“Things Will Change” in the Final Fantasy VII Remake, Battle System Changes Likely

While we’ve heard there may be some changes to the story or content of Final Fantasy VII when the Final Fantasy VII Remake eventually comes to PlayStation 4, Square Enix has remained tight-lipped about any major overhauls.

Trying to get some new information out of Game Director Tetsuya Nomura, Engadget spoke with him, pointing out that the vague announcement trailer made the game feel like it could be a sequel or a prequel. He explained that this was on purpose:

That’s exactly why I wanted to have the word “Remake” into the trailer – precisely to clarify that. At this point, I can’t talk to specifics. Or at least, I’m not allowed to talk about the specifics. But the original is out again: The “HD” PC version is coming to PS4 already. We don’t need two of the same thing. Even if we beautified and upgraded the visuals – something that’s bound to happen. If it’s a full remake, then of course, we want to take a different approach. If we actually just upgraded the visuals – there’d be no need for me to direct it.

Well, I can’t honestly say. But things will change.

At the 1:05 mark of the FFVII Remake trailer (above), the voice-over says, “The reunion at hand may bring joy, it may bring fear. But let us embrace whatever it brings.” According to Nomura, that’s a reference to the remake itself and how people will wonder what’s going to change and if their favorite part of the original might disappear completely. “But if we take everything literally the same, we’re turning into the HD port again,” he adds.

After confirming that the changes in the remake won’t include anything as drastic as Yuffie changing gender, Nomura says he doesn’t want to change the comedic or lighthearted parts of the game because, if they took them away, “then it would no longer be FFVII.”

Finally, Nomura hinted at some changes to the battle system:

But we can’t have these upgraded, beautiful 3D models of Cloud and Barrett, still lining up in a row, jumping forward to attack an enemy, then jumping back to wait for their next turn. That would be bizarre. Of course there will likely be changes there.

How do you think Square Enix should handle battles in the remake?

[Source: Engadget]