Source: IGN
Introduction
The conclusion of Square Enixâs expansive reimagining of a classic RPG is rapidly approaching. With Final Fantasy VII Revelation set to complete the trilogy that began with 2020âs Remake and continued in 2024âs Rebirth, anticipation for the final chapter is reaching a fever pitch. This ambitious project, which aims to modernize and expand upon one of gamingâs most iconic narratives, is nearing its definitive end.
Following a recent hands-on session with the upcoming title, we sat down with Director Naoki Hamaguchi and Battle Director Teruki Endo. The conversation offered a rare glimpse into the development philosophy behind Final Fantasy VII Revelation, shedding light on the teamâs creative process, the evolution of the combat mechanics, and the strategic decisions involved in closing out this eight-year journey.
What Happened
During our discussion, Hamaguchi and Endo detailed how the development team is balancing the preservation of familiar landscapes with the need for fresh, engaging content. While players will revisit certain locations from Rebirth, the world of Revelation has undergone significant environmental shifts. The looming presence of the meteor has fundamentally altered the geography of the planet, ensuring that returning areas offer a distinct experience from previous entries.
The developers emphasized that the primary goal for this final installment is to push the boundaries of exploration. While Rebirth excelled at horizontal scale, Revelation introduces vertical depth. Through the use of the Highwind and specialized Chocobo traversal, players can navigate the world in three dimensions. This transition from air to groundâfrequently utilizing a parachute mechanic inspired by contemporary titles like Fortniteâallows for more seamless integration between exploration and combat.
Background
The Final Fantasy VII project has been an ongoing endeavor for the studio since 2020. The team has maintained a consistent core group of developers for over a decade, allowing them to iterate on their systems across three major releases. This continuity has been vital for refining the combat and exploration mechanics that define the experience today. The decision to label the final chapter Revelation was a calculated one, chosen to align with the overarching theme of âresolve,â or âketsuiâ in Japanese, which serves as the philosophical backbone of the game.
| Project Milestone | Release Year |
|---|---|
| Final Fantasy VII Remake | 2020 |
| Final Fantasy VII Rebirth | 2024 |
| Final Fantasy VII Revelation | Upcoming |
Key Details
Combat in Revelation is designed to build upon the foundation established in the previous two games. Battle Director Teruki Endo noted that the team felt the mechanics in Rebirth were already in a near-perfect state. Consequently, rather than reinventing the system, the team focused on expanding player agency. This includes the introduction of the FITS system and the ability for Chocobos to participate in combat, offering deeper customization options.
A standout feature of the new combat approach is Vincent Valentine. Players can now toggle between his human form and his Galian Beast state at will by holding the R1 button. This flexibility allows for a more dynamic experience, effectively providing two distinct playstyles within a single character. This design choice was prioritized to ensure that new party members feel impactful and unique compared to the established roster.
Impact
The theme of "resolve" extends beyond the narrative into the player's experience. The game is designed to offer a variety of choices that influence both combat and the outcome of specific side quests. Players may choose to control different party members, and in certain scenarios, the character selected for a mission can drastically alter the story's conclusion. This emphasis on player-driven consequences mirrors the freedom found in the original 1997 game.
Furthermore, the team addressed the sensitive topic of physical media. Despite the industryâs shift toward digital-only distribution, the developers were committed to releasing Revelation on a physical disc. While the size of the game necessitates that some portions be downloaded digitally, the team expressed satisfaction that a physical version remains available for fans, avoiding compromises in game quality or technical fidelity.
What Happens Next
The immediate focus for the development team remains the completion of Final Fantasy VII Revelation. Hamaguchi stated that the team has not yet committed to future projects, as their priority is ensuring the final installment meets the intended quality standards. While the team possesses a wealth of knowledge gained over the last twelve years, they are not looking past the current release. Once the trilogy is complete, the studio intends to reflect on their experiences to inform their future direction.
