Final Fantasy VII Review (.:|NADS|Catalyst|:.)
Steam Deck/Controller Configuration Tips!
The default button mapping is all messed up in this PC port, so for full enjoyment here's what to do:
If playing directly on the Deck, open FFVII to the "PLAY" screen. Tap "SETTINGS" on the touch screen, then go to the JOYSTICK tab. Tap on each input option and press the corresponding button on your Deck to map the controller properly.
DO NOT modify the controller configurations inside the game itself (via the party menu where you see your characters faces and the menu options)!
Not only will it not fix anything, you could further screw up the controls and make the game literally unplayable.
My recommendations for Steam Deck button mappings:
OK = A
CANCEL = B
MENU = Y
UP = Stick Up
LEFT = Stick Left
RIGHT = Stick Right
DOWN = Stick Down
START = "Hamburger" Button
SWITCH = X
PAGE UP = L1
PAGE DOWN = R1
TARGET = R3 (Right Stick In)
ASSIST = "Two Window" Button
CAMERA = L3 (Left Stick In)
This will get you pretty close to the original PS1 control scheme, though you could swap the OK and CANCEL mappings if you'd like (some online walkthroughs use this layout). Same mapping logic works for XBox controllers.
Don't forget that STEAM + X brings up the onscreen keyboard, which you will need to use to start the game. When it boots up, open the keyboard and input the X key (not the X button). This will bring you to file select, where you can play "normally" with a controller.
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With that out of the way, I'll just say this port obviously has issues. The default controller mapping is already bad enough, but also the in-game button icons are their nonsensical designations (PAGE UP, SWITCH, ASSIST, etc) instead of "A" or "B". Thus you really need to understand which designation belongs to which controller button or else you'll have a bad time. And I do recommend playing on a controller over KB&M.
But beyond that, I had no performance issues and was able to play as much as four hours straight on a single battery charge.
My quick two cents on FFVII as a game: it's worth playing if you haven't already and want a nostalgia trip. It's GOATed for a reason. That said, it's not my favorite of the mainline games (that would be X) but it's definitely up there.
One last comment: the Steam Achievements are different from the Playstation Trophies for some reason. Not sure why they did this, but be warned. It took me roughly 65 hours following a walkthrough to get every achievement.