The excitement surrounding Final Fantasy VII Rebirth has reached new heights, thanks to recent remarks by Naoki Hamaguchi, the director of the game. During a live presentation titled “Final Fantasy VII Rebirth Summoning A Masterpiece,” Hamaguchi and producer Yoshinori Kitase shared their high hopes and ambitious goals for the final installment of the Final Fantasy VII Remake trilogy. Their comments have stirred anticipation and speculation among fans and industry observers alike.
Hamaguchi’s Vision for the Final Installment
Naoki Hamaguchi’s comments during the presentation have set a high bar for the third game in the trilogy. He expressed immense confidence in the upcoming title, stating, “I am absolutely confident that the third game in the Final Fantasy 7 Remake series will be one of the most loved, and popular games in the whole history of video games once again.” This level of enthusiasm is not unexpected, given the legacy of the Final Fantasy VII series, but it does underscore the ambitious goals the development team has set.
Hamaguchi and Kitase are keenly aware of the expectations surrounding the trilogy’s conclusion. Kitase, who has been a key figure in the Final Fantasy franchise for decades, emphasized the importance of meeting fan expectations. He noted, “When I think about the third and final game in the Remake trilogy, it really does fill me with excitement, and I have such great expectations toward it as well.” Kitase’s statement reflects the duo’s commitment to delivering a game that not only satisfies long-time fans but also introduces new innovations to the beloved universe.
Reflecting Fan Feedback and Expanding the World
One of the key promises made by Kitase is that fan feedback from the first two games will play a significant role in shaping the final installment. He stated that the team aims to “reflect” this feedback in the third game, ensuring that it aligns with what players have expressed they want. This approach highlights the developers’ dedication to creating a game that resonates with its audience while building upon the strong foundation laid by Final Fantasy VII Remake and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth.
Kitase also mentioned that the third game would be a “synergy” of “nostalgia and new innovation,” aiming to balance respect for the original game’s legacy with fresh, forward-looking elements. This approach suggests that the development team is focused on honoring the iconic aspects of Final Fantasy VII while also pushing the boundaries of what the series can achieve.
Potential Transition to Unreal Engine 5
An intriguing detail revealed during the presentation was the possibility of moving the game’s development to Unreal Engine 5. Hamaguchi indicated that Square Enix is considering this transition to see if it could expedite development. The move to Unreal Engine 5 could potentially enhance the game’s graphical fidelity and performance, aligning with the high standards set by the previous installments. This decision, however, would also come with its own set of challenges and adjustments, given the significant differences between development on different engines.
High Hopes and Lofty Expectations
Given the legacy of the original Final Fantasy VII, it is not surprising that Hamaguchi and Kitase are setting their sights high. The original game is widely regarded as one of the most influential and beloved titles in video game history, and the remake series has been met with critical and commercial acclaim. The challenge for the development team is to maintain the momentum and deliver a conclusion that not only meets but exceeds the expectations set by the previous games.
While the framework for a generational release is in place thanks to the original game and the earlier entries in the remake series, the studio faces the task of tying together a more complex narrative and world. The story of Final Fantasy VII has evolved significantly since its original release, and the final game in the trilogy will need to address numerous plot threads and character arcs to provide a satisfying conclusion.
Conclusion: Anticipation and Uncertainty
As Final Fantasy VII Rebirth continues its development journey, the statements from Naoki Hamaguchi and Yoshinori Kitase have undoubtedly intensified anticipation among fans. Their commitment to delivering a game that is both nostalgic and innovative reflects their understanding of the series’ significance and the high expectations that come with it.
However, the true test will be whether the development team can fulfill these ambitious promises. The final installment of the Final Fantasy VII Remake trilogy has the potential to be a landmark release, but it will require meticulous execution to realize the vision that Hamaguchi and Kitase have laid out. Only time will tell if the game will achieve the greatness that the creators believe it can, but for now, fans can look forward to a highly anticipated conclusion to one of gaming’s most storied franchises.