I tried the demo. Classic is a joke and certainly not anywhere near the "turn based" option they mentioned that would appease the people who wanted that. Though I didn't mind the regular combat as much. Did NOT like that the ATB gauge of the party members you didn't control moved at 1/4th of the speed since they apparently didn't auto attack as much. It felt like to use thunder effectively, I had to control Barret. Similarly, I couldn't expect him to have an ATB up to use cure, so I mostly used potions. Not sure how that will factor in later in the game. I could see that becoming an even bigger problem if there are combos, or materias might negate it. Or it changes or they patch it. That was my only "I really don't like this". Music was amazing though.
Agree with most scepticisms. It might end up bad. I think the episodic variant is bad, especially since it is called "Final Fantasy 7 remake" and it being episodic isn't tagged to any part of the game. I think many will buy it and expect the full game and might be dissapointed. I think they know they have a cash cow in the name and will try to cash in on it and more sales is also why I think it is a deliberate marketing strategy to not put "Episode X" on the cover. An asshole move. I don't believe it will offer 50-60 hours of "main story". I expect it to be padded with non interesting side "quests". Aaaand, I will have the deluxe edition pre ordered. Nostalgia won't let me do anything else.
And to most the people here who say "oh I will wait and see... I will wait until all the episodes are out... I will...." I have 70+ of you on my PSN friends list. I fully expect to see most of you tagged with playing "Final Fantasy 7 remake" within the first days. Especially UT....