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Final Fantasy 7 => Graphics => WIP => Topic started by: AstroTibs on 2025-10-23 02:24:49

Title: Cosmos intro FMV with beta text
Post by: AstroTibs on 2025-10-23 02:24:49

The Cosmos upscaled FMVs with replacement character models (https://forums.qhimm.com/index.php?topic=21029.0) are nothing short of spectacular. No idea how that was done.

However, I also discovered through Shinra Archaeology Cut (https://www.shinraarchaeology.com/retransmod.html) the existence of the beta intro sequence, which overlays expository text. This was really incredible, and offers new context to that confusing, prolonged winding starscape at the beginning of the game.

I went ahead and combined these two things (while also modifying* the intro text).

(https://i.imgur.com/LUQ7OYx.png)

Here is a link to the video on my YouTube channel. (https://youtu.be/65IOKt424iI)

* Modifications from the original beta presentation:

• The line about the Avalanche leader being assassinated was dropped, since it isn't mentioned within and has no bearing on the game.
• The final line, presumably the current date, was removed, because it is vague and awkward. Instead, the "knife-edge" line is the last one, centered on screen.
• Timings of the text blocks are lengthened overall to fill these gaps.
• Less time is spent between the end of the text and the cut to Aerith's face.
• Scrolling text speed was better standardized.

Now, as a major disclaimer: while I'm aware that codecs have an impact on file size and sometimes playability, that's really all I know. I tried using ffmpeg to keep the bitrates faithful and keep the sizes down, but the final filesize is bigger than the source video (~70 vs ~50). However, it works in-game.

I've also never made a mod before, so this is bare-bones at the moment. No detecting or switching other mod options; no idea how to change default mod loader position when sorted.

At this time, I've only done this for Ninostyle 30 FPS, because those are my preferred settings.

So this post is really kind of an announcement that I did this, so that it can be made available to others; and to gauge interest, in case you'd like more options.