Square Enix just hosted an event to celebrate the 25th-anniversary event of Final Fantasy VII, and it included some juicy news.
We start with Final Fantasy VII: The First Soldier, showcasing a trailer about Season 3, which brings a new map, a new weapon, a new material, the new Machinist style, and more.
Next, we get to see a new trailer for the previously announced Final Fantasy VII: Ever Crisis, which will come in beta in 2022.
After that, we finally moved on to consoles with Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII Reunion Announced. It’s a remake of Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII coming this winter for PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC.
According to Square Enix, it goes “way beyond just a simple HD remaster” enhancing the graphics to HD standards, updating all of the 3D models in the game, adding full voiceovers, and new music arrangements.
Last, but absolutely not least, Square Enix announced Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, the official title of the second chapter of the Final Fantasy VII Remake.
It’s coming to PS5 in Winter 2023 and we also get the confirmation that a third part will come down the line to conclude the saga, as many expected.
You can check out all the trailers below.
Speaking of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, we get comments from the developers, starting with creative director Tetsuya Nomura:
“As revealed on the broadcast, there are currently four FINAL FANTASY VII projects being developed in parallel. Although each of the four titles plays a different role, they are all connected through the high-quality depictions of FINAL FANTASY VII’s world and characters. As someone who was involved with the development of each and every one of the original titles, I deeply understand the vision and thoughts behind each project, and I am actively involved in the development process for all four titles.
FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH is being designed so that people can enjoy this game whether they know the original game or not. In fact, new players might even enjoy starting their FINAL FANTASY VII journey with FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH. Cloud and his friends embark on a new journey in this game, and I believe that the scenes that they witness after leaving Midgar will give players a fresh, new experience. I can’t wait to share the intention behind naming the first title, “REMAKE,” and the second title, “REBIRTH.” In time, I hope to reveal what the third title will be called, and where this journey will ultimately lead.
The development of FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH has been progressing rapidly since we adopted a new development structure. A title of this scale in which everything is interconnected even before production began is truly rare. In fact, some development has already begun on the third title. I myself have started on the development and am working towards the completion of the series.
We will work to deliver this title to fans with the same amount of enthusiasm from now until we reach the finish line. In the meantime, please enjoy the other 25th anniversary projects that further expand the world of FINAL FANTASY VII.”
Next is Director Naoki Hamaguchi:
“I am overjoyed that we are able to announce FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH and I feel a strong sense of duty to deliver the ultimate FINAL FANTASY VII experience to all the fans eagerly awaiting this game. The development has already entered full production and the team is highly motivated in putting everything together on the project and working to create a finished game. The FINAL FANTASY VII remake project will be a three-part trilogy, but FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH is much more than just one installment in the series. We are developing it with all of the passion and dedication needed to create an original game and plan to deliver the ultimate gameplay and world building experience. Trust me, it will be worth the wait!”
We also hear from producer Yoshinori Kitase:
“We have officially announced that the second title FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH will be released next winter, approximately three years after the original FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE released in April 2020. Three years may feel like a long time for all the fans who are eagerly awaiting the next game, but we want to offer the best experience possible and reassure everyone that development is proceeding at an astonishingly fast pace for such a large-scale HD title. Making the middle part of a trilogy has its own challenges, but there are plenty of classic second installments in the world of film that are defined by stunning story twists and deeper explorations of their characters. Often these second installments become a favorite amongst the fans. In the same vein, we are aiming to make FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH an even more gripping and memorable experience than FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE, so please wait a little longer while we finish up.”
The original Final Fantasy VII was launched on January 31, 1997, in Japan for the original PlayStation, while the west received it later in the same year. It has then been ported to multiple platforms and it has been considered a revolution for the franchise in part due to being its debt on PlayStation and the first with 3D graphics.
In 2020 Square Enix finally released the first part of the Final Fantasy VII Remake for PS4, followed by the expanded version “Intergrade” that marked the debut of the beloved game on PS5 and PC. Incidentally, it’s releasing on Steam today.
