Author Topic: [FF7PC] ► Must Install Mods - COMPENDIUM ◄ [2024]  (Read 30339 times)

Kuraudo.

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    FFVII MUST INSTALL MODS - COMPENDIUM [2024]

    Square Enix, formerly known as Squaresoft, released Final Fantasy VII (JP) for the Sony PlayStation 1 on 31 January 1997 (PC: 1998; PC Re-release e-Store: 2012; PC Steam: 2013.) In its first decade, FFVII sold more than 10 million copies worldwide, including several reprints. The first Final Fantasy in the series to use full-motion video, pre-rendered 3D backgrounds, and richer 3D graphics and sound design. One of the most technically advanced RPGs of its time, FFVII was a huge critical and commercial success, completely redefining the Final Fantasy franchise and helping to cement Sony's then-nascent position in the home console market with the original PlayStation.

    The universe of mods is vast and ever-expanding. The "campus" or origin of the growing modding scene can be traced back to the creation of the qhimm forum in 1999, too many are part of the endless "wall of fame": Qhimm himself, Aali, Ficedula and so on; the dedication and perseverance of the community, together with the constant evolution of hardware and software, has allowed for high level results. With the advent of a new advanced driver called FFNx, created by TrueOdin in late 2020, there have been real generational leaps. With the team behind FFNx, we experienced: Cosmos Lighting, a feature that adds real-time lighting and shadows; Cosmos FMV a character replacement mod for CG footage and even a feature for true widescreen and day/night time cycle, all thanks to Cosmos; the music layer has also been completely reworked to bring you the best audio experience as well as a new dubbing system by TrueOdin and a ton of music enhancements by myst6re including OpenPSF; last but not least the 60 FPS progressive mod finalised by vertex2995 that breathed new life into the game, once you try it you will never go back. Special thanks go to the following specialists who stepped into the scene: TrueOdin, Cosmos, vertex2995, myst6re, but also to all the modders who, free of charge, give us new excitement and contribute to the modding scene... in this regard, it is obligatory to mention Satsuki Yatoshi with the SYW mod and its multi-technique AI upscaling for all the graphics components. Let's break the monotony and continue with the list of must-install mods for 7H.

    Which mod shall I use?
    []

    For a true FF7 Remastered, improved but still closer to the OG experience, we have got you covered. Below is a list of 15 must-install mods, all in order of priority. Buy FF7 PC Steam, install 7th Heaven. Once you have launched the 7th Heaven mod manager, search for the mod name in the Browse Catalog tab and install it. Make sure you press the Auto Sort 1/9 button after installing all mods. Activate and configure it. Ensure your 7H and FFNx are both updated to the latest canary available from Settings>General Settings. Ensure the flag is set to ON in General Settings>Auto Sort Mods by Default.

    Must Install Mods
    • Cosmo Memory {MUST INSTALL ☆}
    • Finishing Touch {MUST INSTALL ☆}- Configure the mod by double clicking on it. [otherwise if interested in OG battle UI try IFRIT mod and SYW Unified Menus and Fonts Textures] [or Retouch mod for Remake battle UI]
    • Enhanced Stock UI {MUST INSTALL ☆}- Configure the mod by double clicking on it. [otherwise if interested in OG battle UI try IFRIT mod and SYW Unified Menus and Fonts Textures] [or Retouch mod for Remake battle UI]
    • Echo-S 7 {MUST INSTALL ☆}{2nd Playthrough} - Configure the mod by double-clicking on it: 1) Set Music to "OFF" if you are using the OG music mod "FFNx FF7Music". 2) Set music volume to 65% and voice volume to 75% in 7H Settings>Game Launcher Settings. 3) If you want to turn off the voice layer volume and just play the retranslation, go to 7H Settings>Game Launcher>Set Voice Volume to 0%. [Unfortunately, Echo-S has not yet fully implemented the "Field Mode Fix" from the 60FPS mod, but it will not affect your playthru] [otherwise if not interested in Voice Acting, but you want closer-to-vanilla OG experience then try Shinra Archaeology Cut retranslation]
    • Cosmos FMV (30FPS) {MUST INSTALL ☆} - Configure the mod by double-clicking on it: Enable "Ninostyle Chibi"
    • 60/30 FPS Gameplay {MUST INSTALL ☆} - Configure the mod by double-clicking on it: Enable "Field Mode Fix" and "Ninostyle animations"
    • Ninostyle Battle {MUST INSTALL ☆}
    • SYW Unified Battle Textures {MUST INSTALL ☆}
    • AxlRose Blender {MUST INSTALL ☆} - Place it under SYW Unified Battle Textures
    • Ninostyle Chibi {MUST INSTALL ☆} 1) Configure the mod by double clicking on it: Enable "L@zar0's upgrades". 2) Enable "Efryt's Little Work". 3) Disable "Dynamic Weapons". [If you want to play without Dynamic Weapons then I suggest you to turn ON Efryt's Little Work which has the OG gloves] [If you want to play without Ninostyle Chibi but with OG Vanilla blocky models, I recommend the mod "Mouth Texture Replacer"]
    • Cosmos Limit Break {MUST INSTALL ☆}{NEW ☆} 1) Update both 7H and FFNx in General Settings. 2) Click Reset Defaults in General Settings to generate additional folders mesh and widescreen, if it does not already exist. 3) Select Widescreen 16:9 in Game Driver Settings. 4) Configure the mod by double-clicking on it: "Advanced Texture Animations" set it to "Recommended 99% Animated Fields". If you get a slowdown, set it to "Light". [If you are not interested in true widescreen 16:9 and previously 4:3 only field background textures painstakingly extended using AI and extensive manual editing then use: SYW Unified Fields Textures]
    • FFNx FF7Music {MUST INSTALL ☆} <- PS1 bugless files [otherwise The Reunion FF7 PSX OST<- CD quality bugless. Get .IRO and import it in 7H] [or more soundtrack options] [please note: the ogg tracks in the PC re-release version have lower clarity and volume due to higher compression, as well as looping issues and music bugs compared with PS1 version, that's why you are using a music mod FFNx FF7Music]
    • SYW Unified Minigame Textures {MUST INSTALL ☆}
    • SYW Unified Spells Textures {MUST INSTALL ☆}
    • Cosmos Gaia {MUST INSTALL ☆}{NEW ☆} 1) Update both 7H and FFNx in General Settings. 2) Click Reset Defaults in General Settings to generate additional folders mesh and widescreen, if it does not already exist. 3) Select Widescreen 16:9 in Game Driver Settings. [If you are not interested in true widescreen 16:9 worldmap overhaul that re-implements terrain rendering, analog movement, camera controls, real-time lighting and extended view distance then use: SYW Unified WorldMap Textures]

    You are now ready to start. However, if you want to tweak and change some of the mods that are not to your taste, or simply prefer a different style, or just want to go wild, then continue with the optional mods below. Also, you are free to look for more mods in Browse Catalog tab and play as you wish.

    Remember: you can't have multiple mods that strive to achieve the same thing.

    ▂ ▃ ▄ ▅ ▆ ▇ █ █ ▇ ▆ ▅ ▄ ▃ ▂

    Optional Mods (check Compatibility Troubleshooter)
    Spoiler: show
    You will also find 16 optional mods below, if you want to activate these mods you must check the "Compatibility issues" section below, in terms of not having mod conflict. Remember: you can't have multiple mods that strive to achieve the same thing.


    Noteworthy mods, but not ultra-compatible with all the aforementioned mods, try at your own risk:
    New Threat Mod {Gameplay Mod}{2nd Playthrough}{Story changes involved}
    New Threat Combat Only {Combat rebalance Mod}
    60/30 FPS Animations for New Threat 2.0 - Ensure this mod and also the other 60/30 FPS Gameplay are both on fot NT
    Gameplay Tweaks - Use at your own risk
    The Cetra Project - 3D Model Pack {Optional} - Get it on Nexus
    Project BerZerker - 3D Model Pack {Optional} - Get it on Nexus
    FFVII: Shinra Archaeology Cut - English ReTranslation {Uncompleted}{WIP}
    Traducciones XT - Spanish ReTranslation
    SYWU - Includes Néo-Midgar French ReTranslation
    Caledor Italian ReTranslation - Ensure SYW V5 Minigames, SYW V5 Menu and Fonts are both off since included already

    Work In Progress:
    Project Shampignon {WIP}


    ▂ ▃ ▄ ▅ ▆ ▇ █ █ ▇ ▆ ▅ ▄ ▃ ▂

    Compatibility Troubleshooter
    Spoiler: show
    -If to use "Enhanced Stock UI" make sure you turn OFF the "HD Fonts and icons" by double tapping "SYW Unified Menus and Fonts".
    -If to use one of the following "Retouch" or "Finishing Touch" (can't use both at the same time) then you must install and activate "Enhanced Stock UI" as well as requirement.
    -You must choose between "Project Edge/Team Avalanche Remodeled Fields" or "SYW Unified Fields Textures" or "Cosmos Limit Break" (unless you want to mix Project Edge with SYW Unified Fields Textures, only in this unique case you can place Project Edge on top of SYW Unified Fields.)
    -You must choose between "SYW Unified FMV" or "Cosmos FMV (30FPS)" (can't use both at the same time.)
    -You must choose between "Ninostyle Chibi" or "Ninostyle HD Field Models" or "ModdersHaven Base Model Pack" or "ChaOS" (can't use these at the same time.)
    -You must choose between "Ninostyle Battle" or "ModdersHaven Base Model Pack" or "ChaOS" (can't use these at the same time.)
    -You must choose between "AxlRose Battle Scenes" or "Avalanche Arisen Battle Textures" or "SYW Unified Battle Textures" (can't use these at the same time.)
    -You must choose between "ReMusic" or "Deet's XG Music" or "Bynyl FF7 Soundtrack" or "The Reunion - FF7 PSX OST" or "FFNx FF7Music" (can't use these at the same time.)
    -If you want to use "Wictoriously Avatar Pack" over "SYW Unified Menus and Fonts" just place on top of it
    -If you want to use "Wictoriously Avatar Pack" over "Enhanced Stock UI" just place on top of it
    -If you want to use "Wictoriously Avatar Pack" over "Finishing Touch" just place on top of it
    -If you want to use "Wictoriously Avatar Pack" over "Retouch" just place on top of it
    -"Echo-S 7" should be listed under "Enhanced Stock UI"
    -"Echo-S 7" and "New Threat" are not compatible with each other
    -"Echo-S 7" and "ReMusic" are not compatible with each other
    -"Cosmos Limit Break" and "SYW Unified Fields Textures" are not compatible with each other
    -"Cosmos Limit Break" and "Project Edge/Team Avalanche Remodeled HD Fields" are not compatible with each other
    -"Cosmos Gaia" and "SYW Unified WorldMap Textures" are not compatible with each other
    -"IFRIT" and "Enhanced Stock UI" are not compatible with each other
    -"IFRIT" and "Retouch" are not compatible with each other
    -"IFRIT" and "Finishing Touch" are not compatible with each other


    ▂ ▃ ▄ ▅ ▆ ▇ █ █ ▇ ▆ ▅ ▄ ▃ ▂

    Game Driver Settings
    For an enhanced gameplay ensure as well to have these settings ON.

    • Graphics API: Auto
    • Resolution: Your Display Max Resolution
    • Window mode: Fullscreen
    • Aspect Ratio: Widescreen (16:9) - Report bugs here - It's not bug-free. If you picky just use Native (4:3)
    • Antialiasing: OFF
    • Anisotropic: ON
    • Vertical Sync: OFF - Turn it ON only if suffering from screen tearing, to avoid screen tearing ensure your display refresh rate is at max
    • Advanced Lighting: ON
    • Analogue Controls - #2 - #3: Turn ON
    • Gamepad Auto Run: ON
    • Steam Compatibility: ON - If you want to unlock achievements during your playthrough turn this flag ON, and ensure that Steam is running in background
    • Internal Resolution Scaler: *4x - For 1080p and 4K that's OK. Otherwise you will need to increase and find a value suitable for your screen resolution
    • NTSC-J Gamut Mode: ON - Noteworthy, but not ultra-compatible with all the mods
      Spoiler: show
      NTSC-J Gamut Mode - What is it? This feature simulate the color gamut of the 1990s Japanese television sets that FF7 and FF8 were originally designed for.
      For the end-user: to get the proper difference, you would want to also calibrate your monitor to 9300k color temperature.
      For the modder: this Gamut Mode is appropriate for: Vanilla FF7; Mod assets that are upscales of the original assets; Mod assets made from scratch where the modder used the original assets as a color reference without doing a gamut conversion.
      The modder that wants to "support" NTSC-J has to convert their textures using this tool. Then convert their PNGs with this tool and afterwards convert eventually to DDS.
      Also: Some basic notion about color gamut.

    ▂ ▃ ▄ ▅ ▆ ▇ █ █ ▇ ▆ ▅ ▄ ▃ ▂

    Nitpicking
    Spoiler: show
    []

    1) No Battle Pyramid fix. by Dangarfield
    2) Red XIII's avatar fix. by Aavock
    3) Enable Round Black Materia Field Model as per FMV with FFVII - Models Fusion mod by L@zar0
    4) Reshade Scanlines. - If you would like to simulate the old CRT display vibes then go for "CRT_Lottes", or "CRT_Royale", or "RetroArch_NTSC", or CRT-Guest-Advanced
    Noteworthy, but not ultra-compatible with all the mods:
    5) District 05 Gate fix. by Cae
    6) Midgar 5 truck fix. by Cae
    7) Corel Prison billboard fix. by Cae
    8 ) Midgar square clock fix. by Satsuki
    9) SYW Graffiti fix.

    ■ What's the First bombing mission canon date? Here we go:
    [ ν ] - εγλ 0007 December 09 - 9:11PM (Official from Remake, time verified)
    [ ν ] - εγλ 0007 December 09 - 10:15PM (the OG time is not official but assumed to be 2 hours prior the Aerith's meeting following Remake logic)

    ■ What's the Aerith's meeting canon date? Here we go:
    [ ν ] - εγλ 0007 December 09 - 11:05PM (Official from Remake, time verified)
    [ ν ] - εγλ 0007 December 10 - 12:09AM (Official from OG, time verified)

    ▂ ▃ ▄ ▅ ▆ ▇ █ █ ▇ ▆ ▅ ▄ ▃ ▂

    Useful Info
    Frequently Asked Questions
    Soundtrack Options
    In-game Shortcuts

    Buy FF7 Steam PC, Install 7th Heaven. Consider supporting the modders with the button support in within 7th Heaven Mod Manager.

    ▂ ▃ ▄ ▅ ▆ ▇ █ █ ▇ ▆ ▅ ▄ ▃ ▂

    Other FF7 related topics:
    [/list][/list][/list][/list]
    « Last Edit: Yesterday at 20:53:11 by Kuraudo. »

    Kuraudo.

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    Re: [FF7PC] ► Must Install Mods - COMPENDIUM ◄
    « Reply #1 on: 2023-01-26 18:27:18 »
    Reserve this post.

    littleraise

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    Re: [FF7PC] ► Must Install Mods - COMPENDIUM ◄
    « Reply #2 on: 2023-07-06 10:52:34 »
    Thank for your sharing.

    shipit

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    Re: [FF7PC] ► Must Install Mods - COMPENDIUM ◄
    « Reply #3 on: 2023-10-27 00:57:59 »
    I'm a little confused with regard to the Must Install list. If Echo-S 7 is installed, I'm informed that I cannot use the 60/30 FPS Gameplay's recommended "Field Mode Fix" due to incompatibility with Echo. Moreover, Echo-S seems to include it own VA-friendly soundtrack feature that I assume would conflict with the recommended "Reunion - FF7 PSX OST" soundtrack mod. Should I simply opt for whatever I personally prioritize when it comes to these, or is there a way to make all of them work in concert?

    I apologize if I'm overlooking something idiotic, but one of my promises to myself when I bought a new laptop was that I'd christen it with a run of souped-up OG FF7, and I want to make sure I'm doing things the right way.

    Bonez

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    Re: [FF7PC] ► Must Install Mods - COMPENDIUM ◄
    « Reply #4 on: 2023-10-27 03:44:28 »
    I'm a little confused with regard to the Must Install list. If Echo-S 7 is installed, I'm informed that I cannot use the 60/30 FPS Gameplay's recommended "Field Mode Fix" due to incompatibility with Echo. Moreover, Echo-S seems to include it own VA-friendly soundtrack feature that I assume would conflict with the recommended "Reunion - FF7 PSX OST" soundtrack mod. Should I simply opt for whatever I personally prioritize when it comes to these, or is there a way to make all of them work in concert?

    I apologize if I'm overlooking something idiotic, but one of my promises to myself when I bought a new laptop was that I'd christen it with a run of souped-up OG FF7, and I want to make sure I'm doing things the right way.


    You can use whatever music you want with Echo-s. Just turn off Echo-s' music. You can use 60fps mod with Echo-s, but you cannot use the field animation fixes with it. it's like 4 fields to fix minor animations, you're not missing anything.

    Barachiel

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    Re: [FF7PC] ► Must Install Mods - COMPENDIUM ◄ [2024]
    « Reply #5 on: 2024-02-07 20:09:08 »
    Great list, it's been super helpful!!  One thing:  IFRIT constantly throws out an error complaining it can't confirm compatibility options with Echo-S.  I don't just mean when its installed.  Everytime 7th Heaven runs, a mod is changed, or I try to run the game.  Since I use ESUI + ReTouch, I finally just gave up and removed it.  You have any idea what the problem might have been?

    This is the error:

    Mod IFRIT - FF7 Interface Tweaks, setting Menu Tweaks - no compatible option can be found. The following mods all restrict how it can be configured:

    IFRIT - FF7 Interface Tweaks | (4cbb8a22-3f87-483d-ab8c-81089a875f23)
    [Tsunamods] Echo-S 7 | (09e81530-3f09-46b9-831b-df431b8f319c)

    EDIT:  The problem is with setting Ifrit to ESUI compatibility mode.  If I switch it to Stock or SYW mode, the error goes away.  That makes me sad.  I could live without Retouched, but I really like ESUI.  Looks like I have to choose between it and Ifrit.  Honestly... is there any reason to choose Ifrit?  I'm not really seeing any. 
    « Last Edit: 2024-02-08 02:02:11 by Barachiel »

    Kuraudo.

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    Re: [FF7PC] ► Must Install Mods - COMPENDIUM ◄ [2024]
    « Reply #6 on: 2024-02-08 15:02:27 »
    Long story short: yes. You must choose between IFRIT and ESUI + RT/FT. Just updated the list.

    IFRIT it's for who does not want to change much the OG battle UI. But IFRIT might be obsolete very soon if a new mod appears.

    Barachiel

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    Re: [FF7PC] ► Must Install Mods - COMPENDIUM ◄ [2024]
    « Reply #7 on: 2024-02-15 15:28:20 »
    Long story short: yes. You must choose between IFRIT and ESUI + RT/FT. Just updated the list.

    IFRIT it's for who does not want to change much the OG battle UI. But IFRIT might be obsolete very soon if a new mod appears.

    Thank you for taking the time to answer.  After dabbling with both, I decided to stick with ESUI.  This was a great list and just the thing to tide me over while i wait for "Rebirth" to drop in 2 weeks.   :D

    jmsalal

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    Re: [FF7PC] ► Must Install Mods - COMPENDIUM ◄ [2024]
    « Reply #8 on: 2024-03-02 22:55:31 »
    I'm a noob but really love The Cetra Project's two mod .iros.  Generally, are there any grossly incompatible mods or mod categories that I should avoid using in tandem (i.e. World Textures, Field Textures, etc.)?  Is it ill advised to use mods like ESUI or Echo-S in conjunction with Cetra?  Thanks!

    Kuraudo.

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    Re: [FF7PC] ► Must Install Mods - COMPENDIUM ◄ [2024]
    « Reply #9 on: 2024-03-04 12:23:43 »
    I'm a noob but really love The Cetra Project's two mod .iros.  Generally, are there any grossly incompatible mods or mod categories that I should avoid using in tandem (i.e. World Textures, Field Textures, etc.)?  Is it ill advised to use mods like ESUI or Echo-S in conjunction with Cetra?  Thanks!
    You can't have multiple mods that strive to achieve the same thing.
    In the case of The Cetra Project 3D Model Pack mod, as far as you don't have any other character field models pack you will be good to go.

    Westyle

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    Re: [FF7PC] ► Must Install Mods - COMPENDIUM ◄ [2024]
    « Reply #10 on: 2024-03-27 22:17:00 »
    Are the nitpicking fixes compatible with the widescreen Limit Break mod?

    Kuraudo.

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    Re: [FF7PC] ► Must Install Mods - COMPENDIUM ◄ [2024]
    « Reply #11 on: Yesterday at 20:55:05 »
    The first four options yes, not the others.