Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth demo players are arguing about yellow paint

The demo for Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth has sparked a lively debate among players, particularly around the use of yellow paint in the game’s environment. This bright color has been used to signal the correct paths on scalable ledges and ladders, a common design choice in many video games.

This discussion isn’t new; it echoes similar criticisms seen during the demo release of the Resident Evil 4 remake, where players expressed discontent over yellow paint on breakable objects. The conversation has reignited with the release of the Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth demo.

Let’s Play Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth DEMO – RETURN TO NIBELHEIM! FF7 Rebirth Demo PS5 gameplay

Opinions on this design choice are divided. Some players appreciate the clear signposting that helps navigate the game’s environments effectively. Developers often share experiences highlighting the necessity of guiding players, as seen in anecdotes from events like PAX, where even simple mechanics can confuse players.

Gearbox narrative designer Sam Winkler noted that while players want assistance, they also prefer not to feel overly guided. The use of yellow paint can significantly aid those with low vision, enhancing contrast and visibility. Accessibility advocate Steve Saylor pointed out that while this method wasn’t initially designed for disabled players, it has proven beneficial for many.

On the flip side, some players criticize the use of such an overt color, viewing it as visually distracting. Artist Freya Holmer and developer Rittzler have discussed alternatives to yellow paint, suggesting that exploration should be encouraged through other design elements rather than relying on noticeable colors.

Others have pointed to successful examples of navigation cues that do not depend on bright colors. Developer Joe Wintergreen shared how shadows have been effectively used in games like Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time to assist players in platforming without introducing visual clutter.

In the context of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, the demo showcases sections involving climbing highlighted by yellow paint. Unlike the open-world experience of Breath of the Wild, or the excessive use of yellow in the Horizon series, these instances are limited to specific climbing spots.

The essence of the Final Fantasy series has often been its narrative focus, guiding players toward pivotal story moments. This raises the question: is the use of yellow paint truly a detrimental design choice?

Additionally, it’s worth recalling the original Final Fantasy 7, which featured a giant finger pointing players in the right direction, illustrating that guiding mechanics have long been part of the franchise’s design philosophy.

Amidst this debate, some players suggest lightheartedness is key, pointing to games like The Stanley Parable, which humorously exaggerates the use of yellow paint.

Furthermore, the conversation has extended beyond gaming, with comparisons drawn to real-life scenarios where navigation isn’t always intuitive.

For those yet to experience the Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth demo, it is currently available, leading up to the full game’s release on February 29.