regard than anything in Remake. And some of the bosses in the second half can be quite challenging, in general. And level 3 '-aga' spells requiring 2 ATB in Rebirth was a good move. Remake's 1 ATB cost for those spells made "stun-locking" bosses arguably a bit too easy to pull off, though it did require some skill, I'll admit.

So, all-in-all, you could say it's easier in some respects and harder in others, depending on your skill level and general willingness to strategize your materia loadouts for each particular challenge. BUT...

...It's really in the "brutal" and "legendary" battles, via Chadley's simulator, where the real challenge lies. Those can be absolutely, well, brutal. For that matter, even the 'advanced' Gold Saucer battles, on hard mode, can be quite devilish, too. I had a blast getting through all that, but it's not something I completed in just a couple of nights. It took a while. But if you really enjoy the game's combat, I'd say that these are absolutely worth going through. The rewards are generally worth it, and if you want to max-out everyone's folios you pretty much have to complete all of these.

[mpcgannon]

Originally posted by Mike:

...

Awesome write up. Thanks.

[ｃｏｏｌｄｏｗｎ]

Originally posted by Mike:

Thanks for the response! Something to look forward to then.

I know it's a seemingly small addition, but the perfect block is so satisfying. It's like the special sauce that makes the combat so much better, makes me wish it was in remake as well.